Country Style Shelf Makeover

Do you love a quick and easy makeover of thrift store items? This month for our Thrift Store project, I chose a country shelf. You may not have this exact shelf, but the tips I’m sharing can be used on any thrift store decor or furniture pieces.

Country Shelf

I’ve had this country shelf stored in my basement shop, holding paint and other items, for years. While looking for a project for this month’s Thrift Store Decor Tour, I knew this would be a simple makeover that would fit in during a hectic week.

How to Prep Your Project for Painting

The supplies for the shelf makeover are simple. You may need to clean and repair your shelf. I chose to grab a screwdriver, dust brush, surface prep wipes, paint, and a paintbrush. You may also notice a candle. I decided not to use it as a paint distressing technique. More about that later.

The shelf was a little wobbly, and I thought I might have to use wood glue and brad nails to make it sturdy. However, I started tightening all of the screws and that did the trick.

Sometimes, I use the liquid surface prep for deglossing. However, this country-style shelf simply needed a good dusting and cleaning.

Painting a Country Shelf

I used a sample of white paint for the base coat, painting it with a small angled paintbrush from Dollar General.

I refer to the first coat as the “ugly coat”. Beginning with a light coat of paint allows the following coats to adhere nicely.

Turning the shelf upright, I’m ready to paint the back of it. Of course, this is optional. If you’re setting it up against the wall, you may want to skip this step. I would suggest painting anything visible, such as the back of the cute birdhouses.

How to Speed up the Drying Process

Because I was on a tight time frame, I used my Ryobi fan to speed up the drying process.

Using Drywall Patch to Fill Holes

Color changing drywall patch spackle was used to fill in the screw holes. They were very noticeable after the shelf was painted white.

Adding an Aqua Top Coat

After two light coats of white paint, I started painting the country shelf with pretty aqua paint. I love the white and blue together as I’m painting.

After one coat of blue, the painted flowers are still slightly visible. To give smoother coverage, I switched to a small foam roller.

Light Blue Country Shelf

I love the look of the newly painted country shelf. But, remember when I said I liked how the blue and white looked together?

Initially, I considered using the candle as a resistance distressing technique, but I decided not to.

On to plan B.

Light Distressing Technique

I purchased a layering block on Amazon to give the shelf the illusion of light distressing. The block is no longer available online. You could easily make one with a scrap piece of wood and any old wooden dresser knob.

My friend Christy has a great little video about using this paint layering technique.

After tipping the paint jar and applying a smidge of paint, then wiping it off, I dragged the block along the edge of the shelf to add paint. Upon first glance, it appears it has been sanded revealing white paint from a basecoat.

For this country shelf makeover, I used Heirloom Traditions’ Amalfi (aqua) and Cashmere (white) paint colors.

This close-up shows the slight white distressing technique.

Related Content: Amalfi TV Tray Table With a Different Distress Technique

Aqua Country Shelf With White Distressing

This country shelf makeover was quick and easy. Have you ever used this distressing technique? Some people may not like the heart-shaped openings in birdhouses. I have some birdhouse guards at The Hideaway, that could easily be placed over the hearts to make them circles. I used one on a handmade birdhouse given to me where the hole was too large.

This shelf will find a new home when I place it in my booth.

Let’s see what the rest of the team has been up to.

Fun Thrift Store Makeovers

• DIY Easter Display
• Bundt Pan Bird Feeder
• Repurposing a Damaged Stoneware Crock
• Upcycle Thrift Store Art
• Country Style Shelf Makeover (You are here, thanks!)
• Two Ways to Update Thrift Store Art