Y’all I finally got my Christmas Present in January! LOL!!! I had wanted a new piece for our bedroom but couldn’t find what I wanted. A few weeks ago I found a Small Chest that was the right size at a Flea Market. It just needed an update and it would be perfect!
This 3 Step Furniture Makeover – Flea Market Flip was a quick & easy way to transform this cute chest into the perfect piece for our master bedroom. Using only Chalk Paint & Wax this tired chest now has an updated finish and great farmhouse style.
The Flea Market Hunt
This space beside our bed has been filled with this cute little table since we moved here. It was a left over piece from our previous home and although I love the table, it isn’t working for me any longer.
The table is to small for the space and provided no storage. Therefore, I have been looking for the perfect piece to fill this spot.
The Flea Market Find
A few weeks ago I was traveling back from Virginia and couldn’t resist stopping at a flea market I had spied on the way up.
As luck would have it, I found a great solid wood chest at a great price. In addition, my husband was traveling back later that afternoon in a truck that we had just purchased, so I knew it was meant to be.
After a quick phone call, he picked up my new treasure and brought it home to me.
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3 Step Furniture Makeover
Although the chest was in great shape overall, there were some scuffs and nicks that needed to be repaired. Also, when I placed it in the room, it felt really dark beside the natural pine bed.
Step 1 – Flea Market Flip
The first step was to clean the piece thoroughly. Although it was good condition, I gave it a good cleaning with Pledge furniture cleaner, to be sure there were no sticky areas.
Step 2 – Paint
The second step of the furniture makeover was to paint the exterior of the chest. This was an easy process because I used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. It’s so fast and simple to use.
I just removed the drawers and painted two coats of Old White Chalk Paint.
It took less than 30 minutes to finish the painting. This is why I love using chalk paint for most projects and you can learn how to use Chalk Paint here.
Wax Finish- Step 3
At this point, I had decided to leave the drawers their natural finish. In addition, the hardware looked good and I decided to leave it as well.
Therefore, everything just needed a little sprucing up. I had originally thought about staining the drawer fronts to get rid of the scuffs and dings.
Instead I pulled out my Annie Sloan Dark Wax and it worked like a charm to remove any sign of the scuffs. Plus, it brought the rich beauty of the wood back to life. So easy.
Before After
Also, the dark wax brought the dull hardware back to life.
Seal the Paint
In order to finish and seal the painted surfaces, I used a combination of clear and dark wax.
In addition, I added mineral spirits to the wax. This helps to distress the finish while waxing. All of these techniques are detailed in How to use Chalk Paint!
You can see how some painted areas are distressed by using the mineral spirit mixture.
Shop My Farmhouse Style
The 3 Step Furniture Makeover – Finished Chest
I love a wood and white combination and I’m thrilled with how this inexpensive chest looks beside the bed. This has inspired me to refinish the chest on the other side of the bed. Stay turned for another makeover.
See that lamp? It was a $7.00 thrift store find. It’s now had a makeover and looks like a Pottery Barn or Anthropologie Hack. You have to click here to see the transformation.
You may also notice that I made a slight adjustment with just a dab more paint. The bed frame’s natural wood is almost a perfect match for the drawer fronts.
I hope you enjoyed this simple project and that it encourages you to try looking for used pieces when redecorating your spaces. It’s a great way to recycle and it feels great when you create something yourself.
You may also like to learn more abut how to Shop Thrift Stores successfully.
Thanks so much for stopping by today! Your support and comments mean so much to me. I look forward to sharing my next project and adventure with you!
Rachel
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Such a fun makeover Rachel. Luv how you left the wood on the drawers. Pinned👏🏻👏🏻
Ann,
Thanks for stopping by.
Love the makeover Rachel! It looks great!!!
Stacy
I really appreciate this.
Beautiful, it came out awesome!! Great job!
Carmen,
Thanks so much.
Rachel I think this was the same as my moms bedrooms set. Drexel and it was made from 5 different woods including pear wood. I also recognized the brasses. My parents bought it back in 1964 and they only made this collection for a couple of years because it was so expensive to produce. Good eye and good find.
Oh wow! Thank you so much for sharing. My bed is Drexel and I said that the wood looks so much alike. That’s why!
I appreciate this information Shelley!
Rachel
That was a great find, and you did an amazing job revamping it. It looks awesome in your bedroom. Thanks for sharing.
Miche,
You are so welcome and thank you for your encouragement.
So lovely! Love the chalk paint and wax technique! Thank you for sharing all the great tips on how to use the product!
Cynthia, You are welcome and thanks for stopping by.
Rachel
Wow Rachel, it turned out beautifully! I don’t have the patience for this and wish I did. Love it!
Cindy,
This was so easy, I know you could do it.
Hi, there! I live in Central Virginia! Can you give the name/location of the flea market you purchased the chest from? Thanks in advance…Sandra
It’s in NC but close to the Virginia border. It’s Stokesdale Flea Market. I think I have that right.
Just beautiful! Meant to be there!
Rebekah,
I agree. Thanks so much for stopping by.
Hi Rachel,
Great piece you found. I love working with ASCP and different techniques.
Pinned to my painting techniques board.
Great job!
Cindy
Cindy,
I really appreciate your encouragement. Rachel
Rachel what a great find! I love how it turned out…leaving some of the wood on the drawers was brilliant! Thanks for breaking down the process:)
Kelly,
I appreciate your encouragement.
You found a gorgeous piece and made it even more gorgeous! I am a huge fan of furniture transformations. Love the wood and painted look too! Thanks for sharing Rachel!
Cindy,
I really appreciate this.
I love your new chest Rachel. The makeover turned out beautifully!
Jen,
Thanks so much.
What a great transformation! Love how you combined the painted finish with the wood finish!
You did a great job. It turned out so pretty! Love the lamp you found too!
Rachel I love this! The contrast of the white with the original wood is stunning! Pinned!
Beautiful chest of drawers Rachel. I’m so excited to share your post this week at the Tuesday Turn About Link Party. Hope to see you there!
It’s so beautiful and I love how you highlighted some of the natural wood!
Shawna,
Thanks so much.
Wowza Rachel, it looks fab-u-lous!!! A great tutorial too — pinned! Do envy you going to a flea market. My current project is potty training a Scottie puppy, a challenge in this arctic weather lol!
Oh my gosh. But how fun to have a puppy.
I love how this turned out Rachel! And it looks perfect in your bedroom. Thanks so much for sharing it at Farmhouse Friday – we’re featuring you in tomorrow’s party!
Michelle,
I really appreciate this. Thanks.