{ shabby chic bedroom furniture } old new again

I've finally started on my bedroom! I'm really excited

to get it done! The only thing I'm having trouble with is deciding

what color to paint the walls. In the meantime, I've

got a few projects to finish anyway. This weekend

I re-painted my dresser and nightstands. When we

first bought them (second hand), we had painted them black

because at the time I really didn't have an idea

of how the bedroom would be decorated. 

And now that I've redone them, I LOVE them! 

(don't mind that my bed isn't made)

This is an inexpensive way to make your

furniture fit your decor without having to go

out and buy new pieces. 

What you'll need:

*  A pint of flat paint.

* Paintbrush and small roller

* 120 grit sand paper

Here's the nightstand. Go ahead and take the

drawers out. I wanted to paint my hardware

to give it that worn vintage look as well. 

Depending on your preferences, you

can tape the hinges off or remove the doors

and hinges until after you've painted.

Use some sandpaper and scuff up the finish a bit. This

helps the paint stick. Wipe off the dust.

Lay down some newspaper or a drop cloth under

the nightstand to avoid a mess.

If you're lucky, you'll find one of these, too! Score!

I used BEHR's antique white, interior flat paint.

I've found that gloss paints peel off really easy. 

Using your roller, paint your surface completely. I like to

avoid the paint tray when using this little roller. 

You can just dip it into the can and let it drip off a 

little. Way easier and less mess to clean up.

You may have crevices that you can't get with the roller.

 Use your paintbrush for these parts. 

The first coat will be thin, especially if your

going from as dark as I did, to as light as I did.

Once the first coat is dry, add a second coat.

DO NOT put a second coat of paint on until

the first coat is not longer tacky. If you try

to add a second coat before the first is dry, it will

just lift the first coat.

I recommend you let the second coat dry over night. 

If you are going to sand your piece of furniture,

it will gum up if it isn't completely dry.

Now it's time to age your piece. Use your sandpaper

and scuff up the new paint. Focus on the edges, corners

and other details in the wood.

 You don't have to sand every part. I like to make 

it look less intentional and more natural. Have fun

with it! Don't worry about making it perfect.

Here are a few more detail shots.

If you've used newspaper, it's probably stuck to the 

bottom of your nightstand. 

 Just use your sandpaper and sand it off! 

Make sure you use a rag and wipe off all the dust

from sanding before bringing it into the house. Put

your drawers back in and put your doors and 

hinges back on if you removed them.

This is an easy way to make your old furniture

new again. Total cost to redo 2 night stands, a dresser

and a headboard:  $15

Enjoy!