How can I make an old tea cart charming?

Terrie
by Terrie

I have an old wood teacart that I really want to put to good use. It's very dark, and I don't like the finish. Any thoughts on how to bring it back?


  9 answers
  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on Jan 31, 2020

    Can you add some pictures ?

  • Gk Gk on Jan 31, 2020

    Here's a darling idea!

  • Megan Megan on Jan 31, 2020

    A beautiful rustic white finish would look great! I really like Annie Sloan's Old White chalk paint! It gives a very pretty authentic antiqued yet classy look. You can also lightly distress the edges of the tea cart with 220 grit sand paper or steel wool!

  • Em Em on Jan 31, 2020

    Paint with chalk paint and add touches of printed paper napkins and modge podge glue. Paint glue on, lay napkin piece cover, smooth out and cover with another coat when dry.

    Try doing the top in one shade and the legs in a little bit darker shade.

  • Terrie Terrie on Jan 31, 2020

    What a great idea

  • Lindsay Aratari Lindsay Aratari on Jan 31, 2020

    You could chalk paint it. Here are some tips: https://www.aratariathome.com/blog/chalk-paint-tips

  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Jan 31, 2020

    If you’re going to put plants or coffee pot or other “possibly wet” things on it, chalk paint is not a water-durable finish unless you seal it. I don’t advocate waxing it, as that creates a waxy build-up over time that attracts dust.


    I would use a mat or flat finish latex enamel for either a diluted wash or full-out painting.


    For colors & pattern: look at the composition of the entire room it will be in. What colors are there? What patterns are there? Don’t fret about copying them, compliment them.


    For example if you’ve paisley pillows, find a paisley image on line, blow it up to 11x17 & print it on paper. Then cut out the lines, leaving anchor points in the paper, like a stencil. Trace the lines with a pencil and adjust it as you go. Keep it open & free form.


    “Paint by numbers” and voila.

  • Bushra Bushra on Jan 31, 2020

    I will spray paint it golden and will decorate it with some flowers and a few nice tea cups on it.

  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on Jan 31, 2020

    This is my absolute fav tea cart makeover that I've seen online: https://www.thenavagepatch.com/tea-cart-makeover/