Friend, today I’ve got a gorgeous thrifty throwback to share with you (from 2013!) along with lots of black and white painted furniture inspiration. There are also some bonus makeovers from my Furniture Fixer Uppers friends at the bottom of this post.
My mom picked this vanity up for me at a yard sale. It was a beautiful, sturdy piece but the top was showing lots of wear and needed quite a bit of sanding. I took the drawers out and mirror off before working on it.
This post contains some affiliate links so you can easily find the products I use and recommend. Discover all my favorite brands and tools for doing DIY makeovers here.
Note: I did this project back in 2013, when I was still pretty new to painting furniture. I did not use primer first, which I would definitely use on a piece like this now. Grab my free guide for how to prep furniture for painting here.
The base was painted in a few coats of Old White Chalk Paint which is a good off-white color, not too bright. Of course I used my Purdy paint brushes (and I’m still using the same ones after all these years). Then I painted the table top in Graphite, which is light black like a chalkboard.
Learn all my ASCP best tips in my beginner’s article for how to Chalk Paint furniture here.
After the base, drawers, and mirror were painted, I got to the fun part – stripes! I used FrogTape for Delicate Surfaces and measured my stripes at 3″ each and then taped and painted. (Here’s an easier way to paint stripes without measuring.) Tip: Pull the tape off while the paint is still wet.
After stripes were painted on all three sides, next it was time for the Annie Sloan’s soft wax. Learn more about using both clear and dark wax on furniture here in the original full tutorial of this painted vanity makeover.
One important thing to note is always use clear wax first, then you can apply the dark wax over it. If the dark wax goes on a little too dark or thick, immediately apply a little more clear wax over the area you want lightened. Although it doesn’t erase any big mistakes, it definitely helps. Here’s an example of the waxes below:
After all the waxing was done, I added two glass drawer pulls from Hobby Lobby. And here she is…
So very chic with the stripes and the new pulls! Feel free to share or Pin this project to easily find it again later.
If you liked that vanity makeover, I’ve found lots more black and white painted furniture inspiration below!
Black and White Painted Furniture Ideas
How to use white, black, and gray paint to create a chic French style table with stripes.
One of my first popular projects, this desk looks elegant with black paint and decoupage drawer fronts.
This $20 yard sale desk was outdated and needed work. It's a glam beauty now with black, white, and gold paint.
This chest got a completely different look with layered paint to create depth and an image transfer on top.
Learn how to easily update a vintage chair with paint and new fabric.
A thrifted wood box is transformed with an Indian Inlay stencil.
This piece was painted for my book Amazing Furniture Makeovers. I used Chalk Paint and then an overhead projector to trace and then paint the image. I still adore this piece!
Super cute antique table with French Patisserie painted image transfer and scallop edge.
This throwback project was done with Chalk Paint and fun black and white wrapping paper.
Paint a fun and funky side table with an Indian Inlay stencil.
This thrifted chair needed some repairs but turned into a stunning piece.
See how a curbside score becomes a stylish black and white beauty.
This retro nightstand looks adorable now with whimsical polka dots - by Ajda Miska of billie & frank studio, featured on Apartment Therapy.
DIY Coffee table storage bench with a boho wallpaper finish - by Stow and Tell U.
African Tribal stencil for furniture - via Royal Design Studio.
French Provincial desk painted in black and white with Dalmatian spots - by Home with Ally.
Refinished vintage china cabinet - by Restored by Jillian via Etsy.
Learn how to Chalk Paint a vanity with black and white stripes + read my original review of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and wax.
Now it’s time for more makeovers from my Furniture Fixer Upper friends! Below are the Before photos. Visit the links underneath to see the amazing Afters and to learn how they did it:
1. Salvaged Inspirations
2. Confessions of a Serial DIYer
3. Petticoat Junktion
Denise - Salvaged Inspirations says
Gorgeous Jen! XOXO
Lizzy says
These are fantastic!
Christy James says
I remember this one!! Wow…that was a long time ago ha ha! Still super cute! XOXO
Rebecca says
So, so cute. I love all of the black and white pieces.
Mare says
You can skip a step by mixing your dark and clear waxes. Depending on how dark you want it, adjust the ratio. I usually do about 30% dark to 70% clear. It works perfectly and you won’t get “dark spots.”
Stella says
Oh my gosh! I love the white and black pieces. Absolutely gorgeous, Jen!