Janky Cabinet Gets a Makeover

Belle Jaeger
by Belle Jaeger
4 Materials
$30
6 Hours
Medium

I wanted something in our entry area that would serve for to place their purses and shoes on while they toured or came for events at our place. And a piece that was narrow enough for the limited hall space. After measuring and looking over really well- I found an old cabinet in the very back room of an antique place that I thought would be perfect!. I got the piece for $25. Then I mixed up a combination of paints to get the perfect robin egg chalk paint and we were good to go!

Turning an old cabinet into a rustic bookcase!

Dusty and old and definitely seen better days

This is the BEFORE!Scrubbed it clean before removing the doors and sanding it down lightly

Removed the old backing as it had water stains and was well warped.

Removed many a nail, staples and dust before prepping for paint.

2 coats of chalk paint and prior to sanding.

Closeup of light sanding to reveal staining underneath in random areas for a distressed look.

Bought some beautiful old wood pieces to use for the new backing. I snatched them from our local antique shop for a few bucks. They worked out better than expected!

This is the AFTER!Looks amazing! Perfectly distressed and rustic with a new purpose.

Decided on sanding off the paint on the top shelf and re-staining it to give some character and definition to the overall look. I love how it turned out! I saved the doors in case I decide some day to replace them or I can use for another project. I love repurposing!

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Belle Jaeger
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  • Kelly Hintz Kelly Hintz on Apr 13, 2020

    I see that you mix up your own chalk paint; can you tell me what colors you mixed to get the final bluish green color? I love it! Thanks

  • Vincent Vincent on Jan 22, 2023

    Just curious why you ask guests to remove shoes and leave purses at door in your home?

  • Grace Tait Grace Tait on Jan 25, 2024

    when you get around to repurposing the doors, i would be really interested to see what you do with them.

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