DIY Upcycle Nightstands into Desk with Chalk Paint!

Learn how quick and easy it is to upcycle, update or refinish old furniture!

See how amazing this DIY project turned out by transforming nightstands or small dresser drawers into a desk!

With chalk paint and a few supplies, this chic set up can be recreated in less than 4 hours!

Trash-To-Treasure Curbside Rescue Story:

I work out with a friend MWF every week at 5:30 am.
One morning I got all ready to go, shoes on and heading out the door...and realized I was 5 minutes early...meaning I was going to show up at her house 5 minutes early and most likely she wouldn't be ready yet.

Honestly, I felt God tell me, "Just go now, trust me."

I began my quarter mile walk down the sidewalk.
Just 5 houses away from mine, I saw a bunch of stuff piled on their curb.
I used my headlamp to see (it was pretty dark still) and saw these 2 nightstand drawer things.
I was elated!

I grabbed one and carried it back to my house, placing it on my front porch and ran back to get the other one.
I hurried it home and headed out again.

Guess what!? That little delay took 5 minutes and I arrived RIGHT on time.
God is so good.

Here's the before in all their glory!

I don't know why someone would have painted them or manufactured them like this!

They're off white-ish or ivory with swipes of darker paint...but I could see their potential!

If you haven't' upcycled nightstands or other furniture before, I'll guide you will the step-by-step tutorial to show you all the simple steps.

You might have the perfect already at the side of the bed, updating those old beside tables is the best way to add an update to your space in a simple but impressive makeover.

Supplies Needed for Upcycled Nightstands to Desk DIY:

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• Nightstands in Need of TLC
• Chalk Paint
• Chalk Paint Brush
• Laser Cut Classic Furniture Applique
• Rose Gold Crystal Knobs
• Disinfecting Wipes
• Screwdriver
• E6000 Glue

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Step 1: Prep Work

Prep work can be as much or really, as little as you want.

This is why I absolutely LOVE chalk paint--because you don't need to do a bunch of prep work.

I just used a couple baby wipes to wipe down all the surfaces, the front of the nightstand, the top and inside the drawers.

This old nightstand set were in really good shape and not too dirty.

If you are excited about doing more prep work and it's real wood, you can use a high grit sandpaper and a detail sander to prep the wood for your upcycling project. You can fill holes or dings with wood filler, repair corners with wood glue and wood pieces, etc.

I removed the old original hardware and tossed it because I'm going to be using all new hardware.

Step 2: Chalk Paint

I love chalk paint. It's perfect for painting on real wood, laminates or veneers and need NO PREP work!

It just takes 2 coats of paint and looks amazing after just the first coat of paint.

I picked Seaside Villa, it's a light mint blue color. You can pick any color you like, even just white paint would look amazing. 

Just a coat of chalk paint will give new life to the perfect nightstand.

Shake the jar gently and make sure it's all well incorporated but not bubbles whipped into it.

I used a chalk paint brush too, and did have some issues with the hairs coming out while I painted...but I do like using a brush more than a foam roller.

I think the kind of paint you use is a huge factor...again, chalk paint is absolutely the best way to refinish furniture.

Step 3: Painting

Painting the wonderful nightstand is quick and easy way to give repurposed life.

The paint spreads on easily and smoothly.

I start with the outside of the beside table and then move to the drawer fronts.

Check this out--this is the best thing!

There is a big line of pencil on the side of this night stand...I didn't even try to remove it with an eraser or WD-40, I just painted over it.

In just one coat of paint, it coated it perfectly.

Again, I love chalk paint for furniture! Paint all the outer wood pieces, work the paint brush into small spaces, and then let the first coat of paint dry completely. Don't worry, chalk paint dries FAST!

I painted the second coat of paint after just about an hour.

Step 4: Painting the Appliques

To make these look like a high-end new nightstand, I decided to use these laser cut appliques to give them new life...they are the perfect addition.

I decided that the best option for these nightstands was to paint the appliques the same color so they would give detail but not color contrast.

I got 6 of them for these dresser drawers, so it can add a higher ticket price to the finished piece, but I think it's worth it.

They give it gorgeous visual interest.

There are different styles of laser cut appliques, so just decide which ones are your favorite!

Just place the applique on a piece of scrap paper and paint it with the brush and chalk paint.

It was super easy to coat the smooth applique with the chalk paint, no worries.

Step 5: Apply Appliques

Once the drawers and appliques are completely dry, turn the laser cut applique over and squeeze a little line of E6000 glue on the backside.

Then simply apply to the front of the drawers to center around the knob pull.

Step 6: Install New Knobs

Now use a screwdriver and screw in the new hardware knobs.

I love crystal knobs, these ones are rose gold and so chic.

My machine screws weren't the right size, they had too small of a head, so they didn't fit the already drilled hole without just pulling through...so I used a washer on the back of the screw to hold the knob tightly in place.

Next step, replace the drawers into the upcycled beside tables and enjoy the new look!

Decide if you are going to use them as upcycled beside table ideas or if you want to add a wood top to make a desk...lots of different ways to enjoy this great nightstand pair.

This awesome project just takes a few hours and just a little hard work...well, not even hard work.

I love taking old furniture pieces and making new pieces in an amazing way!

I love that a furniture upcycle like this does not take much space to work on.

Remember, CHALK PAINT IS YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND!

The final step is to just enjoy the DIY nightstand!

Here's the before again to just give you the neutral look at it again.

There's lots of creative ways to finish off a night table...the best part is it's totally up to you!

You can do appliques and special knobs on just the top drawers.

You can pick different colors or different knobs for each drawer.

You can use fabric and mod podge to line the inside of the drawers too.

Where to Find the BEST Vintage Items:

Estate Sales:

Estate Sales are good, but typically more expensive than a yard sale or thrift store--although thrift stores are getting up there. Still, I have had tons of good luck finding high quality things for a steal of a deal at Estate Sales.

Yard or Garage Sales:

Yard/Garage Sales are awesome. The benefit is that someone hauled things outside their house...and chances are, they DO NOT want to haul them back inside or to donate. They will succumb to haggling. They love the game as much as you. Get a few things and offer them half of what you would like to pay so you can barter up a bit. It's beautiful and feels like modern day pirate treasure hunting. A garage sale is always worth stopping at.

Flea markets are great too--if they have them where you live! (lucky!)

Thrift Stores are awesome!

They are open year round, they get new products daily and their prices are pretty good.

Plus they often have sales, coupons or other discounts. Good Luck!

Top ten thrift store tips:

1. Look Often (New stuff comes out all the time, multiple times a day, so check your thrift stores often)
2. Check uncommon places (don't just look for things where they should be, people move things around or they get out on the floor in weird places...check the whole store)
3. Look at things with an eye for refinishing (chances are high that you won't find exactly what you are dreaming of...but can you make it work?)
4. Talk to Employees (I like to ask employees if there is something specific I am looking for...sometimes they will even get things out of the back because they saw it come in.)
5. Ask for a discount. (I've asked for discounts on things that are already broken...I get at least 10-25% off. Plus most places have coupons or military discounts)
6. Spend Time (Thrifting is a sport, and it takes time. Walk down every aisle, touch things...move things around, etc. Take time to really see what's there)
7. Look for pairs (Sometimes pairs of things don't get set out in the same place, check other places for matching items)
8. Don't think, just buy! (Not exactly...but if you hesitate someone else will buy it...it will not likely be there if you come back tomorrow. If you are excited about it, put it in your cart until you decide for sure)
9. Take things home immediately! (This can't always happen, but one time I found an amazing chair and couldn't fit it in my car. I paid for it, went home, came back with the van and guess what!? They wouldn't give it to me. They gave me back my money and I was upset. Call someone and have them come help you but don't let the store second guess what they sold you.)
10. Keep Hand Sanitizer in your Car. (After searching the thrift, you'll be glad to kill germs and freshen up a bit before heading home.)

Marketplace or Classifieds:

Local people selling things locally. These are great, but typically people ask for more money because they aren't in a hurry to move them out of their space. Haggling is possible and it's a great way to find specifically what you are looking for. So far, I don't think marketplace takes a small commission, so it's a cost effective way to advertise.

Family or Friends:

Typically families have a bunch of stuff they don't need...so reach out to a family member or in a facebook family page--or neighborhood group and ask if  anyone has something similar to what you are looking for that they are hoping to be rid of. It's fun to keep things in the family for nostalgia sake too! 

Curbside Rescue:

Sometimes things appear in the most unexpected places! Sometimes they are just on the curb, ready for anyone to take, free of charge!

Chalk paint in an easy way to turn trash into treasure!

No need to have all the right tools or a circular saw!

Just a paint brush and chalk paint--barely any preparation work needed!

If it's your first time upcycling furniture--you are going to love it!

Are you a fan of the individual nightstands or do you like the desk!?

Take an old thing, a few simple steps and make it amazing!

These nightstands have years of good use in them!

That's it!

See how easy it is to transform a roadside rescue into a beautiful set of nightstands, end tables or a desk!?

I love taking someone else's trash and making it a treasure.

This simple and classy DIY took less than 4 hours of labor and a night of paint drying time.

Such a great way to update current furniture or a fun DIY project!

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