Today I'd like to share how I re-purposed two pieces of furniture for my office space. Two cheapy laminate stands that were going to be kicked to the curb. Literally. I figured I had nothing to lose, and so I decided to do something with them.
This was my first time painting furniture or finishing furniture of any kind. I was a bit hesitant since I wasn't sure if the paint would stick on top of laminate, but I found a wonderful step by step tutorial to help me along the way and in the end I was able to save money by giving these stands a new life.
Here is what my sewing machine storage stand looked like before. It was a wooden file cabinet, but the bottom drawer was broken. The hardware for the file folders was un-repairable so I took it out and got rid of the drawer front.
The beauty of the type of primer that I used is that I didn't have to SAND before priming! I applied two coats of primer and followed it up with 2 coats of paint and a coat of clear spray paint.
I added a wire basket to hold some fabric and my new storage stand was done! I keep my sewing machine on top and use the drawers for my pressure foot, user manuals, and other supplies.
We recently bought a new entertainment stand for our great room and didn't need this anymore. It worked out great since I needed a printer stand for the office. So I gave it the same treatment as the sewing machine stand and voila!
If you are like us you probably have some laminate furniture that could use some sprucing up. And it really is easier than you might think. I swear we have a piece in every room of the house and now I know what I am going to do with it when it starts looking a bit drab.
Dana says
What kind of paint is this? Is it normal hardware store paint or chalk paint? and what finish?
Brandy says
Hi Dana, I used an interior semi-gloss paint and a coat of clear. This was before I had heard of using chalk paint for furniture. I think if I were to refinish something now that I would use chalk paint to see how it holds up. My little sewing chest still looks fantastic, but it doesn't receive a lot of wear and tear like a coffee table or side table might. Hope that helps!
Ariella says
Hi, look great! What's the name of the primer that you used that didn't require sanding?
Brandy says
Zinnser primer 🙂
Kayla says
I have got to know what color you used for this!!
Brandy says
Hi Kayla!
It's Olympic "Poolside". Have a great week!
Brandy
Anita says
I like the idea of putting a wire basket in that blue cabinet. It would definitely secure fabrics and other objects in it. Just a quick question, do you think putting a wallpaper on each side of the cabinet would make it more attractive? I'm thinking of using a bubble-designed wallpaper to give it a lively color.
~ Thank You ~
Anita Hugh
Carrie says
I am surprised to see this informative post! It's too good. Desks for home office
Carrie Davis says
Fabulous project! Pinning this in case I find good laminate furniture to repurpose!
CarrieThisHome.com
Carrie says
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pdschlad says
very nice! I'm a teacher and a second hand store fanatic. When I need something for my classroom I love to look every purpose. It makes my classroom feel like a home and not a cluttered mess!
pdschlad says
This comment has been removed by the author.
Violingirl87 says
I really like this, but I'm curious; were these projects hardwood laminate (for example, I have an antique cedar chest which has a hardwood laminate over solid cedar) or particle board laminate? I have a small apartment space and I use particle board pantries to keep things organized and I'd love for all of them to match
Brandy says
Hi! Great question! These were both cheapy particle board construction with a laminate on top. Hope that answers your question. Let me know if you have any others!
Brandy
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Leather Armchair says
Hmm...paint can increase durability by resisting moisture and bugs attacks..
Leather Sofa
Aldis Green says
Exactly..! The paint can really make such a huge difference that we can't even think. Its not only about the looks but it can also increase the durability of the furniture.
Restaurant Chairs
Amanda - Cupcakes and Corndogs says
This looks sooo good! I'm really into bright colored furniture lately. Great job!
Amanda