How To Paint Your Boring Bedside Tables & Turn Them Into A Statement Piece

If you're eager to learn how to breathe new life into your bedside tables, you're in the right place. In this step-by-step guide, I'll walk you through the process of revamping your bedside tables to give them a fresh, stylish look.

 

Tools and Supplies You'll Need For This Project:

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Now, let's get started!

Step 1: Assessment and Preparation: Begin by assessing your bedside tables' condition. Check for solid timber tops and assess any existing stain or varnish. Before sanding, confirm that you have a solid wood surface to work with. If the tops are solid timber, you're good to go.

If they are veneer you need to be much more careful with the sanding process so as not to sand through the veneer.

Step 2: Stripping the Top: To reveal the beautiful natural wood, strip off the old stain or varnish from the tops. Use a belt sander for quick removal, and then switch to an orbital sander for a smoother finish. Ensure you sand evenly and remove any existing stains.

You can do this with just the orbital sander if you don’t have access to a belt sander.

Step 3: Handling the Edges: Decide if you want to keep the edges as raw, exposed timber or if you'd prefer to paint them. If you choose to paint them, mask off the edges.

Use the masking tape to prevent paint from reaching the wood.

Step 4: Removing Hardware: Remove the original hardware to create a smooth finish. Whether you plan to replace or reapply it, this step is crucial.

Label your drawers for easy reassembly.

Step 5: Scuff Sanding: Scuff sand the entire piece using 120-grit sandpaper. Ensure that you rough up the surface without creating swirls or gouges.

Don't forget hard-to-reach areas; you can use an orbital sander for the larger flat areas and use hand sandpaper for the harder-to-reach areas.

Step 6: Deep Cleaning: Clean the piece with sugar soap wipes to remove dust and prepare it for wood filler application.

This step ensures a clean surface for the wood filler to adhere to.

Step 7: Filling Hardware Holes: Fill the old hardware holes with wood filler. Apply it generously and smooth it out with a spatula for a clean finish.

Sand off the excess wood filler and apply a second coat if necessary.

Step 8: Primer Application: Choose a suitable primer (based on the needs of the piece) and apply it to the entire piece. Ensure even coverage for the best results.

Clean your brushes and rollers after applying the primer.

Step 9: Painting the Piece: Select your desired paint colour and apply it to the piece. Lighter colours may require multiple coats, so apply as needed to achieve your desired finish.

Allow adequate drying time between coats.

Step 10: Stencilling (Optional): If you want to add intricate detailing, use a stencil. For my piece, I decided to apply a contrasting colour on the drawers and used the original colour through the stencil to create texture and visual interest.

 

Step 11: Timber Staining (Optional): If you want to enhance the timber's appearance while retaining the colour scheme, apply a paint wash to the timber tops. I used the darker colour that I had painted on the drawer front before applying the stencil to create my paint wash.

You can adjust the wash's consistency and darkness based on your preferences.

Step 12: Hardware Selection and Installation: Choose hardware that complements your design. I wasn’t sure at first which hardware to select and ended up going with a personal preference. It doesn't always have to appeal to everyone.

Measure and drill new hardware holes if needed. Install the hardware securely.

(Check out where I got these beautiful White Shell Flower Knobs that I used in this transformation! Click Here)

Step 13: Protective Top Coat: To ensure durability and protection, apply a clear polycrylic top coat. Multiple layers (four, in this case) will provide the best results and withstand heavy use.

 

Once you've completed these steps, your transformed bedside tables will look stunning and be ready to enhance your living space. Enjoy your newly refreshed furniture

By following these detailed steps, your bedside tables will undergo a stunning transformation, becoming a beautiful addition to your home décor.

To watch this makeover and see the steps described above you can check it out here on YouTube

 

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