I recently gave my living room a makeover with fun, happy colors. The last project to finish the room was to brighten up this cute little side table my mom gave me years ago:
I used Annie Sloan chalk paint in Florence topped with both clear and antiquing wax from Folk Art.
I tried the Folk Art chalk paint for my hutch makeover, but the smell seemed much stronger to me than the Annie Sloan brand. They both work really well so you could use either. Folk Art is cheaper. I like the waxes from Folk Art better. They are more of a liquid and easier to apply, in my opinion.
I painted 2 coats of the chalk paint without any sanding or prep work. That is the main reason I love this type of paint — no sanding, etc.
After the paint dried overnight, I applied a layer of clear wax with a brush. An hour later, I rubbed various areas with my fingernail covered by a lint free cloth to pull off some paint. I wanted the original wood to show through in a few areas. Sandpaper could also be used for this effect.
Next, I brushed on the antiquing wax, concentrating on the indented areas, drawer, and legs. Wipe each area with the cloth immediately after brushing it on.
This may be one of my favorite projects ever. The bright, happy color makes me smile, and I love the distressed areas.
As always, thanks for visiting and let me know if you have any questions. I respond to all comments.
Very creative, Candace! 🙂
Thanks Trudy! It really makes me smile :). The whole room was beige for far too long!
Candace it came out GREAT! It is so bright and cheery and goes so well with that pillow. I have so many great homemaking skills but absolute zero in sewing and decorating. I would have set the end table out for Salvation Army. Thank you for showing us how to be good stewards and Proverbs 31 women in repurposing that which is still useful. Stay Inspired!
Thanks so much Tyra! I love repurposing stuff. It really makes me feel like I accomplished something and was extra creative :).
I love how the paint just brightened up the piece and gave it an instant update and it’s definitely a happy color : )
I’m loving the color, Mindy! I was a little worried at first, but it has completely grown on me. I ordered the paint online which is always taking a big chance :).
I used to have almost the exact same piece! It was my grandma’s. Great job. I love Annie Sloan paint. Thanks for linking up with the #bestoftheblogosphere
This was my grandmother’s too! My mom gave me 2 of them, but I could only fit one in the room. I love antique pieces, especially when they are overhauled a little :). Thanks for the party, Emmy!
I like the color that you picked to makeover your side table. You did a great job!
Thanks, Sonya! It really adds so much to the room. This is the first time I’ve tried to distress a piece of furniture. I’m pretty happy with how it turned out :).
I’m completely loving it, Candace!! Reminds me of the “column” we got at a thrift store years ago. It’s about 3 ft tall ,sort of decorative…we keep a plant/pics on it in our entryway. When we picked it up ( for about $3) it was painted gold. I loved it. But my husband, ) I have to preface this by saying he’s 100% Italian) HATED it and said it was “too Italian” ?? ) So we stripped it and painted it white. We still have it in the foyer and I really love it. Of course we didn’t do as much as you did on your side table…but your post made me think of that!
GREAT story….. I’m loving the final product…..I’m very impressed!
And thank you, again, for your prayers and goof thoughts. They Are definitely working, as things are a bit brighter….much better than last week, but not as smooth as I’d like. But then again, ya gotta be grateful for the little moments of “good.” ( ! )
Take care and thx for sharing this!
“See” you soon!
I’m so glad things are looking up, Chris! Continued prayers, my friend. Thanks so much for your always sweet words and encouragement.
Wait… What? No sanding required with chalk paint? YESSSSS!
I know it’s crazy, Erika! Honestly, this piece could have probably used some sanding because of the shellac. I’m too lazy for that though. When I went to rub in the wax, the paint started pulling off some. It was great for this project because I wanted the distressed look. If I wanted it to stay all teal, I probably would cover the chalk paint with acrylic rather than wax.
I have a table just like that!! I love the color you picked out. It looks both happy and cute in your living room.
Thank you, Jen! It is so happy :). I’m thrilled to finally have some bright colors to wake up to in this formally all beige house.
Kitteh photobomb!! I love the color you chose! That’s my favorite color, and cheers me up too! 🙂
The color really does make you smile, Amber! My whole living room is done in it. I had to include the kitty :). He is usually always hiding, so it’s nice to finally have a record of him.
Hi Candace! I have a two drawer end table, just like this one! But mine is antique white.
You are the second person to use chalk paint on furniture that I’ve seen. I bet it covers beautifully. I’m not sure I would have such a great eye for color as you…you really made this piece of furniture ‘pop’!
Thanks for showing us all how to do it 🙂
Ceil
I love chalk paint, Ceil! I’ve only used it a couple of times, but it’s amazing how it covers with no prep work. I was actually a little nervous about the color. I’m so glad I took a chance on it. Thanks so much for visiting and sharing this on Twitter :). You are appreciated!
I love it! That color is my absolute favorite color in the whole wide world. I need one of those as a night stand. Now I know how to do it, thanks for the how to.
Thanks, Sandy! It’s nice to have some color around here finally :). It would be an awesome nightstand. I’m doing the same thing to the matching one for my daughter to use as one. Let me know if you have any questions if you decide to do it!
Love love love the color! What a great addition to your home. Thanks for sharing how you did this.
Thanks so much, Heather! It’s definitely brightened the place up :).
Thank you for contributing to Motivation Monday!
Thanks for the party, Barb! It was great to join you :).