It only took me a year to do this navy blue sewing cabinet makeover!
Vintage Sewing Machine Cabinet Makeover
I got this mid century modern sewing cabinet in December 2016. Almost exactly one year later I happened to drag it out and work on it. It was early December and I had just finished working on my DIY laundry cart. I suppose that’s why I was drawn to the navy blue.
Remove hardware
The very first step of doing a sewing cabinet makeover is to remove the unnecessary hardware left behind.
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Prepare to paint
As always, I mixed up some diy chalky paint primer. Of course I used plaster of paris and semi-gloss Behr paint (Naval).
I used a cheap chip brush as I do on 99% of my projects, but something went wrong with this paint job.
Sand metal feet
I sanded the metal legs (feet) for the sewing cabinet makeover. Initially I thought about leaving them as is.
Spray Paint
But I decided to paint them. Please excuse the blurry picture.
The jury’s still out on whether I actually like the blue metal legs.
Too many brush strokes
I generally love the two-toned look of wood and paint. I felt like the pretty veneer of the front of the cabinet shouldn’t be painted. While we’re taking a close look at the top of the cabinet, I’m sure you’ll notice all of the brush strokes. I think the weather was too chilly and overcast when I painted. I kept applying more coats of paint thinking it would improve. You would think I’d be better at this by now, but it happens, you know?
I chose to leave the inside of the cabinet it’s natural color as well as the front and the legs.
Plan b
The poor little cabinet was banished to the garage for over a month. It was time to fix this gal up and get her on her way. I brought her in the house in order to allow her to warm up. We had a week of very cold, icy and snowy weather. This was one of the few places that wasn’t snow and ice covered.
This is where I’m going to take a little commercial break and ask you to hop over to my friends at Homeright to see how I saved this piece and gave her the new outfit she deserves. Go now, I’ll wait for you.
Welcome back! Can you believe the difference that Homeright Finish Max Super makes? You really can use a paint sprayer in the SNOW! (under the right conditions)
Now, let’s take a look at the new and improved sewing cabinet makeover that was nearly a project fail. 
Navy Blue Sewing Cabinet Makeover
The difference in the paint job is amazing! I love how smooth it is now.
So pretty! I really love the original wood tones with the navy blue paint.
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Thanks for stopping by!
gail
See More Sewing Cabinet Project Ideas
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.
Audra @ Renewed Projects
Navy blue is one of my favorite paints to use for a makeover. It creates such a classy look. Yours is stunning
Gail Wilson
Thanks so much Audra. As I mentioned to someone else, I have a couple of navy projects currently for sale at the booth with no takers.... go figure!
gail
chris tucker
hi gail it's been a while since i commented old age problems lmao, but i had to comment i love this color combo and i think your originality is not commented on often enough, i do appreciate it i get tired of looking at the same old same old all the time and i do still read you every time you post xx
Gail Wilson
Ohhh, how sweet Chris. I thank you so much! Old friends are the best!
take care my friend!
gail
Jennie
So glad you did wood and paint. Itās adorable. I think the brass or even silver contrast with the wood and paint would make it richer looking. But, it really depends on the person that buys it and their taste. Your homeright link doesnāt work even signed in.
Gail Wilson
Yeah, it's always difficult to know what people are going to like. I may change up the feet and handle in the future.
About the Homeright link... they haven't published my post on their site yet. It's suppose to go live very soon. I apologize for the inconvenience. š
gail
Jennie
Gail, I was wondering if you did a solid writing surface where the sewing machine was? It works great as an end table, maybe a little tall. Down sizing has made me realize everything has to have multiple purposes.
Gail Wilson
Jennie,
The top (closed) is a solid writing surface (so to speak). I didn't do anything on the inside. These cabinets make great bedside tables these days because the beds are so high. Vintage nightstands are much too low for today's beds. š
I have done solid writing surfaces on other sewing cabinet redoes. You can see one here: https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/red-side-table-repurposed-sewing-cabinet/
gail
Donna Marie
I think the feet should be gold with the "handle". Just one girl's opinion!!!
Gail Wilson
I appreciate your honesty AND your opinion!
It's just paint, right? š
gail
girlfromwva
i love it. the navy with the wood finish is a nice contrast. it could go well with so many color combinations in a room. the feet are so cute on this table.
Katie
Nice! I painted my center island navy blue when i switched out the old laminate top for walnut and added some seating. Loved it so much I used the remaining navy for two small dresser redo's, leaving it part natural wood part painted like what you have. I admit I'm partial to the color š
Gail Wilson
Yay! so happy you like the navy color. I have two projects at my booth waiting for a new home, so I guess not everyone likes that color. This isn't my first two toned navy paint job. I love the look as well. I bet your projects look awesome!
gail
Katie
Well, the one dresser turned out better than the other, but that's b/c I apparently didn't mix the stain well enough so all of the color ended up on the second one (whoops). Ended up more of a cherry instead of "American" I think it was called. Not a bad color but a bit much with the navy blue accents.
I can understand that, it's definitely a bolder color! I painted my center island when my roommate was away for the weekend. I had told her blue but apparently she was imagining something very different. Took her a while but she likes it now. Personally I love the look of neutral walls, etc, and a statement piece or two.
Eliz~
I love this sewing cabinet! I've never seen one like this! It looks like a 60's Stereo cabinet! I love the makeover. I would not have painted the feet. I have a couple of my Grandma's pieces with those "gold" feet. I love them! :o)
Gail Wilson
Yeah... the feet may not stay painted navy. They may go gold or silver. hehehehe