French Provincial furniture is readily found at thrift stores. I happened to pick up a couple of pieces from a friend. She gave me a dresser and a small side table or nightstand.
I turned the dresser into a low bench with storage. A friend actually bought it as a window seat for her cats.
French Provincial Side Table Before
This is the table before. They were typical French Provincial reproductions with the cream and gold.
Prepare Table for Painting with Painter's Tape
Because the top of the table was in good shape, and I new it would go with the light gray paint I was going to use, I decided to tape it off and not paint it. Whenever I do not paint the top, I always start with a layer of tape all around the edge. You can see that because of the curvature of this table’s details, I chose to use small individual pieces of painter’s tape.
After I get a layer of tape all the way around, I add a piece of paper to protect the top from over spray.
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There will be NO paint getting on this table top!
Using a paint sprayer
The table is ready for the paint sprayer in the paint booth. I generally try to paint the underneath side, especially on small pieces to give them a nice finished look.
After a coat of DIY chalky paint primer. The Finish Max Pro made easy work on those wire sides.
DIY Chalky Paint as a Primer
It’s dark in the paint booth, so I have to bring my pieces out to the daylight to get a good look at them to see where I may have missed. Looks great! Now on with some gray top coat.
Easy Table Makeover almost complete
After 2 very light coats of gray. I typically give one light coat with the Finish Max Pro, let it dry slightly, then hit it with another light coat, then clean up the sprayer,.
Add details with small paint brush
I used a small stencil brush to add some white highlights to this little gal.
Staged in my drop cloth staging area. I’m loving the gray and white on this sweet little table.
Do you think this French Provincial piece was originally a nightstand or a side table?
Isn't she so cute now? What have you painted lately?
gail
See more easy furniture makeovers here
UPDATE: I sold the table, here it is in it’s new home in Sheila’s guest room
Gail Wilson is the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. She is obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believes that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again, including herself!
Gail reinvented herself during a midlife crisis and has found purpose again. She hopes you will find new ideas for old things and pick up a few tools along the way.
Kathleen Hicks
Like the accents done on the "French" table. Personally I like to see the books normal. I can't help it I am a book freak. This weekend as is most week ends is yard sale weekend. I like them, yes, but my Hubby is OC about thrift stores and yard sales. LOL Found some small goodies. The other day I fixed a toy car box for my Great-great-great Nephew William. I buy him yard sale cars-(cheap)-and fixed a big box to put them in. He loves wheels! Do a lot of shopping at yard sales for Christmas-especially the children. Better on the pocketbook that way Love to look and read your blog-keep it up!
Jennie
I think it was a nightstand or even maybe a phone stand. French Provincial is something I havenāt seen any of in forever out here in the desert. It did turn out to be so cute though.
Carmela
I was wondering if you sanded the furniture prior to spraying it with the chalk paint?
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Carmela,
I did not sand the table. If I had painted the slick top, I would have.
gail
Johnny
I think the color scheme is so important for projects like this. I thought that the highlights were a nice touch. This is definitely something worth trying.
Terry
You know I love this since I have done several of these French pieces in the past month or so. I need something like this to put my printer in.
girlfromwva
love the little table/night stand! it could be used in so many ways!
Feral Turtle
This turned out amazing. I love the style of this piece!
Pauline Henderson
Love your work Gail.
Trish
You did a great job on both pieces. I am not one that knows the different in the name of furniture.... I do know what queen anne furniture looks like that's about it.
Sheila
Gail, I wish you lived closer to me because I would love to get this for my guest room! It turned out adorable and I totally covet it!
Holly
Looks great. I'm a big fan of gray and white! Turned out lovely.
Pam
Working your magic again...love it.
Catherine
I'm gaga for that night stand!
Lucky finds!
Catherine
Patricia
well I love it! I think you did a great job on it. I like the colors and the staging! good job.
I'm thinking it was a night table. but would go well in a front room or sitting area.
Patricia
Mary
Love it!!! Nice job. Mary
Laurel Stephens
What sweet pieces, Gail! I love the colors you chose.
darrielle tennenbaum
Gorgeous! Love it!
Katie
This is gorgeous!!!
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.
Oh pretty! I think this style really looks new and fresh with paint!
Terri
Love how this turned out...the two-tone is perfect! I also LOVE that bench!!
cassie
oh i love the little nightstand! you did a great job!
kirby carespodi
This is such a cute piece, Gail! My mom gave me an old French Provincial dresser when we first got married, and I GAVE IT AWAY!! (It was before we started doing furniture.)Dangit!