A couple posts ago I mentioned that I had been on the hunt for a chair to go with a desk, but somehow came home with much more. ahem. That’s what happens when you hit the thrift stores. We have a few locally and I’m ever so thankful. However, what ends up jumping in my truck? Not a chair that I needed. Oh no. An adorable vintage tea cart. tsk. Does this ever happen to you? (please say yes so I know I’m not alone, k?) This is perfect for today’s Furniture Fixer Uppers!
Can you blame me? I love tea carts and have had several in my possession over the years, but this one just won out as my favorite. Though to look at it you may think, meh.
It is made out of simple pine and has that super dark stain to hide theinexpensive wood. The top was worn bare in spots and had water rings all over it. However, that tea service storage is awesome and so is the extra drawer on back.
For a few weeks it sat in my home as I couldn’t decide what to do with it. I liked it the way it was, but knew it needed some TLC. So as my prerogative allows, I go with the refinish. Here we go!
DIY TIME
First, I took off the top and decided to use my sander to take it down to bare wood.
Once done, I use one of my favorite stains, Sunbleached (as seen in these posts).
As beautiful as that is by itself, I wanted a little more texture, so I did a second coat in Briarsmoke (see it used here too). Here’s the comparison:
Darker, but not too dark…just right. However, I could stop there, but I saw the need for a bit of whimsy. Since this is meant to serve, I decided to do some lace painting like I did on my Dumpster Diva and others. Then, I use a basic flat white paint to spray through the lace. But before I did that, I laid a piece of construction paper under it to leave an empty space for later.
This was a quick process and then once dried I added a matte poly topcoat.
Then, while the top is curing it’s time for the base of the vintage tea cart.
PAINT TIME
I popped off the wheels and repaired them. Next, I took all the hardware off to clean it all up and then prep it for paint…yes, paint. {{gasp!}} My choice was the same Dove White by Glidden that I have used in many projects as seen HERE. Notice I can use the same brush for poly and paint.
Now for the part I was dreading…those wheels. ugh. Why did I dread them? Well, little, tiny spindles and lots of them, not to mention those rubber pieces I had to avoid painting. I’m not a gal who likes to use tape and I believe a steady hand is much better.
THE REVEAL
After two coats and letting it cure between, I was ready to put it all back together. I added some text to the top using my transfer method and a little bit of fun to the inside of the tea set storage compartment. Take a look.
I just love the new look – so refreshed and chic. My favorite part is the top with the French script added “temps pour le thé” which reads “time for tea”.
The lace effect was just what I was hoping for with a time-worn appeal.
The back side is just as fun with the built-in drawer. I kept all the original hardware as it was brass and suited the look I was after.
Remember I mentioned adding a little fun to the tea service end?
I decided to add some pressed tin paintable wallpaper and paint it a metallic pewter to make the dishes really pop.
Finally, don’t forget the cookies. My kids helped make those, so I had something to stage with.
RECIPE
Grain-free yummies from a simple recipe:
Grain Free Peanut Butter Cookies
1 cup peanut butter
1 egg
1 cup sugar (or less)
bake at 350° for 10-12 min. easy!
This vintage tea cart was a fun project that took some doing with repairs to wheels, replacing missing parts, etc, but worth it. I hope you enjoyed it! Likewise, if you feel in love with it and would like it as your own, you can find it in my online store.
SHARE
Additionally, I invite you to pin and share so that others can be inspired by this vintage tea cart makeover. Don’t forget to head below to see the other Furniture Fixer Upper goodness!
Before you go, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time when I show you what I did with this piece of #trashure I found on the curb. Head below to see more!
You just have to see what these ladies worked on for you!
- Just the Woods
- Girl in the Garage
- Petticoat Junktion
- The Interior Frugalista
- Confessions of a Serial DIYer
Also, more projects like my vintage tea cart makeover:
Beautiful!
Thank you, Jenine!
You’re such an inspiration! This project is another of yours that helps me to see the things that I run across in a new light.
You just made my day because that’s what it’s all about. Thank you!
Oh. My. Gawd!!!!! Looooove this!! The lace top!!!!! Gah!
tee hee!! You made my day, Megan! 😀
very nice
Thank you.
Your tea cart makeover is so pretty…love the touch of ‘lace’ and French script!!
oops…forgot to say I’d paint a cabinet that is just screaming for a new look with those great brushes!
It’s all good. 😀
It made me smile to see it come to fruition. Thanks for showing me love!
Wow! 60s throwback to fun cottage look! Looking forward to seeing what you do with the changing table, too.
It was kinda…bland. hahaha… I can’t wait to show you too!
I have a dresser I need to paint!
Sweet.
I want to paint my dresser
That is a good project for their sprayers.
I loved this makeover….especially the top! I have a side table that belongs to my Mom that I need to paint for her.
This cart was a fun project and so glad you like it. Thanks!
Love the tea cart, the lace top is perfect. I flip furniture and would love the brushes to paint and finish all the pieces in my garage!
You are a kindred spirit. 😉
I absolutely LOVE this tea cart. Those two stains together are perfect for my coastal beachy look. I just finished a drum table where that round brush would have been a lifesaver. So glad that I’ve found your blog!!
I am so happy you did too as I love to share and hear from others. Thank you!
This turned out so stinkin cute, Larissa! I knew you would do something awesome with it. And I can’t wait to try out my new brushes!! XOXO
Your chairs and my cart would make quite the pair! I know you’ll love the brushes too. Hugs!
Im a little in love with this. I love everything about it, especially the lace top!
It was such fun to do and to be able to share it is half the fun too. Thanks, Kandice!
Amazing refresh on that tea cart!
I’m so happy to hear it! When I shared a sneak peek the other day, someone jumped on me for painting it. sigh…
I always love seeing what you are up to! So inspiring! I also have to check out those brushes!!! Thanks for continuing to share your passsion!
My pleasure, Rachelle. You are more than welcome to read the reviews on the brushes I carry in my shop. So many love them too!
And I would use the brushes on the three pieces of vintage furniture that are awaiting my attention in the garage 🙂
I have that same number too. ahem. 😉
So, so cute, Larissa. I did not expect the lace – a really nice touch. And the wallpaper backdrop is so creative. Great job! I paint lots of furniture. Would love to try the brushes. Thanks for the giveaway!
It needed some pep from the old brown. Thanks for the encouragement!
I have pinned this project for an additional entry. Thanks for making this drawing possible 🙂
Thank you!
I have never seen a tea cart I would have never known what it was if I had run across it. I love how it turned out the mix of stains is beautiful! If I were to win the brush set I would paint a vanity that has been under my carport waiting for a refresh.
Ps I pinned it!
So cool that I’m the first to show one to you. I love these things as they’re so versatile and don’t take up much room. Thanks!
Love the tea cart but can’t wait to try those brushes, I don’t like taping, either!
Yes, taping is not only a waste of time for me, but I don’t like filling up a landfill with it either. haha… Hope you win!
You have a steady hand to paint the wheels. The lace was a beautiful idea and I love the card. I enjoyed the tip on using the round brush which I don’t have.
It’s something I take pride in – thank you! The round, the square, and the triangle are so helpful in many ways. You will love it.
Very pretty. Love the lace paint effect!
It’s such a fun and easy treatment to do with much impact. Thank you!
What a lovely piece Larissa. You are always so good with the details.
Thanks, Kathy. I appreciate your support in my endeavors weird as they may be at times. 😀
Seriously girlfriend, you never cease to amaze me! Love love love what you did to this sad Vintage Tea Cart ♥
Well, I just couldn’t leave it there, could I? hee hee. Thank you so much, Marie.
I really like this makeover!
Thanks, Kristen!
That’s wonderful to hear!
Lovely!!!
Thank you!
I would paint an old cabinet I have.
Sounds good to me!
I would love this set of brushes. You do wonderful work.
Thank you, Sharon.
Gorgeous. All that’s missing os a nice piece of french striped linen on that bar handle.
Thank you. 😉
Wow! Great redo!! Would love to win the brushes – I have an art deco cabinet that needs some loving!!
It sounds like the perfect piece!
I love your ability to envision beauty. I pinned this and suddenly have the urge to drink a spot of tea. The boys will be making your cookies too. Thanks for the recipe!
ha! It worked! 😀 The recipe is so fun and easy for kids and better than wheat. Yum and have fun!
WOW! I love the tea cart!! Now I’ll be looking for one. And those Zibra brushes I’d love to try. I pinned this tea cart makeover for future reference. And entered the drawing for these awesome brushes.
I’m happy to hear it! I have 7 different brushes in my shop if you want to give them a try. Hopefully you win!
Forgot to say I could really use those brushes! Have lots of wooden things to paint this summer (don’t have dry, indoor space). I’m going to start with my husband’s dresser. I had it before we were married and it’s got big, man-sized drawers for his clothes. However, it desperately needs a makeover and not just because it has purple trim. He doesn’t complain but would like to paint it a bluish black or gray. If I had me some Zimbras…why I just might do a little detailin’ too!
I hear you on the summer thing. Yes, those guys don’t mind, but we sure do! Sounds like a fun project.
This is beautiful! Love the structure itself (it would be my fave,too), and the techniques and finishes you used are spot on!
I would use a set of those brushes on everything from painting the walls a new color in My Wee Abode to refinishing a scrapbook shelf unit!
Your words mean much. Thank you, Julie!
beautiful tea cart. My mother in law was from ENGLAND and had 2 tea carts. What a difference paint makes! Looks like I could be a better painted if I had your brushes as they look so easy to use.
Thank you, Mary. Yes, they do make the job easier. Two carts?? How awesome!
You did it again! This is seriously impressive Larissa! A tea cart fit for the Queen!
Hugs to you, Mary. I love to hear your encouraging words.
I loved the cart transformation. I would paint a small cabinet if I win the brushes
Thanks!
What a unique piece – love the lace idea! I have a couple of the zibra brushes and love them, and would probably use on my topcoat – I’m always looking for a good brush for topcoating.
I love using the lace. Thanks, Michell!
Pinned
Thank you!
Another piece I would love to have! It turned out beautiful! Now, for those brushes…I am still dying to have some! Cash has been tight, with all these medical expenses, so I would be ecstatic if I won them! I have so many furniture projects that I could use them on, beginning with my Queen Anne vanity and chair, for my bedroom!
Ha!Ha! I typo’d my name! 😀
ahahahaha!!
Praying you will get some relief in some form. 🙂 Your vanity sounds like the perfect project for these brushes.
I would have left the top plain stained wood (no saying or painted lace), but I would have painted the bottom white as you have. It’s personal preference.
We have just finished painting one room in our house, and there are a few more rooms to go, so I would use the paint brushes for that project.
Ok.
I must say I was very dubious (big word today LOL) as I am definitely NOT a tea cart lover, but I must say, I would not mind having this is my own home!! It’s really lovely and I think it turned out just fabulous!
hee hee hee. I have transformed you!! So cool to hear you like it. Thanks for the love.
Cute idea for the Tea Cart! It really makes it visually appealing and would fit in anywhere.
Thank you!
I also pinned your picture and visited Zibra too!
Yay!
The tea cart is beautiful. I have never seen a tea cart with all of the storage like that.
I haven’t either and is exactly why it called to me. 😉 Thanks, Debra!
LOVE the tea cart ! What an unbelievable difference! I have lots of little tables and that’s probably what the brushes will be used for ! Thank you for the chance to win them!
I’m so happy to hear you think so. Thank you!!
Thank you for all the tips. I’m really hoping to try those brushes soon.
You are most welcome. 🙂
I love tea carts. Beautiful.
I do too! They are so fun.
You did a beautiful job on that tea cart! I especially love the tin tile-look painted wallpaper; details like that really make a piece stand out. As for the brushes, I have a bursting barn full….er, a few random projects to work on. 🙂
Ha! You are like-minded (or stasher) hee hee. You will love the brushes!
I love the tea cart makeover! Very creative! The first thing I would paint with the brushes are some old wooden chairs I’ve got hanging around.
Thanks! These would be perfect for those chairs. 🙂
Love this, I think it’s one of my favorites you’ve done!
Wonderful to hear that, Lisa. Thank you!
I love it. I pinned it! Check it out! Can’t wait to try those brushes out!
Yahoo!! Thank you.
I have a vintage gossip seat that needs love and paint. That’s only one of a long list of projects to tackle
Those are another fun piece. So many stories they can tell!
Hi Larissa: You know that teacart is very unusual in that it has a place for the tea cups sp it would have been calling me also…good buy and it now looks beautiful.
It really is. Love all the storage and the unique design. Thank you!
I wasn’t sure this tea cart had much hope but as usual you rocked it Larissa! It looks so much more fresh in white and the lace top really makes it more unique. I was also thinking of it as a vintage flower cart.
I just had to grab it when it called me. 😉 Thanks, Jen!
Such a great transformation! I have a large desk to paint and want to do something special with it. New brushes would make my projects so much easier!
These definitely would be wonderful for you projects.
Love your cart makeover! I’d use the brushes to paint the trim around my back door! I also have several makeovers planned that I’d love to use the brushes on!
Thanks! You sound like me with a plate full of projects. Fun!
Wow, Larissa! This is not a piece that would ever have appealed to me in it’s original form, but I love the unique ways in which you were transformed it — it turned out lovely. I love the lace and text as well as the pressed tin wall paper detail! I am grateful for the opportunity to win a set of Zibra brushes and would get cracking on transforming several vintage furniture pieces in my own stash/hoard. 🙂
It was kind blah, huh? haha… Thanks, Kelly!
I love this tea cart! Using the lace and the wallpaper are such great ideas. I’m a tad envious of your fantastic finds!
They kinda find me. Thanks so much, Vonda!
I Absolutely do love it! Such wonderful inspiration. You have inspired me so I found my first real find at our thrift shop of a small chair that is definitely an antique and looks like from a Victorian era. Will send a pic in the morning and maybe you will know what era it’s from but it has an embroidered seat and front & back panels of the seat back which I am embroidering something different and will refinish the trim but would love these brushes to complete the woodwork…lots of tiny nooks & cranny’s in the woods design and have to repair the back as it has a small crack through the center. It also has small wheels on just the front 2 legs. I paid $40 and am so wanting to find out what it may be worth when finished. Thank you for your wonderful work and inspirations for the rest of us!
That is wonderful to hear! I love that you took a chance and are willing to try. I can’t wait to see what you do!
This is jaw on the floor phenomenal! Wow! Awesome work lady!!! ?
woot, woot!! Thank you, Michelle!
I love your tea cart! The lace was the perfect touch.I’ll be painting a thrifted nightstand to be used as a printer stand.
Thanks! Sounds like a plan.
Its funny you should tell the story about things jumping in your cart at the thrift store, the exact s things happens to me at the thrift store. With the following of things I have coming home with me I need the brushes to pretty some of them up and make them presentable.
It is so true! They really do find me. haha… Thanks, Mary.
I love this makeover! This is now one of my favorites with the use of the lace on it! 😀 Thanks so much for the chance to win the brushes too 🙂
You are most welcome. Thank you!
so pretty, I will have to think twice before passing up a tea cart now!!
Good for you!
Love it! I am just starting down the road of furniture flipping and absolutely love it! Sometimes when I look at a piece that I know has potential it’s hard to see how this “ugly duckling” can possibly become a swan!! But you make it look so easy!!? Your experience is so valuable!! I am always inspired and can spend hours reading your posts, lol! Those brushes look wonderful, I have so many projects waiting on my attention but the one screaming the loudest is an end table I’ve been wanting to tackle for some time. The reason is that’s she’s been sitting in my livingroom for a very long time because I need her but she’s a little ugly and needs her makeover asap!! ?
Congrats to you on the journey, Ellen. 🙂 You have made my day with your kind words. I can’t thank you enough!
Love, love the Tea Cart! I wouldn’t have passed it up either 😉
Great minds grab alike. 😀
Larissa! This is so cute! I have one Zibra have a set!
Wonderful! I do love them and am such a funny person since I don’t usually become a brand snob. But…these made me change my mind.
Gorgeous! I am getting ready to retire in a couple of years and we will be moving and downsizing. When I read your blog I want to refinish/paint ALL my furniture!! LOL! Seriously, I do have a couple of pieces that will definitely be painted and would love to try these brushes out!
How fun is that?!! haha!! So fun to hear, Lynda. I’m sure your retirement will be full to the brim.
I really did not like that tea cart to begin with. But once you were finished with it, I love it. So cute with the lace!
Thanks for the giveaway!
It was kinds ugly, but had so much potential. Thanks, Rebecca!
It’s now on my Pinterest page Furniture Finishes! Thanks, Larissa !
Woot! Thank you.
Love the way this turned out… I’ll have to try out the lace painting. Thanks for sharing!
You will love it. Thanks for stopping by!
love the teacart!
thanks!
Beautiful! I have an armoire and a dresser I am ready to paint!
What a sweet little cart – I love your makeover! I have several bookcases in need of paint.
love the top! I’m a sucker for lace. I have many projects waiting for me & would benefit greatly from better brushes.
Hi, I would paint an old glass window frame, and picture frames for guest room.
The tea cart is amazing! I love it!
always a pleasure to read and follow you Larissa
Hugs to you, Lee Ann. 🙂
This may be my favorite project of yours. I would paint everything!
Beautiful!! Your such an inspiration. Can’t wait to get started on my projects. Now for some paintbrushes…….
Larissa you’ve hit it out of the park again girl! I have never seen a tea cart with the glass door cabinet on it like that! You certainly transformed her beautifully!
Are you kidding? Your makeover is “Wow!” Love it. I have a cedar chest that is need of some love, so that would be my first project.
That would be so fun! Thank you for showing me love.
This is one of my favorites. I am not a real lace lover, but I did love the top. The colors are so scrumptious and the finished product – just gorgeous! I have never seen a tea cart with the little cabinet. Love it!
I hadn’t seen one either and was smitten with it. Thanks!
Your tea cart is something my daughter would love, she is a true tea lover and server! I have purchased the Zibra triangle brush and adore it. Such great quality. I would ve to try more!
How fun to have such a good time with this sort of thing. I wish I had time to. Glad to hear you love Zibra too!
I am trying the lace technique on my bathroom chest
Wonderful! I hope you have fun. 😀
What WOULDN’T I paint! lol! I also love to paint, not just furniture, but walls, too. It’s very therapeutic.
I couldn’t agree more. I quit a high-stress job while in college and joined the paint crew. Nothing more therapeutic for me after hard day of studies to go off and make something beautiful. Plus, I learned so much.
Such inspiration! I have a, very very old tray table given to my grandmother by HER grandmother and then given to me shortly (merely a week) before my grandmother passed away. I’ve looked at it daily for years now wondering if i should paint it or not. Now I know exactly what it needs! Lace! I have a tattered piece of lace from an old table cloth and I think it was here for this exact purpose! Now i just need a set of those fabulous brushes to ensure a perfect outcome and I’m ready to commit -isnt that the hardest part?? Thank you so much for your beautiful ideas!
What a wonderful treasure you have and such a story too. I know what you mean about commitment. I put myself on the line all the time and get nailed by some, but hey, who cares?? 😉
Wow! I am pretty sure I would have passed that one up at the thrift shop, but I am absolutely loving the finished product! What a great transformation!
You just made my day, Becca. Thank you!
Your tea cart was beautiful to begin with but you put it over the top! Beautiful! I would use the brushes to redo my kitchen cabinets that have been waiting forever for a face lift!
Thank you!
The tea art is darling! I would love a set of the brushes to use on the many projects I have waiting for some TLC!
Thanks for saying so, Denise. 😉
I would use the brushes on all my many projects waiting for me at home 🙂
Sounds good to me! 😀
So very cute just love it.
Thanks you for the love, Christina.
My poor secretary has been out in the garage for almost a year waiting for a fresh new coat of paint, I sanded and just never got to paint her, I am going to soon. I can’t wait to make her beautiful. Thank you for your creative ideas
I know the feeling! Here’s to you and painting. 😀
Love the transformation, very chic.
Thank you, Christiane!
Larissa well done,so cute I almost cried.
aww…you are so sweet to say so, Cheryl. Thank you!
Love this project!! May I asked what you used for the lace overlay? Been trying to find something similar without luck! Will Be following all your fun projects now:)
Thanks! Just a thrifted tablecloth. You could use a curtain panel, etc. Have fun!
The vote button is not working, been trying to Vote for your tea cart and it won’t let me.
Hi Maureen! The link in the post, is working, do you mean the email? That one was dead – my bad. Here’s the link: http://thezibrablog.com/one-of-a-kind-the-peoples-choice-voting
I’m not a real fan of white paint make overs; but your tea cart is a beautiful exception. It is simplly scrumptious! Thanks for showing us your process. The detailing you put into what you do is spectacular!
Thank you so much for making my day, Kathy. Hugs! 😀
Larissa, Holy Cow! This tea cart is wonderful! I have dreaded doing anything with mine (similar to the other cart you had) But know I think I have the courage to tackle it. I’ve seen your other lace pieces but this is my favorite. And the Zibra brushes I won from you last year, or the year before, can’t remember know. they are the best! That square has my heart! BTW, do you know where I might find replacement rubber for the large wheels?
That’s awesome to hear, Carol. woot! As far as the wheels, good question. Maybe try Etsy or eBay?
WOW, that lace stencil! I have done that technique but my lace wasn’t nearly so pretty. I am going to have to keep a lookout for better lace tablecloths at the thrift store. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks, Trudy! They sure are fun to find. I try to only use damaged ones as I like to still use the ones that are in-tact.