Welcome back awesome friends! Today I’m here with my last furniture piece of my Winter thrift store haul! It’s getting a simple paint job, but I’m also sharing how to cover drawers in fabric to really give it that WOW!
It’s this desk that I picked up for $34.95 at the thrift store:
Driving around to the back of the thrift store to pick up this piece is when I spied this set of night tables that someone had just dropped off at the back. The guy loading my desk sold them to me right there for $10 each! I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
I figured $35 wasn’t too bad for this little desk since all the drawers were working well, and it appeared to be in decent shape aside from the top having some issues.
The prep
To prep this piece, I sanded the top with my rotary sander to smooth out the imperfections first.
Then I realized there were quite a few scratches on the body and the drawers that needed to be filled before I could paint.
I filled those with Dixie Belle’s Mud in brown:
Once it was dry, I sanded with 220 grit sandpaper wrapped around an old foam sanding block.
The best way to stop bleed through
I knew this one would be a real bleeder with that cherry wood, so I gave everything a coat of BOSS in white and let it dry overnight. Usually, one coat does the trick, but the top where I had sanded definitely needed a second coat:
It looked all kinds of pink! I gave everything one more coat of the BOSS in white and let it sit another night and it was ready for paint!
Allowing for plenty of dry time is key when using BOSS!
Ready for Paint
I painted two coats of Cotton for solid coverage:
Then I sanded all over with 220 grit sandpaper and cleaned up the dust with my shop vac.
You can see how I paint and sand furniture in action HERE.
Seal
I sealed with two coats of Dixie Belle’s Clear Coat in Satin using their blue sponge applicator.
The After
So much better!
I just love a classic white makeover! And my booth could use some simple white pieces as well.
The original wooden knobs were replaced with these glass knobs from Hobby Lobby:
Luckily, I had enough in my stash!
This awesome clock came from HomeGoods a couple of years ago.
Now for that WOW: The Drawers
I decided to have a little fun with the drawers. They originally looked like this inside:
Because they were so ugly, I decided to wrap pretty much the whole drawer in fabric:
This is the only fabric that I had enough of in a color I wanted to use, but it was just perfect!
I loved it so much when I originally found it to use on my secretary desk that I bought several yards of it. Good thing!
The dark background of this fabric was perfect as I wouldn’t have to prime the drawers first. This cherry wood surely would have bled through any light colored fabric I used had I not primed (BOSSed) first!
How to Cover a Drawer in Fabric
Here’s how I covered these:
- First, I used my rotary cutter and cutting mat set to cut one piece of fabric that would wrap from one outside bottom edge, down into the drawer, and up out the other side and to that bottom edge. (Using a tape measure like you would use for sewing makes it easier to measure.)
- I applied Matte Mod Podge to each section using a cheap chip brush, starting with the outside.
- Then I continued to apply the Mod Podge and attach the fabric. I did have to cut away a small strip at the top front for this particular style of drawer. I kept going until all the sides were covered.
- I then measured and cut a piece for the back and front insides and attached those.
They look so much better, and I actually want to put my things in them now!
I added another pull from Hobby Lobby to the middle to simulate a drawer just for some added pretty detail…
Don’t forget my friends have furniture flips of their own to share today!
I hope you enjoyed this project!
If you missed anything, you can catch up below!
Shabby Mirror Makeover (& How to Cheat a Distressed Look)
How to Paint Furniture with Chalk Paint (& $10 Night Tables)
$4 Thrift Store Case Repurposed
$25 Thrift Store China Cabinet Makeover
$3 Lamp Makeover (& How to Rewire a Lamp)
Windsor Chair Makeover (& Drop Leaf Table Take Two)
How to Wet Distress (& a $5 Lamp Makeover)
$5 Thrift Store Chest Makeover
I just have this tray left:
Because this tray is so simple, I also have another $5 thrift store find I’ll be sharing as well!
UPDATE: See what a simple coat of paint did for this tray and check out a BONUS makeover HERE now!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
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Mary Kaiser says
Beautiful, I LOVE white pieces. They are so neutral that you can always move furniture around if you get bored with it in one room, move it to another room and it will always match other pieces not matter the finish or color of other pieces. I have had good luck over the years with this. It turned out fantastic! Thanks for keeping your schedule normal in this crazy world of changes I am so happy to come here and get my time of JOY from your posts, I need that Normal in my life.
Christy says
Thank you, Mary!! I agree…they work well in any space! White pieces are always my favorites. And you are so welcome! I am so fortunate that I am still able to keep going…I need it too!! XOXO
MJ says
Did you Mod Podge over the fabric once it was added to the drawers?
Christy says
Hi MJ! No, I did not MP over the drawers. 🙂
Pam Walsh says
Another beautiful piece of furniture !!! The knobs and pull are a great addition. Stay well !
Christy says
Thanks so much, Pam! You stay well too!! XOXO
Carolyn says
Hi Christy,
I so love your work!
I have a piano that’s done in a cherry finish…that I think would look great in the Steel Magnolia color, with a mirror above to match :))
Have you ever painted a piano?
Thanks,
Carolyn
Christy says
Thank you, Carolyn! I think I responded to you via email this morning already, but I say go for it with the piano! XOXO
Ange Mills says
I ❤️❤️❤️ The floral on the drawers.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Ange! I didn’t mind having to use this pretty fabric again at all! XOXO
Vicki says
I love the desk makeover!! especially the way you lined the drawers…so good!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Vicki! XOXO
Sharon says
Hi, so happy your up and running, never want to miss a thing you create. Stay safe and well. 🙏😊
Christy says
Aww thank you, Sharon! I’m so glad to be back up!! You stay safe and well also! XOXO
Tara C says
I love the fabric you used on the drawers. It really dresses up the desk.
Christy says
Thank you, Tara!! XOXO
ColleenB.-Tx. says
Don’t know why, but I do like furniture pieces like this that are painted white. I guess because it can go with any décor.
Love that fabric by the way.
Christy says
Thank you, Colleen! I love a simple white painted piece of furniture too and yes, they are so much more versatile! That fabric is a favorite of mine for sure! XOXO
Lizzy says
You turned an ugly desk into one of the prettiest ones I’ve ever seen! Those whitest white paints always make my heart flutter. Those knobs look great too, even though I’m not a Hobby Lobby fan.
Christy says
Aww thank you, Lizzy! Girl, white paint makes my heart flutter too!! I wish there were more options for finding pretty hardware cheap! XOXO
Denise Cox says
I LOVE the fabric lined drawers!!!! What a dramatic flair!!!! 😊
Christy says
Thank you so much, Denise!! XOXO
Cecilia from Georgia says
I adore the drawers! This little dresser has such pretty curves! Glad you got the kinks worked out of your website and are back up and running! XOXO
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia!! I’m so glad to be back up too! XOXO
Stephanie says
The desk is fabulous. I always wanted a desk like that. Had one but the person never brought it to me. They were even family friends. Figure that out. Was going to make it my sewing machine stand.
Keep up the great work. What are you going to do with no stores open?
Christy says
Thank you, Stephanie! A little desk like this would be perfect for a sewing machine stand! Luckily, my hoarding tendencies have paid off…I’m good for a while ha ha! XOXO
Sandi Allen says
What a great transformation! I love the color & the fabric drawers make it pop❤
Christy says
Thank you, Sandi! This is such a fun fabric! XOXO
Toby says
Love it!! and the drawers! I am always pleasantly surprised to see what you have done with the inside of your pieces! It’s such a “bonus”!! I love the new hardware too! If you like original hardware–I noticed Anthropologie’s website has a bunch of hardware on sale today –its an additional 50% off what its marked. I think unique hardware can really “make” a piece!! Have a great day!
Christy says
Thank you, Toby! I love that you appreciate the details! I should check out Anthropologie then…I bet you can find some great sales all over the web right now. Thanks for the tip! XOXO
Cheryl Atkinson says
Oh Christy, this is so beautiful! That fabric is so so pretty. I’m going to have to lean how to line drawers. Thank you and I hope you and your family are safe and sound.
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! I don’t line my own lol, but I like to go a little extra for pieces I plan to sell. We are good so far. Thinking of you and your sweet daughter! XOXO
M. Constance Colvin says
It’s like the shoe maker and the elves! You create these awesome transformations while we sleep!
Christy says
Oh ha ha! I love that!! 😀 XOXO
Margie says
The a classic white piece of furniture is beautiful.That pop of fabric took it up several notches. Thanks for being on here to add a more normal for all of us. Stay safe 🙏🏻
Christy says
Thank you, Margie! I didn’t mind that this was the only fabric I had enough of at all ha ha! I am happy to be able to keep my normal routine as well! You stay safe too! XOXO
vicki s wright says
Yeaa, the website is working again! I love the little desk. The surprise fabric inside is such a cute idea. As always, your work is beautifully done 🙂
Christy says
Ha ha yes! It doesn’t happen often, but it stinks when my site is down! Thank you so much, my friend! Glad you finally got to see it! XOXO
Susan Cox says
I always enjoy your makeovers, and for some reason watching your stash of items gradually dwindle is fascinating! One small thing–and I know I’m going to come across as a crank, but I wish you wouldn’t buy your knobs at Hobby Lobby. They’ve treat their employees pretty badly, and they’ve been charged and found guilty of importing illicit, historically-significant items from archaeological digs in the Middle East. I just don’t think they’re a very nice bunch of people and there are other places to spend your money. (Told you I’d sound like a crank. LOL!)
Christy says
Thank you, Susan! You were very kind while sharing your thoughts about HL and I appreciate that! I wish there was another alternative to find pretty knobs at a reasonable price. XOXO
Ashley says
Absolutely beautiful desk! The detail on the bottom front, below the drawers, was almost invisible pre-refinishing. Lovely job, Christy!👏🏻
Christy says
Thanks so much, Ashley! I agree…funny how paint brings out those details! XOXO
Ellen says
Hi Christy, I love the black floral on the drawers-such a fun surprise. How does fabric wear when it is wrapped over the top of a drawer. I have never tried to cover the upper edge of a drawer. Thanks for all your fun posts!
Ellen <
Christy says
Thank you, Ellen! The sides of these drawers sit a bit lower than the fronts, so they don’t rub against anything. They should wear well! 🙂 XOXO
Janice Holt says
Glad you got your website working correctly. Love the desk and I would just have to display it with the drawers open with that beautiful fabric inside. Did you say you got it at Walmart? Great job as usual and thanks for something bright in our crazy world right now.
Christy says
Thank you, Janice! I would be tempted to leave the drawers open too lol! I did get it at Walmart…it’s Waverly. And you are so welcome…I need this too!! XOXO
kandice says
this is so pretty! I am always so afraid of white lol. Love the fabric in the drawers too!! xoxo
Christy says
Thank you, my friend! I do love me some white!! XOXO
Alice says
Really L-O-V-Ed this one! Those drawers are great. Inspiration for an old
desk that I have. Thanks!
Christy says
Aww yay! Thank you, Alice! Glad you are feeling inspired! XOXO
Dixie Lee says
The fabric makes it so special! Imagine a cherished grandchild getting that from her grandma!
Christy says
Oh yes! That would make it extra special! XOXO
susan says
You make everything soooo pretty! The place I have my booth is still open and I actually sold a piece yesterday. Who is buying stuff now? 🤷♀️ Go figure. Hopefully this shall soon pass. Trying to fill my “garage Mahal” with FINISHED stuff now! 😉
Christy says
Aww thank you, Susan! Mine was open on Monday and I did sell some paint, but I think it is closed now? Maybe it was a fellow vendor that bought something? That’s what I was thinking! Yes…hoping this passes fast. Meanwhile, I will be collecting a stash of pretty things for my booth when it is fully up and running again! Sounds like you have a bunch of things to work on too! XOXO
Jen @ Girl in the Garage says
So gorgeous, Christy! I know the drawers were a lot of work but they really make it extra special! xo
Christy says
Aww thanks, my friend! I was running out of time and was tempted to just do a couple of the drawers for the pics, but I really wanted a pic of all of the drawers open. I’m so glad I pushed to get them done! XOXO
Ansje says
You never cease to amaze me!
Lovely work!
Christy says
You are so sweet, Ansje! Thank you! XOXO
KATHY BINKLEY says
Hi Christy,
I loved the white desk, and yes the fabric is always a plus. I have a question. As I was looking back at some of your pieces where you mention when you sand a piece of furniture with #120 and finish with a #220. When do you stop with the 120 sandpaper and then use the 220? I think I got to deep into the wood when I did this. Thanks Christy
Christy says
Thank you, Kathy! Great question! I use 120 grit if I need to take an old finish off and I plan to go down to the wood anyway. I stick with it until I get all the old finish off. The 120 grit leaves the surface a bit rough, so then I switch to 220 grit which is more fine and just give it a once over to smooth out the surface. I hope this answers yours question! XOXO
Marie says
$35 for a desk is unheard of here, what a sweet score 🙂 What a difference white paint and pretty new hardware made to this desk but I gasped out loud when I saw the drawers. Wowsers, girl, that’s stunning! Miss you guys xo
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Marie!! I missed you this round too!! If you ever want to come back, you know you always can! This was a great deal and I had fun with those drawers for sure! Stay well, me dear friend! XOXO
Colette says
So very pretty!
Thank you for showing how you put the fabric in the drawers. Your material is beautiful.
Christy says
You are so welcome Colette! Thank you! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
Those drawers were pretty bad before, now they’re fabulous with all that fabric. I was wondering why there wasn’t a knob on the top drawer. Because it’s not a drawer! The desk is beautiful now, Christy. When the shop opens up again, this one’s going to move quickly.
Christy says
Thanks, Marcie! Those drawers were just the worst! Glad I had enough of this pretty fabric to fix them. I am going to have a nice little stash of things to deliver once the shop is open again! XOXO
ROSE LEFEBVRE says
I love this piece minus the clock. I am impressed with what you did to the drawers! NICE!!
Christy says
Thank you, Rose! I was just going to line the bottoms of the drawers, but the rest of them were just so yucky…glad I had enough fabric to cover them all! Have a great weekend! XOXO
Jean says
No you weren’t STUCK at home….you were SAFE at home !!!
Christy says
Yes…so true!! XO
Petra says
A very special dressing table with those gorgeous lined drawers. I’m sure it will be whipped up 🙂 xo
Christy says
Thank you, Petra!! XOXO
Rosie says
I love love how the desk turned out!! The detail of the simulated pull drawer so pretty.
I also really like the clock! Just drinking my tea and reading your posts on your remakes is so inspiring, joyful and comforting…. thank you😍
Christy says
Thank you so much, Rosie! I love hearing that you are finding joy and comfort in what I share. Sometimes you just need a distraction from everything that’s going on. Stay well, my friend! XOXO
Ivory says
I have a desk exactly like this, but some of my draws started sticking, and hard to pull out. I love this desk, but do not know how to fix it. I can love it even more by painting it the same color as yours, which is fabulous. Thank you for sharing.
Christy says
Thank you, Ivory! Try rubbing a candle on the parts that slide in and out or the areas that are sticking…it should help your drawers to glide more easily! XOXO
Kris Lee says
Just found you through Nancy at Artsy Chick’s rule. You are as awesome as she is. I love what you do. I fell in love with the Steel Magnolia side table and will be redoing a dresser with this paint. Thanks for all you do and I’m a new subscriber.
thanks,
Kris Lee
Christy says
Hi Kris and welcome!! I’m so glad you found me through Nancy! I LOVE Steel Magnolia and know you will too! It goes on a bit sheer, so be sure to do a base coat in a similar color first with one of the non-metallic colors like Driftwood and you will have to do less coats! Thanks for choosing to follow along with me! XOXO