Storage is something we all long for, but sometimes we lack it for obvious reasons. Maybe you have little closet space or just overall not a whole lotta room, but…you can add storage in places by getting creative. This worn out vintage Cosco serving cart caught my eye and I’m going to show you how it can make a BIG difference in a small way.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, it doesn’t take much money to make your house your home. I’m a prime example of that. With our family of 8 we have to watch spending and creating storage is key. Thrift stores, garage sales, estate sales, and even the curb offer much #trashure (one man’s trash is another one’s treasure).
THE BEGINNING
This vintage Cosco serving cart was used in a thrift store to display wares, and even had a “Not for Sale” sign on it. However, I felt bad for it and would ask on occasion if they would sell it to me. It wasn’t until the shop came under new ownership that they said they were upgrading to industrial style carts and I could have it. Happy dance!! Likewise, I’ve had many Cosco carts in my shop and they are built to last even if they don’t always get treated properly over time.
Not only does this one had contact paper on top and sides, rusted spots, dents, and chipping, peeling paint. Meh. With that in mind, there’s nothing a little DIY elbow grease can’t handle, right?
So, I have to ask…would you tackle it? Many of you saw it previewed in my post earlier this week and told me you had one similar or worse. I guess we are the Cosco cart avengers!! hahaha!!
DIY TIME
First, I peeled off that contact paper which left an awful residue. Easy to take care of if you use rubbing alcohol. It works wonders in drawers where people have lined them too. Then I disassembled all the pieces to make it easier to clean.
Next, I used steel wool to remove all the flaking paint and rust. Nothing like good scrubbing to freshen it up! The chrome cleaned right up and the trays were ready for the next step. This is where I am ever thankful we recently added a utility tub to our kitchen/laundry/dining area remodel. woot!
*post sponsored by HomeRight(see full disclosure)
Once clean and dry, it’s time to break out my orbital sander and get rid of the rest of the damage that I could. I used a 120 grit paper and just had at it.
NEXT STEPS
After sanding, I rinsed and dried it again, and now it’s ready for paint. Fun part!! If you’ve known me for long, you know how addicting spraying paint can be whether in a can or using my sprayer But…it’s not so fun to make a hot mess that you have to explain to your husband why his tools look like Smurfs threw up on them. ahem.
Enter in my spray shelter. Don’t you just love it? You can see how I’ve used it and my small spray shelter too in these past posts. A girl can nevah have too many.
For this project, I chose to use a RustOleum color called Vintage Teal. Sounds like me, doesn’t it? tee hee hee. Notice my black spray-painted thumb from painting the casters. whoops!
TIP: If you happen to get spray paint on your hands, just grab some olive oil and rub it right off. No chemicals needed. {{applause}}
They key to getting a nice even coat when spraying anything is beginning the spray before you hit the project and continue off of it. Also, the distance between you and your sprayer should be as manufacturer recommends, approx. 12 inches.
After the first coat, I let it cure for at least 30 minutes, and then apply a second coat and let cure for 2 hours at least.
While the paint layers were curing, I set about to add a bit of cuteness and privacy to this cart. I decided to whip up a dust ruffle for the bottom shelf, because, who doesn’t have things they want to hide…am I right?
THE REVEAL
Here’s the vintage Cosco serving cart all reassembled and ready to go with a cute cottage farmhouse new look.
I just love how the blue looks so good and the dust ruffle takes it to a whole new level. Also, I’m so happy that it came out as good as it did. The trays are not perfect, but they are 99% better and ready to go. This cart is perfect in your kitchen, laundry, bath, even as a nightstand. So many uses for these!
In case you’re curious about the dust ruffle, it does come off and easy to wash. I’ve made mine from gray on cream ticking fabric so it will hold up well.
BONUS
The three sectioned baskets and are included with this vintage Cosco serving cart if you would like to purchase it from my online shop. If I could, I’d keep it!
Cute twill tape bows make me smile. It’s the little things we do to make our home our own. Truly you can do this project with just some time involved.
SHARE
Additionally, do pin and share this vintage Cosco serving cart makeover to inspire others to get their DIY on too. There are so many ways we can improve storage in our home, we just have to be willing to try.
Up next, this vintage Art Deco vanity is in much need of a new look. Poor thing is a hot mess! See the after HERE in the reveal.
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Also, more projects like my vintage Cosco serving cart redo:
Super cute cart makeover! Love the little curtain. I have many carts around my house . I have 4 for art/sewing supplies and one in the kitchen.
The shelter would be great for painting some folding chairs.
They are so handy! I have had many over the years and they have endless uses. 🙂
I have some small stands that I would paint.
Sounds good.
Very cute. I really like the dust ruffle. Adds just the right amount of “farmhouse flair”. I have one of the carts that I may just do the same thing to. Thanks for the idea!
I love that it can come off to fit even in modern decor. Fun to mix it up. Woot! Thanks for the smile.
Wow! The cart looks awesome! The color really brought it back to life.
Love me some blue!
I literally just picked up another one of these the other day – I’ve made them over before too and they are awesome! I love your curtain addition though. May need to add that this time!
They have so many uses. I love them!! And why I kept pesting to buy it. ahem. 😀
Love the cart make over. I have done three. I always like to finish with s matte clear coat so the painted surface stays nice. I have one more waiting for me so the spray shelter would be awesome
Nice! I’ve not seen a need for a clear coat as it will yellow over time, but that’s a good thought.
Beautiful serving cart. Love that color you choose.
I have a serving cart somewhat like that which I have had for over 40 years; still in original shape and still in workable condition (it’s an electric cart and is olive green which is also original color)
Boy, could I ever use a couple of Spray Shelters
I have some very old folding chairs that could really use a new face lift by spraying them with pops of color.
Thank You for this great giveaway opportunity.
I love those!! So many uses for crafts, etc. I hear ya on the folding chairs. Pain to brush!
Great job as always, Larissa. Now to go find that ugly old brown cart I’ve been saving………
New life for a past soul! The spray shelter would help me with my two new freebie “trashures” I picked up last week. Once the cold and the wind subside, that is!
How fun! Score for you! It sure would be a blast for you…literally. 😀
Love the cart! A few years back I had found a similar cart, although narrow and a bit wider, that I just so happened to paint using the same Rustoleum color you chose! (We must share some “color genes” !! My cart didn’t look quite so beautiful, because shame on me, I didn’t spend as much time doing a good job of prepping. My daughter used it to store her shoes in the entry of her tiny apartment. The spray shelter looks like the “cats meow” for keeping overspray off the rest of the workshop – my workshop shows a history of paint experiences!! Thank you for all your wonderful inspiration.
Fun! This was a new color on the market, but have used similar and it’s always blue for the win. Woot! Cats meow is right because my cat loves to play in it! hahaha… Thank you for the love, Judy.
Wow, what a transformation! That turned out beautiful! I need one of those shelters, I hope I win! Thanks for the inspiration!
How fun are you?! Thank you, Mary. You will love it!
Larissa I love the way u refiinish pieces. When I saw your cart… I thought OMG!!! so cute.I would use it in my Kitcgen to store my Cookbooks and large yrays. My hubby calls The Spray Bomb Queen. With Spring coming I do have projects to do ..your handy tent would be great!! Thanks for including Canada in this great gift. ?
haha…it was awfully sad, wasn’t it? Your husband is hilarious! I include when I can. Wish I could include all. Thanks!
I love the transformation, color, fabric! You have a great eye!
That’s like getting a hug, Jeanette. Thank you! 😀
Oh I love the little ruffle! Even though I’m not a fan of the color you made it cute with the ruffle attached! I also love the fact that you painted the screws to match…now that’s unique! I live in a very windy area and this pop up shelter could be quite useful! Thanks for sharing!
It delighted me to no end to add it. The screws weren’t looking so good, so I decided to make them shine. Woot! Thanks so much, Shirley!
Love those costco carts and yours turned out beautiful! Agree with Judy (above) regarding prep. Thanks for inspiration and opportunities to win cool stuff!
Yes, prep is key. So happy you like it! 😀
I like the cart. It’s cute! I would like to try to paint some chairs with the tent if I had one.
Thanks! I did mine with it and it worked wonders – I even did it in my living room! See here: http://www.prodigalpieces.com/2016/01/whitewashed-limewashed-wood/
This is adorable! I had a beat up one in my classroom, but “willed” it to another teacher when I retired. Sigh… I wasn’t into DIY as much then. Lack of time.
I would definitely use the large tent to paint a ladder I acquired. Hubby is tired of it on the patio looking like a hot mess!
ugh… I hate when that happens and that’s happened to me a lot. haha! So glad you liked it!
Love the cart. I have one just like it waiting for a makeover. It’s still a little too cold in the Pacific Northwest to spray paint out in the backyard. A spray shelter would make it possible to move to the garage so I could started!
Awesome! I did this in 30 degrees outside here in Ohio and took the trays inside to cure, then went back out. Where there’s a will, there’s a way! It’s so handy to have the shelter.
Love the cart. I painted my storage building a very close color. I have a bookcase to paint and would love the spray shelter.
Great minds paint alike! 😀 You would love this thing, Frances.
so cute, i love it. I am going to try it on a cosco step stool
Oooh…another one of my favorite things to find and redo.
This is so adorable! I hope I come across one in the future to rescue. The ruffle is brilliant!
Thanks for the smile, Nancy. I had such fun recreating this. Hope you find one too!
Cute, cute, cute! Now I’m lookin’ around my house for something to dustruffle! I love how generous you are to include those cute baskets with the cart! Thanks for another chance (double chance) to win a HomeRight Spray Shelter. My kids hope I win because I’m about to use their play tent, ha ha ha. I found two rusty metal pots that I call cauldrons, because that’s what they look like; I’d like to spray them in a bright, pretty color and plant flowers in them.
hahaha!! That’s awesome!! I love those baskets to store my goodies and have them all over. I snag them up when I can at the thrift store. So many have stolen their kids play tent!! So funny and sounds like you scored big on the pots. Love those!
Love the cart makeover and the dust ruffle is perfect to top it off. I could definitely use the cart for more storage. The pop up shelter would be perfect so I don’t have to worry about overspray on anything from painting.
It just needed something fun. So glad you like it, Debra. Yes, overspray is my nemesis…or used to be. No more! 😀
So adorable with that little curtain! I once had a HUGE kitchen in an old house with, oddly, very little storage space. I painted a large TV wall unit and used tension rods and little curtains in all the sections. Used it for years. I’m needing to spray paint my bright, shiny gold wall sconces a nice oil rubbed bronze! Thanks Larissa 🙂
That’s genius! I love that kinda look anyway. Not cookie cutter and functional. Awesome!
Love it! I’ve had a few of these carts over the years and all were curb and dumpster finds ( trashure)☺
Yes! Same for me. Amazing to find them as they are worth something and so handy.
You are such an inspiration! Every time I have a new project to ponder I search your projects. It’s kind of a “What Would Larissa Do” approach.
That just made my year! 😀 So fun to hear, Lorna. Hugs!
Love the cart! You are inspirational Larissa. We are in the midst of a reno ourselves. So the Homerite spay shelter would be great for many ongoing projects! We can almost see the end but it has taken us a long time to accomplish this update. Perseverance!
Remodeling can be painful, but so worth it. You would love the shelter!
Yes, you made that cart look young again! Love the color, too! I’d spray paint a few small book shelves and picture frames to give them an updated look.
Here’s to spray paint! 😀 Sounds good.
I never would have thought to put a skirt on it. What a difference it makes. Now you need to show us how you did that. I was thinking rods, but clearly, it’s more than that.
I am in the process of spraying jars to collect donations for our churches dinners. How much easier it would be to do more than one at a time in my basement. Thank you for the opportunity.
It makes it fun for me. I have the link to it in my post. Super easy. Rods, wouldn’t work as I debated on doing the same, but the rounded corners would make it off. What a wonderful blessing that is!
Love this. I have a similar one with handles. I would use the spray tent on mine!!! I like your idea of taking it all apart to paint. So much better than taping it all. Can’t wait to get to mine. Also like your skirt addition and the fabric. Your creativity is inspiring!
Sweet! Yes, taping is the last thing I ever choose to do. haha. Thanks!
love what you did with the cart. Like many others I have a cart in my garage waiting for an update. there is some rust on the legs. How can I remove it, without refinishing the whole thing.?
thank you
Steel wool will do the trick. Been using it on my chrome things since a kid. My bike was always shiny! 😀
I LOVE this cart and I am always a sucker for little gathered skirts on furniture.
You are a kindred spirit! 😀
Wow! What a transformation! I Love how your cart turned out! And that Vintage Teal is a Beautiful color. Thank You for the tip you added about using Olive Oil to remove Paint from your hands. I will be using this. I would Love to win this shelter. I have a few old metal folding chairs that I would Love to paint. Thank you for the chance
The Vintage Teal is a new color they just released and I was like oooh… It’s so fun! You bet on the tip. I hate using harsh cleaners.
Lovely and so very useful! If I was lucky enough to have a craft room, I’d beg for this cart!
I feel the same! hahaha! One day we both shall have the studio we dream of.
Super cute save on this Cosco serving cart, Larissa! Love the color and swooning over the adorable dust ruffle. Thanks for the olive oil paint removal tip too btw. Mama needs a Homeright spray tent because my hubby’s tools DO look like Smurf’s threw up on them. *sigh*
Oooh… I so hope you win!! hahaha…Smurfs.
AAARGH!!!!! Just last week gave my yellow Costco cart to my son to use in his workshop!! The Vintage Teal is MY fav color for accent in my kitchen — I am going to beg son to return — I’ll trade him something else he’s been eyeing!! I love everything you ever create — you are so multi-dimensionally talented!!! I already have both shelters — because of your high regards for them — LOL but they are definitely looking worse for wear and I haven’t been willing to replace them just because they are no longer “pretty”!! New ones would be such a TREAT!!! (and I could use the well-used ones for bargaining power!!)
Oh no!! You must get it back. haha!! Hope your barter goes awesome. Mine are looking loved too!
Lovely! Confession: I liked the rusty look too. 🙂
I did, but it was really not cool for long term. 🙂
I think you should keep the cart. It looks perfect in that spot!
I have other junk there, haha, but one day I will keep one.
Love the new life you gave to the cosco cart. That blue is awesome! If I had the spray tent I could bring new life to a vintage wicker rocker. I have to spray paint in my driveway and always have to be careful not to spray the siding. Also worry about spray drift. My neighbors are only ten feet away.
Thanks so much! Yes, my neighbors are thankful too.
Love how the vintage cart turned out! Might have to use that teal color spray paint on some of my outdoor garden containers!
That sounds wonderful! I’m so anxious to work on outdoor projects too.
Love your blog. You have such great ideas that get my mind really working. I ‘m always anxious to see what you come up with next. It makes me say, I can do this!
Fantastic!! That’s why I do what I do. You’ve made my whole blogging career, Rita. Thanks!
So cute! Amazing what a little fabric will do! I need/want to redo a tv cabinet into a coffee station!
That would be so fun!
Love this makeover, but I knew I would. You are so clever and talented. I just wanted to let you know about the link over to JoAnn because it’s not working. I have a large queen sized bedskirt that I’ve been saving to use for something but was waiting for inspiration. The fabric is super cute and already ruffled, so maybe the length will work!
Fixed it! It sure would. Have fun!
Thank you! I guess the search doesn’t work well on that site, because I searched on everything you could imagine and couldn’t find that project! I’ll use it for reference, but your site really has all the info I need.
I noticed that too. Glad you found what you need. 🙂
First off…an easy one. Big brass vintage handles on an old oak wash stand.
Awesome.
I would paint a large computer printer cart I’ve been storing in the garage to snazz up and use with my computer desk.
Sounds good.
I have a cart similar to yours that I need to spruce up…just like you did. A little rust and stain.
Fantastic! They are awesome to have.
Nice job! I love the new color!
I was wishing for a spray shelter Monday when I painted the lights I’m making for my boys bedroom! Spray paint on a windy day… guaranteed mess! I have so many more little projects to paint!
Yay!! I hope you win and I wish I had one for everyone.
So cute as always!! I always love your ideas and am amazed at your vision! I would love the spray shelter…and so would my garage…and I’m almost positive my husband would like me to have one lol! ?
Thanks for those kind words, Sarah. I appreciate it. Your husband is not alone. ha!
Not sure what I would tackle first.
Gotcha.
My wife likes doing little craft projects for our yard, and she bought a few flower pots that she wants to paint and decorate. Usually she just puts them on a piece of cardboard, and still has over-spray, so this would be perfect.
Yes, it’s nearly impossible to contain that overspray without a shelter. Hope you win!
I would tackle a kitchen table and chairs that I recently got from my grandparents.
That’s a nice gift.
A person can never have too much storage! I love your cart renewal project & really love the color, I’d pop that baby in my laundry ‘area’, too small to be called a room! If I were to win one of the paint shelters I would paint a dresser I’ve had hanging around in my garage for a while.
You are so right! haha. Sounds like a good project.
Oh my! The cart is just too cute! And the skirt?! I really need the spray tent! Ever since I purchased the home right sprayer everything that my husband stores in the garage changes colors all the time! Lol
That is HILARIOUS!! 😀
a dresser i have id tackle first and then our cabinets
This is such a cute make over with little effort. So many ways to use it.
Thanks! I think so too.
Love how that old cart “cleaned up” so nicely I would love to do something similar for an outdoor potting cart. But first, I have an overwhelming pile of weathered outdoor cushions to “freshen up” for the season with a bit of paint…IF it ever clears up and stays a bit warm!
Oh yes, I hear ya! I sprayed my cushions as well and they look like new. Win!
I have a couple of steel closet doors I would like to spray paint.
Sounds like a plan.
Hi Larissa, I love the color you chose to paint this cart, it will add such a nice pop of color to the kitchen!! Of course, the privacy skirt/dust ruffle is the cherry on top for this makeover!
Love the color, so bright and cheery!
I’m all about that. Thanks for the love! 🙂
I have some old lamps that I would like to redo.
They always need a refresh, don’t they?
Wow that cart turned out nice! I have so many things to put in a spray tent,I couldn’t even begin to list all of them. I promise I am not a hoarder:*( lol
haha…you are completely normal. Tee hee!
I love the way the cart turned out. It reminds me of one my grandmother used to have. I’d use this for painting an old dresser.
So many grandmas had them. Mine did! 😉
Love the cart…..so cute. It turned out great. I have a plant stand that needs painting. This spray shelter would come in very handy!
It sure would. Have fun!
I ♥️ Cosco carts. I bought a very rusty one at a flea market, and gave it a new lease on life in a soft sage with a lemon transfer.
Ooh…sounds yummy!
Love the serving cart, thinking it would be g
Thanks!
I LOVE this project!! Now I will be on the lookout for a cart like this! Great job!!
You’re so fun, Donna! Hope you find one.
I am an avid spray painter and would use that tentall the time!
You sound like a kindred spirit, Kristina.
I would start with an old end table I have waiting for a makeover.
i have a 50s vanity and chairs to paint!
Sound fun!
I would tackle my old tv stand first!
Sounds good.
I’m not sure. 🙂 We’re planning/hoping to move within the year, so I’m sure I’ll find something!
That’s the spirit!
I love the cart. It looks amazing! I would first tackle a table I had as a child. I do hope it turns out well.
I’m sure it will because you’re willing to try. 🙂
Looks great and I love the color, one of my favs! Turned out really nice!
Gotta love blue! 😀 Thank you, Sue.
Ok, seriously not 5 minutes ago scrolled right past one of these babies on marketplace and then this popped up on my newsfeed! Well you better believe I hopped back on over to see if it was still available and can I pick it up tomorrow! lol I LOVE LOVE LOVE what you did with it! Now I’m going to pop over to JoAnns and check out the tutorial for that adorable skirting. Thanks so much for sharing, your creativity always amazes me!
Wahoo!! You are too cute!! I hope you have a blast working on it. I’d love to see it when you’re done. Yay!
You did such a great job — it’s beautiful and I love the skirt!! I actually purchased the same style of cart at a garage sale recently that I want to restore. Was it hard to take the cart apart? I can’t see how the top shelf will come off the legs. It’s important that I be able to take the cart apart so I can pack it flat for travel when we go camping. It will be a lot easier to paint if I can take it apart, too. Thanks for any advice you can offer!
Thanks, Jennifer! Sounds like you scored a fun one. With most, you start at the bottom to disassemble and then work your way up. They should pop right out. Have a blast!
Hello! I love how your cart turned out. I recently inherited one from my childhood when my mom passed away and am starting the process to refurbish it. Your’s gives me hope!
I am wondering though how you did the castors? Any tips would be most appreciated! Thank you!
My condolences to you for your loss. It will be a joy to have such a piece from your mom and give it your own touches. All I did to the casters is clean them up a bit. Feel free to email me with questions – larissa at prodigalpieces dot com.