🖼️
The project:
I found these bedside tables on Marketplace and saw their potential, even though they were scratched, worn and outdated. Instead of buying new, I decided to give them a second life. After stripping the old finish, sanding them back, adding fluted timber moulding and painting them in Porter's Timberline, they were completely transformed into modern designer-style pieces. Finished with new handles, they now look right at home in my bedroom. This project proved that with a little creativity and patience, second hand furniture can become something truly special.
- Materials:
- Porter's Broadwall Washable Eggshell Finish Paint – Timberline: https://www.bunnings.com.au/porter-s-100ml-timberline-eggshell-finish-broadwall-washable-paint_p0162923?region_id=115212&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21119565770&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB_cf_nCAZ8fa5Pg7gjBe6VCD&gclid=CjwKCAjwvZHTBhAlEiwA1ug5P_-29A8ZZaNcc-VR56DZeG1jsEE3hcTTJuZ4vPzSYK1QVYuhIBTYGRoCRvQQAvD_BwE
- Wood moulding/battens https://www.bunnings.com.au/porta-20-x-8mm-1-2m-clear-pine-dressed-board_p0097473
- Gorilla Wood Glue: https://www.bunnings.com.au/gorilla-532ml-ultimate-wood-glue_p0492213
- Poly Paint Stripper: https://www.bunnings.com.au/poly-250ml-paint-stripper-dcm-free-250ml_p0400163
- Sandpaper (various grits)
- Timber dowel/brass cabinet handles
- Painter's tape
- Paint roller and brushes
- Cleaning cloths
- Tools:
- Ryobi Palm Sander: https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-18v-one-palm-sander-kit_p0468511
- Ryobi Drill/Driver: https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-18v-one-drill-driver-starter-kit-r18dd22_p0715241
- Paint scraper: https://www.bunnings.com.au/uni-pro-75mm-real-good-paint-scraper_p1670148
- Ryobi Circular saw: https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-18v-one-165mm-circular-saw-r18cs-0-skin-only_p6210595
- Measuring tape
- Combination square: https://www.bunnings.com.au/empire-300mm-combination-square_p5667081
- Pencil
- Paint roller
- Paint brushes
- Clamps: https://www.bunnings.com.au/craftright-450mm-2-piece-quick-action-clamp-set_p0919679
- Step 1:
Prep the Bedside tables
Removed the old drawer handles and thoroughly cleaned both bedside tables. I inspected the furniture for any damage and made sure everything was structurally sound before starting the restoration.
- Step 2:
Remove the old finish
Applied Poly Paint Stripper to remove the existing coating before scraping it back. Once the majority of the finish had been removed, I sanded the entire piece using my Ryobi Orbital Sander until the timber was smooth and ready for painting.
- Step 3:
Create the fluted design
I measured the drawer fronts carefully to plan the spacing of the decorative battens. Cut the moulding to size and attached each piece using Gorilla Wood Glue. Taking the time to measure equal spacing between every batten was the key to achieving a professional finish.
- Step 4:
Prime and paint
After allowing the glue to cure, I applied several light coats of Porter's Timberline Eggshell Finish using a combination of roller and brush. Multiple thin coats provided a smooth factory-like finish.
- Step 5:
Install the new hardware
Once the paint had fully cured, I drilled the new handle holes using my Ryobi Drill and installed the cabinet handles.
- Step 6:
I love the idea of giving old furniture a second life instead of replacing it. I wanted to prove that with a few quality tools, some creativity and a weekend of work, dated furniture can be transformed into something that looks like it belongs in a designer home. This project was also a great opportunity to learn new DIY skills while creating something unique for my own home.
