DIY: Upcycling A Vanity Into Modern Nightstands or End Tables

I found this vintage vanity in a thrift store and it was missing its mirror and stool. The center section seemed very low and I thought finding a stool to fit would be difficult. I liked the sleek lines of the cabinets so I decided to turn the vanity into nightstands. ***Warning*** painted furniture project ahead :-).
We took out the drawers to remove screws and nails from the sides of the cabinets.
after...
My husband used a sawzall to cut the piece of wood that supported the middle section.
After prepping (sanding, vacuuming, wiping down w/ TSP, and a tack cloth), I painted the sides Paris Gray and the trim Old White. It seemed like I had too much white on the front so I started adding in Paris Gray to highlight some of the details. Check out my blog post to see how I methodically approach highlighting details with a second color. Sometimes "less is more" and sometimes it's not. Sometimes the details which need to be highlighted are obvious and sometimes they're not.
Paris Gray was added in the small indentation between the drawers. I left the Old White on the raised trim around it for some much needed contrast.
Minwax Dark Walnut stain was used on the drawer fronts and the tops. For all the details along with more pictures check out: http://www.thetatteredrabbit.com/how-to-upcycle-a-vanity-into-nightstands/
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 3 comments
  • Treasuredchaos.com Treasuredchaos.com on Jan 09, 2016
    I inheritited a vanity like this and you're project is a huge inspiration!! And you're right about the height of the original piece...I have a child's school chair to sit in and the tops of my legs still rub !
    • See 1 previous
    • B. Enne B. Enne on Jan 09, 2016
      @At Home With The Ellingtons at least you are using it. I was always afraid to do certain things to inherited pieces, but couldn't sell or donate them either. IMO, if you use them, you are honouring the piece and the person to whom it belonged. I think you did a good job! :)
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