Awesome and Easy Furniture Makeover with Video

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Are you looking for a furniture makeover? Here are some basic and easy steps to get you started today. Plus there’s a video.

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I wanted to try my hand at furniture makeovers and when I found this shelf for $5 I knew it was a great piece to work on. Added bonus, I already had several items on hand to work on it.

Here's the original shelf unit. It was an oak shelf that had been painted gray. I used my Black and Decker Orbital Sander on the piece. I sanded most of the gray paint off, and got it ready so the new paint would adhere well.

Awesome and Easy Furniture Makeover Video

Awesome and Easy Furniture Makeover Instructions

1. Sand the Furniture

Here’s the original shelf unit. It was an oak shelf that had been painted gray. I used my Black and Decker Orbital Sander on the piece. I sanded most of the gray paint off, and got it ready so the new paint would adhere well.

I used Krud Kutter and wiped the piece to clean it. Turned out the old paint was latex paint so it started wiping right off. I cleaned up as much as I could, sanded it again, and then cleaned it again.

2. Clean the piece of furniture

I used Krud Kutter and wiped the piece to clean it.

Turned out the old paint was latex paint so it started wiping right off. I cleaned up as much as I could, sanded it again, and then cleaned it again.

I painted the entire piece with Folk Art Home Decor Chalk Paint in the color Nautical. I painted on one coat, let it dry, and then painted on a second coat.

3. Paint the furniture

I painted the entire piece with Folk Art Home Decor Chalk Paint in the color Nautical. I painted on one coat, let it dry, and then painted on a second coat.

I picked out a Plaid stencil that reminded me of a daisy. I used Plaid stencil tape to hold the stencil in place while I would be working with it. I used Folk Art Home Decor Chalk Paint in the color Summer Porch to stencil the center portion of the daisy. I loaded my Plaid stencil brush with paint, then dabbed it onto a paper plate to off load as much paint as possible. Then I dabbed it onto the stencil. You can see this in the video provided with this tutorial.

4. Add a stencil (optional)

I picked out a Plaid stencil that reminded me of a daisy. I used Plaid stencil tape to hold the stencil in place while I would be working with it.

I used Folk Art Home Decor Chalk Paint in the color Summer Porch to stencil the center portion of the daisy. I loaded my Plaid stencil brush with paint, then dabbed it onto a paper plate to off load as much paint as possible. Then I dabbed it onto the stencil. You can see this in the video provided with this tutorial.

I then used Folk Art Home Decor Chalk Paint in the color Sheepskin to continue the daisy look finishing the stencil. Once the paint was on, I carefully peeled the stencil away. I washed the stencil while the paint dried so I could use it later.

I then used Folk Art Home Decor Chalk Paint in the color Sheepskin to continue the daisy look finishing the stencil.

Once the paint was on, I carefully peeled the stencil away. I washed the stencil while the paint dried so I could use it later.

I painted the top and bottom shelves the same with the yellow in the middle and white on the outside. The center shelf I did the reverse, and painted white in the middle and yellow on the outside. I let this dry completely before moving onto the next step.

I painted the top and bottom shelves the same with the yellow in the middle and white on the outside. The center shelf I did the reverse, and painted white in the middle and yellow on the outside.

I let this dry completely before moving onto the next step.

I painted the entire piece with Folk Art Home Decor Varnish, let it dry and then painted on a second coat to seal it. I let it dry and it was ready for use. I'm thrilled with how it turned out.

5. Seal the furniture

I painted the entire piece with Folk Art Home Decor Varnish, let it dry and then painted on a second coat to seal it.

I wanted to try my hand at furniture makeovers and when I found this shelf for $5 I knew it was a great piece to work on. Added bonus, I already had several items on hand to work on it.

I let it dry and it was ready for use. I’m thrilled with how it turned out.

Awesome and Easy Furniture Makeover Video

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Find out “What Exactly Does It Mean To Repurpose Or Upcycle“, save money, and create the most amazing things.

What kind of furniture should I look for to give a makeover?

Where should I look for old pieces of furniture?

Where should I put old furniture pieces?

  • make an outdoor sofa
  • dining room
  • family room
  • bedroom
  • office
  • just about anywhere in your home

A fresh coat of paint goes a long way. You can spray paint it or use a paint brush (just be careful of brush marks). Go with a bright color or something darker like navy. Add accents like gold leaf, or stenciling. Be sure to add a top coat to protect your hard work and preserve that beautiful finish. It’s an inexpensive way to furnish your home. I hope this DIY furniture makeover inspires you. I’d love it if you would subscribe.

Check out some of my other furniture makeovers!

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36 Comments

  1. That table is adorable! I love the folkart paint, it always covers so nicely. Thats such a pretty stencil too.

    1. Thank you so much Jenny, I am so happy with the way it turned out. Such a Plaid fan 🙂

  2. I love stenciled furniture and this piece turned out so pretty, Chas. Your stencil looks perfect!

    1. Thank you so much Beverly, you are just so sweet friend 🙂

    1. Thank you very much Michelle, I’m so excited how it turned out.

    1. Thank you so much Allyson, I am really pleased with how it turned out 🙂

    1. Thank you so much Gail, I was so lucky to get it for that price.

  3. That is really pretty, that blue is a beautiful colour. What a fab makeover.

    1. Thank you Julie, I’m really excited about it too. Trying to break out and try some new colors as I tend to always lean towards neutral.

  4. What a beautiful and functional piece. I love that bright blue color you’ve chosen too. Pinned.

    1. Thank you Joanne, it was fun breaking away from the neutral colors that I usually go to.

  5. What a wonderful transformation! I love the colors you chose! Thank you for the step by step directions. -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

    1. Thank you so much Marci! I’m thrilled you like it and the colors. We are enjoying it too 🙂

  6. Fantastic corner shelf makeover. Those bright flowers really make it a happy piece. I would love to have one like that.
    Have a great week,
    Kippi

    1. Thank you so much Kippi – I’m so thrilled with how it turned out and we’re putting it to great use.

  7. I knew this was your work before I clicked on it. ? I love it! Such a pretty shade of blue and such lovely flower motifs.

    Michelle
    mybijoulifeonline.com

    1. Thank you so much Michelle – love that you can recognize my work.

  8. That turned out so cute! I love that shade of blue.

  9. A great thrifty find and a super cute makeover too! I really like your stencil flower, it adds a nice touch. Thanks for sharing at The Ultimate Pinterest Party this week

    1. Thank you so much Ali – we are putting it to great use already

  10. That corner shelf would be so useful! I’m so glad you gave it new life – thanks for the terrific tutorial 🙂

    1. Thank you so much Linda, we are loving it and putting it to great use.

  11. This is a great DIY makeover. I wish I had seen this before I sold the one we had in our bathroom. #TrafficJamWeekend

    1. Thank you Antionette, I’m so glad you like it. I can totally relate, learning how to do something just after you let it go.

  12. I love this! My mom used to have a little table/shelf like this and I now have the perfect place for one, of course, she no longer has the shelf and I have yet to find something similar that works for my space. You are so lucky and I love the makeover

    1. Thank you Emily and I totally know what you mean. I was lucky to find this table for $5 and it was fun to re-do. It’s getting lots of use.

  13. Marilyn Lesniak says:

    Thank you for sharing at #OverTheMoon. Pinned and shared. Have a lovely week. I hope to see you at next week’s party too! Please stay safe and healthy. Come party with us at Over The Moon! Catapult your content Over The Moon! @marilyn_lesniak @EclecticRedBarn

    1. Thank you so much Marilyn, I will see you at the next onel

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