I’m in the mood for a furniture makeover. You too? woot! Today, I’m sharing this cute vintage farmhouse chest nightstand I found at the thrift store. It asked me to get a makeover. Really.
Isn’t it sweet? I love that looks like it has nine drawers, but actually only has three. Bonus…they’re dovetailed. eep! Even though it’s only made of pine, it still has such charm.
While I could refinish it, I really wanted to give it more character with layers. What I’m gaming for is a story. With that in mind, I want it to tell a story. You know I love me some farmhouse style.
DIY TIME
First, in most instances I replace hardware just because it’s fun or creates a different vibe. However, in this instance, I’m loving the shape of these. They aren’t real brass (they’re magnetic, brass is not), so I consider them to be fair game for a change too. I removed those and got ready for the next steps.
After I assessed what needed done, I gave it a quick wipe-down with a vinegar/water mixture. Then, it’s time to bring out my paint brushes.
PAINTING
First, I begin by applying a base color of Vintage. Why this color? Well, I mentioned wanting to create a layered story and this is perfect for what I’m after.
Also, I wanted to note that because this chest is pine, it has dings all over. I love that. I let those go and run with the time-worn vibe. Then, I paint the faux apothecary drawer fronts.
NEXT STEPS
Next, after the first coat cure, I mix up some gorgeous navy blue milk paint. The consistency I mixed is on the thin side so that my first coat can peek through. You can see this paint color also on this chest of drawers.
These brushes work for paint, poly, stains, and even wax. Yep, wax. I take the brushes that have done their best creating awesome finishes and retire them for my waxing purposes. In this instance, I’m using a clear wax to my painted layers.
THE REVEAL
Are you ready to see this sweet piece come to life? Here ya go!
Finally, this once thrifted farmhouse chest nightstand now has a story. The milk paint really adds that texture I was after. In addition, the original wear that was there has its chance to shine too.
In addition, the original pulls look so much better against the navy. They have their chance to claim attention too. Likewise, I gave the inside of the drawers some fun too.
Not only do I want to keep most of my projects, but I also lack space. sigh… This one is now available in my shop . That’s okay, though. I, at least, have the fun of finding, working on, and sharing with you my journey.
SHARE
Additionally, pin and share this farmhouse chest nightstand to inspire others to give the furniture a facelift.
Up next, I’m finishing up my cupboard door stash with these two. I do have four left…eep! See the first makeover HERE.
Before you go, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!
Diane E Wolf says
Wow! That turned out so beautiful, thanks for the instructions. I have a small cabinet in my dining room that i’m looking to give a new look! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
Larissa says
You are most welcome, Diane. These pieces are always fun and versatile in the home.
Karen says
I love the new look you gave this little dresser. Great job.
Larissa says
Thanks so much, Karen. 🙂
Nancy F Lambert says
Larissa,
Thank you for inspiring us, It is beautiful.
Larissa says
Thank you for making me smile, Nancy. 😀
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hi Larissa! I love Artissimo. I have not tried it but I have some questions n my stash. I also live this little farmhouse beauty. Thank you for a chance to win these wonderful brushes. I have already won a set from m you, which I use often to paint my smalls so I will pass and let someone else win. I hope you are well and staying safe. Big hugs.
Cheryl
Larissa says
Blue is just one of those timeless colors that I adore. Thank you so much, Cheryl. Hugs!
Shelly says
Awesome, as always! Just picked up a broken ladder. Was going to make it a quilt rack but think I’ll staple on some baskets for my craft room storage! Thanx!
Larissa says
Thanks! Sounds like you scored a fun piece. Have a blast with it!
ae minx says
I’d repaint some of our doors and cabinets
Larissa says
I hope you enjoyed my work I shared too. 😉
Ginny Lerch says
Great job on this nightstand! I love that you painted it navy blue. I have a small dresser that I would like to paint navy as well. These brushes would come in quite handy for this project. Thanks for the chance to win these brushes!
Larissa says
Thanks! Imma sucker for blues. 😉 You are most welcome, Ginny.
Sherry Riggs says
Love all the furniture makeovers.
Larissa says
Thank you, Sherry.
Raylene DeSanto says
Larissa, you are such an inspiration to me both creatively and spiritually! I hope your health is improving each day and pray that you and your family stay safe!
Larissa says
I could hug ya, Raylene. Thank you! Yes, holding my own and waiting out this crazy ride so I can hopefully get more answers.
Bonnie Kleindl says
I’ve never tried your brushes would love to. Hope you feeling better.
Larissa says
You will be hooked instantly, for real! 😀
Amanda Pennington says
What a lovely transformation! God’s particular grace to your family in this time. He is risen!
Larissa says
Thank you so much. He is risen INDEED! 😀
ColleenB.-Tx. says
Great looking transformation of the night stand.
Sometime back I had bought a piece where it looked like it had more drawers than what it actually had and once we got it home and unloaded we heard something rattle around inside but was unable to find where it was coming from.
Well, to find out it had a secret trap drawer down below and you would not believe what was inside. Inside where old military medals,passport along with other memorabilia. We where able to track down the family members and returned the items that where stored inside.
What I would paint next? Well, I do have some small, misc. items that could use a new paint job so that is probably what I will be doing.
Thank U 4 this wonderful giveaway opportunity.
Larissa says
What a funtastic story! That’s amazing and am so glad you found the owner. Sweet!
Janina says
Beautiful little chest… you are so talented.
Larissa says
Thank you for the kind words. My pleasure to share.
Melissa Storms says
I love how your nightstand turned out. I have a Lane Swingline coffee table that needs a huge facelift. I know that these are usually not painted but this table has been through a lot and there really is no preserving the patina on the whole piece. I am thinking paint where needed and maybe danish oil on the salvageable surfaces.
Larissa says
Thank you, Melissa. Those are built to last and will be useful for a great many years. Have fun with it!
Micah says
Nice makeover! I like all of the drawers even if they are fake. =)
Larissa says
Me too! Sucker for little drawers here. tee hee. 😉
Alicia H says
I really want to do my kitchen table and china hutch. A new set of Zebra brushes would be amazing! Love the color you chose for the nightstand.
Thanks as always for the inspiration Larissa!
Larissa says
Those are a job, but so much better with the right tools. You are most welcome, Alicia.
Laura F says
What a simple yet stylish treatment of what many would consider a forgettable piece (in its original state)! great job 🙂
Love the Zibra brushes! I would use them on a bookcase for my new office space at home
Larissa says
How sweet of you to say, Laura. Thank you so much, Laura.
DebP says
I have a large picture frame I’d like to refurbish.
Larissa says
Sounds good. I hope you enjoyed my work I shared. 🙂
Susie Wilcox says
Love how the chest turned out. Just was looking for some nightstands due to a master bedroom redo. Really like this one. Didn’t find two did you??
Larissa says
Thanks, Susie! 😀 I only found the one.
Tracy Pfromm says
I have a piano bench I’d love to upcycle. I love all your special touches such as the striped lined drawer in this piece. You make all your pieces with love and it shows.
Larissa says
Those are always fun! 😀 Thanks for the love on my work.
Susan says
Hi Larissa,
I love the finish you have the night table! I wish I had the creative eye you have!!! I have painted a few pieces, some come out better than others, but the great thing about paint is you can always paint it over again! Thank you for the inspiration- stay well! Peace and God bless!
Larissa says
Hi Susan! Thanks for the love. I hear ya on that. So fun!
gwen says
this is such an improvement and looks so much more farmhouse! i love the color you chose!
Larissa says
Yay! Thank you so much, Gwen. Blue is always a winner for me.
Michelle Bruhn says
Larissa, your projects are always an inspiration. I’m taking full advantage of this “stay at home” time and pulling out furniture “projects”, organizing, and now making face masks (I thought you might do a blog post on making masks). 🙂 I don’t have any Zibra brushes and them seems the perfect time to give them a try. I’m thinking my next painting project will be a secretary desk in my stash. Looking forward to your next posting!
Larissa says
Thank you, Michelle. Sounds like you’re on a roll. There are dozens and dozens of tutorials to make those, so I don’t feel the need. Plus, many artisans on Etsy and locally are offering them too. I love secretary desks!
Deirdre Breau says
I love the rustic farmhouse look of this sweet chest. Great job Larissa. I pray you and your family are all well.
Larissa says
The lines of it really spoke to me. 😀 Thank you. Hugs to you!
Lori says
This is a great paint job. Thanks for sharing.
Larissa says
Thank you, Lori.
Cheryl says
I like how that turned out!! I might have to try that on one of the pieces I have. Thank you. Have a blessed day!
Larissa says
Yay! Go for it. You will be hooked! 😀
Cheryl says
Sorry, I forgot to tell you what I would paint, lol. I have a lingerie dresser that has needed painted or maybe a stool.
Larissa says
Either one would be great, Cheryl.
Amber Kolb says
I love it! I think you did an amazing job. The first thing I would be paint would be our kitchen cabinets. We are working on getting our house ready to sell by the fall and move to a new home.
Larissa says
That sounds perfect. Cabinets are not such fun, but better with these brushes for sure. I hope you can sell! That is my goal too.
Deborah Perry says
Wow, loved both colours, texture is amazing
Larissa says
I couldn’t wait to see my vision come to life. Thanks so much, Deborah.
Alison S says
I have a dresser that I would paint.
Larissa says
Sounds good. I hope you enjoyed my work shared today.
Lori Sawyer says
I love the little night stand the shape and color go well together .Thanks for brightening my day ! Not working is a huge change and I always look forward to your posts but now they really are a pick me up. Hope y’all are doing well
Larissa says
You just made my day too, Lori. Thank you! Yes, many changes for so many folks. For me, it’s carry on as usual, but with a twist. 😀
SONJA HANSEN says
Oh, I do like your fun piece. I think it is time for me to try milk paint. But first, My husband and I ended up making a trip from Arizona to Our son’s home in Iowa on 3/11. Left my kitchen cabinets unloaded and partially prepped for painting. We have ended up sheltering I place in Iowa and don’t know when the family will decide we are safe to fly home. When I get there I will be painting cabinets and new Zibra brushes could get a good work out. Be safe, you and your family.
Larissa says
Thanks! I so appreciate your family’s efforts of love to keep you safe. It’s hard to be patient. You are loved! 😀
Toia says
I love coming here and seeing your makeovers and cheerfulness! It is uplifting. Thank you for offering us a chance to win these awesome brushes. They are amazing! Please keep posting!!
Larissa says
That means the world to me, Toia. Thank you!
Heidi Caminiti says
These paintbrushes look wonderful! If they were mine I would get busy painting with my daughter Sarah who loves to paint furniture! My husband and I have been blessed to have re~feathered our empty nest with her and our son~in~law just in time to shelter in place together ?. And we have a large assortment of furniture that could use a facelift. Dressers, a headboard and footboard, a small book case, a rocking chair…. Hmmm what would we paint first?
Larissa says
They seriously are! 😀 What a blessing to have all that fall into place for you.
Renee' says
Larissa – I would have never thought of painting the green color under the blue but it turned out so cute! I love that type of nightstand! You look like you are getting nine tiny drawers but surprise – it is three drawers! Nice job Larissa!
Larissa says
I just adore layers. Makes for fun design details. Thanks so much, Renee!
Amanda says
Your chest of drawers is so lovely. Those faux apothecary drawers are amazing! The first thing I would paint is a desk I have in my craft room. It’s just begging to be made over!
Larissa says
I’m a sucker for faux or real little drawers. 😀 Thanks, Amanda.
Lynzee says
This is so cute! Card catalogs are cute but not always super practical. This one seems much more functional.
Larissa says
Yes! I couldn’t agree with you more.
Becky says
This is beautiful! I have a little kid’s bench and farmhouse window that need some attention soon and the brushes would help get the job done!
Larissa says
Thanks, Becky! 😀 Sounds like a sweet project.
Kaycee says
Hi Larissa, ohhhhh I love the paint colors you used on this nightstand. You layered them up so nicely and you certainly created, the “storied look” on her. I pray you are feeling better and of course, stay healthy and safe.
Larissa says
What can I say, Kaycee? I’m a sucker for blue. haha. Both the Vintage and Blue Milk Paint made it fun for me. Thanks so much! 😀
Gret says
I’m redoing a console table that has lots of curves, crevices, and decorative molding. Zibra brushes are the answer to the perfect paint job!
Larissa says
I couldn’t agree with you more. 😀
Tamara says
Beautifully done. Your work is always inspiring.
Larissa says
Thank you so much, Tamara.
Jill Nelson says
I’ve been painting up a storm since we’ve been stuck at home!
Larissa says
I bet!
Connie C says
Beautiful
Larissa says
Thank you, Connie.
lyn w. says
I’d love to try that round brush! Thanks for the giveaway!
Larissa says
You’re welcome. I hope you enjoyed my work too.
Lee Oliverio says
Thanks for the detailed how-to, that is just adorable! I have a knotty pine bedroom suite I need to work on! I love those Zibra brushes too. I gave my sister this set for Christmas last year and would love to have one of my own!
Larissa says
My pleasure, Lee. Sounds like this set is just what the Dr. ordered. 🙂
Brenda says
I have a vintage bookcase I got from Craigslist free section and I could sure use those brushes to paint it.
Larissa says
Sounds perfect! 😀
Brenda says
P .S. Larissa I loved the nightstand. I got so excited about the brushes I forgot to tell you. And what a great idea the sign was you made from a door. Awesome as usual!
Larissa says
aww…thank you for taking the time to show love.
Sally Smith says
I love all of the makeovers you do. So inspiring!!! I would love to win the brushes as i have tons of projects to do!!! Many thanks!!!
Larissa says
Thank you for saying so, Sally. I have fun sharing my work as well as these wonderful brushes.
Peggy says
I have tons of brushes that I hate. Pick me!!!!!!!!
Larissa says
I know the feeling. I’m a brush snob and these fit the bill perfectly.
Susan says
Beautiful! Would love the brushes. Thanks for the chance to win!
Larissa says
Thanks so much for the love, Susan.
Doreen Hill says
Love your technique on this cutie! I have a vintage dresser waiting for some good brushes!
Larissa says
Thanks! You will love these.
Becky says
Guess I should begin using brushes instead of old rags:)
Larissa says
haha…that would be a start. 🙂
Amanda Whitley says
i would paint a bookcase i have my in laws picked us up at a thrift store
joann Collins says
I really like how the nightstand came out. You are so talented. I have two old rocking chairs I want to refinish and those brushes are just what I need to do itt.
Larissa says
Thank you so much for the affirmation. Just hoping to inspire those that may not be happy with what they have or can find/afford.
jane Jakins says
bedroom dresser
Mary says
What a sweet piece Larissa! Your magic transformed another piece of furniture that was looking tired and needed a makeover 🙂 I could only hope a set of those brushes would help me in my projects too! Keep on making old things new 🙂 Happy Easter!
Larissa says
You are so sweet, Mary. Thank you so much. 😀