An easy and inexpensive nightstand makeover for a thrifted piece of furniture.
In January I shared the mood board for the guest room makeover, which included a new nightstand from West Elm. After starting the redo and assessing my needs and wants for the room, I decided to stick with what I had and to try to give the old nightstand a new look.
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I bought this piece years ago at a thrift store. It was really inexpensive but the problem was that you could tell. Although it’s made of wood there was a big gap on both sides that I wanted to try to disguise with trim. Instead of trim though, I came up with another idea.
I decided to try to use paint sticks to give it a different look and to cover up the gaps. Because I love the look of planked walls, I thought I would try that idea but on a much smaller scale (and on a piece of furniture). I figured that I had nothing to lose by trying and dove right in.
Supplies for DIY rustic nightstand makeover
- paint sticks (I used about 25)
- wood stain
- wood glue
- sand paper
- utility knife
First, I laid a few of the paint sticks on the nightstand so I could see where the seams would lay. Once I had an idea of what I wanted, I used the razor knife to cut the notched handle off, so that I had straight pieces. Next, the rough edges were lightly sanded smooth. Since one stick wasn’t long enough to fill a whole row, I ended up using a small piece of another stick. I also staggered the seams to keep the rustic feel.
Next, I used a paper towel and dark walnut wood stain on each paint stick.
The paint sticks I got were all made from different wood, so that really added to the rustic look. I wasn’t sure if I would like it but I really loved the differences in the wood tones.
After they were dry, which didn’t take long, I glued each piece to the side of the nightstand. To ensure that my sticks stuck, I ended up using a heavy weight and some canned beans to weigh them down until they dried. Once I finished one side of the nightstand, I flipped it over and glued down the other side. That’s it. This project really was so easy but it did take me take me some time to complete because I had to let the glue dry before I could remove the weights and move on to the next row.
You can really see the difference in the wood tones in this pic.
To add to the rustic look, I also replaced the glass knobs with oil-rubbed bronze knobs that I already had.
So what do you think? Is this nightstand makeover something you would try? I like that it was practically free to do. I already had the glue and the stain on hand and the paint sticks were free. There’s nothing better than free!
Now I have a “new” rustic-looking nightstand.
As always, thanks so much for stopping by!
Check out a few of my other upcycle projects I’ve done on furniture.
DIY Thrifted Industrial Nightstand
Kristi
So glad that my idea could inspire you Treshea. It sounds like your island is going to look great. I would love to see it after you’re finished. Thanks so much for reading and for your nice comment.
K.
Treshea Johnson
I absolutely love this Re-Use Project. Your idea has inspired me to use this with pallet wood on Kitchen Cabinets that we got for free. When we made an island out of them there wasn’t a back and I have been trying to figure out something to do. THANK YOU!!
Kristi
Thank you so much Lin. 🙂 Come back and share if you end up redoing your nightstands.
K.
Lin
I love the new look of these. I have two of the exact same tables in our bedroom……I will keep your idea in mind. Thank you for sharing.
Kristi
Thanks so much Karin! I will be heading your way.
K.
The Style Sisters
What a totally cool idea!! So creative! I would love to have you join me for my Centerpiece Wednesday linky party and share this post with us. Come on over http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/2014/04/centerpiece-wednesday-cool-blues-with.html
Karin
Kristi
You are so sweet, thanks Rayan!
K.
Rayana Botelho
You are so creative! Great job 😉
Kristi
Thanks so much Sarah! I think that I like that it tones down the traditional look too. I wasn’t sure it would work, but I’m glad that it did. Thanks for stopping by.
K.
Sarah @ Little Red Brick House
How creative! I would have never thought to do that. I like how the wood tones down the traditional look of the night stands just a bit. Great job!
Kristi
That’s funny Shirlee. That happens to my husband too…they just disappear.;) I always appreciate your visit.
K.
Kristi
Thanks Emily. I’m loving the dresser that you redid. I like that you didn’t paint the top, that contrast makes it more interesting. I say steal the nightstand 😉 I would love to see what you do with it. Thanks so much for visiting.
K.
Shirlee
I really like it. Very clever idea using the paint sticks. I always grab an extra one when buying paint but I always end up losing them by the time we reach the truck. I think they slide out of the shopping cart and end up either on the store floor or parking lot.
Nice that you could use something you already had instead of having to buy something new.
Emily
Wow, genius! I really love it! I just shared my dresser makeover and have been looking for inspiration on redoing my night stands. My mom has almost the exact night stand…. I may have to work this magic on it next time I’m there (or steal it…..)
Kristi
Awww, thanks so much Carisa for the lovely compliment Carisa.
K.
Kristi
Thanks so much Jennie. That’s a great idea about the pull. 🙂 I’ll have to try it out.
K.
Kristi
You’re so sweet. Thanks so much.
K.
Carisa
Wow, that is so beautiful and super creative to use paint sticks!
Jennie @ Got My Reservations
This is so creative and beautiful. Would you consider using a stained pull now to carry the dark sides across the front of the piece?
Kim
Wow, I love the transformation. Look how smart you are.