I have an easy side table makeover for you today! This rectangle table is perfect for beside a sofa, and you can even make it a hideaway for your pet! I love dual purpose repurposing.
Isn’t it perfect? I love how it turned out. This is a fairly easy makeover, mostly just paint. But having a screwdriver will be the secret to stepping this table up to the perfect furbaby hideaway!
Simply remove the door, add a cute bed and this side table makeover is the perfect furbaby hideaway!
Let’s see how this makeover came about.
Thrift Store Side Table
Although it was over my regular $5.00 limit, I thought the table was on sale for 25% off. But when I checked out at the register I found out it was indeed priced right. The side table definitely needs some TLC!
How do you clean thrift store finds?
The most important step of redoing any thrift store project is to clean it thoroughly. We really don’t know the history of a piece of furniture until we get into cleaning it. I quickly found out that this piece was covered with nicotine.
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Clean with TSP
Diluting TSP in a bucket of water, I used a rag and latex gloves to thoroughly clean the piece. A quick rinse with the hose is okay if you allow the thrift store furniture to dry right away.
Remove Hardware Prior to Painting
It’s a good idea to remove the hardware prior to giving your thrift store side table it’s makeover. I have made a special place to keep my hardware while I am working on a project. Have you ever taken too long to finish a piece, and you KNEW you would remember where you put those hinges and screws, but then you find yourself looking everywhere for them? I have a rolling tool cart with hooks on the side. Lately, I’ve been putting the hardware of my current project in a baggie, hanging it on a hook on the cart. You could also use the lunchmeat containers.
Tips for using a Paint Sprayer on a Furniture Makeover
Of course I used my favorite Homeright Super Finish Max to make this side table makeover a quick and easy project. For this project, instead of using my diy chalky paint primer I used Dixie Belle Paint. Notice that I have the table resting on my easy sawhorses, I find it easier to paint with the furniture up off the ground. You really can get better coverage when you rotate the furniture as you paint it. In addition, I like to paint the tops of furniture while it’s in a vertical position.
Wow! What a difference paint makes on old thrift store furniture like this unique side table makeover.
To Glaze or Not to Glaze
I can’t stop using this smoked glaze. I didn’t intend on using glaze on this side table makeover, but I just couldn’t help myself. I’ll let you be the judge of whether I should have used it. What do you think? Which color do you prefer?
If you like the glazed look, but not sure how to pull it off, be sure to check out my post How to Glaze Painted Furniture. There’s a video to help you understand the technique I use. I freehanded the area where the door will be. I chose NOT to glaze the interior of the side table.
Spray Paint Thrift Store Side Table Hardware
Because I ended up glazing the table, I felt the hardware would look better if I touched it up with black spray paint.
Thrift Store Table Makeover with Paint and Glaze
This thrift store side table is a good size and offers a lot of storage. With a little TLC it is now ready for it’s new home.
Remove the Side Table Door to Make a Dog or Cat Bed
Pin this idea to share with others!
Remove the door from the side table and you have a great hideaway for your small dog or cat! Lulu Mae’s favorite bed fits perfectly in this table.
What’s the last thrift store furniture piece you upcycled with a makeover?
gail
Rich says
June 5, 2019 at 9:05 pmHi Gail,
I see why you keep choosing this paint. It gives everything you’ve done a terrific homey feel – relaxing, rustic barn and you can never go wrong by adding Lulu Mae!
I’m not sure if you’ve seen the following story? I’m totally bummed: I just read in business news, that due to this insane trade fiasco with china, one of our favorite stores, dollar tree has to change its entire business model and plans to increase prices. They will also launch a 100 stores called dollar tree plus – Who can say: BOOOO!
Rich
Maine
Gail Wilson says
June 5, 2019 at 9:19 pmI read about that, but looks like it’s been in the works for a while. Every time I shop there, I say “I can’t believe they can sell this stuff for a dollar”.
Thanks for your kind words about my painting and mentioning Lulu Mae! She’s my baby girl.
I think I’ll go to the $$$ Tree tomorrow and stock up. 🙂
gail
Lizzy Leff says
June 5, 2019 at 12:17 pmWow, what a difference! Nice! Perfect for a dog bed. I did like it better before the glaze, though.
Gail Wilson says
June 5, 2019 at 1:39 pmLizzy,
Thanks for letting me know your preference on the paint. I appreciate it. I just can’t stop using the glaze, it helps protect and seal, and I love the color. 🙂
gail
Alex says
May 31, 2019 at 2:50 pmWondering why you didn’t sand anything down (have a bunch of stuff I’ve been wanting to redo, but haven’t wanted to sand or use chemical strippers).
Thanks!
It looks gorgeous, btw!
Gail Wilson says
June 2, 2019 at 5:19 pmI did sand the top lightly to try to disguise some of the scratches. Using chalk paint or chalk type paint it’s not necessary to sand, just use a good cleaning agent like TSP.
I also use my own chalky paint primer that I made using Behr wall paint and plaster of paris. You can read more about it here if you’re interested: https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/diy-chalky-paint-recipe-makes-a-great-primer/
My version is cheaper and works really well.
gail
RON BONNEAU says
May 31, 2019 at 12:35 pmWHY IS THIS CONTENT SHOWING UP ON MY BROWSER ?? PLEASE UNSUBSCRIBE ME FROM ALL YOUR LISTS !!
Gail Wilson says
June 2, 2019 at 5:25 pmApparently, you subscribed to my notifications. If you visit the website, there should be a little red bell at the bottom that says “you’re subscribed to notifications”. I am unable to remove you, you will need to do that yourself.
gail
Shirley says
May 31, 2019 at 11:08 amDid you create the Kentucky map/sign??
Gail Wilson says
June 2, 2019 at 5:26 pmShirley,
The KY sign was a gift from a friend. She used a Silhouette machine to cut the state out of foil and then put it on that fabulous piece of wood!
gail
girlfromwva says
May 31, 2019 at 9:33 amlove the color and the glaze. the paint on the hardware really puts it all together.
Gail Wilson says
June 2, 2019 at 5:27 pmYou’re the BEST Nova! I so appreciate you stopping by to check out my latest project.
gail
Jennie says
May 31, 2019 at 9:15 amLulu Mae looks very comfortable in her little bed. I have 2 puppy end tables on each side of the couch. One for the Chiweenie, and one for my grandson’s fort.