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Sewing Machine Table Upcycled

What’s wonderful, and yet troublesome at the same time, is when folks realize you will take their trash or unwanteds. Over the years, I’ve been offered truly fantastic pieces but also have turned away oodles because…well…I’m a one-woman show. Not only that, but I have a small home and very little space to spare. However, when I picked up this antique dresser I recently revived, the sweet gal also offered me this vintage sewing machine table.

Vintage Sewing Machine Before Upcycle | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

For the record, I adore aqua color in any form as shown in these past posts, however, previously painted pieces are typically a nightmare. With that, I hesitate to accept, but then quickly figured that if I didn’t want to take it, I could always find a home for it. So, here we are ready to take a closer look at this vintage gem.

FIRST LOOK

First, obviously, it’s painted. While you think…”oh, it’s painted, no problem!” Well, you encounter problems:

  • the paint may be oil based and quite a bugger to deal with. To find out, take rubbing alcohol and rub the paint. If it comes off, it’s latex.
  • if you alter the paint in any form, most likely you won’t be able to match it
  • oftentimes when a piece is DIY painted, it’s done in an awful fashion (chunky, wrong brush strokes, drips, uneven, etc.)
  • removing the paint can be horrible! I’ve literally sworn off painted pieces because my time is more valuable, and I don’t like using even the cleanest stripper because it is still toxic. See my testimony to saying NO HERE.
  • what is the paint hiding? You could find highly damaged, fake wood, etc. that makes a redo or upcycle take twists and turns

As you can see, this paint finish is lacking AND the leaves that fold open are painted shut as well.

Painted Sewing Tabletop | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Moreover, I’ve done a few sewing machine table makeovers as seen in this one turned table, another turned desk, and the tops turned chess board and another a mud bar.

LOOK UP

What to do? Let’s take a peek under and inside…

Underside of Vintage Sewing Table | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

As you can see, there is the piece that holds up the sewing machine when it flips up, you can see the two top pieces locked together, plus the original knee pedal as well as the small drawer for notions. Additionally, the sides are made of pressed board. Then, I grab my drill and remove the panel and hardware, plus remove all the screws holding the top on.

After that, I head out to my workshop to see if I have something to replace the top completely. Per usual, I find a perfect size piece of cabinet-grade ply that I just need to shorten up a bit. In order to do that, I use my circular saw and large ruler as a guide. While I would normally use my Rip Cut jig, I want to show you how you don’t need special tools to DIY.

Cutting New Tabletop for Vintage Sewing Table | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

In addition, while I have my saw out, I want to shorten this vintage sewing table making it more suitable for use as a nightstand or side table. I find a random block of wood in my stash and use it as a guide to mark all four sides of each leg.

Measuring Table Leg to Upcycle Vintage Sewing Machine Table | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

As soon as they all check for level, I cut the legs using my circular saw. BAM! So fun.

Cutting Vintage Sewing Table Leg | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

WHAT NEXT

Initially, remember I mention that the hardware is brass. How did I know that if it is painted so heavily? Every good junker carries a magnet with them. Brass is not magnetic (and silver, copper, etc.) and these just need stripped. First, I toss them into a baggie and pour in my CitriStrip. Notice Loula thinks this is a snack for her.

Loula the Goldendoodle Puppy Sees "Snack" | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

After sitting overnight, I clean off the thick paint, and then need to polish with another must-have – Bar Keepers Friend to polish.

Cleaning Brass Hardware from Vintage Sewing Table | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Amaaaaazing, right? As soon as I have the hardware done, I head back to the table that I sanded down the drips and what was apparently a rough texture because the painter used a textured nap to roll it on. However, if you want a smooth finish, you need to use a micro foam roller like I did on this laminated dining table.

Painting Vintage Sewing Table Upcycled | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Last, I want to make the tabletop I cut look dressed up a bit. In order to do that, I use my roll of veneer and iron it on. This stuff is awesome!!

Band It Veneer for Upcycled Sewing Machine Table | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Ironing on Veneer Banding to Table Top | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

NEW LIFE NEW LOOK

If you’re like me, it’s so fun to finally see what has become of this vintage sewing machine table upcycle. woot!

DIY Minimalist Boho Style Nightstand from Upcycled Sewing Machine Table by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #furniture #boho #minimalist

Boho Nightstand Corner by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #boho #diy

It’s perfect for use as a side table or nightstand or…whatever your heart desires, don’t you think? Not only does the smaller style suit more uses, but I also just adore those brass pulls.

Top View of DIY Boho Nightstand from Upcycled Sewing Machine Table by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #upcycled #minimalist

Open Drawer of Boho Nightstand from Upcycled Vintage Sewing Machine Table by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #vintage #furniture

Additionally, that sweet notions drawer works a hidden spot to tuck in your treasure, spectacles, or a midnight snack. tee hee.

Furthermore, if you’d like to make this part of your home story, you can find it and more in my online store.

Shop Prodigal Pieces | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Boho Style Nightstand Table by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #boho

SHARE

In addition to leaving some comment love below, I invite you to take a moment to pin and share this vintage sewing machine table upcycle. Because ya never know if someone else has a similar piece they have no idea what to do with, right?

A vintage sewing machine table makes for a great upcycle into a nightstand side table by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #upcycled #furniture

Before you go, sign up for my FREE newsletter to see what becomes of this sewing table top HERE.

Sewing Machine Table Top Before Upcycle by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

PLUS, you will get your free Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!
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While you’re at it, more upcycles like this vintage sewing machine table:

What an absolutely adorable idea! Larissa of Prodigal Pieces upcycled a bread box into a pretend play grill set with all the bells & whistles. Take a peek at prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #handmade #kids #toys #shopping #fun #pretendFrom curbside underbed drawers to a rustic farmhouse workbench for kitchen or console. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces loves taking trash and turning it into #trashure . Come see the DIY details at prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #farmhouse #furniture #homedecor #shopping

Comments

  1. Janette says

    What a gorgeous table, I was worried about this one to be honest, but it looks fabulous, very classy.xx

  2. Rebecca - NC says

    I have a new favorite!!!! This is absolutely STUNNING!!!! 🥰. I know it will sell FAST. You are an amazing talent!!! Happy Spring!! 🌹🌸💐🌺🌷🌻🥀🌼💮🌸💐🌹

  3. Charleen says

    I was concerned aabout turning it into a side table,as I need a sewing table. However,you made a silk purse out of a bedraggled sewing table. Really like the cream paint.I am a fool for aqua!!. Great transformation. God bless you. Looking forward to Sping, myself.

    • Larissa says

      tee hee!! I debated but this will be better off for many reasons, and then I have the top to do. Aqua for me too! 😀 Thanks, Charleen.

  4. Trudy says

    Love the cream with brass hardware. I need to start carrying a magnet!

  5. AnnMarie says

    Can you elaborate on how you checked the legs for level before you cut? And I’d love to see how you used strips of veneer to cover the whole top! You are an inspiration.

    • Larissa says

      Sure! I used the same block to mark on all four sides of each leg while it rests on a level surface. The cutting part is the hardest, but a steady hand will reap huge rewards. For the veneer, I only used the veneer on the edges to “hide” the ply look. The top is cabinet-grade ply so it didn’t need anything. Hope that helps!

  6. Niki says

    A calming color palette for spring! It just gives a clean and fresh vibe. Very nice, and I am not a fan of brass, but those pulls are handsome 😊.

    • Larissa says

      I’m so glad spring is here! Thanks so much. I love brass for it’s natural anti-bacterial properties but also real brass isn’t brassy (if that makes sense)

  7. Becky says

    Such a pretty and classy makeover!

    • Larissa says

      That’s music to my ears, Becky! Thank you for the smile 😀

  8. Marietta Walker says

    Holy Moly, this is gorgeous! It is a fantastic transformation. I watched your shed video and I about feinted at the reveal. I just had a huge she-shed built, 16″ by 32″ and it is nice but rather plain on the outside right now. I love you cedar shingles. I love everything you do, but the shed just blew me away.

    You are a DIY Rock Star!

    • Larissa says

      Well, aren’t you super fun?!? Thank you for that, Marietta. I worked hard on it and I still smile when I walk in today. Hugs!!

  9. p says

    Ohhhhhh so pretty. I love the cream color, and the hardware looks wonderful.
    Got love cutsey little drawers too. 🙂
    Great choices. I’m sure it will sell fast.
    p

    • Larissa says

      Thanks! I saw this color on just placed on the second’s table and a grabbed it. It’s neutral and great for many things. Now it needs a name… 🙂

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