Don’t you just love it when something you’ve been looking for pops right up before your very eyes, is affordable, AND you have coupon? woot, woot! Folks, I’m not picky about furniture for my own home as much as function. I have been looking for a quick-fix desk for my son and was kinda coming up empty, but I knew it would show up at the right time God is good like that. Today this thrifted desk makeover is for one of the most important people in my life.
My six kids mean the world to me. While three are done with homeschooling and starting their careers, the other three are still in homeschool mode and growing taller than me. eep! With high school level studies, I want to help them have time and space to tackle their studies. My two sons got a room makeover a few years back (see HERE with reveal link at the bottom), but I wanted to create even more space for my youngest son, Mr. O., because my oldest is looking to buy his first home debt free soon.
MAKEOVER TIME
As you can imagine, I first need to sand this down. The top is scratched up but is made of a laminate on top of a wood core. However, the bottom is solid wood, so I sand the drawer faces and plan to paint the rest.
I just have to say, I am elated that I’m out in the sun. It’s 45 °, I’m barefoot and loving what I do. (BTW, you can read more on my barefoot journey HERE).
While I’m working on the front of the desk, I also want to show you the lack of party in the back. ahem.
Thankfully, I have remnant luan from various projects and I cut a piece to fit and slide it in and nail on with my nailer. aaah…that’s better.
Next, while the original hardware is …umm…okay, I want to only use some of it and replace the rest. With that in mind, I paint the round knobs a flat black. TIP: I like to use scrap cardboard (or box) by making holes so I can thread screws from the backside to hold the knobs upright while I spray.
Now, since my desk is ready to be finished, I need to prep the top part for loads of wear. In order to do that, I use my Zinsser BIN primer first using a micro foam roller for a smooth finish. Not only does this primer allow you to paint laminate for lasting wear (see HERE), but also use it to block odors – even smoke! I used it on a cigarette loaded entertainment center turn armoire HERE.
Meanwhile, I stain the drawer front in Early American to match the decor of their bedroom.
STUDY ON
Finally, I have the desk finished after a matte poly finish using the same kind of roller to get this end result.
The desk cost me $12, and the chair was $5 from another thrift store. You can’t beat it! Likewise, it fits the space just right and offers storage and usefulness.
Now, the question is…does Mr. O approve? You decide for yourself. Yes, he’s now taller than me and I’m 5’10”. eep!
SHARE
Are you feeling inspired? I sure hope so! That’s exactly why I share and create… for you. After leaving some comment love below on my thrifted desk makeover, please take a minute to pin and share so we all can inspire others.
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While you’re at it, check out these other projects like this thrifted desk makeover:
Love your use of black and natural wood stain. This turned out perfect! Hope you enjoy a Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you! I’m excited for him. We gave away his chest of drawers and made use of their closet in a better way.
This is one of my favorites! Beautiful job. Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you so much, Susie! 😀
Yay to you!! So beautiful! I love the dark with the lighter stained features. Very classy. I acquired an old farmhouse drop-side table a year ago – I left the stained tabletop and drop sides with the imperfections and “story” as you often talk about and painted the legs a dark urchin gray. Love it, too. Have a great Thanksgiving weekend!
You’re a gal after my own heart, Judy. Cheers to you! 😀
Great job, Larissa! It’s manly looking and a big plus is that you didn’t have to mortgage the farm!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Let us know how you celebrated.
hahaha! Right? He’s happy with it and so am I. Win-win! 😀 Thank you, Caye.
You saved that desk probably for another 50 years. That has to feel good and the desk looks wonderful.
That would be sweet, wouldn’t it? Thank you, Mary. He is happy to have relief and a spot for just him. Win-win!
What a perfect desk, and I can’t believe you got a chair that matches for $5. The black and stain combo is very masculine. Great job, mom!
I totally think God worked all this out so it would come together perfectly. I’m so glad I am able to do something like this. Thank you, Trudy.
What a great save on that and perfect for a study desk.
Your oldest is looking to buy a house? Boy do I feel old.
I wonder how everyone will feel when the oldest ones leave?
I was the youngest of 7 and it was really hard on me after everyone left.
Happy Thanksgiving and stay safe.
Thank you for saying so, Bonnie.
Right? Imagine how I feel… haha.
It will be mixed emotions as my family and I are going through a tough time right now.
I get it as myself being a child with several siblings as well. Hugs!
Very cool and masculine, I know I’ve said it before but it bears repeating raw wood accents or (lightly stained) on painted furniture is amazing!!! Early American is my favorite stain color! I hope Mr O. Enjoys this so much. Great job Larissa. Happy Thanksgiving and God Bless. I’m
Yes, that was my goal. Thank you, Niki. You and me both. I’ve used it in my home and endless projects.
First, what? How did that happen already that your oldest is buying his first home? My goodness time is just flying! Larissa, the desk makeover is beautiful and I wish it was mine. I’ve been refinishing some second-hand finds in that color combo for my new digs and I need a desk. Love the chair you paired with it too. I hope Mr. O enjoys his new desk for many more years.
Right? I blinked, I tell ya, Marie. He is making use of it daily. Now to get him to keep his room clean. 😀