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Vintage Cosco Cart Gets Retro Makeover

Apparently I am sucker for all things cart. I mean, really. They are irresistible as they provide function, storage, and a cute factor to most any style of home. Can you blame me that I felt sorry for this worn out vintage Cosco cart when I saw it at the thrift store?

Cosco Bar Cart Before Makeover by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

I’ll admit I paid more for it than I think I should have. tsk. However, I repeat…I love carts! You can see all my past cart makeovers and builds HERE.

The original color appeared to be an off white, as you can see it peeking through. At some point, someone decided to make it a flat black instead. You can see that it definitely got some use and wear.

Damaged Vintage Cosco Cart Top Before | prodigalpieces.com

No problem. First, my handy-dandy sander comes out to play. tee hee! I use a 120 grit to not only knock down the raised spots, but also remove any surface rust.

Sanding Damaged Vintage Cosco Cart Top with DeWalt Sander | prodigalpieces.com

Then, I wipe it down to remove any debris and any residual build-up. I also begin to prepare the chrome legs by cleaning them with Bar Keepers Friend and some good ol’ fashioned scrubbing. Thankfully, none of the rust on this vintage Cosco cart had eaten through.

TIME FOR PAINT. YAY!

Next, time to add my retro fun with this Candy Pink paint. woot!

Candy Pink Spray Paint by Rustoleum for Vintage Cosco Cart by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

 

Because the casters had a bit more wear on the metal brackets, I just cut out paper circles to cover the wheels and sprayed those too. Boxes work great for sticking in casters or drawer pulls to keep them upright.

Painting Caster the Easy Way by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Last, but not least, I decided to add even more fun for hidden storage (because you know we all have junk that needs hidden. Am I right??). Just like this other vintage serving cart I redid in this post, a dust ruffle was in order. I was so stoked to find the retro kitchen appliance fabric that would complete the look I was after.

Retro Kitchen Fabric from Spoonflower used by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

I don’t have a tutorial for you on making the ruffle. However, it really is as easy as making a curtain. Just measure your cart, add extra for seams and a casing and you’re good to go. I like to add ties to mine for added fun.

REVEAL TIME!

Are you ready to see this cutie all spruced up? Here she is!

Vintage Pink Cosco Cart with Dust Ruffle Skirt by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #home #homedecor #furniture #vintage

Retro Cosco Kitchen Cart Refinished into a Candy Pink with Dust Ruffle Skirt by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #furniture #home #homedecor #diy

Isn’t it cute? You have to admit, the pink is much more fun than the black. I asked someone if he thought it looked much better and he said, “But, it’s pink”. haha. Yes, it sure is…LOVE IT!!

DIY Cosco Cart Skirt Ties | prodigalpieces.com

Top View of Vintage Cosco Cart in Pink by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #vintage #retro #home #homedecor #furniture

Not only does the whimsical dust ruffle adds that added vintage vibe, but it also serves a purpose too. Hiding away things that may not be suitable for guests’ eyeballs is a win for me.

DIY Dust Ruffle Skirt for Vintage Cosco Cart by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #home #vintage #homedecor #furniture

Pink Vintage Cosco Cart with Dust Ruffle Skirt by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #home #homedecor #furniture #retro #vintage

I hope you had fun seeing this vintage Cosco cart come to life. I sure had a blast recreating it. It’s always fun to take something worn out and make it new again. Especially when you can revive it true to its era.

Vintage Kitchenaid Stand Mixer on Vintage Cosco Cart | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #vintage #kitchenaid

Retro Pink Cosco Kitchen Cart by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #vintage #pink #home #homedecor

While you’re at it, if you’d like to own this little cutie, you can find it available in my online shop.

  • Magic Linen Beige Waffle Blanket available at Prodigal Pieces | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #bedding
    Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130

SHARE

 

Do pin and share my vintage Cosco cart makeover because I am positive there are other carts tucked away in garages and basements in need of love too.

From ugly to retro chic, this vintage Cosco cart got a makeover that is a blast from the past. Head to Prodigal Pieces for the full tutorial | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #furniture #home #homedecor #vintage

What is more, up next, this little bird cage I found at the thrift store needs a new purpose in life. See the end result HERE.

Thrifted Birdcage Before | prodigalpieces.com

To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!

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Also, more makeovers like this vintage Cosco cart:

A vintage enamel cabinet was left to rot until Prodigal Pieces gave it new life. Come see the amazing transformation at prodigalpieces.comMmm...Blue Ombre for the win! This vintage Bassett dresser goes from worn down and ugly to Boho Mid Century Modern Dresser using a little DIY spirit. Get the details at Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

 

Comments

  1. Tracey says

    Oh Larissa! You know I love this cart in all it’s pink glory! Great job!

  2. Cindy says

    Larissa this cart is adorable. Loving the pink and the skirt adds a great touch.

    I can’t wait to see the birdcage.

    Enjoy

    Cindy

    • Larissa says

      These are super fun to see revived. They remind me of my grandma. Thanks!

  3. Trish Shank says

    love the transformation.. The vintage Cosco cart looks so happy to have new life/purpose again. Well done Larissa!!!!

    • Larissa says

      I’m so tickled with the outcome and that you like it too. Thanks, Trish!

  4. Bobye Bickel says

    I love love love the pink!!!!! I’m drooling. Lol

  5. Melanie Brooks says

    Ohmygosh Larissa… This is gorgeous!
    The only thing better would be a pink mixer on top! Lol! I can just picture it in a new fangled fancy kitchen with a wall oven and pink fridge… I love it!!

    • Larissa says

      haha! I had such fun with this. Retro is always fun to recreate.

  6. Amy Giannini says

    Feeling inspired now! That turned out so cute that I may paint mine pink! And where on earth did you get that cute fabric?

    • Larissa says

      How fun! Thank you, Amy. I have the link in my post to where I purchased it. It’s so cute!

  7. Linda says

    I know this is going to make me older than dirt, but I just have to tell you, I HAD A PINK KITCHEN AND CART when I first married 56 years ago! Boy, it all comes round again!!! Great job!

    • Larissa says

      tee hee! Not at all, Linda! I would have loved to see it it! 😀

  8. Karen says

    I love it !!! The color and fabric together is perfect.

  9. Marie says

    So pretty in pink! You couldn’t have found a better fabric for the dust ruffle, Larissa. LOVE the makeover 🙂

    • Larissa says

      Thanks! I was stoked that they had something to go with my vision.

    • Terri Hughes says

      The cart is sooooo pretty. Love the pink!!

  10. Mary says

    Wow, you really brought this cute little cart back to life! Way to go Larissa, keep up the good work!

  11. Kaycee says

    I love carts, but especially vintage Costco carts! I love this little beauty in pink and that fabric is perfect for her!!!

    • Larissa says

      They just are so cute and useful. I’m glad you enjoyed my makeover. Thanks, Kaycee!

  12. Mary says

    Larissa this is a great makeover and I love that mid century fabric you used.

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Mary. You know how much fun I have with MCM. 😉

  13. Becky says

    The pink came out SO CUTE!!!

  14. Christine Macdonnell says

    This is so awesome and I too am a cartaholic. I inherited a smaller 3 shelf cart from my grandma that I use in my laundry room.
    I have the same cart as this except it has the fold up sides which I plan to remove. I purchased mine at a resale shop for $5!!! But I haven’t done anything to it yet. The cart handles on mine are pretty pitted and I’m not sure weather to paint them chrome or just paint the whole thing the same sage green color. What advise do you have?

    • Larissa says

      That’s so fun, Christine! 😀 You could do a repair with Bondo, sand it down, and then paint it whatever color you like. I hope that helps.

      • Christine Macdonnell says

        Thanks for the advise!

  15. Susan says

    Adorable!! Yep, pink was the color! Love that fabric too!

  16. Abby says

    That’s super cute ☺ I half expected to see something terribly dreadful in the behind-the-curtain photo like….. a dirty pan, or huge pile of junk mail ? I’m all about hiding my never-ending supply of clutter, so I love the curtain!

    • Larissa says

      haha! I love curtains for that and avoiding dust. It all makes it easier. 😀

  17. Kimberly L Hall-Lawson says

    Super cute, are the curtains just attached by the ties or did you attached a rod somehow underneath?

    • Larissa says

      Thanks! Yes, ties with an elastic threaded between each corner.

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I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

~ Laurel

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:34:13-04:00

~ Laurel

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

~ Stephanie

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:39:34-04:00

~ Stephanie

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

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~ Mikki

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

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