Don’t you love it when folks get you? I mean when they know you so well that when they see something they think of you. Take for instance this damaged vintage cabinet side table. It’s dirty, damaged, and needing love. It give you all the warm fuzzies that friends and family think of you when they see things like this. haha! Just kidding!! I do love it that there is confidence in my abilities and that’s where the love lies.
So, this little gem was tucked away in a hot mess of a home, but has found its way to my workshop. It’s made by Riverside that has a history of making fine furniture. However, I’ve found that many companies over the years sacrifice quality materials for a faster/cheaper product like MDF (blucky stuff!). And when that happens, wear can happen that causes bubbling if water interacts with it. Do you see all the bubbles?
Plus, it doesn’t make it any better when someone uses it as a workshop table. That there be circular saw marks…yep.
Also, there are missing drawers from inside as well.
I’m thinking it’s time for a mighty makeover. woot!
DIY PARTY STARTING
First order of business is to remove that top for good. While I’m at it, I also remove the bottom as well. aaahh…that feels better!
It even looks better when flipped on its side – even my kids agree. Problem is that when you remove a portion, you need to rebuild it so that it doesn’t fall apart. Thanks to my stash, I’m able to cut a new support for the left side to match the right side. (originally the top and bottom). Do you see where I’m going with this?
Then, after that, I rearrange the doors and hardware to better suit what I’m envisioning. Likewise, since I’m replacing the hardware, I fill the old holes with dowel and cover with wood filler. No worries, I’m saving those glass beauties for an even greater purpose. Next, I need to replace the side panels (that used to be the top and bottom). I attach two panels of luan using my nailer, then fill in nail holes with wood filler and sand smooth.
Before I call it quits on the remake, I also build a new base with feet and attach with pocket joints from underneath. Can I say I just love my tools? Remember my motto… #toolsoverjewels.
*post sponsored by HomeRight and Wagner
SPRAY TIME
Next, it’s time to break out my tools! I want my job done quickly with a professional finish and make sure my project is protected.
Even better is I can use my furniture turn table to spray all sides easily and quickly. (DIY tutorial HERE). Last, but not least, I bring out my sprayer. My first objective it to prime the entire piece. Here it is in the raw.
In fact, I am so very excited to get this part done that I completely forget to take any pictures. What can I say? It’s 90° and a storm is rolling in, so I’m flying around trying to get this done. So, trust me, I have the inside and out covered in a BIN Zinsser primer that not only blocks stains and ANY odor, but also makes this faux wood topcoat ready for paint. You can see how I redid a completely smoke-filled entertainment center into a child’s wardrobe in this post.
NEXT STEPS
Next, here comes a new coat of paint. woot! Just fill the canister following paint manufacturer instructions (it also sprays polys and stains). Then, before you start, take a practice run on cardboard or scrap wood making sure you have your flow set correctly. Stay about twelve inches away and move using your elbow, not your wrist.
Finally, in less than ten minutes, my cabinet has a factory finish and is ready for the finishing touches. Better still I beat the storm just in the nick of time!
THE REVEAL
Here’s my vintage cabinet side table with a brand new look with spiffy new hardware too.
Do you think that anyone would guess they’re the same piece? Maybe. But I think it looks like a brand-new piece ready for many more years of adding style and function to a home. And how about the inside?
Likewise, you know I love my blue and I can’t get enough of bin pulls. It’s simply fun to give these vintage finds my own spin. Even changing them up makes for great stress relief (trust me I need it often), and a brain challenge.
SHARE
My cabinet side table’s got spunk, storage, and fun new design. Love it too? In addition, do pin and share to inspire others to take a chance on a damaged piece of furniture. You’ll never know what will come of it.
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Also, here’s more furniture makeovers like this vintage cabinet side table:
Love the color on this piece! You do such marvelous flips! Thank you for your monthly giveaways but also for all your great tutorials!
It’s a favorite of mine called, Blueprint. Thanks!! I’m so happy to share in both instances. 😀
What a great transformation for a piece of furniture headed to the trash pile! So creative to turn it on its side. Don’t believe I would have thought of that. You are a true inspiration on redoing furniture and on life. Thanks for always having great giveaways. The sprayer and tent would be a great addition to my workshop. I sure could get more done with the speed of a sprayer.
It’s truly fun to build (even rebuild) to get my creative juices flowing. Thanks so much for the love, Susie! 😀
I really admire your visions for turning junk into masterpieces! You make this sprayer look like it’s a natural extension of your arm. I’ve been brushing paint for years, but I think it’s time to take the plunge. I’m ready to spray, especially topcoats. Thanks for the push!
Ooh…you will fall head over heels, Kim, and wonder why you never tried it sooner. hee hee! I adore brush painting for various reasons, but the sprayer is surely effective for a professional (& fast) finish. Hugs!
I love how you turned this piece on its side to make a more useable piece of furniture. It amazes me how such simple changes can completely transform previously unloved items. Great job!
I couldn’t get past how useless the upright storage was unless you had vinyl albums. haha. This made more sense. Thanks!!
Now perfect for stashing books, magazines, remotes, and midnight snacks!!! Love!! ?
You are my kinda gal. haha! Thanks so much, Rebecca!
Love your side table makeover! Beautiful color choice too. I have an old nightstand hanging out that needs something….I just can’t see what it is yet – still waiting for it to tell me 🙂 I would love to be able to give it a fine finish with the HomeRight Super Finish Max Extra Sprayer and Wagner Medium Shelter. I would love to be able to save time with a great finish and put extra time into the “icing”!
Thanks, Mary Alice! I know what you mean. I have another one like that. It’s fun to let the story come through. You definitely will love the tools!
Larissa, I do believe you are the queen of repurpose. You never cease to amaze me.
hee hee! I certainly have fun sharing my work. Thanks, Cheryl!
Such vision you have! Turned out beautiful! I have a sprayer but I never use it because I think it’s so hard to clean. I would think it’s not an issue with you so am I doing something wrong?
This was truly a prodigal piece! So glad it fell into your hands. Thank you for sharing!
My absolute pleasure, Valerie. I’m so glad you like it!
Your vision of turning this piece on its side is brilliant! Love, love your imagination! I have been sitting here looking at a bench in my living room and thinking of taking some pieces off the top and making it into a coffee table. You’re inspiring me to do some demo on furniture in my house and sprayer would make painting this so much easier.
Thank you for the opportunity to win this awesome giveaway!!!
You go girl!! That’s the spirit! Making your own home story is the BEST. I wish I had a sprayer for everyone, Ginny. The shelter and sprayer combo is da bomb. 😀
I am always amazed at the vision you have for things that look unusable. I have a TV armoire that
I would love to repurpose as linen storage in my bathroom. I think it would look nice with a great
pop of color and paper on the walls inside, but I have procrastinated getting started. It’s time to do this 🙂
You are such an inspiration and always make it look so easy. Keep inspiring us.
Ooh…love that! I made one into an armoire for kids clothes and that was fun! I wish I had a bathroom big enough for something like that. 😀 Thanks for the love, Rita.
Love the piece. You always have great ideas for flips. I wish I was a creative as you are!!!
aww…you’re so sweet to say so, Becky. I sure have fun sharing! 😉
That sprayer would do wonders for refreshing patio furniture! You have great vision for repurposing pieces. It was brilliant to turn this piece on its side.
No kidding! We just used it to stain our new built set. We were done in no time. https://prodigalpieces.com/diy-patio-sectional-sofa/
I can’t stand MDF! I rescued a desk with MDF top with some issues and let me say for the record, never again! Sanding, filling, sanding, feathering. A LOT of labor for a flip piece. Plus who knows what chemicals are in it?! Give me real wood every time!!!
Great job on this very literal flip! I love the color and the new legs! Thanks for the inspiration!
You and me both…AMEN! I had to get rid of it on this piece…just not worth it in any regard. haha. Thanks so much! I’m eager to make use of the feet and pulls I removed. hmmmm….
Absolutely so cute. It amazes me of your ability to create such beautiful and useful items and at times out of
nothing. Such a talent. Thank you for sharing all you do…also….love the color.
Your words means so much, Cathy. Thank you bunches. 🙂
We have old older ceiling fan that works fine, but it is white with gold trim, and doesn’t look nice in our home. I am going to disassemble it and would use this sprayer and shelter to paint the individual components.
That’s a great idea! I did that to ours years ago and it looked brand new.
I do love this project, Larissa! My style is clean and sharp and I don’t normally gravitate toward the distressed look that is so popular. This chest really hits the spot for me!
My first project would be to spray paint some large decorative vases that I have in my home. It would make a good practice project to get the paint even, then I’d move on to a wooden bench that I’ve always wanted painted.
Yay! Thank you for saying so, Kathy. That sounds like a perfect project piece. woot!
Never would have thought to turn it sideways. You are always inspiring!!!
The vertical storage just didn’t gel with me. So, flip it is! 😀
Cute! Looks so much better than it did! I would tackle a buffet in my dining room that has been on my list for a very long time!
Whew! Glad you think so, Audra. I had to do something different with it. Thanks! The buffet is no match for the tools. haha!
I wish I had your eye for design! What a great makeover.
I’m tickled you enjoyed it so. Thanks, Dianne!
LOVE the color! very creative to turn it on it’s side. But the knobs and the feet were my favorite parts!
I’ll be watching for them to reappear on a future piece!
Right? I can’t wait to make use of them. They deserve a better purpose. tee hee! Thanks, Shelley!
I’m so impressed that you thought to turn the cabinet on its side. The functionality just became a real asset, especially the drop-down drawer. Bin pulls for the win. Awesome refurb! Thanks for sharing and always keeping things fresh.
I have such a blast (literally) redesigning my finds. I’m excited you enjoy it too. Thanks!!
Turned out beautiful! Love the color!
Thanks, Deb! That blue is a favorite of mine.
Your brain works in mysterious ways. I would never have thought to turn it sideways. You do great work!
Some think me a nut. haha! Thanks so much, Susan. 😀 I have fun!
WOW1 I Love the color on this piece! What a fab flip! Thanks for all your inspiring tutorials!
Saweeet!! That’s so fun to hear. Thank ya, Christine!
I love the color, and your vision. I’m sure I wouldn’t have come up with the same design.
I have a coffee table I’ve been wanting to renew…
I’m so glad you think so, Lorena. It sure is fun to create. Sounds like you have a sweet project piece. 😉
That color is gorgeous!!! Great job!
Thank you so much, Sandra. Hope my dad likes it! 😉
You are so talented and creative. That turned out great!
Awesome! Thank you for the smiles. It’s fun to share what I get to do.
I would use the sprayer to paint a small end table that I have been working on.
I love the color you chose for it & the pulls are one of my favorite styles. I’d LOVE a sprayer. My husband has one, but I am not ‘allowed’ to use it. Seems that he considers it integral to his artisan cabinetmaking business & I should mess with it. 😀 And that one would be so much better than one from Harbor Freight.
Thanks, Susan! I wholeheartedly agree this one is definitely better. The Super FM can do paints, stains, polys and comes with three different tips so you can switch out from project to project. See it in action HERE.
Another genius makeover!
You’re so fun, Cindy. Thanks!
What a creative makeover, genius! I have some bookends waiting for some fresh paint.
Doin’ a happy dance! Thanks for the giggle, Cindy. 😀 Those sound like fun!
That turned out so beautiful. I love that shade of blue.. Another piece of furniture saved! Yay!!!
Wow, the sprayer would have been nice a week ago, when I hand painted an Adarodack chair. Just wondering, did you add a hinge to the lower drawer?
Kim
I feel ya! I sprayed mine and wouldn’t have had it any other way. I just repositioned the hinges that were there. Pictures show both doors opening downward. 😉
If I were to win, I have some chairs that need refinishing. Thank you so much for all the work you do to share your makeovers. I love to see them!
Sounds like a plan! I know you’ll love it. And, my pleasure to share, Alison.
I have an old chest that I’m looking to freshen up.
Love the little side table. Much better storage on it’s side.
If I were to win the sprayer, I would actually paint the outside of my house.
Right? The verticals just didn’t sit well with me. Thanks! A sprayer is such a blessing!
Love the pretty blue color and the hardware! I admire your hard work to upcylcle pieces that still have a lot of life left in them. If I had the sprayer I’d use it on an old headboard.
I’m so thankful you get what I do, Ginny. Thank you for the smiles!
I just got into refurbishing furniture (mostly for my own house, but also to make things for friends and family and maybe someday to earn a little on the side of my teaching income) and I was just lamenting how long it takes to prime, paint, or stain a piece.
This sprayer would make things so much easier, and the shelter would help protect pieces that I work on outside my apartment building until I can justify renting a garage to do my projects in!
I totally get it! I just love how this opens up all sorts of doors for me. You will LOVE it! 😀
I just love how you envision the end results of a piece! I would never thought of using this on it’s side! Great idea! Thank you for always bringing new ideas and inspiration to your readers. I look forward to each and every post.
Gotta think funky with the blucky! haha! Thank you for so much, Barbara.
Gotta love the blues! I’m a sucker for transforming old furniture with blue paint. And, I prefer my tools to jewels any day 🙂 Just bought myself a brad nailer, cordless sander, and jigsaw and am having a blast playing with them.
Love the work that you do and your skill with tools. Thanks for the awesome inspiration!
A gal after my own heart. Yes! I just need a workshop now that has lights and heat. Working for 20 years out there is getting old. haha.
It never ceases to amaze the power of paint! Awesome job on this cutie!
Thank you, Melva! 😀
Wow, talk about a complete about-face transformation! Love the new look and the pretty color, Larissa.
Or flip-face! haha! Thanks so much, Marie. Hugs!
OMGosh, Larissa – this remake is so stinking clever!!!!
tee hee! 😀 You’ve made me smile, Marcy. Thank you!