Friends don’t let friends drive by junk…am I right? Especially when the curbside #trashure is a beauty like this! My friend, Christy, saw this set out for city clean-up on her neighbor’s lawn. She knew that this vintage corner writing desk was unique and something that would catch my fancy. BINGO!
Not only is this have fantastic lines, but plenty of function too. How many of us have a wasted-space corner that this would be perfect for? I’m thankful Christy thought enough of me to haul it to my house. Isn’t that sweet?
However, I must admit my spidey junker sense kicks in and begins to ponder…WHY was this at the curb. hmmmm…
Well, at first glance (and sniff) it looks solid enough, but then I found that the drawer wouldn’t shut properly. That meant that the frame had issues because the drawer guides were fine and the drawer was square. On close inspection, I found that the leg had split away from the frame and the previous owner had used too long of screws to hold all the leg plates on. That led the legs to be wobbly and the frame to be offset.
Also, if you look closely, there is a jack on top of the desk that I’m assuming held a lamp. There was also a chunk missing out of one of the legs too. No worries, all are fixable and relatively easy. It all just takes time. Free is never free – I could tell you stories. haha.
DIY FUN
First order of business is to make all the necessary repairs. After a few hours of taking apart the frame and legs, gluing, and nailing it all together with my nailer, we are good to go.
Next, my little man helper, Mr. O, knows that it’s important to make any necessary repairs with wood filler. He removed that jack on the top, and then took care of the dings, dents, scratches, and holes he could find. He’s not a newbie to DIY fun. You can see his past projects in these posts HERE.
A MATCH
While that was curing, I head out to find a chair to pair with this desk. I mean, what’s a desk without a seat, right? I stopped at my normal haunts and thought I was going to come up empty. However, I finally found this gem just waiving at me to pick it up.
At first glance I was like oooh…but then, again, my spidey junker sense says hmmm… I sits, I shakes, and jiggle. We are now looking at a whole lotta work. This thing was ready to fall apart. eep! I called the owner over to ask a price because it wasn’t marked. I showed him all the repairs needed and he said $5. Worth a try, right? Mind you, I’ve wrestled with chairs before and they ain’t easy. There are so many things that could go wrong with repairing, especially if you get it out of square.
It’s at this point I was halfway in the tear down of THIS ENTIRE CHAIR that I was like…can I have my $5 back? haha.
Just kidding. Though I did wonder if I’d ever get it to sit right again. After it was completely in pieces and put back together, I can thankfully say I fixed it!! {{happy dance}}
UPHOLSTERY
Next, it was time for the upholstery. There were dozens of tiny rusty tacks. I’ve been down this road before many times and never relish the journey.
After what seemed like hundreds of these tiny things were removed, I found…another layer with even more tacks. {{eye roll}} I do however, love that as I peel away layers, I get to know more of the story this chair has. Do note that I save those little rusty tacks. They come in handy when recreating my #trashure creations.
Now that the chair is restored, it’s time for me to paint. Why paint? Well, both the desk and chair had damaged that needed repaired with materials that wouldn’t look right restored with stain. Plus, a little paint never hurt anybody.
PAINT
My fun begins with paint. My first coat is a stain-blocking primer called Kilz.
While the first coat is curing on the chair, I also begin my primer coat on the vintage corner writing desk we started earlier.
When it comes time for the sides and top, I use the same product as well.
WAXING
After the coat of primer, I use two coats of antique white, letting cure between. To finish this makeover, I used a coat of white wax on the antique white to create a work effect. My old brushes make for great waxing brushes too.
While all of the paint layers and wax were curing, I took on another small makeover. I found this lamp at the thrift store while hunting for chairs. I loved the sort of Fleur de Lis design it had. The best part it accents the back of the chair I found too.
MORE DIY FUN
I thought it would pair well with my desk, so I gave it a couple coats of paint too. For added fun I decided to add a few faux dahlias to the lampshade by cutting the bottoms of pinecones off and painting them.
They look pretty white, but I wanted a bit of color added too so it would accent my finish look I’m after.
Here is my vintage corner desk with thrifted chair and lamp ready to go.
I love how the lines of the desk match the chair perfectly. The upholstery I chose is the same as I used on this Lane cedar chest I did a year or so ago. It suits the look I was after and is so pretty too.
ALL DONE
Notice I replaced the bail pull for a faceted glass knob. A little bling always makes me smile. Just for fun, I even painted the drawer a contrasting color and lined it with the same upholstery. A girl loves her pretties, right?
The lamp I chose to update is happily decorating my little corner. I found that faux cork shade at a local store and felt it needed a pop of color. Aren’t those pinecone dahlias pretty?
What fun I have creating these things and sharing them with you. I so hope you are enjoying all that I’ve shared with you.
ONE MORE THING
One last thing I had to create just for fun and since so many of you have asked…more of these adorable, insulated lunch bag totes. eep!
A few weeks back I introduced my lunch bags in this post of refashion HERE. So, as promised, I’ve continued in filling your orders as well as creating new designs.
These new designs are one-and-only kind style because my vintage linens are a limited supply. However, I also still have my other linen, twill, and denim linen options available too. All bags are available in my shop along with my other creations. and finds.
Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130
Additionally, pin and share my vintage corner writing desk makeover to inspire others to grab that curbside #trashure! tee hee.
Up next, another of my curbside #trashure finds will be getting a new look for our Furniture Fixer Uppers day. See the revival HERE.
To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!
Also, more makeovers like this vintage corner writing desk:
Larissa!!! I love getting your emails to see your wonderful transformations!!! Love it all!! And I’m going to be transforming some pine cones!!!!!
You are such a fun gal, Tracey! Yahoo!! Thank you.
Its all so beautiful! Trashy friends are the best!!! The lamp was an awesome find as well
hahaha…love that…”trashy friends”. They sure are! I’m glad you like it all, Lori. Thank you!
It’s always fun to see how you give things new life. I walk thru our goodwill & look at the wooden stuff, stand there & try to look at it thru your eyes but I can’t see anything but ehat I’m looking at. You are talented my friend!
You made me giggle, Brenda! I love that you are trying. It will come!
I have a couple of dressers I would like to paint.
Perfect. I hope you like my work today. 🙂
I have never seen a corner desk like this one….I really like it! The chair is so pretty. I adore the fabric that you chose…lining the desk drawer with the same fabric was brilliant. Great job!?
I like how it fits in most any spot and can be used for vanity, office, and more. Thanks so much, Dale.
I love your blog and videos always make sure that I watch them. You do a great job and have great ideas.
You. do such amazing work. Love seeing what you do with tired pieces??
You are so sweet to say so, Teresa. Thank you so much! 😀
Beautiful and looks awesome next to that brick wall!!!
Thanks so much, Maria. 😀
Super cute corner desk! And love the painted pine cones…Will need to try painting some of these! I have lots of small projects that these brushes would work great with – a few picture frames and the legs of the coffee table that my son has been wanting to paint. Keep inspiring me! Thanks for the chance to win this giveaway!
Thanks! They are so easy to do. I definitely had a blast creating. I’m so glad you like it all, Ginny! 😀
Enjoyed seeing the transformation and learning the process and what brushes work best. I’m not sure I’d be that brave on things like that, ha ha. I’d love to win and try the brushes on a table or small cabinet I got, that needs a different look for me.
You made me giggle, Dee. Thank you so much!
I love curb shopping too!! Desk looks beautiful!
You are a smart gal. 😀 Thanks!
I love seeing your helpers! Mine are a huge help with projects! And friends…I’m tickled how people watch out for things for a creative person?Wonderful makeover!
They are my all-in-all. I just love it! 😀 Thank you, Toia.
Those pine one flowers make my creative juices flow! Wonderful!
Aren’t they fun? I love pinecones!
Larissa, i love what you did with the drawer. that little of pop is adorable. I made a wreath one time out of painted pine cone halves. It was so much fun to make.. who would have thought to add them to a lamp shade? Oh, you! 🙂 you are just the sweetest thing and i love how you bring everything to life! Thank you for the chance to win a set of brushes. that fan brush looks fun.
It needed some fun somewhere. tee hee! Thank you so much! You will love the Zibra brushes.
I love that desk! I have never seen one built that way. Thanks for the giveaway!
It is a fantastic use of space for makeup, office, sewing, and more. Sweet find! You’re welcome for the giveaway.
Great Job
Thanks so much. 🙂
I definitely need a corner piece like this! I have a corner shelf which was a curb find, and I need bottom piece to set it on. I hope something like this comes into my life. Wish I knew everything you do about drawers and legs! SO many repairs to do! Love the cork lamp with the dahilias. really cute!
Aren’t they super handy? Sounds like you have the same idea…make do and enjoy. Woot!
I love the desk! It is so cute!
Wahoo!! Thank you so much.
You did such an amazing job of bringing this set together. I love the little special touches, and the pine cone “dahlias” are adorable! Whoda thunk it??
I almost couldn’t believe how bad they both were, but glad I stuck to it. Just some woodworking fun on my part. Yay!! Thank you, Kimberly.
Larissa, you are the bright spot in my week! Love you, the kids, handsome hubby, your faith and let us not forget your talents! I would so love to win!
You seriously made me tear up, Linda. Thank you so much for the HUG!
Love this makeup. I really also like the way the lamp was redone. I didn’t know you could that with pine cones. Very clever.
Thanks! It all came together as I envisioned and I do a happy dance when that happens. Woot!
Wow Larissa, there is so much eye candy in this post, I am drooling! Wow, desk, chair, lamp and your super pretty lunch totes!!!! I love the elongated shape of this corner desk, there is so much more space than the typical corner desks! The paint colors, fabric, and the embellished lamp shade is beyond gorgeous! Zibra paint brushes certainly do make a huge difference!!! I love it all!!!
It was funny when Christy showed it to me that she wanted to pull it out of her vehicle to see if I wanted it. I said…stop right there. I’ll take it! 😀 I knew it would be a fun project thought I didn’t want more furniture. haha! You are the best, Kaycee!
I too love curb shopping. But the only time I find anything, my hubby is with me and he won’t stop! I love the material that you used, the drawer is a great touch. Keep doing what you do, you’re the best!!
Oh no!! haha. I have those problems too, but he knows better than to not stop because I will come back if need be… 😀 Thank you!!
Love this post, your taking the time to explain why you use each brush is tremendously helpful! First thing I’d paint is an old rocking chair I’ve finally gotten back together. It was kinda like your chair, is this really going to be worth the trouble!
Thanks! If you’re on Instagram, I shared the use of these brushes in my IG TV channel. Seeing them work is key for me too. Sounds like you have DIY fun headed your way! 😀
Another great project and post! Thank you!
Sweet to hear, Jana. Thank you!
What an unusual corner desk! It came out beautifully! The lunch totes are super cute too.
I thought so too. She asked if I wanted to see it before deciding and I was like…nope. Done! 😀
I have never seen a desk quite like that! All 3 pieces turned out perfectly, as if they always belonged together – terrific eye! There is an old cabinet/file type cupboard I have with small sections, curved dividers and molding that I would love to try the brushes on.
Thank you so much. It was such a fun find and piece to work on. I’m glad you like it. Sounds like you have a fun project too.
You always create so many fun things! I always look forward to seeing what’s next! And the lunch totes…so cute!
That delights my heart to no end, Karen. Thank you!
Love that unusual shaped desk. You did a terrific job.
Isn’t it fun? Thank you, Paula.
That desk is gorgeous and very unique. I love it. I need to paint the bar in my kitchen so I’m thinking that’s what I’d do with the brushes.
Once again a beautiful makeover! You did it again!
Yay!! So fun for me to share. Thank you, Kim!
Neat desk! Nothing says true friendship like “I saw this trash and thought of you” 😀
bwahahahahaha!!! so true!!
Charming desk set, and the dahlias are the perfect touch on the lamp!
Thank you for the love, Amy. 🙂
Hi!
I just recently found your blog and I am enjoying it very much. I love your passion for recycling old throw away items and giving them a new life!!
So glad you found me and my crazy adventures, Nadine. I hope you have fun following along. Hugs!
Wonderful makeover!
Thank you for the kind words, Sherry.
I have a high chair in need of a paint makeover so it’s ready in a few months when my grandsons are old enough to use it.
Sweet.
Love your transformations! What a nice chair and desk set you created!
Thank you so much, Lynn.
Loved your post! And what a neat idea with the pine cones! I have a little desk I need to paint.
Yay! This was fun for me to do and share. Thank you!
So gorgeous. More great transformations! You always amaze me with your makeovers. I like the pine cone flowers, so cute!
You know how much that means to me, Debra. Thank you!
You saved all three pieces and gave them new life, what a fine job. You always make the jobs look easy but I know you spent a lot of time rebuilding them, good work.
It is work, and sort of my therapy time if you will. Time to focus and work, and then see the fruition of your labor is priceless. Thank you, Mary.
What a wonderful find. You did a fantastic job restoring and making it new again. I picked up a small table today while coming home from the grocery store today. It was pouring down rain but I still stopped to saved the small table from going to the landfill.
Score for you!! I’m so glad you did, and glad I did too. Just so much waste on perfectly good things.
What an awesome score your sweet friend found for you to work your magic on! I was screwing my face up when I saw the pass the parcel layering you had going on with the chair pad and removing the old covers. I so felt your pain!! But as always you’ve done an amazing job and the transforamtion is just inspiringly beautiful!!
haha…right? My hands get so sore thinking about it. Thanks so much, Sam.