Hello beautiful friends! I’m here today with the prettiest painted serpentine night table!
I had planned to share the final piece in my Operation Redo Haul today. However, I really did love the original makeover on this one as it was. Once I got to looking at it a bit more closely, I discovered that one of the side supports was coming apart where it connected to one of the legs:
I fixed it and this baby is heading back to the shop!
Here is more of this makeover:
See more of it HERE.
So today, I pulled out a favorite of mine! Did I mention it was a beautiful serpentine night table?
Okay, so not so beautiful here ha ha!
This poor baby had been through it!
It looked like it had lost its drawer front at one time and then the drawer front got banged around quite a bit in the years after. I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
I wasn’t sure it was even salvageable!
Um, that would be a no from me.
The edges were too thin and crispy and no amount of Wood Filler or Bondo could save this drawer front.
So I ditched the drawer idea altogether and removed the drawer runners…
It turns out that the original drawer bottom was perfect to line the bottom of the cubby instead:
Filling the Holes
I started on the night table by filling as many holes and gouges as I could using Dixie Mud in brown:
It apparently once had a door to the bottom cubby as well as indicated by these hinges:
I removed those and filled those areas also and then allowed those areas to dry completely. Then I sanded with my rotary sander using 220 grit sandpaper.
I sanded the top enough to smooth out many of the scratches that could not be filled:
There were two holes across the back edge that look like they might have held a decorative trim piece across the back. They did not completely fill on the first go since they were quite deep, so I added a little more Mud and let them dry.
They were nice and smooth after sanding the second time:
Ready for Paint
Once I had the entire piece prepped, cleaned and ready to go, I started painting!
I chose Dixie Belle’s Caviar for this piece for a couple of reasons.
First, I knew the black would camouflage any imperfections, and also, I figured it would look better inside both cubbies if they were dark. I waited to attach the bottom to that top cubby until after I was finished painting and sealing to make it easier to paint, giving it two coats.
Sand smooth
I sanded all over with 220 grit sandpaper wrapped around an old sanding sponge, hitting the edges a bit harder here and there to distress.
Sealing over black paint
I vacuumed up all the sanding dust with my shop vac and sealed with Dixie Belle’s Clear Coat in Satin using their blue sponge.
You can sometimes see ghost like marks when touching the surface of black pieces after sealing.
However, you can eliminate that by adding just a couple drops of paint to the Clear Coat:
It really works!
I would recommend doing that with any of the darker hues.
I attached the new bottom (the old drawer bottom) to that top cubby with some wood glue:
Painted Serpentine Night Table: The end result
Here’s how this little lady turned out:
See? A beautiful serpentine night table, right?? I knew she was under there all along!
She may have lost most of her original defining characteristics, but she still has charm and lots of life left to live!
The interior of that top cubby was a bit primitive, so painting it in black gave it a more sleek appearance.
This is a bedside table, but it is tall and small enough that it would work great in the corner of a bathroom for a little extra storage.
That gold mirror hangs in our dining room and was a $10 thrift store find.
I love the combination of black and gold.
This egg basket was a thrift store score as well. It’s perfect for holding spare TP…
I love how the original wood peeking through the black looks…
I rolled up hand towels here, but that cubby is a great place to store a few books or a tablet…
This one got a very simple makeover, but that is all it needed!
Thank you to all who entered my latest Dixie Belle Giveaway!
I’ll be drawing the winners of that giveaway today, so be sure to keep an eye on your email inbox! Each winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize before another will be chosen!
And if you want a little St. Patty’s Day furniture flip…this is about the only green that sells really well for me:
See this table transformation HERE!
I’ll be back on Tuesday with my brand new haul! I found some good stuff, y’all:
Update: See it all in detail HERE now! OR jump to the first makeover, the hutch HERE!
Have a wonderful weekend!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
Mary Kaiser says
I remember this little beauty! I bet that sold quick when you took it to your shop! I am excited to see your new haul, so fun to watch you go through them and make everything beautiful again! Happy St Patrick’s Day to you, and with a wee bit of luck I will be the winner of your gift certificate for your Etsy Shop!!
Christy says
Thank you, Mary!! It did sell quickly! I am so excited to start on a brand new lot of goodies and can’t wait to share!! I am getting ready to do the drawing in a bit…crossing my fingers for you! XOXO
Denise Cox says
So “purty”! The caviar is such a pretty, sleek color !!, color. That’s saying something, for someone who loves her”brights” and coastal colors…
Christy says
Thank you, Denise! I feel the same! I love me some Caviar too even though the coastal hues have my heart! XOXO
Petra says
Well I think she’s beautiful and black is the perfect colour for her :). She now has so many uses!
Christy says
Thank you, Petra!! The black really does suit her! XOXO
Christine says
I remember the lace transfer table, loved it then! It should sell quick, keep us posted!
Christy says
Thanks, Christine! Here’s hoping and I will! XOXO
Janice Holt says
The table looks so pretty in black and like you I love the wood tones showing when it is distressed. It almost looks gold. Great job as usual. Bet this will sell in no time. Have a great week-end.
Christy says
Thank you, my friend! Yes…love the wood peeking through the black! XOXO
Christina says
Happy St Patrick’s Day Christy, family and readers!
You made this little table look regal! Many others would have put it curbside to be trashed. You really made it sing.
Christy says
Thank you, Christina! Sometimes the trashiest are the most rewarding! Happy St Patty’s Day! XOXO
Holly says
I love the transformation! Very classic, so much nicer for a piece that had seen better days. Lovely job!
Christy says
Thank you, Holly! I was so glad to give this once loved piece life again! XOXO
Carol says
Beautiful job!
Christy says
Thank you, Carol! XOXO
Cyndi says
Great job, once again! I looove this little table! (And, call me crazy, but I’d have to find something to do with that drawer front. 😁)
Christy says
Thank you, Cyndi! I did hang on to it, but no inspo for it yet lol! XOXO
Denise says
I do not want to keep repeating myself (even though I am getting older!); however, your work is amazing and what a lot of work you did!! I absolutely love black furniture — so classy and elegant. Thank you for sharing your beautiful work. Take good care and be safe. Denise
Christy says
I appreciate that so much, Denise! Thank you! Black is so very elegant, I agree!! XOXO
TRACY A TOTTY says
I’m really liking the black! I’m going to order some of your black silk paint whenever I get a job. I am a healthcare worker like you once were and don’t want the vaccine so after getting laid off I am having a hard time with the mandates. Anyway I love your site as you are such a great teacher and generously share your tips and techniques.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Tracy! I have a few nurse friends who I still keep in contact with, and it has been a trying two years! Hoping you find something that works for you! XOXO
gwen says
Love those legs! They carry the piece even without the drawer and door – it looks spectacular!
Christy says
Right? The lines of this piece were so pretty! Thank you, Gwen! XOXO
Mary King says
Still wonderful to see it’s amazing transformation. It really had been through it over the years. I hope the new owner is still enjoying this piece. Mary King
Christy says
I bet it’s fun to see your pieces pop up here! I really loved the end result of this one and it didn’t last long in my booth at all! Hope you are well, my friend! XOXO
Shelley says
Love it!
It looks like such a sophisticated little table now! I’m sure it’s the “Little Black
dress“ of the room!
I think often people are afraid to use black- white seems so safe- but it can be so very effective. Great job!
Christy says
Thank you, Shelley! I agree…black is a beautiful addition to any space! XOXO
Cecilia says
Glad the table was an easy fix. I love the stencil design on its top. As for the nightstand! It was an ugly duckling waiting to become a beautiful swan. Who knew it could even be salvaged? Great job on it – I love how it turned out.
😊Cecilia
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! XOXO
Judi Watkins says
Amazing transformation! It’s beautiful!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Judi! XOXO
Niki says
I really like this black Christy. I probably said that the first time too!! It’s just so good! In my opinion this little cabinet didn’t loose an appeal with the drawer and door gone.
Christy says
Thank you, Niki! I love this black too…and I agree that it still has beauty even with those things missing. I am curious what it looked like originally though! XOXO
Fran Blunt says
Soon I will try black. Don’t know why it intimidates me but this one gives me courage. Always love your work.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Fran! Black is wonderful since it covers bleed-through, only needs two coats, and hides all the boo boos! XOXO
Fran Blunt says
PS I like the idea of adding color to the clear coat to the black and dark hues. Wish I had that info when I did two dark blue pieces.
Christy says
Oh yes…that works wonderfully! XO
Phyllis says
Wow! This was a complete rebuild. Great job!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Phyllis! XOXO
Susan Odenthal says
OMG Christy, I can never got over what you do!!!! You are absolutely amazing!!!!! I absolutely love looking at all of your projects, but I just wish SO MUCH that I lived within driving distance of you! I have seriously thought about shipping some stuff to you. Please tell me where you are located, because we have a mobile home in Florida, and when this nightmare stops and we are able to go across the border we will be driving to Florida. I live in Canada. If you are somewhere along the way of I-75 then we could bring you something to paint. I have a dresser that I want to take to Florida and I would love for you to paint it. You never cease to amaze me with what you can do! I message you once before, and I think I may have mentioned that I am disabled, and if that wasn’t the case then I would try to paint this dresser myself. I have meaning to message you to ask you where you bought your kitchen stools in the US and where do you buy your flowers? Maybe JoAnn Fabrics? I love US shopping and I buy pretty much everything when I am in Florida. I send some of your emails to a friend of mine and she really enjoys looking at your masterpieces also. You can’t even imagine how much I wish that I lived close to you. Wishing you a lovely day, and take care!
Blessings!
Susan
Christy says
Aww you are the sweetest, Susan, thank you so much!! I am in Virginia Beach, right on the coast. I don’t usually take on projects for other because I just don’t have athe time, and creating someone else’s vision kind of takes the joy out of it for me. I hope you understand. How wonderful that you have a place in FL!! It must be so nice to have a place to retreat to! My stools were a generous Christmas gift from my in-laws several years ago, and they were purchased at Ballards online. I buy my florals at Michaels, Hobby Lobby, and JoAnns…I try to find the most realistic ones and buy lots of them so the vases are really full! Again, thank you so much for your kind words, and I truly appreciate you sharing my with your friends!! XOXO
Michele M. says
You worked very hard to bring this to such a beautiful new beginning.
It looks fabulous. I also loved your vid with Nancy. You two are just so cute and it is neat you encourage one another. Thrifting friends are the best.
Well done – and I loooooove black furniture.
Christy says
Thank you, Michele! I’m so glad you enjoyed the video! Nancy and I are due for another thrifting trip! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
So frustrating when something doesn’t sell for such a long time – it’s great when a small repair can get that table back to the booth, Christy.
Today’s cabinet took a whole lot of work, though! You really can see past all the imperfections to envision what a piece can be 😊
I can imagine how beautiful it must have been once, and you gave it another chance to shine.
Christy says
Aww thank you, Marcie! Yes, hoping that little table sells now…we shall see! And this piece was surely a real beauty at one time! Glad I could bring it back to life, even without all the original parts! XOXO
Susan Renaud says
I love how this serpentine cubby turned out. You do a fantastic job. When you had the top sanded down to bare wood and looking clean and clear, I swooned. I would have been torn myself, as to whether to paint at that point, had it not been for the repairs you had to do. The color is fantastic. You have a good eye. I am partial to black myself and this little unit carries it off perfectly. Thank you for sharing your work.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Susan! This would have been gorgeous with a stained top for sure!! XOXO
Adriano Lopes says
Maravilha, adoro moveis antigos.
Christy says
Obrigado! Eu também! XOXO
Pamela says
I really love this one. Great job.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Pamela! XOXO
Roberta says
Love the black.
Christy says
Thank you, Roberta! It really suits this piece! XOXO
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
That turned out beautiful…love the darker color!! (and wow, that was some work put into that one! ) xoxo
Christy says
Thank you, Nancy! Yes lol, but those are the most fun, right?? XOXO
Rose Lefebvre says
You did a great job in renewing this piece. It’s such a useful one for any room in the house.
Christy says
Thank you, Rose! It is very versatile indeed! XOXO
Liz Shivel says
Hi Christy, This is another beautiful project! Lovely! You know, it looks like the style of cabinet that would have held those old, thick records that were played on the crank style record players of years ago. The curvature of the shelves makes me think of those as I’ve seen them before. I really like the black.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Liz!! Oh yes…maybe?? I would have loved to see what the original piece looked like! XOXO
Denise - Salvaged Inspirations says
Beautiful save my friend! A black classic! XOXO
Christy says
Thank you so much, Denise!! XOXO
Jen Hamill says
Christy
This piece is just awesome.
Always blown away by your creativeness!
Jen
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Jen! XOXO
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hi Christy! It makes me so happy that you didnt give up on this poor abused ,previously stunning piece and gave it new life so it is once again gorgeous. I love when the brown peels thru the black. I’m keeping my fingers crossed on the giveaway. I need a happy Birthday.
Christy says
Thank you, my friend! It was a treat to watch this one come back to life with each step for sure! And I too love a distressed black piece! XOXO
Christy says
And Happy birthday!! XO
Joanne H. says
Love this transformation. It gives me hope. I bought a night stand cheap at an auction about 3 yrs ago and it still sits in my basement. It has a broken door and some nicks and dents. I had been wondering what would happen if I just took the door off. If it would look ok. Seeing what you did makes a believer out me. Yours looks great. And caviar is one of my favorite colors. The staging is beautiful with the gold. Thanks so much for sharing.
Christy says
Oh perfect…yes, remove all the broken parts, fill the holes and paint it Caviar! It will be gorgeous! Thank you, Joanne! XOXO
Marian says
Oh Christy,
You saved this little lady. She looks beautiful! Your talent must give you so much satisfaction. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Marian! It is especially satisfying seeing these forgotten treasures coming back to life! XOXO
Sandra says
Black is timeless ❤️ So sleek & gorgeous!
Christy says
Absolutely! Thank you, Sandra! XOXO
Vicki says
You always do beautiful work, but this is probably one of my favorites! I really like smaller furniture pieces like chairs and accents tables in black to help ground a space, and you are so right about the black helping to to hide imperfections (kind of like why we like black pants!). I especially like the distressing, and the tip about adding paint to the clear coat. Thanks for sharing!
Christy says
Aww yay! Thank you, Vicki! And ha ha yes…black hides a multitude! XOXO
Kir says
Question – do you use a paint sprayer or a brush for your pieces? Trying to get the courage to try a paint sprayer, but unsure how it would work with chalk or silk paint. Thanks!
Christy says
Hi Kir! I almost always use a brush because it is just too windy where I live. I have used a sprayer with the chalk paint and it did wonderfully…you can see that in this project: https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/the-best-way-to-paint-a-dining-table-and-chairs/ I have not tried the Silk, but I think it would do very well also! XOXO
Sharon L Austin says
I love this! It’s so sleek. I wish I’d known the trick of adding just a couple drops of paint to the Clear Coat, I have a black piece that does the ghost thing. I wonder if I could re-clear coat it using that trick? Something to think about.
Christy says
Thank you, Sharon! I imagine could just recoat your piece now. XOXO
Dalila says
Hi Christy, what a transformation on that serpentine table! I think black was a great choice. It went from distressed to sophisticated.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Dalila! Black paint can do wonders for sure! XOXO
Bohuslava says
Moc se mi líbí tvoje práce i tady v Evropě- v Česku. Na pravidelných vstupech začínám být závislá. Je fantastické kolik práce odvádíš a ještě inspiruješ a dodáváš odvahu druhým. Hodně energie v další práci a těším se na další skvosty. Bí
Christy says
Děkuji mnohokrát! Jsem tak rád, že se vám líbí, co sdílím! XOXO
Kay says
Gorgeous transformation! And thanks for the tip to eliminate ghosting on dark paint colors!
Christy says
Thank you, Kay! Yes…that works great! XOXO
Carol says
Love how this little table looks black. Big question for you is what is selling faster these days? Black or white? Came across a few little tables and trying to decide which way to go for quick sale.
Looking forward to your next batch!
Christy says
Thank you, Carol! I don’t think you can go wrong with either. I paint more things in white, so it’s hard to say which sells faster, but I always sell the black pieces I do pretty quickly. I’d do a mix of both. XOXO