A Media Stand Makeover

We purchased this media stand at a big box store- shortly after we were married five years ago. It was okay at the time, and it served its purpose in displaying my husband's big-screen TV. Unfortunately, we purchased it before we ripped up the carpet a year later. As you can see-the faux wood on the media stand is a perfect match for our hardwood floors! And don't get me started on the MANY fingerprints that needed to be constantly wiped off the glass doors!

But once I removed the doors, cardboard backing, and shelves I started to see potential. Of course it definitely need a coat of paint to achieve the look I was going for. For this project-I used Waverly Chalk Paint in Elephant. I LOVE this paint, because it goes on so smoothly and it only required one coat for this piece!

Once the paint had dried-I set about adding a bit of character by distressing it here and there with 120 grit sandpaper. Next was replacing the back of the stand. Initially, I wanted to use bead board, but I couldn't find a sheet in the size I needed, so I went with a sheet of plywood. After a quick coat of stain and drying time (2 hours)-hubby and I cut the plywood into 5 strips.

The strips of wood were nailed in place on the back-and added that farmhouse touch I was looking for!

Then it was all about adding back the shelves and decorating. Initially, we used the stand for what it was meant for, but a year or so later the media stand became a sideboard in our dining room.

Since the makeover, the stand has held up very well. I haven't even had to touch up the paint, and trust me, it gets used a LOT!