Top
Subscribe for free and never miss a post

Vintage Horse Head Bookends

For whatever reason, I’m absolutely smitten with bookends. My family and I are definitely bibliophiles (lovers of books), so maybe that’s the appeal? Either way, you know I just couldn’t leave the vintage horse head bookends on the thrift store shelf…right? At first glance, they are in need of a bit of TLC, so I say…MINI MAKEOVER TIME!

Vintage Horse Head Bookends Before Makeover by prodigalpieces.com

It’s pretty obvious they are made in the likeness of carved wood. However, they’re actually a cast resin with hollow core, and are now showing chips and wear. However, while I want to embrace the vintage vibe of the “carved wood”, I also want to update them so they have many more years of supporting wonderful books.

DIY TIME

This is a super fast and easy glazing technique I’m using today that I’ve shared in the past in various ways. Don’t blink! You can see it on this antique buffet HERE or a pair of thrifted table lamps in this post. First, I clean up the bookends with a bit of vinegar/water mixture (a 1:2 ratio). Then, I apply two coats of this tawny color called Restore.

Painting Base Coat on Vintage Horse Head Bookends by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Just make sure to let the coats cure in between layers. Also, note you can use any base coat you like. You can see a different variation in my garage door makeover.

NEXT STEPS

Next, once the paint cures, I use a soft gray color paint thinned to use for glazing. Brush it on gently, then use a damp cloth to also gently wipe off the excess leaving the glaze in the nooks and crevices.

Applying Graywash Paint to Vintage Horse Head Bookends | prodigalpieces.com

Farmhouse Style Decor Video Tutorial by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

THE REVEAL

Finally, here’s my vintage horse head bookends with a brand new look. They still have that wooden vibe, but with a bit more French flair.

Vintage Horse Head Bookends on Antique Upright Grand Piano by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #antique #home #farmhouse

Vintage Horse Head Bookend Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

While I could have distressed to reveal the dark under-layer, but I felt they look fine the way they are. I’m curious…what would you have done with them?

Closeup of Vintage Horse Head Bookends by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #home #vintage

Faux Wood Vintage Horse Head Bookends by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #farmhouse #horse #home

Likewise, if you’d like to add this set to your home story, you can find them available in my online shop.

  • Magic Linen Beige Waffle Blanket available at Prodigal Pieces | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #bedding
    Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130

Vintage Horse Head Bookends Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #home #farmhouse

Antique Upright Grand Piano with Vintage Horse Head Bookends Decor by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #home

In addition to leaving a comment below, do pin and share to inspire others.

A thrifted set of vintage horse head bookends gets a much needed update with a glazing technique by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #home #farmhouse #homedecor

Up next, our patio makeover continues with a new build that I’m super excited to share with you. Stay tuned!

Patio Before Summer Makeover | prodigalpieces.com

To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!

blog signature

Also, more mini makeovers like these vintage horse head bookends:

So fun! These three mini thrift store makeovers are easy to do and make great additions to your home. Come see the DIY details at Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #home #homedecor #farmhouseGet creative and build these salvaged junk birdhouses from what others deem trash. I call it #trashure. Full DIY details at Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #handmade #diy #homedecor

Comments

  1. Rebecca - NC says

    I think of myself as a fairly creative person, but I pale in comparison to the master!! You can see the potential beauty waaay beyond what even the most creatives can. Incredible!!!! ???

    • Larissa says

      Girl… you are too sweet. Thanks so much! I know we’d have fun working on projects together. 🙂

  2. Cate Cooper says

    They look great! Good job on you!
    I guess they would also have been cool in a high gloss black with lightly burnished gold fittings for a really formal look.

    • Larissa says

      Thanks! Yes, these fit my style. Any way is good if it fits you. 😀

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Client Love

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

~ Laurel

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:34:13-04:00

~ Laurel

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

~ Stephanie

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:39:34-04:00

~ Stephanie

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

~ Mikki

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:43:16-04:00

~ Mikki

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

~ Sharon

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:45:37-04:00

~ Sharon

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!

~ Deanna

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:52:00-04:00

~ Deanna

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!
0
0
Prodigal Pieces