Upcycled Bedside Tables: DIY Painted Nightstands Update the Bedroom
In this post: Got dark wood furniture that you’d like to update? These upcycled bedside tables use chalk paint to create modern painted nightstands. ⇒
It was really always inevitable, but it still took me years to decide.
We bought our bedroom set many years ago. Long enough ago that I don’t exactly remember when, along with where my home was at aesthetically. It’s hard to remember a time when I would have wanted dark wood, and particularly a matched set, but nonetheless that’s what we got.
It was from Ethan Allen and is made quite well. It also provides the perfect amount of storage, and therein lies my allegiance to the set.
But my devotion ends there.
For many years now I have pined for a lighter look. While the rest of my home is nearly white, the best I could do in the bedroom was purchase all white bedding. Since we never had a wood headboard, I did get a light colored tufted one, but the dark pieces of furniture still dominated the room.
As I tended to the rest of our home, I would occasionally look at inspiring photos of bedrooms in magazines and on social media. My favorites *always* had light furniture.
This was not a surprise to me. I knew quite clearly what my preference was. So what was holding me back?
For starters, our bedroom set is comprised of 5 pieces – 2 nightstands, 2 tall narrow chests and a large dresser. The second I took a paintbrush to one piece, that meant a commitment to all 5 pieces. It’s not that I would paint them all the same, but the heavy dark wood could never sit comfortably with lighter pieces.
The second obstacle was the knowledge that this was a quality set. Of all the pieces I’ve painted before, only one was real wood and it had belonged to my parents. It was inarguably outdated and was headed for the landfill, as no one wanted it (you can read that story here).
Finally, tied to that same point was the knowledge that once I painted it, it would be hard to restore its original finish, if I – or anyone else – ever decided to. I had visions of my grandchildren stripping the piece to unearth the bare wood underneath.
Painted Nightstands
But when I found myself looking for new nightstands to buy, I knew the time had come.
What was the point of spending money on new pieces and hoping they offered the same storage opportunities, when I had perfectly good furniture that I simply hated the color of?
I realized this is my furniture and it should serve me. It doesn’t matter that there are people out there (perhaps some of you?) who would never paint over wood and who would find the endeavor a travesty.
If the only thing standing between me and a bedroom I love is a can of paint, well that’s one of the easiest problems to tackle. So I vowed that this is the year. I would start with the nightstands and address the other pieces later. They would definitely have different treatments and I chose my color with that in mind.
With the decision made, I prepped the piece. Well, actually, first I prepped my husband who thought the idea was insane. (I’m happy to report he loves the outcome!)
I wiped down the piece to remove dust and debris, removed the drawers and the original hardware, and put a drop cloth of trash bags down to catch any spills.
And that’s all the prep that chalk paint needs.
Next I considered the color and paint technique the piece would get. I opted to paint it flat, something I don’t usually do, but the clean lines of the piece and classic decor in the bedroom called for a more modern approach than the usual antiquing I often do.
And finally I dove in.
The stage you see in the photo above is about the scariest part of the whole process. It’s hard to avoid that “oh my God, what have I done” feeling when the first few strokes hit the piece. As a steady stream of questions ran through my head – will this color be too white? will it take 8000 coats to cover? have I just ruined my furniture? – I knew the only logical direction was forward. I tried to quell the panic and moved full steam ahead.
The color I chose is called Old Linen. It’s a wonderful shade of pale greige that quite accurately captures the color of… well, aged linen. It would work nicely with our linen comforter and offer a slight contrast against the stark white sheets on the bed.
The paint I use is from Pure & Original, a sponsor who supplied the paint. Their Classico chalk paint quality is my favorite for its lush creamy texture and wonderful range of colors. It provides ample coverage and a lovely flat finish.
(I expect to use a darker shade for the tall chests and a lighter shade for the dresser.)
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I also opted to change the hardware on the nightstands, in part because I wasn’t in love with the existing hardware, and additionally to afford more distinction between the various pieces in the set.
I will want the individual pieces to look like they were collected over time from difference sources. They have some variation in detailing so, with different hardware, as well as paint color and technique, I should be able to achieve a reasonable difference in the way the pieces look.
But my goal for this current project was the nightstands alone, so I selected a ring pull in an antique gold and added a bit more gold (with Rub n Buff) to bring out the highs and lows.
Since I was painting the bedside tables in a flat color, I applied 3 coats. I could have gotten by with 2, and would have stopped there if I was doing the dresser or chests, but our nightstands are used quite a lot and I chose to add the extra coat for a bit of additional insurance.
The paint dries quickly, so I did all 3 coats in one day, then let it dry overnight.
Next I added a coat of clear Classico Italian Wax, also from Pure & Original, gave it the full day to dry, then applied a second coat at night for extra durability. In the morning I buffed it lightly and the painting was done.
The final step was the most exciting one, because I still wasn’t sure how the piece would look all put back together. I was looking at a chest with the drawers removed and there was plenty of brown on the interior still visible.
Yet, as I attached the new hardware, removed the drop cloth and slid the drawers back in, I knew it was exactly what I had hoped for.
And of course then I wondered why I waited so long to do it!
The new light nightstands are precisely what I would choose if I purchased new bedside tables today. They fit perfectly with the room’s aesthetic and the new bedding I’ve added to the space.
The green wall paint is still in question and will likely be switched out this year. I truly love the color and the optimism it imparts, but it’s very limiting and after 7 years, it’s probably time for a change.
I am absolutely thrilled with the results of this upcycle and I can’t wait to tackle the other pieces. Then, finally, I will be able to photograph the entire room without feeling like I have to hide the furniture from the camera’s view!
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This turned out absolutely stunning. I think you inspired me to do the same. I’ve been married for 35 years. Our bedroom set was my husband’s when he was a boy. It’s probably 45 years old. I’ve been trying to talk him into it for years, but he is concerned about painting over the ‘beautiful’ cherry (ha-ha). Thanks for sharing. I can’t wait to see the rest of the room.
I so understand!! I think when people can’t picture it, their immediate reaction is don’t do it. My advice is trust your instinct… 🙂
Having painted and sold chalk-painted furniture for years, I know that first step of trepidation very well, although my pieces were rescues from estate sales, yard sales and I felt I was saving them from being discarded. Very pretty indeed!!!
Thank you so much, Eileen! I, too, started on either estate pieces or repros that were already painted. I think sometimes we give a little too much power to the inanimate objects we own… lol.
Well, as they say you hit the nail on the head!! Your description of painting the bedroom furniture fits me to a tee. Thank you so much for pinning this – I will be painting my furniture now and hope it comes out as beautiful as yours did. Wish me luck!
Again thanks so much for the inspiration!
Thank you so much and I wish you the best of luck! If you are painting it a flat color, there’s not much you can do wrong… 🙂
Very nice indeed!
Thank you!
I like these. Definite improvement.
Thanks Teddee!!
I love what you did with painting the night stands, they look fantastic. I have cherry bedroom furniture which I love but years ago, I was tempted to paint the five pieces of mine which includes a pencil poster bed. Alas, I decided not. Your choice was made easier since you have that lovely tufted headboard. Plus, it is near impossible to buy decent furniture anymore and the prices are horrible for cheap pieces. So, you made a great choice, Congratulations.
I am glad you mentioned the paint color of your walls and not me. Sorry, but I think you need a different color.
Thanks, Patricia! The funny thing is I go back and forth about the walls. Just this morning I was looking at them with all the white furniture and appreciating the lovely spring green color again (it’s much softer in person). But fear not. I will be changing them… 🙂
What a huge improvement! I’ve learned the hard way that when I paint cherry or dark wood white, I have to seal them with a shellac-based primer first. Otherwise, I’ve had bleed-through. I hope you don’t have that problem. It’s no fun.
Glad you like it Lizzy! I’ve heard about that bleed through issue from other people before, but I’ve not had that issue myself thus far. I painted my mom’s cherry mahogany dresser a few years back with only 2 coats and never has any bleed through. I guess we’ll see.
Your nightstands turned out beautiful. You made the right choice.
Thanks so much, Sharon!
I’m not a dark wood lover so I think this is perfect. As always, I am impressed and inspired.
Thank you so much, Elizabeth! Your kind words are always appreciated!!
Love your night stands; they are very pretty.
Thank you so very much!
I have set that I’ve been wanting to paint. To buy furniture of this quality is very expensive, plus I like the shape of mine. I replaced the bed with an upholstered one about ten years ago but have yet to paint my set. Fear, I guess. What if I ruin it? Why did you pick flat paint? Does the wax give it some sheen?Your night tables look great. I’m going to paint mine but leave the tall boy and bureau.
I love the freshness of your green walls!
Thanks so much, Joanna! I like the chalk paint because it looks more like a professional finish than any other kind of paint. But the wax does give it a light sheen. The more you buff it, the more sheen you’ll get.
If you’ve never painted furniture before, I would test out your technique on a piece of spare wood. Or on a small inexpensive piece of furniture. If you’re painting a flat color, there’s not much you can mess up. Doing an antiqued finish is a little more involved, but flat is super simple.
Thank you for the feedback.
While yours look lovely and since I did not see the before I can only say you did a nice job. While I have a dark bedroom set that looks beautiful I would not think of painting it. Chalk finish is not the look for me. Enjoy what you like painted or not.
Thank you! There’s a before pic in the post. And I very much agree – we all should enjoy what we like. I’m sure your set is lovely and if you enjoy dark wood, there would be no reason in the world to paint it… 🙂
Your bedroom furniture is beautiful and I could see your concern to paint it. It turned out beautiful!! I can’t wait to see the other pieces. And I love your green walls too!
Thank you so much for your very kind words!!
Hi Lory I did go back and see the picture of the before. What a beautiful piece. I also had a beautiful oak piece, not as good as your piece, that I had painted. It looked great. But eventually decided that the piece look better natural. I spent hours restoring it back to it original finish. I guess I am a traditionalist. With the new finishes not sure how easy it would be down the road to change it back when styles change…and style will change. I still will follow you post.
Thanks, Phyllis. One way I still enjoy dark wood is in an all white room against all that white linen. It can have almost a British colonial look with a jute rug and large tropical floor plants. Not what I’m currently going for, but a pretty look nonetheless. There are so many lovely options in home decor… 🙂
I love it! I have very good dark wood furniture about 12 years old I would love to paint it but my husband would have a heart attack, I really love yours and am still wishing to do it!! Cant wait to see the rest!! Its very pretty I like your walls but I know you lived with them so up to you but it’s a nice color.
Thank you so much! Isn’t it funny how men are afraid of painting the furniture? Maybe if you show him pictures, he might change his mind? And re the walls, I’m still on the fence… 😉 I do love the color but think the room will have more flexibility with a more neutral tone.
Great idea and fabulous result! Good to know that the chalk paint is that easy to use.
Thanks!! It truly is easy!
Love it! Good decision. Were you able to sleep in there with the fumes?
Thank you! And yes, chalk paint fumes are not so heavy and you can just open the window for a few hours.
This turned out beautiful! I too would have applied the first brush stroke and thought YIKES! But gorgeous end result! Brightened my morning.
I know you said there was no real prep other than a light dusting, but I’ve always wondered if I’ll need to really clean off years of furniture polish (Pledge), to get good adhesion for the paint. Any advice???
I did nothing more than the quick wipe, but you can always test a small section at the back bottom to see how it covers… 🙂
Stunning transformation! Our Ethan Allen furniture is much older than yours but so beautifully made we have not had the heart to let it go. My husband always tells me that you have to sand the furniture first but this process can be done without the sanding?
It sure can! 🙂
Your nightstands turned out beautifully! I chalk painted a dining room hutch and wish I would have used 3 coats. I can slightly see the oak color coming through. Now I may have to redo it but I’m in no hurry!
You can always add a coat and re-apply the wax. That’s the beauty of chalk paint. You can keep adding layers if needed… 🙂
Lori, what a pretty transformation! With this paint and painting technique are you able to see the brush strokes in the finished result?
Thanks! Yes, with a flat color, you can see fine brushstrokes if you use a brush. When I do shaded tones, you don’t really see the brushstrokes because the paint technique involves rubbing some off with a rag.
I love the green walls. Do you know the color and brand?
Thank you! Yes, it’s Benjamin Moore Wales Green.