Confession: Occasionally I name my furniture makeovers. Do you too? I don’t all the time, but sometimes when I’m working on a bunch of different pieces at the same time for a market. It can get pretty confusing explaining to my husband which one I’m ready to paint or which one needs stained, like “the tall dresser from the yard sale” or “the fancy table with two drawers.” So this piece we affectionately named Molly, after the woman I bought it from. (The antique vanity from last month was named Michelle.) 🙂
I saw this sideboard immediately from the car when my mom and I pulled up to a yard sale. You know how some things just catch your eye? I hurriedly walked over and kind of hovered around it so no one else would feel comfortable getting near my personal space. hahaha
I have never seen another table like this (so unique and gorgeous) before. I’ve been asked several times what I thought it was originally used for, and I think it’s a sideboard or entryway table.
*This tutorial contains some affiliate links so that you can easily find some of the products that I use and recommend. Discover all my favorite brands and tools for doing DIY projects here.
Unfortunately the veneer was coming off the top, the back panel was damaged, and…
the legs and feet were a little bit corroded. The seller’s husband had found this lovely piece abandoned, and she planned to refinish it but hadn’t gotten around to it. (Lucky for me!)
The emblem inside reads Berkey & Gay Furniture, which I discovered was manufactured in Grand Rapids, Michigan (not too far away from me), between 1929-1948.
Remove Peeling Veneer
Guy in the Garage worked on the table top, leaving damp towels on top for several hours and then chipping away the damaged veneer with a scraper. This process took quite a while. After finally removing all the veneer we discovered the wood underneath was not in good condition at all. Bummer!
The easiest option seemed to be to make a new top.
Find more tips for how to repair wood furniture here.
Make a New Table Top
Mr. GITG cut a new 1/4 inch maple panel for the top, put down a ton of Liquid Nails (see below – haha), and clamped/weighted it down for 24+ hours.
The glue seeped out on the edges a little, but he trimmed it off with a box knife after it dried.
So much prettier…
Molly also got a new back panel (out of hardboard).
The legs and feet ended up being fine after I lightly sanded and then painted them.
Chalk Painting the Antique Sideboard
I primed the piece (find my favorite primer Here) and painted it in Annie Sloan Chalk Paint – Old Ochre. The only part of the wood that was almost flawless was the drawers, so I left them unpainted. I love the contrast of the paint and wood!
Learn all my best advice for how to Chalk Paint furniture here.
I lightly distressed all over to make the details stand out more and used Fusion Mineral Tough Coat as a topcoat. (Update: Now I only use Annie Sloan’s furniture wax over Chalk Paint since it gives the best results.)
That part on the side reminds me of an upside down fleur-de-lis. (I am seriously obsessed with this sideboard makeover and I kind of wish I kept it for myself!)
Here’s a closeup of the front details…. <3
This sideboard sold at the Hunt & Gather market.
A few more details…
Here’s a reminder of the painted antique sideboard, before and after:
The sideboard was a popular piece in my market booth, and I’m happy she went to a good home.
I hope this tutorial has inspired you and that now you won’t overlook a beautiful piece just because it has a damaged top!
Keep scrolling for my friends’ fabulous Trash to Treasure Makeovers…
Below are the Before photos – click the links underneath to see the After photos and learn how they transformed them.
1. Prodigal Pieces
2. Artsy Chicks Rule
3. Confessions of a Serial DIYer
4. Bless’er House
Now I’m off to go finish more pieces for this weekend’s market – which means lots more tutorials will be coming to the blog soon! Talk soon, friend. –Jen
Larissa ~ Prodigal Pieces says
Jen, you scored BIG! That sure was a hot mess, but you gave it such a beautiful new life. I love it!
Marcie Lovett says
Love that big, chunky piece, Jen! I have a desk I want to paint because it’s not in great shape, but it has the most beautiful inlaid drawer. Now you’ve convinced me to leave the drawer unpainted. Painting the drawer trim really brings yours together. I’m not surprised that it’s already gone.
Steve Robinson says
Beautiful work, Jen! That is a gorgeous piece of furniture. When I say the “before” picture my first thought was “I hope she doesn’t paint over those lovely drawers” and I was so pleased to see that you did not, and I agree with you the contrast between the light colored paint and the wood is absolutely stunning!
Rose says
Jen, I need to know if I painted a kitchen table with fusion paint do I need to protect it so it won’t flake off ?? My grandkids play a lot of games on it and eat snacks.
Lena Cox says
That’s just beautiful.
VJ says
Wow! What an improvement. Nice job. It’s gorgeous!!!
Lanita Anderson says
Wow! What a transformation! I love how it turned out….so pretty with the contrast of the paint and the wood! Thanks for sharing Molly….
Annie says
A very pretty piece beautiful finish I don’t see items like that in Queensland Australia so nice to seem them on your blog thanks
vicki says
Just one word…..GORGEOUS!!!
Christy@Confessions of Serial Do-it-Yourselfer says
Even I was not sure paint would do this beautiful piece justice, but it is stunning!! The peek of beautiful wood was just enough! I’m sure it sold quickly!! XOXO
Jen says
Hahaha! Thanks Christy! 😉
Jen says
Thank you so much, Vicki! 🙂
Jen says
Thank you Annie. I don’t see pieces like this one often either – people must be keeping them hidden away in their homes.
Naomi S. says
Wow, Jen! The sideboard turned out beautifully. I like that you left the wood of the drawers unpainted. It really showcases their beauty. Great makeover!
Jeannie says
Jen, You made a masterpiece. It turned out so pretty. I love the drawer contrast too. Just Beautiful!
Barb says
I love your makeover! I didn’t expect the finish, but the “white” and stain on the front look fabulous. The details and carving on this sideboard are just beautiful. You are lucky to have gotten this piece and your husband did a great job making anew top.
Colette says
Stunning piece! I love that you were able to keep the drawer natural. I think the contrast shows original beauty of the wood with perfect colour of paint. The piece is incredible. I have never seen anything this piece. I would have loved to have it in my home. NO IDEA where it would fit… my home is FULL!
Thank you for sharing all your ideas!
Marie says
What a beautiful furniture find, I would’ve been guarding it too until it had my name on it. Jen, what you did with it is stunning, especially how you retained the beautiful wood grain on the drawer front. Those lovely details just pop now too. I can only imagine how hard it is going to be to part with.
Lauren says
Amazing! I love that you created the high contrast look so that gorgeous wood can still show a little bit. Best of luck at market this weekend, friend!
Jen says
Thanks so much, Marie! Molly already sold but at least I have beautiful photos to remember her, right? 🙂
Kim Johnson says
How did you paint the trim on the drawers? I would love to do something like this but it would be a hot mess!
Jen says
Kim, I used Delicate Surface FrogTape (the yellow one) – it was actually pretty easy! 🙂
Shirley says
I almost cringed to think this was going to be changed until I saw the top and then I said ok it needs it. It is just stunning! I know that was a lot of work too but you transformed it beautifully!
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Aww thank you so much Shirley! This was one of the most well-made, gorgeous pieces I’ve worked on! (and my hubby did do an awesome job on redoing the top) 🙂