French Country Dressing Table Makeover

Lisa Woelk
by Lisa Woelk
9 Materials
$40
2 Days
Easy
Using chalk paint and a ragging paint technique I give this dark dressing table a light and airy French Country inspired makeover.

This is the dressing table we are starting with. First I removed all the handles and mirror ready for sanding.
I gave the whole piece a very light sand to remove any surface scratches.


I made my own chalk paint using ⅓ cup of plaster of paris mixed with ⅓ cup of water, then add this mix to 1 cup of paint in the colour of your choice, I used Tranquil Retreat by Accent.
I applied this homemade chalk paint using a foam roller brush. And after the first coast dried I covered it again with a second coat.
Next I used a slightly darker grey colour Stormy Shadow by Accent. I poured a small amount into a container and watered it down to a runny watery consistency.
Using a damp rag I dipped this into the watered down paint and started to buff in the darker grey in circular motions over the whole piece. I let it dry and then applied another coat in the same way over the entire piece.
I then lightly applied some white paint using a dry brush technique over the edges of the dressing table to give it an 'aged' look.
For the mirror frame I applied some rhinestone mesh around the border and glued it into place with some E6000 glue.
I applied some new handles to the piece and we are done.
Here a close up of the paint finish.
And the finished piece.


We want to help you DIY, so some of the materials in this post are linked to sellers. Just so you know, Hometalk may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page.
Resources for this project:
See all materials
Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Hometalk may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page.More info
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 14 questions
  • Nan22425932 Nan22425932 on Sep 07, 2018

    Beautiful job! Did you make a chalk paint of the darker gray coat before watering it down & applying with the rag? Thank you

  • Annie Annie on Sep 07, 2018

    Hi fellow Australian did you seal this wonderful piece if so what with thanks

  • Sj Sj on Sep 18, 2018

    Why use plaster of paris in the paint I'm about to start this project.

Comments
Join the conversation
2 of 43 comments
  • Shirley Ann Pierce Shirley Ann Pierce on Sep 14, 2018

    Loved it!

  • Maureen Wharton Maureen Wharton on Apr 15, 2023

    My dad used to do this many years ago (early 50s) also used to cut comb shapes from stiff cardboard (sometimes plywood if he had lots to do) to make graining on doors or wherever he wanted a wood effect.

Next