While digging in the wood shed for my next project, I landed on this old sewing cabinet that would be perfect for a side table. The poor thing did need a little TLC.
Old Sewing Cabinet into Side Table
The base of the sewing cabinet doesn’t look too bad. But the top was a little rough.
I’m sure I didn’t pay $10 for this old sewing cabinet, but look at that date! I’ve had this thing nearly four years. My goal this Spring and Summer is to hit my stash hard and whittle away at all that stuff I have in storage.
Dismantle Sewing Cabinet to Make Side Table
The first step is to remove the lid and the sewing machine frame leaving just the base of the sewing cabinet. I tossed the frame that held the machine, but I’m saving the lid to reuse as the side table top.
Full disclosure here! I had a hard time removing the hinge on the lid. If you look closely, you will see a small pin on the side of the lid that needs to be removed in order to release the hinge arm.
*this post contains affiliate links, read more here*
Sand Lid of Sewing Cabinet
The lid of the sewing cabinet had a lot of damage, plus the two stickers. I used my orbital sander with 150 grit then 200 grit sandpaper. I’ll show you how well it turned out further down in this post.
Make Repairs Including Tightening Screws
Don’t miss the opportunity to tighten all the screws while you have the lid off.
Paint Sewing Cabinet with Paint Sprayer
After mixing red oops paint with plaster of paris, I poured the DIY chalky paint primer in my Super Finish Max paint sprayer.
Note: I did sand the finish lightly because of the rough finish on the base of the sewing cabinet.
This is after a couple of light coats of the chalky paint.
Because the lid will no longer be operational, there was no need to take the paint all the way to the edge. Why? Because I will be painting the top of the lid a different color.
After the paint is dry, I do a quick dry fit to see how everything is looking.
Smoked Glaze Over Red Paint on Side Table
To tone down the red paint on the side table, I reach for my favorite smoked glaze as a topcoat. The glaze really tones down the bright red color on the side table.
Paint Top of Side Table Black
This black paint will be perfect for the lid!
In this image, you can see how much better the sewing cabinet lid looks. So, just to let you know how much I love the great finish of this paint sprayer. I poured a small amount of black paint in the cup. Yes, it may seem like a lot of work for such a small project, but I wanted a flawless finish on the top for my new side table.
I’ve used this sprayer for so many years, I’ve gotten really fast at cleaning it. Practice really does make perfect!
Do you see it? How perfect is that paint job! And, oh so quick!
Prepare to Attach Lid to Side Table
A couple of the screws were stripped out, so I had to add new pocket holes with my kreg jig.
Secure the lid to the base of the sewing cabinet using pocket hole screws.
Apply Wipe-On Poly
Apply Wipe-On Poly to the top of the sewing cabinet side table to add an extra layer of protection.
Spray Paint Hardware
I decided to spray paint the hardware black to match the top of the side table/sewing cabinet.
Are you loving the color combination as much as I am?
Currently, I’m staging all my projects in The Sugar Shack. It’s really getting full of projects!
Sewing Cabinet into Side Table or Writing Desk?
Paired with my easy weave chair, the sewing cabinet side table makes a great writing desk!
You should share & save on Pinterest for later.
gail
Related Content:
See More Sewing Cabinet Project Ideas
Janet Morris
I bought one of the paint sprayers like yours. What settings do you put it on to spray your chalk paint primer. What is your recipe for chalk paint. Do you strain the paint before you put it in the sprayer?
Gail Wilson
Janet,
I always strain my paint, unless it's brand new. I have a habit of keeping paint for years! My recipe is here: https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/diy-chalky-paint-recipe-makes-a-great-primer/
Start on a piece of cardboard or something to see how the paint comes out of the nozzle. The thumb adjustment quickly and easily will give you more or less flow.
Let me know if you have more questions, once you get started.
good luck!
gail
Stephanie S.
Awesome job and like how the stain toned down the red. Love it.
girlfromwva
love how this turned out. perfect as a writing desk!
Jordyce
I have that same cabinet and when I get the chance I will do this I like your color that you painted it.
Gail Wilson
Awesome Jordyce! So happy you like my project enough to inspire you to do your own.
I'm always just an email away if you need anything.
gail
Jennie Wallick
I love the red. I still have my sewing table on the porch with a table bussing container in the top. Opened up I can put ice and bottles or cans in the container part or hors devours, and on the flip open table part bowls of chips, non perishable food, or alcohol. But now that the 3 year old picks up everything, nothing alcoholic is out.