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Blanket Chest with Farmhouse Style

Y’all ready for this? It’s Trash to Treasure Tuesday! My blogger friends and I love to share with you fantastic projects to inspire you to give DIY a try. My project piece for today is my very own blanket chest. It’s looking kinda shaggy, isn’t it? Let me show you how I took it from shaggy to rustic chic. (aka. #trashure) You’ll get to see my friend’s projects at the end.

Painted Blanket Chest Before Makeover | prodigalpieces.com

I originally purchased this piece to redo thinking it was wood when I bought it sight unseen. Little did I know it ended up being coated in multiple layers of paint…ugh. If you remember from this post, I promised myself to never buy another painted piece to work on. When it arrived here I decided it would find a place in my kitchen during our remodel to help store our homeschool items for the time we are in mess mode.

It wasn’t until I moved it to the deck of my shed that the climate began to make the paint peel and flake horribly that I spied beauty…oak. SCORE!!

Top of Blanket Chest | prodigalpieces.com

It was then that I knew I absolutely wanted to keep this thing since I have a sweet spot for a blanket chest. They are functional decor in being that the are awesome for seating, and, of course, storing blankets, etc. This one fast became one of my favorites because of the awesome hydraulic closure it has. Smooth and safe to close…I love it. And, notice they even painted the inside a gorgeous “puice” color (sarcasm intended). meh.

Inside Blanket Chest Painted | prodigalpieces.com

DIY TIME

So, as you can imagine the first order of business was to remove those blucky layers of paint. Out comes my heat gun like I used to create my door mirror. (see the video in that post for a demonstration) Before I started I chipped up a piece so you could see the 5 layers I’m up against.

Peeling Paint on Blanket Chest | prodigalpieces.com

We’ve got white (most likely primer), orange, red, dark brown, and then light brown on top. Whew! The worst color was that bright hunter orange. It was both inside and out. At this point, the FedEx delivery guy shows up with some happy mail and asks what I’m doing. hahaha… I’m like, “Doesn’t everybody get up early Saturday morning to peel paint?”

It took me a bit, but here it is… a hot mess…literally!

Blanket Chest with Paint Removed | prodigalpieces.com

Once all that gunk was off, I broke out my sander and took it down to bare bones. That’s when the disappointment hit. The side panels and top ends were made of PINE, not the gorgeous oak I dreamed of. See how they look more white than the legs, top, and front? The pine had soaked that orange paint up so much that it looked like it glowed. Now what, right?

How to Remove Paint Layers Using a Heat Gun Video Tutorial by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

I decided to continue with the oak that I could save and paint the ends, and interior. For the inside, I wanted to lighten it up a bit and chose soft, light gray to refresh and hide that blucky color.

It only took one coat of paint to easily cover that old color. Woot! Then, for the sides I used a dark brown I had on hand as a base coat, then choose creamy white for the top coat.

PAINTING FUN

I wanted the bottom layer to peek out through the top after distressing. A dry brush technique helped me get a washed feel using my paint brush.

Shop Prodigal Pieces Furniture, Vintage Finds, Handmade Goods, & Supplies for your home | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Layering Paint on Blanket Chest | prodigalpieces.com

Now for some fun! If you have been around me, I like to add a little typography when I can, like in these projects. Subsequently, I find such therapy in painting – it’s fun! My goal was to create a piece that looked like it had been around for years, so  I didn’t mind a worn look.

Hand Painting Typography on Blanket Chest | prodigalpieces.com

Last, to revitalize and seal the wood, I used a poly topcoat. Likewise, this protects the wood without giving it a sheen to keep with the aged look I’m after.

FINE DETAILS

In addition, I even had a super-cute helper. She works like a pro.

Toddler Helping Mama Paint | prodigalpieces.com

Finally, the blanket chest is done.

Rustic Farmhouse Style Blanket Chest with Typography by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Farmhouse Blanket Chest with Vintage Advertising by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

My little sheep guy is like…Baa! I see you. (tutorial for those are HERE or purchase one ready-made in my shop)

ALL DONE

I couldn’t be happier with the outcome, even with the pine issues I had. It looks just as I had hoped. For added texture, I use some cast iron bin pulls to the sides.

Farmhouse Bedroom with Blanket Chest by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

The inside is refreshed and no longer has that smell and awful color. Hallelujah!

Refreshed interior of farmhouse blanket chest by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Farmhouse Vignette with Sheep and Laundry Basket by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Even though it’s sitting in my bedroom, that’s not the forever home (I think…hahaha). I do have plans for another big project by the end of the season to set it in its new home, but we’ll see.

Olde Woolen Mill Farmhouse Blanket Chest by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

And, of course my favorite part of this blanket chest is the woolly sheep graphic. I designed and added it by using my transfer method. I have more things planned for this graphic, so stay tuned!

Hand-Painted Typography on Rustic Farmhouse Blanket Chest by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Additionally, inspiring others to give DIY a try is what I’m all about. In addition, pin and share to inspire others too!

From blucky paint to farmhouse chic, this blanket chest has new life. See the makeover by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Up next, I’m sharing a quick-fix breakfast that is sure to nourish and tickle your taste buds. And it’s grain-free! See my recipes here.

Grain-Free Dutch Baby Plated | Recipe by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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. Now, time to head below for more fun!

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WAIT!! You just have to see what my Trash to Treasure Friends have created for you.

Trash to Treasure Tuedays - Thrifted Makeover Fun | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Trash to Treasure Tuesday via Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

  1. Confessions of a Serial DIYer
  2. Girl in the Garage
  3. Bless’er House
  4. Artsy Chicks Rule

Also, more DIY projects like this blanket chest makeover:

Get the Farmhouse Chic Look with this Tutorial by Larissa at Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.comOutdated Side Table Gets a Vintage Chic Makeover Complete with Typography for Sewing Table Fun by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Comments

  1. Mary Kaiser says

    WOW that turned out amazing, glad to see you keep going until it was right! It turned out beautiful!

    • Larissa says

      Thanks, Mary. I kinda was like I’m going to finish it or else!!

  2. Mary Kaiser says

    I would wear the apron for everything I do around the house, including refinishing furniture. LOVE the pockets to keep all the stuff I am constantly searching for, it is a beautiful thing!

  3. Linda Bardi says

    My biggest issue with finding my spark a little later than most, is that I can’t remember where I put things (screwdriver, scraper, etc) down, so alot of time is spent hunting then down, lol. This apron has pockets to help this lady get the job done, bonus it’s long enough to spare my clothes from inevitable Splatters and slashes. Thank you for the contest

  4. tracey says

    I love the graphics on the trunk! I love seeing the before and after pics of all your projects. I think I would get the most use out of wearing the apron while I am painting and creating my own own projects. Thank you for sharing your creativity.

  5. Sheila DelCharco says

    That was quite a lot of work! I love how it turned out! I love aprons and wear one every day for washing and cleaning.

    • Larissa says

      It sure was, but the heat gun made it easy. You sound like me – I wear aprons all the time.

    • Larissa says

      You ain’t kiddin. I told you it was a hot mess. Ha! Thanks!

  6. Deb says

    Very lovely! I have an old chest I was thinking of doing over only it the old 70’s metal kind! Needless to say I am still thinking lol

  7. Rebecca says

    I am in love with the graphic you painted! It looks gorgeous! (Plus the gray o the sides really gives the look of a galvanized metal.) You’re amazing!

    • Larissa says

      Thanks so much for making my day, Rebecca. I can’t wait to put it in its new home.

  8. SueSchneid22 says

    You definitely gave that chest a new life! Sooo much better than the “before!” If I won the apron, I would most likely use it to cook in. I always wear an apron and could use a new one! I love the idea of a linen apron, too. Good thinking!

  9. Cindy Brannon says

    Would wear this while doing projects, hoping for inspiration 😉 This chest may be one of my favorites!

  10. Geri says

    Did you freehand paint the graphic? It looks great. I wish I had your talent.

    • Larissa says

      I did hand-paint in on, but used my transfer method to get the graphic I designed on it. Thanks, Geri.

  11. Jewell Styles says

    Love the apron! THe chest is awesome, more work than I am willing to do however.

  12. Claudine says

    The blanket chest looks beautiful! What a lot of work….but it is worth it! I absolutely love the sheep graphic and the writing – perfection! 🙂

    • Larissa says

      It actually went pretty fast with the heat gun. What would have otherwise took me days only took me a few hours. Thanks!

  13. Susan W. says

    The blanket chest is beautiful. I didn’t jump ahead to see the finished piece, so was a fun read that totally “wow’d” me! Thank you for sharing.

    • Larissa says

      Good for you! It’s fun to read a transformation. For me it helps me understand what the person went through to get the end result. Thanks, Susan!

  14. ColleenB.~Texas says

    Great job on the chest. It really turned out beautiful and looks great in your bedroom.
    Being the inside isn’t cedar I would suggest putting a cedar piece of wood inside.
    Love, love that apron. ( I want one) I wear one all the time while I’m cooking or baking in the kitchen. One time when going to a pot luck I had forgotten to take my apron off and ended up wearing it to the potluck but must admit it did come in handy when it was time to eat as it covered my lap like a large napkin.
    Honestly; I could wear a different apron each day of the month and still not wear them all. (can you tell I love aprons)
    Thank you for this wonderful giveaway opportunity.

  15. Denise says

    That piece took a lot of hard work! It’s beautiful! The graphics add so much. Love your apron too. I’m a home cook &I usually wear one in the kitchen. Thanks for the opportunity to win one

    • Larissa says

      It was about as much as restoring some of the awful pieces I work on, so not too bad for me. haha… Thanks, Denise!

  16. Paula says

    You put a lot of work into this makeover and it was well worth it. The end result is fabulous!

    Love your new apron. I pretty much only wear an apron in the kitchen but if I ever get back to painting furniture, it would be good to wear while doing that.

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Paula. The apron is for anywhere you want to wear it: kitchen, cleaning, art, wood shop…you name it. Hope you are having a good day. 🙂

  17. Rebecca -TN says

    Love the natural wood next to the painted sides, and the graphics are perfect! I would wear my apron for DIY projects – stripping, sanding, and painting rescued items. Thanks for opportunity 🙂

  18. Rebecca Clark says

    I pinned project to my “furniture makeovers”

  19. Terry P says

    The graphic was the perfect touch!! We just bought a ‘new to us’ home and I’d be using that apron for all the projects I have planned.

  20. Kathy E. says

    I’m always inspired by your projects, but rarely come across old furniture that needs a rehab. Just last week, tho, we drove past an old entertainment center that had a “free” sign on it. We picked it up and now I have a project to work on. I plan on putting it into my sewing room to store fabric and books. It’s the perfect size and not in bad shape!

    • Larissa says

      Score for you!! That will be such a blessing, Kathy. Fun!

  21. Donna D. says

    I would use the apron for all my projects. Love the pockets.

  22. Judy Black says

    Love, love the chest transformation! I’d wear the apron to cook. Or maybe to clean– oh I really don’t do much of that it seems. AHH to create.

  23. Terri landreth says

    This blanket chest looks awesome. I have been looking for aprons… what a coincidence!

  24. Janina says

    The blanket chest turned out great!

  25. Janina says

    Love the blanket chest

  26. Jolinda says

    Oh I love the chest and what you did. The sign on the front is adorable.

  27. Carly Williams says

    I would use the apron for baking!

    • Larissa says

      Wahoo! I was just using mine now and the pockets come in so handy.

  28. Robin Carter says

    I really love this. Like how you let yo little one work on it too. I would use the apron for cooking. I do that with my girls a lot.

  29. Denise says

    You did an amazing job on this chest! I know how much work it is to strip off all those layers. I ❤️ the typography and sheep transfer! 🙂

    • Larissa says

      It sure is, but easy with the heat gun. Thank goodness!! Thanks for the love, Denise.

  30. Kimberly says

    Almost fortuitous that the ends were pine, because I think this two-toned look is even better than solid oak.
    Love your apron design. I love to wear an apron for everything, especially cooking.

    • Larissa says

      I agree and had another plan, but ya know. Roll with it, right? Thanks for the love on my apron. 🙂

  31. Nikki says

    Love how your blanket chest turned out! #trashure

  32. Jeane Gallo says

    Love the blanket chest. The graphic is perfect.

  33. Rebecca Drake says

    Painting, staining, sanding, all of the above. And I love the chest. I love the wood and paint combo.
    Thanks for the giveaway!

  34. Julie says

    Oh my word, your creativity sometimes leaves me speechless. The apron is awesome and I would totally wear it to my job… teaching preschool❤️ But the blanket chest makeover is amazing.. that typography ❤️❤️❤️

  35. Brenda says

    I so enjoy your tutorials! Watching your pieces change before my eyes! You are talented lady! This piece just speaks to my heart. ? It seems like you know exactly what your “people” like…..that apron! Nice! Can’t wait to see who wins! ?

    • Larissa says

      It is such a blessing to be able to share and that my work is enjoyed by most. Thank you!

  36. Lorna Munger says

    Such beautiful work always. I would use this apron for pretty much anything and everything. I would ever be so proud to show it off anywhere I went. Keep up the great work!

  37. Kathi says

    I would use the apron for all of my DIY painting projects!

  38. Carolyn says

    Super cute! I’d wearing the apron when I’m painting on furniture, barn board, artwork, people, you know me, lol 😉 ! <3

    • Larissa says

      Thanks! You are an amazing artist and I’d be flattered. 🙂

  39. Olga says

    Seems like I’ve got my favorite, Larissa!! I.love.it!!!! The wood, the sheep graph. And I like to read about all the details- feels like it was me who woke up early to go through that layers-of-paint-pain. Wonderful chest! And apron is the cherry on the top 😉

  40. Charlene says

    Very nice ! Love the graphic.

  41. Donna Gonzalez says

    I’d use it for cooking because I wouldn’t want to ruin its beautiful denim and ticking awesomeness by wearing it when I paint!

  42. Michele @ Thistledown Domestic Creations says

    This came out beautiful, Larissa! You had an especially cute helper for sure! I love the sheep graphic. I have a blanket chest I am debating about redoing as there is really nothing wrong with it, it’s just stained oak.

    • Larissa says

      I actually have my own hope chest from my childhood and love it, but the stain is not my thing. Debating too.

  43. Mary says

    Larissa so many treats in one post. My cup runneth over! Love your chest transformation and the stencil is so, so cute. And of course I am so happy to hear that you have made those pretty and practical aprons!

    • Larissa says

      Your words are so sweet, Mary. Thank you! I had fun painting that sheep and getting the design out of my head. haha… And, same for those aprons. Mine was getting awful! 😉

  44. Jen @ Girl in the Garage says

    Oh my gosh, the style of your chest (after getting the old paint off and before you worked your magic on it) is so similar to the one I worked on a couple months ago! Really good bones – and you did a beautiful job on refinishing it, as usual Larissa. xo

  45. Tiffany says

    It turned out absolutely beautiful! I have a turn of the century church pew that needs a bit of a refresh and I am going to try Gator Hide on it! I have never seen it before! The apron is perfect also! I am not a neat painter! I usually finished up covered practically from head to toe so this would save me some time scrubbing paint! ?

  46. Patty Soriano says

    Absolutely love this chest, Larissa! The graphic is awesome and I want to know more about how you did it. Please! SUH-WEET apron! Would love to win one! wow, that’s too many exclamation points. 🙂 What would I use it for ? Not really sure. I do plant sales and I like wearing something with pockets for price tags, change, scissors, etc. This might work for that! When I get more into my painting, I think it would be good for that. Thank you for the opportunity to win!

    • Larissa says

      You are so cute, Patty. 🙂 I designed the graphic on paper, created it in my software, then printed it in large. Used my transfer method to get the jist on and then hand-painted it on and filled in details.

      • Patty Soriano says

        Larissa, in the directions for the widget it says we could enter daily, but it doesn’t re-set for us to do that. Just so you know. I’m hoping my original entry will be lucky enough! I don’t tweet or instagram so I miss out on a lot of giveaways. 🙂 Maybe I missed it, but what type of paint did you use to paint the sheep and words ? I always worry that brushing on a sealant afterward will smear the graphics.

        • Larissa says

          Just a daily Twitter entry. You are good to go. Hope you win! For the paint, I used a basic acrylic paint. As long as you’re not heavy on the topcoat and let the paint cure first, you will be fine. The wood was pretty dry and soaked it right up.

  47. Patty Soriano says

    Pinned to my Pinterest board !

  48. Nancy Walden says

    Love the blanket chest and the apron!

  49. Jodi Jones says

    Love the apron and the chest! I wear an apron every time I cook, so I would def. wear it a lot!

  50. Marti VanRavenswaay-Waddell says

    I keep thinking you’ve hit your peak — and then there you go with yet another fabulous fix/redo/transformation!!! I admire your varied skills and abilities very much!

  51. Tyler B says

    The sheep on the chest is so cute! Love the two tone effect! I would love the apron for use in the kitchen! I cook a lot and aprons always come in handy!

    • Larissa says

      It was fun to see this come to fruition after having it for so long. Thanks, Tyler!

  52. Cindy says

    LOVE the apron- it’s not only functional, it’s also good looking 🙂

  53. Jessica Gipson says

    I would use the aprons for indoor and outdoor cooking…Love it!

  54. Rachel C. says

    I love the sheep graphic! The chest looks amazing! I would wear the apron while cooking, canning and gardening.

  55. Teresa Carr says

    This chest doesn’t even look like the same piece of furniture. That apron is phenomenal!

  56. SONJA HANSEN says

    I will use it for all things messy and I am a messy person. Thanks.

  57. Bonnie says

    Your chest turned out beautiful. I love the sheep design that you painted on it too. If I won an apron, I would wear it as I clean and organize my garage. My garage is so messy and this apron with the big pockets would really help me to get it done already!!

    • Larissa says

      Now to get it in its new home. Soon! Thanks so much, Bonnie.

  58. Kaycee says

    As I mentioned to you on Instagram, another beautiful update Larissa!!!! Also, great apron and you and JC are awesome models!!!!!

  59. Susan says

    I would use it for cooking!

  60. Annette says

    I would use it for painting.

  61. Frances Batson says

    I love the apron. I am messy whether cooking or painting and would
    Enjoy covering myself up. I love the graphics on the chest!

  62. Susan says

    Larissa I love it! Well since I don’t cook I would use this apron for painting of course!!

  63. Sherry Fram says

    I would use it to wear while I’m making your Dutch Baby recipe!!

  64. Nancy Richard says

    I love the blanket chest re-do! Would you ever consider sharing your graphic?

    • Larissa says

      Thanks, Nancy. I have more projects I’m making for my shop in the works with it, so not at this point, but maybe in the future. 😉

  65. Vanessa says

    I love this piece. It’s gorgeous and love the writing. Great aprons too. ❤️

  66. Michelle says

    That chubby sheep puts the world’s biggest smile on my face!!! ??

    • Larissa says

      Aww..it’s my favorite thing as I made it from a cashmere sweater my brother gave me ages ago.

  67. Mary says

    What patience you had in removing all that paint from the blanket chest. The outcome is amazing. You do such great work you have inspired me to try my hand on refinishing a hope chest I have.

    • Larissa says

      That is music to my ears, Mary. Thank you! and hope you have fun. 🙂

  68. Mary says

    The apron you have designed is perfect for anything. I would use it for cooking and just general crafting. Love it!

  69. Vanesa says

    Love your blog, you are so inspiring!
    Would love to win the apron, is awesome!!!

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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

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

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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.

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