Having family and friends that know your quirks is such a blessing but can also make storage really hard. haha. As of the last year or so I’ve been turning down furniture and “junk” because I’m trying to pare down what I have in my inventory. However, sometimes I say, “yes” and that ends up with me on overload with work, but that’s okay. I’m on a mission to tackle all of it a.s.a.p. and share it with you. Take, for instance, this wooden rolling cart.
A few weeks ago my dad sent me a couple of pics of stuff he thought I might be interested in. While I could have said yes to it all, I circled the ones that piqued my interest most.
As you can see, I limited it to two items, but I honestly could have done something with all of it, right? In that mix, I pick out that filing cabinet (see its new life HERE). Second, I pick that wooden rolling cart since it is solid wood as well. Also, it’s perfect for many uses as well. It just needs TLC.
The best part of it is that it is solid wood and if you know me, I rarely (if ever) turn away anything made of wood. So much potential lies in wood! However, manufactured wood could leave the face of the earth and I wouldn’t say a lick. Can I get an amen?
START THE PARTY
Obviously, the very first thing I did is assess what needs done. If you scroll back up, you can see that the shelves had popped out of their routed spots. All I did is pop them back in and nail the side slats tight to keep them there. After that, I bring out my orbital sander and take off that damaged finish on top. Also, I take off those tacky plastic casters and replace them with a few fun ones from my stash.
Aren’t those much more fun? Now, they won’t give the “rolling” cart as much roll, but it will keep the height and add an industrial charm. Then, I use my reactive stain (it ages wood quickly) to refinish the top.
Meanwhile, I grab my paint brush and use the same black paint I used on my vintage gossip chair makeover to give it a contrasting color to the stain.
To finish, I apply a matte poly to the top, and add these fun apothecary pulls to the shelves. This cart reminds me of a similar hot mess I salvaged a few years back. I still remind my husband of that one for good measure. ahem. Do you have such stories from your spouse?
THE FINISH
Are you ready to see my little wooden rolling cart reveal? I had fun with it and hope you enjoy the short journey too.
While I could’ve went many ways with this, I’m smitten with this industrial style. You can store any kind of bits and baubles for display or for strictly function. Also, if you look close, you can see I added my own labels, “Yours, Mine, and…Mine too” haha. Of course I let “Yours” be the top shelf because I’m cool like that. tsk.
So, this begs the questions…(1) what would you have done with this cart (2) where would you use it? If I had a studio, that’s where I’d put it. You can even see how I did a similar makeover with this chest of drawers below.
However, for now I’m offering it up in my online shop along with many other of my creations, vintage finds, and much more.
SHARE
Additionally, let’s get the DIY word out and inspire others to give their own decor a makeover. Share and pin after leaving a comment below. I do this for you and I love to hear from my readers.
Up next, it’s Trash to Treasure Tuesday time! Join four other bloggers and myself for our latest DIY inspiring posts created just for you. HEAD HERE. Be sure to sign up for my newsletter to see what I do with this dilapidated ol’ gal. Until next time!
Also, more fun cart DIYs like this wooden rolling cart:
Amen!!!… indeed to the end of MDF!! The cart is adorable and so many uses!!! Happy Spring!!!
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For real though…haha! Thanks so much, Rebecca. Now to get me a studio…
WOW! What a difference! Another great vision ?. Love the new casters!
I’m definitely a sucker for carts. They’re so fun! Thank you, Susan.
Love, love, love the new look! (And I’m right there with you on the manufactured wood issue!) I really like the look of wood tops with dark on the lower portions of cabinets – highlights the pretty grain, while the paint gives it such a fresh new look! One of my favorite dark, dark grey colors is called sea urchin. Thank you for sharing your talents with us and inspiring us! I hope you have a blessed Mother’s Day – and you feel treasured by your flock, just as you treasure each of them! Hugs!
You are such a kindred spirit, Judy! 😀 I totally love wood/paint combo too. Sending hugs back to you!
Mdf with paper woodgrain is the absolute worst……? ok malm too.
This cart turned out great. Very industrial and sort of steampunk. Wish I lived closer because I would so take those chairs off your dads hands.
Well I’m off 5 1/2 hour trip today to chaperone and watch my middle sing at state music festival. Hope you have a blessed weekend Larissa!!
So true!! Those are the things you do see filling up our landfills, sadly. I hope you have a wonderful trip!
Now that I truly love! It is beautiful and I can’t think of a single room that it couldn’t be useful in.
That totally made me smile, Danelle. It’s so fun for me to share my work. 🙂
Oh my heck! I just LOVE it! I’m a sucker for industrial pieces…. I could see this as a bedside table in a boys room, holding supplies in a craft room, laundry room or as an end table in a family or game room. The possibilities are endless! Another great upcycle, well done!?
I am the same, Jill! 😀 I just love the versatility of the style and design it offers. Thanks for the giggle!
Great make over Larissa; truly looks good and will last another 25, 30 or 50 years! It could go anywhere , I love it!
I’m doing a little happy dance! tee hee! I don’t think there’s a cart around I don’t like. 😀 Thank you, Mary.
I completely agree regarding MDF, nothing like the quality of real wood. I love the industrial vibe you gave this rolling cart Larissa and I’m sure it’ll be gone lickety-split from your shop. Wishing you a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend!
It just ends up in the landfill sooner than later, right? Wishing you the same, Marie! 😀