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Vintage Cabinet Side Table Makeover

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.

Before Cabinet Side Table | prodigalpieces.com

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?

Top of Vintage Riverside Cabinet Side Table with Damage | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Plus, it doesn’t make it any better when someone uses it as a workshop table. That there be circular saw marks…yep.

Cut Marks in Vintage Cabinet Side Table | prodigalpieces.com

Also, there are missing drawers from inside as well.

Inside Vintage Cabinet Side Table | prodigalpieces.com

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!

Disassembled Side Table Cabinet | prodigalpieces.com

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?

New Side Support in Cabinet Makeover by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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.

Attaching Cabinet Side Panels with Nailer | prodigalpieces.com

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.

Attaching Leg Base to New Cabinet Side Table Build by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

*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.

Set Up Wagner Medium Spray Shelter by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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.

Rebuilt Vintage Cabinet Side Table Before | prodigalpieces.com

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.

Larissa Spray Painting Rebuilt Vintage Cabinet Side Table | prodigalpieces.com

HomeRight Super Finish Max Extra Sprayer | prodigalpieces.com

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!

First Coat of Paint on Vintage Cabinet Side Table by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

THE REVEAL

Here’s my vintage cabinet side table with a brand new look with spiffy new hardware too.

DIY Cabinet Side Table In Blue with Brass Bin Pulls by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #furniture #home #homedecor

Cabinet Side Table Side View in Blue by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #furniture #blue #modernfarmhouse

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?

Top Open Cabinet Side Table Redesigned by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #furniture #home #diy

Bottom Open Vintage Cabinet Side Table by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #furniture #home #diy #homedecor

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.

Blue Chest Cabinet Side Table with Antique Brass Bin Pulls by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #furniture #home #blue

 

Modern Farmhouse Style Blue Cabinet Side Table by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #modernfarmhouse #farmhouse #diy

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.

A vintage cabinet side table gets a makeover & rebuild by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #furniture #home #modernfarmhouse

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Also, here’s more furniture makeovers like this vintage cabinet side table:

What a beautiful transformation of a vintage French provincial kidney desk in Hollywood regency style by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #furniture #diy #vintage #shabbychic #frenchprovincialFantastic! This cast-off mirror is married to this antique dresser for a lovely upcycled dresser set makeover by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | See the details at prodigalpieces.com

Comments

  1. Charlene LaBarr says

    Love the color on this piece! You do such marvelous flips! Thank you for your monthly giveaways but also for all your great tutorials!

    • Larissa says

      It’s a favorite of mine called, Blueprint. Thanks!! I’m so happy to share in both instances. 😀

  2. Susie Wilcox says

    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.

    • Larissa says

      It’s truly fun to build (even rebuild) to get my creative juices flowing. Thanks so much for the love, Susie! 😀

  3. Kim says

    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!

    • Larissa says

      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!

  4. Ellen Collins says

    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!

    • Larissa says

      I couldn’t get past how useless the upright storage was unless you had vinyl albums. haha. This made more sense. Thanks!!

  5. Rebecca - NC says

    Now perfect for stashing books, magazines, remotes, and midnight snacks!!! Love!! ?

  6. Mary Alice says

    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”!

    • Larissa says

      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!

  7. Cheryl Atkinson says

    Larissa, I do believe you are the queen of repurpose. You never cease to amaze me.

    • Larissa says

      hee hee! I certainly have fun sharing my work. Thanks, Cheryl!

  8. susan says

    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?

  9. Valerie says

    This was truly a prodigal piece! So glad it fell into your hands. Thank you for sharing!

    • Larissa says

      My absolute pleasure, Valerie. I’m so glad you like it!

  10. Ginny says

    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!!!

    • Larissa says

      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. 😀

  11. Rita Heath says

    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.

    • Larissa says

      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.

  12. Becky says

    Love the piece. You always have great ideas for flips. I wish I was a creative as you are!!!

    • Larissa says

      aww…you’re so sweet to say so, Becky. I sure have fun sharing! 😉

  13. Lois says

    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.

  14. Susan says

    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!

    • Larissa says

      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….

  15. Cathy says

    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.

    • Larissa says

      Your words means so much, Cathy. Thank you bunches. 🙂

  16. Tim says

    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.

    • Larissa says

      That’s a great idea! I did that to ours years ago and it looked brand new.

  17. Kathy E. says

    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.

    • Larissa says

      Yay! Thank you for saying so, Kathy. That sounds like a perfect project piece. woot!

  18. Maria J. Howard says

    Never would have thought to turn it sideways. You are always inspiring!!!

    • Larissa says

      The vertical storage just didn’t gel with me. So, flip it is! 😀

  19. Audra says

    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!

    • Larissa says

      Whew! Glad you think so, Audra. I had to do something different with it. Thanks! The buffet is no match for the tools. haha!

  20. dianne anderson says

    I wish I had your eye for design! What a great makeover.

  21. Shelley S says

    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!

    • Larissa says

      Right? I can’t wait to make use of them. They deserve a better purpose. tee hee! Thanks, Shelley!

  22. Carol S says

    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.

    • Larissa says

      I have such a blast (literally) redesigning my finds. I’m excited you enjoy it too. Thanks!!

  23. Deb says

    Turned out beautiful! Love the color!

  24. Susan Skidmore says

    Your brain works in mysterious ways. I would never have thought to turn it sideways. You do great work!

    • Larissa says

      Some think me a nut. haha! Thanks so much, Susan. 😀 I have fun!

  25. CHRISTINE ROPPEL says

    WOW1 I Love the color on this piece! What a fab flip! Thanks for all your inspiring tutorials!

  26. Lorena Keech says

    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…

    • Larissa says

      I’m so glad you think so, Lorena. It sure is fun to create. Sounds like you have a sweet project piece. 😉

  27. Sandra says

    That color is gorgeous!!! Great job!

  28. Toni says

    You are so talented and creative. That turned out great!

    • Larissa says

      Awesome! Thank you for the smiles. It’s fun to share what I get to do.

  29. MaryAnn Smith says

    I would use the sprayer to paint a small end table that I have been working on.

  30. Susan says

    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.

    • Larissa says

      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.

  31. Cindy B says

    What a creative makeover, genius! I have some bookends waiting for some fresh paint.

    • Larissa says

      Doin’ a happy dance! Thanks for the giggle, Cindy. 😀 Those sound like fun!

  32. Marietta R Walker says

    That turned out so beautiful. I love that shade of blue.. Another piece of furniture saved! Yay!!!

  33. Kimberly Westby says

    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

    • Larissa says

      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. 😉

  34. Alison S says

    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!

    • Larissa says

      Sounds like a plan! I know you’ll love it. And, my pleasure to share, Alison.

  35. Lisa says

    I have an old chest that I’m looking to freshen up.

  36. Laura McLaughlin says

    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.

    • Larissa says

      Right? The verticals just didn’t sit well with me. Thanks! A sprayer is such a blessing!

  37. Ginny says

    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.

    • Larissa says

      I’m so thankful you get what I do, Ginny. Thank you for the smiles!

  38. Laurel Spiegelthal says

    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!

    • Larissa says

      I totally get it! I just love how this opens up all sorts of doors for me. You will LOVE it! 😀

  39. Barbara Pelzer says

    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.

    • Larissa says

      Gotta think funky with the blucky! haha! Thank you for so much, Barbara.

  40. Carroll Xavier says

    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!

    • Larissa says

      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.

  41. Melva says

    It never ceases to amaze the power of paint! Awesome job on this cutie!

  42. Marcy says

    OMGosh, Larissa – this remake is so stinking clever!!!!

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