Do you ever have conversations with someone that leave you saying, “That was really weird”? While perusing Craigslist I came upon this piece advertised as a desk. To me it looked like a vanity without a mirror. I called to inquire, and he said he still had it. Sweet! Stay with me as I show you how this “desk” became a vintage vanity painted a soft tea rose pink.
I continued to ask the seller if there was anything wrong with it and if it was smoke-free. He replied that it was solid as a rock, smoke-free, and would take him quite some time to dismantle it to get it out of his basement. He also said he had another buyer coming to see it first. I said, “Oh, it’s that big?” He replied, “Yes, and you’ll need help to load it.” I went on to ask more questions, but still getting the feeling like something was off.
Okay, so at this point I’m like…we can’t be talking about the same desk. We ended the conversation as he said it was already spoken for, but something kept bugging. It just didn’t add up. So, my inquisitive self-called again and said, “We are talking about the maple desk with 5 drawers correct?” He laughed loud in my ear and said, “Hahaha!! No! I thought we were talking about my $800 executive desk. Yes, I still have that small one.” tsk.
DIY TIME
So, here it is in its worn-down state and I was right! {{fist pump}} Stamped on the back is VANITY. It had no mirror, but no fear. Junkin’ mama has the solution!
A couple of years ago I redid a mirrored dresser in this post. When my client purchased the dresser, she didn’t want the mirror. Funny thing is that back in that old post I mention that my son and I were redoing two mirrored pieces at the same time, and he took my mirror and painted it purple. We finally switched them back and I painted it green to match the dresser. So, here I am with this forlorn mirror needing a new purpose.
PREP WORK
First order of business, get that damaged vanity top sanded down with my sander to reveal that gorgeous wood. Call me crazy, but I love to smell the wood when it’s revived and definitely touch it. mmm… Once ready to go, I used a selection of three different stains to get the color I was after (Early American, Provincial, and Espresso)
I will admit I was tempted to go all wood, but my favorite finish kept begging me to do it. Using a stain/paint combination is a favorite of mine. Not only does it showcase the wood but gives it an updated feel.
I used a polycrylic to topcoat the stained top. Now onto the base of the vanity. Since I’m pairing that mirror with this, I needed to give them all the same base coat. I intend to distress this set, so I use a dark gray to blend them all together.
After one coat of gray cured, I used my wax to touch the areas I wanted to peek through when distressing the next layer. It allows me to distress without going all the way back down to the wood.
Pink isn’t really one of my go-to colors, but a soft shade seemed perfect. It’s feminine without being foofy. It reminds me of days-gone-by and and old farmhouse quilt.
THE REVEAL
The vanity base and mirror get one coat of the pink and then it’s time to reveal this beauty.
What a fun makeover this was. First, because I got to pair a couple of cast-offs to make a sweet marriage of vintage. Second, because I got to use some wonderful paints to bring it all together.
Do you remember from my Toile Secretary Desk post I found a chair to go with it? The same seller had this gorgeous needlepoint chair as well. Isn’t it perfect? I had been searching for months (MONTHS!) for a chair to pair with this set. The hand-carved back and splat make me drool.
The needlepoint inspired me to add a bit of the same floral design to the mirror to tie it all in.
How exciting to see it all come together. If you love it too, you can find it available in my online shop.
My hope is to have inspired you to think outside the box when it comes to your home. You can make it your own and it be affordable too. Do pin and share my vintage vanity painted pink to inspire others to give DIY a try!
Up next, I’m sharing the build plans for my concrete tables as I promised in my fire pit reveal. If you missed it, you really want to check it out as there is much to see. Such fun!
To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!
More projects like my vintage vanity painted pink:
Wow!! I am not a fan of pink yet I love this makeover! The color is so soft and warm!! The top is perfect. Again, wow!! I love the mirror on it and the chair with the details is perfect with it. Your staging is understated and elegant. Way to go!!! Happy dancing with you!
Hooray!! Yes, pink is a color I have to have in just the right shade to love it. This one fit me to a TEA (pun intended). 🙂 Thanks so much, Christina!
OH and I pinned this post 🙂 https://www.pinterest.com/pin/446137906827242850/
I would paint a discarded chair with Dixie Belle!!
Got it!
A beautiful makeover. Dixie Belle paint and other products are amazing.
Thank you, Debra. They sure are!
Love the combination of refinished wood and paint. I have a side table just waiting for a similar make-over!
Thank you! Sounds like the perfect project piece.
I am not normally a pink lover, but that is GORGEOUS!
Hooray!! I love to hear it, Donna. Thank you!
Not really a fan of pink, but that is absolutely darling and what a great addition by adding the mirror.
If I should happen to win; I probably would repaint my cute little tea cart. Been wanting to do so for quite sometime now but just undecided on color.
Thank you for this giveaway opportunity
It just needed to be a vanity again for someone to love on. Thanks, Colleen!
Pinned :}
Got it!
I love the wooden top. Looks great with the paint.
I had to figure out a way to showcase that gorgeous wood while marrying the mismatched pair. Win-win. Thanks, Frances. 🙂
Nice touch with the painted roses on the mirror, Larissa. It’s those kind of things that take your work to a higher level. Love it! Excited to try Dixie Belle paints.
I wholeheartedly appreciate that, Carol, and glad you take notice. Thank you!
I’m not a huge fan of pink, but this is just gorgeous ! Bet that one flies out of your shop.
It is just the right color for a feminine, but not too girly, feel. Thanks, Susan.
I love it! I have a vanity that just needs that beautiful color!
Excellent! 😀
Well I have a vanity that was old when I got it. And you have inspired me with this makeover to try to do something similar. I was of the belief that you should not paint wood but I have changed my mind. Now I just have to make some time.
I really debated on how to finish this one as it is hard maple, but the only way to tie those two pieces of different woods together was to paint. I just love the outcome. Thank you for the love!
It is lovely. I love the pink. It is a perfect choice for this piece.
I’m so happy to hear it, Lezlie. Thank you!
So cute for a little girl! No a “pink” person, but I love the way you married the two pieces, and it all came together for a fabulous piece.
Thank you! 😉
I have three small wall cabinets (second hand store finds), and I am wanting to paint them in complimentary colors so that they can be grouped together. I’m loving the hurricane gray you used.
Sounds good! That color works with so many eras. Love it!
Pink is my fav! That tea rose color is great!
High five, girl! 😀
Wow! That is really pretty!
That’s wonderful to hear. Thank you!
Love the makeover! I’ve used Dixie Bell products and love them. Wish I could sell them in my shop!
Thanks! Have you signed up to be a retailer? These paints would sell themselves. 😉
The set turned out great and I really like the way you used the mirror to complete the vanity – as it should be! The pink with gray underneath gives a real aged and well-worn feel, like it might be sitting in my greatgrandma’s bedroom. And thanks again for sharing your technique for using wax to make distressing the piece easier – I’m definitely going to try that. Have a blessed day.
aww…you got exactly what I was after, Judy. Thank you!
Ok, I’m not a pink person but this really turned out beautifully! Love it! It’s so soft and romantic.
I’d love to try Dixie Belle Paint! I think my farm table might be my victim, lol. Or a sweet little bench needing a makeover. Thanks for the chance to win!
Visited and followed you on Pinterest!
Awesome! 😀
I’m so glad to hear you like it, Cecilia. It was a fun piece to create. My pleasure to share!
Love the soft pink color. I have used the Dixie Belle paint on one project and really love the coverage it provides. I wish I would have known about their Gator Hide product – can’t wait to try that!
It goes on so nicely and bonds like a dream. Just love it!
I have a bookshelf I would paint!
Sweet!
I am also not really a fan of pink, but this is beautiful. Nice job!
That’s awesome to hear you like it. Thank you!
I would have called it a desk, also. I love the gray as the first coat and the pink is a great color. Love the color of the stain. Thanks for another great give away.
Oh definitely. I just knew it had potential to be more though. Thanks!
I ❤️ Hurricane Grey with the Vintage Pink combo finished off with the stained top. That’s my go to look as well, very classic. Thanks for the opportunity to win a prize package.
Thank you!
What a sweet set! I’m thinking I need some Dixie Bell paint in my life.
hee hee hee… yes, you do! 😀
I love it, and I have a similar vanity that I would also paint.
Great minds pink alike! 😀
Nice job! Love the color combination. Keep up the good work.
Thank you for the encouragement!
Pink is a controversal color, it seems some people love it or loathe it. My daughte, slender, white blond, pale eyes, would NOT wear pink, ever. When we were shopping for he junior prom, she ended up with a lovely, pale pink dress and we both could not believe that the color she had avoided, was, happily, her beautiful choice. It was such a classic, it still looks beautiful in photos. Some designs are dated and sometimes, we laugh at our choices, but that dress was a winner.
Good for her! I like pink, but solely depends on the shade. 😉
I love that old-fashioned pink! Just beautiful. I would paint my dining room chairs first! Not pink for that project, though! Pinned!
haha…sounds good to me! Got your extra entry. 🙂
well, i’m not a pink-kinda-gal either, but i have to admit – this vanity is lovely! (you had me when you said it reminded you of a vintage quilt – what’s not to love?) i love the natural wood-paint combination you chose! the chair you paired with it is beautiful and i wish i could hand-paint (?) the flowers like you did. i’ve pinned the post, gone to Facebook to visit Dixie Belle Paints. my plan is to paint two waterfall bedside tables with this beautiful paint! JOB WELL DONE LARISSA!
Love this. I’m not a huge pink person but it is perfect on this vanity and mirror. Nicely done. Haven’t tried Dixie Belle paints yet but I would love to!
I just bought this color last week to use on a vanity! So pretty!!
Great minds pink alike! ahahaha…you will love it.
Loving this makeover; tea rose is a beautiful color ! Have an old dresser to redo, which should look lovely in this color ! Following you via email now & will sign up for Pinterest & Instagram ! Lovely redos !!
You sound like a kindred spirit, Dawn. Thank you!
I AM a huge fan of all things pink and I LOVE the Dixie Belle pink that you used. It does remind me of a time long ago….very soft, nothing brash about it. Your makeover on the vanity and mirror are beautiful. Love it!
Excellent! I do love pink for sure, just more in my clothes than home. Thank you for the love!
Beautiful piece. I just had a similar piece given to me as a “desk”. You did a great job of refreshing it while keeping the vintage charm.
Yay for you! Thank you for the kind words.
❤️❤️❤️❤️ Larissa, beautiful job! I am a pink gal, as far as clothing goes. I’m priming to refinish a desk in Anne Sloan Scandinavian Pink! Pushing my edge?
Me too! I have pinks and all sorts of color, but tend to not have it in my home as much. Good for you!
Larissa, your tea rose vanity is sooo pretty. As, I’ve said before you are so talented. Love your work. Wish I lived near your shop so I could come see and shop!!
How fun that would be! Thank you, Patricia.
Love the mirror with that vanity..they look as if they were always a pair. The power of paint never ceases to wow me. I’d love to try the Dixie Belle brand – I have many pieces awaiting their wake-up call in my basement.
That’s how feel too. Thank you!
I always love your work. You really are so talented. I would paint my end table that recently was rotated into service in the living room.
You are the best, Liz!
This is gorgeous, Larissa! Good thing you realized there was a mix-up when you were talking to the seller ha ha!
Thanks, Christy! This was to be my FFF post, but ah well. Yes, so good I called back. Too funny!
I have been following your blog for a while now. Beautiful work!
I’m happy to hear it, Lisa!
I love this vanity! Pink is my favourite colour and it looks great. I have so many things in my house that I would love to refinish and your blog inspires me to get going and give it a try. Thanks
How wonderful to hear you are inspired. Thank you, Mary Jo!
Gorgeous! Great shade of pink! Can you explain why you use 3 shades of stain? It’s beautiful!
I wanted to find the right blend to accent the chair. 🙂
I have used Dixie Belle before but am now inspired to return to my local outlet to see and buy more. Why I didn’t trust my own judgement in the first place is beyond me- it’s like I need a pro like you to A-ok a product but hey that method works for me! Buying more!
Awww… you are so fun! I hope you enjoy it
I love that you kept the table top wood. It really makes it pop! I would paint my blanket ladder.
That hard maple needed to shine. Thank you!
I love this redo! So pretty and perfect in pink! I would love to try this Dixie Belle paint; have a project waiting for paint!
That would be perfect!
I recently picked up a vanity and matching dressers from craigslist. They need some work, but they’ll be pretty fabulous when they’re finished. Still trying to decide on a color, though….
Score!!
I LOVE Dixie Belle Paint and this one color I haven’t tried yet but is on my Must Try List. What beautiful makeover, Larissa and one lucky girl is going to be VERY happy having this in her room!
You will rock it, Marie, I know it. Thanks for the love!
Thank you Larissa, you give me courage to to love what I am learning to do…with my furniture make overs!
You just made my day. Thank you!
I just came across this site & love what you did with this vanity, it is gorgeous.
Hi Toni! I’m so happy to have you. Thanks for the kind words. 🙂
I’m not a bright pink person either, but this is gorgeous! You have such a great color sense!! Thanks so much for sharing.
I try to keep the piece true to its era. Thank you for getting me. 🙂
I love pink and I really love the desk. I have several pieces that I would love to try Dixie Belle on. Love your blog.
I’m happy to hear it, Keasha. Thank you!
Oh! I love this! you are so talented!
Hugs to you, LouAnn. 🙂
Would love to try out this paint – hadn’t heard of it until today… thanks for the opportunity!
Wonderful! It’s a mineral based paint that really impressed me the minute I dipped my brush. That’s saying much as I have tried dozens and am picky. 🙂
Your makeover is beautiful! I love the pink color and stain too ~ I have tried Dixie belle paint on a couple of small chairs but I’m looking forward to painting an old china cabinet I picked up over the winter; I was just waiting for the perfect pink and I think I’ve found it!
How fun is that?! I’m so happy to hear it, Sue. Thank you!
Larissa, this is so sweet and feminine, and I love how you married the three pieces that just so happen to be perfect together! I love your work!!! ?
You made me smile, Michelle. Thank you!
The pink over gray is gorgeous and the mirror is a perfect fit, very pretty!
Thanks so much, Lisa. 🙂
Did you paint flowers on the top of the mirror ? so cute! Would love to win some paint so I can get a good start on so many pieces I’ve been collecting. A lot of little tables and chairs. Thank you for the chance, Larissa !
Yes, I mentioned in my post that it just needed something, so I copied the needlepoint chair. yay!
It’s on my Pinterest board!
Got it! 🙂
I was just looking at Dixie Belle paint on Instagram yesterday! I saw lots of colors I loved. You never steer me wrong, everything you have recommended and I have tried has been great! Fingers crossed!
That just made my day, Michelle. Thank you!
Love that sweet pink shade. And painting the same flowers from the chair was pure inspiration. Love it.
It just needed something to tie it all together. I’m so happy you like it!
I’m excited to try the paints and more!
Excellent!
I love seeing your transformations. Your such an I spiration
Thank you for saying so, Stacey. 🙂
Love this! I have a dresser I have owned for years. It would be my project. My guest bedroom has the perfect spot for it!
I pinned https://www.pinterest.com/pin/212865519870334090/
Perfect! Got your extra entry.
Looks awesome!
Thank you!
Beautiful piece…love how you brought it all together!
I’m so tickled with it, Phylis. Thank you!
Love your project! I would paint my matching set of bedside tables! I pinned this to my pinterest!
Thanks! Sounds good and got your entry. 🙂
wow what a beauty I would love to paint my dresser this color
That would be wonderful. Thanks, Lorrie.
Wow!! I love your post and your work!!! Everything looks amazing.
awww…thank you, Leah.
I absolutely love this vanity! The color is oh so lovely!! And the chair goes so well. A great makeover! I would like to paint a twin bed that my husband will make into a bench that color. It would be perfect!
That would be a perfect project. Thanks for the love!
Pinned it!
Got it! 🙂
Love the color combinations!! A classic look but not too girly! I am loving ALL the Dixie Belle colors after seeing them on furniture pieces!! Great job!!
Yay! What fun to hear, Tracy. It was a blast to get to work on this and see it come to life. Thank you!
LOve this piece and love Dixie Bell paint.
Wonderful to hear. Thank you!
I have never heard of this paint before. Anxious to use it though. beautiful job on the dresser and mirror,I would of never knew they weren’t suppose to belong together. great job!
It is a mineral based paint that really impressed me the first time I used it. Clings to my brush, great coverage, and brush-stroke free. I have tried dozens and there aren’t that many that impress me. 😉
I love the stained top and painted body style also. I haven’t seen it with pink before but really like it. You did a great job!
I have a dresser I would love to refinish if I win a prize package. Thank you for the opportunity.
Thank you!
Awesome post! I am hoping to get to my dixie Belle dealer this weekend! Love your color choices for this piece. Thank you show much for sharing 🙂
Hope you have fun, Kayla! Thanks for stopping by.
Beautiful makeover. i love pink and this shade fits this vanity just right. I also love the wood top and the addition of the mirror. I have two tables that are waiting for attention so that’s what I would paint with Dixie Belle. Thanks for all the inspiration too.
Thank you, Brenda. I’m happy to see it together.
Love the project I need some paint for a box I’m making ?
Hey guy! Glad to see you over here. I hope you win!
Beautiful makeover. This shade of pink fits this vanity just right. I love the wood top and the addition of the mirror. Thanks for all the inspiration too.
It just needed a soft touch to tone down the 50’s vibe it had going on. Thank you!
If I win, the first thing I would paint would be my Grandma’s vanity. When I was young I used to love watching her roll her hair with those little rollers. Guess what? She also had a bedroom with pink carpet too, feeling nostalgic. Pink is not favorite, but I am seriously thinking about using the same colors and techniques you have shared with us. I hope mine turns out as beautiful as yours when I get a chance to work on it. Thanks for the giveaway and for all you do. Beautiful work as usual.
awww…that is so sweet. I’m sure you will make it shine, Brandi.
Not a pink fancier myself, but really love this project. Especially marrying two different pieces. I’d like to enter for drawing. I I had some paint, I would redo a scruffy old telephone table. Might even paint it pink.
I’m happy to hear it. Thank you!
The vanity is so pretty. I can’t wait to try this color!
Thanks! It’s just enough pink. 🙂
Not much else I can say but I love it just like the rest of your projects!!!!
Nuff said. hee hee hee. Thank you, Susan!
Great read and good referrals. Thanks so much.
My pleasure.
I love the gray peeking through. By using wax, does the tea rose not take or does it make it easier to sand back?
Thanks! Yes, it doesn’t adhere and that way you can sand back to gray and not wood.
I love this! Not sure what I would paint first probably the dresser I use for storage in my office.
Sounds good to me. 😀
Love your sense of style Larissa
What fun to hear, Terrie. Thank you!!
Woo-hoo! Nice pairing! I really like the flowers you added to the mirror. It NEEDED them. : )
I’m painting my living room furniture at present, so sign me up for some paint! : ) I need to order one of those lovely round brushes you sell too. Painting some legs gave me an “ah-ha” moment. : )
I think so too. hee hee. Sounds good to me! I love those moments. 😀
Great job. Those go perfectly together. I’m not much of a pink girl either but that color is perfect. I’m still working on my youngest daughters bedroom makeover and that color would be perfect on her footboard. Love that you have given us a chance to win.
Thanks for the love! I’m so happy to share.
Pinned it.
Great makeover, love the color. First thing I would paint would be a child’s vanity and chair. Pinning this
Thanks! Got your extra entry. 🙂
Just gorgeous! How do you find the time for all you do?
I don’t sleep. ahahaha!! (seriously) But…I also have wonderful help from my gang.
& pinned your post?
Got it! 😀
The first thing I would paint is my pair of mid-century side tables that have just enough water damage that they will have to be a paint project. I also love the finished wood/paint combo finishes, and these tables will be perfect for that treatment 🙂
I love your vanity project- you did a great job giving a whole new life to both pieces by bringing them together so perfectly!
Your tables sound perfect for this paint prize. Thanks for the love!
I love this vanity – beautiful! I have an old round table that once belonged to my aunt. It has two levels and some interesting detail on the legs. That is the first thing I would paint if I won. Thanks for the giveaway.
Thanks! Love being able to update family pieces.
Once you try Dixie Belle paint you will never go back! It’s so smooth, easy to use, glides on and they have the most amazing colors!
It sure is blissful to work with!
So pretty! This pink is lovely.
I just painted an adorable little stool with knobby legs in DB Gulf yesterday. I’ll be putting Gator Hide on it tomorrow. It’s my first DIxie Belle project, I wanted to start small, but I have 5 dining room chairs that are waiting for a Cinderella makeover in Seaglass. ?
Thanks for the inspiration! I pinned it to my chalk paint board.
Thank you, Lynn. Got your extra entry. 😉
Omg! I love the right shade of pink! This most definitely the right shade of pink! I would sooo love to be able to purchase this vanity it is right up my decorating alley, but alas no funds to spend on this amazing piece. 🙁 Great job!
Awww…you are so sweet, Kristina. Thank you!
LOVED your tea rose vanity. I’d like to do a vanity as well, but it would be for my granddaughter. Entering the contest with hopes!
That would make you an awesome grandma! Hope you win. 😀
Wow, so beautiful and the needle point chair with ti double WOW. Love the pink color choice!
I just love needlepoint! This one was a gem and feel blessed I could find a match for it. Thank you!
The first thing I will try Dixie Belle Paint on is an old record cabinet.
What fun that would be! 😀
I admire the time and attention that you give your pieces, they are beautiful! So many projects, so little time!
Amen to that, Meleah! 😀
Hi Larissa!
On many of my projects lately i’ve used milk paint. It comes powdered and I like the fact that I can mix just enough in small batches for each piece. Mostly small tables. Will be venturing into reupholstering an antique love seat and would love to try Dixie Belle Paint for the wood legs and trim work!
Also recently acquired (side of the road, free!) , twin size, solid wood rounded headboard and footboard. Planning my first rebuild into a bench and it will need paint as well. Always love trying something new!
Enjoy seeing your amazing work!
Best,
Melissa
Hello! Yes, my favorite milk paint is Junque milk paint. Love the chippy goodness! I’m sure you will love Dixie Belle like I do too.
I love the pink as well. Something different…..And I agree with you, there is just something so satisfying about bringing a beautiful piece of wood back to life! What would I paint? Well, I have a friend who just started a ministry to help those coming out of homelessness, or others in need by giving them donated furniture and small appliances. I’d love to help her by refinishing/painting some of the furniture that is donated that is need of some love, or to personalize something to make their new place feel more like home. Thanks for all of the inspiration!!
Yes, that’s it exactly. What a wonderful ministry! That would not only bless others but you too. Yay!
I love that pink over grey!!! Gorgeous! I think I’d like to try the paint on a few upcoming repurposed projects I have in mind! And Im pinning too 🙂
Thanks, Susan! You would rock these paints, girl. 🙂 Got your extra entry.
I would paint one of my stars. Thanks for the chance to win. Xo
You bet!
So many projects..so little paint. .LOL! I’m working on my first headboard turned bench project…I would like to try the paints on that!
haha…Yes!! Good for you!
I would paint my wife’s book shelves in her craft room. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/92253492350314964/
That would be awesome, John! Sounds good to me. Got your extra entry.
I have a drop leaf dek i rescued from the curb that I have repaired but not yet painted. Dixie Belle has beautiful colors! I think it is time to get inspired!
Score!! Not only the colors, but the ease of use is wow out of the can. 🙂
I’m amazed and impressed you turned a desk into a vanity. The pieces look like they were made as a set. I have two chairs I’d like to paint.
You just made my day, Tracy. Thank you!
I want to paint a vintage waterfall china cabinet in muscadine wine
That would be beautiful!
Beautiful ! You’d never know they were “married”41
Thanks! I had fun setting up the relationship. 😉 tee hee hee.
Loved reading your blog and seeing your beautiful creation. Truly talented Larissa!
So excited to be a winner!! Thank you!!!
Thank you for leaving this post up. Just bought this exact “desk” at a flea market for dirt cheap today and wanted to find its history before giving it a makeover. Now I’m torn between making it a desk or vanity. Yours turned out great!
How fun, Pamela! I’d love to see what you do with it. 😀