A few years ago, before moving to North Carolina, I bought a bedside table at a thrift store for $10 (you can see proof of it on my blog here). While the table was solid and sturdy and generally in great shape, I knew from the start that I wanted to give it a makeover.
Fast forward two years and three moves later, and I was finally ready to do something about it. I hemmed and hawed about what color to paint it, but after seeing this amazing dresser makeover, I knew I’d found my palette: robin’s egg blue and black.
To start with, I removed the hardware, sanded the entire bedside table down, washed it with warm soapy water, and, once dry, primed it white.
Next, I spray painted the table using an aqua blue spray paint I’d picked up at the hardware store, applying two to three coats in each section. I had to be careful to keep the coats light and even, to avoid having the paint run down the sides.
To revive the sad-looking drawer pull, I spray painted it black.
To add more personality to the piece and make it unique, I decided to line the drawer and inside shelf with Spoonflower’s peel and stick wallpaper. I pored over all of the choices available, and eventually settled on ninaribena’s Raindrop Black and White design. I loved the bold, graphic nature of the design and thought it’d work well with the table.
First, I cleaned out the inside of the drawer with soapy water and measured it, to determine how much wallpaper I’d need. For a single drawer, I needed a 15″ x 15″ section of wallpaper. Since I was using the same pattern for the inside of the table, the safest bet was to buy a roll of peel and stick wallpaper.
Next, I cut a 30″ x 30″ portion of the remaining roll into four rectangles using a rotary cutter and cutting mat. Each rectangle was sized to fit the back, sides, and bottom of the shelf. I applied one side at a time, being sure the print ran in the right direction each time. Whenever possible, I also tried to match up the raindrops along the edges to make the design as seamless as possible.
I am so, so happy with the end results—I now have a completely unique piece, and love how it adds a pop of color and a bit of whimsy to the side of our bed.
About Our Guest Blogger
When she’s not working behind the scenes at Spoonflower, sourcing fabric, Caitlin can be found quilting in her home studio or blogging over at Salty Oat.
Hello! I love one of your border print designs but I needed the design on the bottom of the fabric and the one I found is perfect but has the design on the side. 🙁
Is it possible to change it to the bottom.
Ps: I wish I can send you a picture of the fabric we are looking for.
Hi Nina,
All designs uploaded to Spoonflower are put there by individual designers and unfortunately, we can’t make changes to their fabric. However, you can contact the designer directly to inquire about changing the direction of the design. To send a message, please just click on the designers name below the design title. Once on their shop, scroll down to the send a message link on the left hand side of the page. You will need to be logged into your Spoonflower account to do this. If you have any other questions, please send us a message at [email protected]
What kind of primer did you use? It’s beautiful! I was looking for inspiration for my childhood desk. I’m going to redo it and put it in my daughter’s room.
Did you have to apply something to the wood before sanding?? It’s beautiful!!
The blog says that these are decals but when I go to spoonflower they don’t list decals, only wallpaper rolls. Was this item discontinued? Thank you.
What did you use to apply the wallpaper to the wood? A special type of glue? Wet paint? Thanks!
Jenna,
You can shop for wall decal material in the Spoonflower marketplace: http://www.spoonflower.com/shop?shop=decals, or even design your own: http://www.spoonflower.com/designs/new?create=walldecal.
Where can I find the decal paper?
What a fabulous makeover!
I just purchased this exact night stand (in white) at an estate sale… also for $10! I’m thrilled to see your finished product and can’t wait to turn my trash into a treasure. Thank you SO much for the beautiful inspiration and step-by-step guide. Fabulous piece – can’t wait to get started! (btw, I was raised in NC and am a UNC grad, currently living in SC – hope you’re enjoying NC!)
Oh WOW – I absolutely LOVE it!!! Thank you so much for choosing my raindrops for this lovely piece, it looks so perfect!
I really must try out the decals myself – very effective.
Thank you for sharing,
Lisa (aka Ninaribena on Spoonflower) xxx