Do you know a simple way to update an old piece of furniture or decor? PAINT! It’s quick, easy and can create a HUGE transformation. The project I recently worked on with Rust-Oleum required I design a breakfast nook and living area using thirty percent upcycled pieces. Some of the furniture I upcycled was supplied by Restore, if you are looking for affordable furniture this is definitely a store you need to check out.

Giving new life to furniture or decor is so rewarding. One person might look at the side tables I picked up and think there was no way they could look current again. Whereas I look at them and see potential on a budget. As soon as I saw these side tables I knew I could make them look modern. The brown-brass colour and glass top made these side tables feel outdated.

PAINT

The first thing I had to do was paint the base. Before painting I lightly sanded. This is always a good idea when painting a piece of furniture or decor. I found this new paint from Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch FLAT BLACK. The colour and texture of the flat black paint looked very professional and modern. For all three side tables I ended up using almost two cans of paint.

WOOD CENTRE

Next I had to figure out a way to replace the pieces of glass in the centre. I decided not to paint it as I thought it would easily scratch or wear over time. I then had an idea to replace the glass with a piece of wood. Seemed easy enough right? To the internet! Found this step by step on the DIY Network to create the circle using a router we already own. I don’t have pictures of this step as Mark helped me on this one.

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STAIN

Once the wood was cut I stained it with Varathane Golden Provincial Stain. This brought a warmth against the Flat Black Paint. Then all I had to do was simply place it in the top, and voila! New side tables. Can you believe the transformation? They don’t even look like the same piece of furniture.

One of the best finds was this new comfort grip handle Rust-Oleum has for their spray cans. I don’t know about you, but my hand always cramps when I am using spray paint. I have very small hands. This new handle was a game changer. I didn’t have to take a break at any point.

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Cost of the upcycled side table project:

• Comfort Grip Handle: $6.99
• Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch – Flat Black: $7.97 x 2
• Sandpaper: $4.97
• Wood: $30 (a big piece used to cut the circles)
• Varathane Wood Stain – Provincial: $9.47

TOTAL COST: $67.37

For just under $70 I was able to makeover three side tables! That works out to almost $22 each! If you had these in your home that would be a small investment to make compared to brand new side tables. What do you think? Is upcycling worth it? Do you have a project you want to upcycle, let me know in the comments below!

diy Easy DIY Easy Upcycle Rust-Oleum side table project side tables Spray Paint Upcycle Upcycled Vancouver Home Show