Turning a thrifted find into a DIY industrial nightstand for a very small bedroom.
I've already shared the story of our mismatched lamps in the master bedroom. Today we're going to check out my DIY industrial nightstand and how it was transformed.
It's nothing dramatic, just a quick, easy and inexpensive upcycle.
We only had one lamp and nightstand in our new master bedroom, and really needed to add more light, so we decided that a new nightstand and lamp would be an easy fix.
We've always been a "one lamp in the bedroom" kind of couple. Maybe that's weird, I don't know, but for one reason or another I've always had a nightstand and a lamp and the hubs has always had a small pedestal and his clock.
We don't have overhead lighting in this room so this arrangement wasn't working for us.
To remedy that, I began the search for a new nightstand and lamp.
I was able to find a lamp but had a bit more trouble with the nightstand.
We have a pretty tight master bedroom, and a king size bed, so the nightstand had to be on the small side.
I looked online and scoured estate sales and thrift stores but couldn't find anything I liked in the size I needed.
Then I spotted this vintage typewriter table under a bunch of heavy boxes at a thrift store.
It was rusty, old and dirty, but for $5 I figured I could find a use for it, not even thinking about using it as a nightstand.
I brought it home, gave it a good cleaning and sanded the rust off when it hit me...
We could use it for a nightstand...an unusual industrial nightstand (until I could find a proper one that fit our space).
I took some measurements and it was just the right size, a bit on the short side, but otherwise a perfect fit.
Supplies to turn a typewriter table into a bedside nightstand
- mild detergent or mineral spirits if it's greasy
- wire brush
- clean rag
- spray paint
I have no clue what I'm going to do in the master, so I decided that I would paint the "new" nightstand gloss white to keep things easy.
After it was clean and the rust was sanded off I gave it a couple of quick coats of gloss white spray paint.
After some time to let it dry it's ready for its new life as a bedroom nightstand (for now anyway).
It's different and quirky and a nice change from all of the wood. The hubs is happy with the change too.
I mean...I think he is, but you never know.
Now we are a "2 lamps in the bedroom" kind of couple.
Change is good. 😉
Looking for more nightstand transformations?
DIY Nightstand From a Thrift Store Stool
DIY Rustic Nightstand Makeover
Melanie says
Looks great!
Enjoy Asheville, I was there twice this summer. Love, love, love that city! If you like chocolate, make sure you check out French Broad Chocolates for liquid chocolate truffle and and other unique things!!
Kristi says
Thanks Melanie. I love Asheville too and I enjoyed touring it with my daughter. Thanks for the tip about French Broad Chocolates. It just so happens that it was the first shop we went into. Yum!
Colette says
I love the new nightstand. I wouldn't even consider looking for a replacement. It looks light and it's "not wood".
I also think your lamps are pretty. I have had mismatched lamps in the bedroom for many years. I love your lampshades. They are beautiful and perfect with your lamps.
I truly enjoy your postings!
Kristi says
Thanks so much for the sweet comment, Colette. It truly made my day! I'm loving the new nightstand too and think it will stay, for now anyway. 😉
Brenda, Florida says
Brenda, Florida
The bedside table looks great. Amazing what a couple of coats of paint will do! Enjoy your time with your daughter and Asheville is a great place. Lots of quaint shops, I'm sure you will find a "buy". The Biltmore Mansion is a must too.
Kristi says
Thanks Brenda! We really enjoyed our visit to Asheville. We were only there for 24 hours so we didn't get to do everything we wanted, but we'll definitely go back (Biltmore is at the top of my list for the next time). Hope you had a great weekend!
Linda says
LOVE that little table! Wish I could find one. Would you share the paint color on your walls in the bedroom?
Kristi says
Thanks so much, Linda, I appreciate it. The color on my walls is Benjamin Moore Gray Owl, at 50% strength.
Kim says
That is an awesome piece...great find!! It looks super in the space, too!
Kristi says
Thanks so much, Kim. It's not what I had in mind but I'm loving it. 🙂
chris aka monkey says
I think the table looks awesome there and as I said I love the lamp I wouldn't change a thing xx
Kristi says
Awww, thank so much! I'm happy with the way it turned out.
Debbie H says
Love the table as a nightstand. You did a great job painting it. First thing that popped in my mind though was, "Where is your hubby's alarm clock?" LOL Ashville has been on my bucket list for quite sometime. I need to get there soon. Have a great time with your daughter this weekend and be safe,
Kristi says
Thanks Debbie. The hubs' alarm clock was in hiding while I took a few pictures. 😉
I've only been to Asheville once and it was several years ago so I was excited to go back. Hope that you had a great weekend!
Cheryl Andersen says
Thanks for sharing this idea. As someone else I would also be interested in knowing the colour on bedroom walls. Thank you
Kristi says
Thanks Cheryl. The paint color on the bedroom walls is Benjamin Moore Gray Owl, at 50% strength. Hope that helps. 🙂
Rhonda says
Love the nightstand,color and the price. Good job, thanks for sharing. Have fun with the daughter,I always do.
Kristi says
Thank you, Rhonda, I loved the price too! Like you, I always have fun with my daughter. There's nothing like spending time your with kids. 🙂
Eleni says
I would like to receive your email,please.thank you!
Kristi says
HI Eleni. If you would like to receive my updates, just fill out the box at the bottom of the DIY Industrial Nightstand post (there's also one in the sidebar) with your email and you should get a welcome email in return. If you have any issues with it, please let me know. Hope you have a great weekend!
Eleni says
Love your great ideas!Very good job!have fun! Thanks for sharing the idea!
Kristi says
Thanks so much, Eleni. Hope you have a great holiday weekend!
Lisa House says
Beautiful as a bedside table, I wouldn't change a thing!
Kristi says
Thanks so much Lisa. I love the way it turned out! 🙂
kathie says
call off the dogs!! i love your nightstand and would say your hunt is over. it looks way cute!....
Kristi says
Ha, your comment made me laugh, Kathie! Thanks for that, I appreciate it. 🙂
Linda says
Love the nightstand, Where did you get striped vase, love it and have been looking for one for a long time.
Kristi says
Thanks Linda! I got the striped vase from the Target Dollar Spot about a year or so ago.
Christine Vandormolen says
wowsers your bedroom looks so crisp and clean and the table is adorbs!!! Nope, lamps don't need to match! SO much more personality!!!
Kristi says
Awww, thanks so much Christine. I am loving the way it turned out. 🙂
Lisa Silfwerbrand says
I love the nightstand Kristi! Mixing industrial and wood is one of my favourite things to do... it's like Farmdustrial 😉 Thanks so much for linking this up to our Inspiration Galore Project Party last week.
Kristi says
Ha, great word...Farmdustrial. Love it!!! 🙂
Lori says
Hi Kristi! Love what you did to that old table. Enjoy you new place in the south. One day, Hubby and I would love to retire and move south. 🙂
Would you consider sharing this at our weekly Dishing It & Digging It Link Party? We are live every Sunday @ 4pm. 🙂
Kristi says
Thanks so much, Lori, I appreciate it. We really love the south and can't imagine living anywhere else. 🙂
Jennifer says
Gorgeous! I love the white! It's so crisp!
Well done!
Thanks for sharing (and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop).
Wishing you a lovely evening.
xoxo
Kristi says
Thanks so much, Jennifer. I hope you have a great week! 🙂
Florence says
I love this Kristi & it has a shelf underneath, so that's handy! Love the makeover too! Especially the white paint, which goes with everything. There's no way I could make it in our bedroom without 2 lamps. Visiting from the Challenge. Pinned.
Kristi says
Thanks so much Florence, I appreciate your visit and the pin. Now that we have 2 lamps in our bedroom, I could never go back to one. 😉
Kathy A says
The great thing about an old typing table is that you can use it anywhere for anything; portable sewing machine, bar cart, coffee station, craft table, you name it. And with the leaves up, it gives you a bit motr space. I like the glossy white. I have an old gray one in storage; it might be getting a coat of paint!
Kristi says
You are so right Kathy, they are really versatile and they can be painted in so many different ways. I'm a little partial to the glossy white right now. Who knows what it will be next, though. 😉 Come back and let us know if you pull yours out and paint it. 🙂
Linda at Mixed Kreations says
Very nice makeover Kristi! Love your nightstand and the white is very pretty. Love your black and white striped vase with the feathers too.
Kristi says
Thanks so much, Linda! The black and white striped vase is one of my favorites from the Target Dollar Spot a few years ago. 🙂
Linda at Mixed Kreations says
Cool I'll have to be sure and check that spot out next time I go to target. I didnt realize they had such cute things there.
Kristi says
Sometimes you get lucky and find something good. I always make sure I do a quick walk-thru when I go into Target. Good luck! 🙂