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?
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!!
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.
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.
While you’re at it, if you’d like to own this little cutie, you can find it available in my online shop.
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.
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.
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Also, more makeovers like this vintage Cosco cart:
Tracey says
Oh Larissa! You know I love this cart in all it’s pink glory! Great job!
Larissa says
I thought of you!! 😀
Paula@SweetPea says
Love the pink! You did an amazing job on this makeover!
Larissa says
Thank you so much, Paula. 😀
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!
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!
Bobye Bickel says
I love love love the pink!!!!! I’m drooling. Lol
Larissa says
Wahoo!! I’m delighted to hear it. Thanks!!
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.
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!
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! 😀
Karen says
I love it !!! The color and fabric together is perfect.
Larissa says
Thank you so much, Karen. Super fun to do.
Sharon says
So pretty!!!
Larissa says
Thanks so much, Sharon. 😀
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!!
Larissa says
Thank you, Terri. 😉
Mary says
Wow, you really brought this cute little cart back to life! Way to go Larissa, keep up the good work!
Larissa says
Thank you bunches, Mary! 😀
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!
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. 😉
Becky says
The pink came out SO CUTE!!!
Larissa says
Yahoo!! I’m so glad you think so, Becky. Thanks!
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!
Susan says
Adorable!! Yep, pink was the color! Love that fabric too!
Larissa says
Yay! It that black was depressing. tee hee.
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. 😀
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.