This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure Policy.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014

THRIFTED CABINET TURNED BOY'S NIGHTSTAND


I don't think I will ever tire of seeing furniture makeovers and transforming second-hand finds.  If you're a regular reader, I hope you won't either!


As I've been planning somewhat of a makeover of my son's room, I knew that he needed a smaller nightstand than what he's been using.  However, it still needed to offer plenty of storage for my collection-loving boy.  A few years ago I remember seeing some super glossy filing cabinet-type storage pieces at TJ Maxx, and I remember thinking how easy it would be to find a similar piece at a thrift store.

I easily found a two-drawer filing cabinet for a few dollars and brought it home intending to use it for his nightstand, but when I brought it in to try the size i realized that it was several inches taller than his mattresses and the corners and edges were VERY sharp and hard.  Understandly...it is of course a boxy metal cabinet...but as it sat near the head of his bed all I saw was an accident waiting to happen.  So, that piece moved back out and I started keeping an eye out for something else.

Then, a few months ago I came across this strange piece while thrifting.


At first I didn't give it a second look, but then I remembered I still needed something for Caleb's room.  I checked the measurements and the size was right.  It took me a little while to consider it, mainly just because I was trying to figure it out.  I'd never seen a piece like this before.  The top is a metal file drawer and it fits into a wooden base that seems homemade.  But, it all fit together perfectly and everything worked well so I spent the $10 and took it.

The top is still squared off, however it's wood and not quite as harsh as the other one was so I'm not worried about it being dangerous.

I usually don't spray paint furniture, but since half of this one was metal I did.  I'm so guilty of wanting a piece to look great after the first coat, but with spray painting you truly need to do multiple, thin, light coats to get the best result.


Before I started I sprayed the label square silver.  The top handle was not easy to remove, and I planned to re-use it so I taped it and the now silver label section off once it was dry.

I sprayed the entire piece with Rustoleum's semi-gloss black and replaced the bottom handle with a silver cup pull from Home Depot.  I had some old caster wheels from a thrift store that I added to the bottom.


I'm so happy with how this piece turned out, and with paint and the new hardware the less than $20 price tag makes me even happier.  Now, my son has a handy spot for his lamp and books, and two large drawers for lots of treasures!


 photo jennifersignaturetwo_zps56f3de87.png

Would you like to comment?

  1. I really love it. It's the perfect piece for a boy!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I've never seen a piece like this before either. But it totally works, especially in a boy's room, it definitely has a masculine vibe to it!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Well that works! It's an unusual piece for sure but you unified it and gave it purpose. Great job! xo Kristin

    ReplyDelete
  4. Looks manly enough too! Lots of great storage for your boys stuff! Great job Jennifer!

    ReplyDelete
  5. You are one clever mom, lucky Caleb!! Way to make great use of a piece everyone else passed up, it will hold a lot of important stuff!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. That is such a cool and different piece, and it looks so great with a little of your love!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. it's funny because I've been considering a filing cabinet between our two boy's beds. I haven't found the right one yet, but this definitely is a good look.

    ReplyDelete
  8. It looks great! I too will never get tired of furniture transformations, amazing!
    Tammy @ thecoloreddoor.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love furniture transformations too! I love how the black paint unifies it and makes it look pulled together. It's always nice having extra storage too!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love it! A one-of-a-kind piece and the price was right!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hey you made it work for you. Turned out great!

    ReplyDelete
  12. First of all, I'm jealous that there's not a bit of snow in sight in your pic and that it is warm enough for you to spray paint! And I think that makes an awesome nightstand - would love having all of that storage!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Great job...and lots of storage....

    ReplyDelete
  14. I can't wait to see the rest of his room! that peek looks pretty great!

    ReplyDelete
  15. so cute! perfect for your boy's room!! I need to tackle some projects like this.... xoxo, emily

    ReplyDelete
  16. There's really just nothing better than a good furniture rescue! Great job Jennifer. It looks so good:)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Wasyoku of Japan is registered in the intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO.
    http://youtu.be/U_EbC71Dy18
    XOXXOO:-)
    Ryoma.Japan

    ReplyDelete
  18. Aren't you a smarty pants!!! What a smart idea and just perfect for a little boy's room!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Great eye for finding it at a yardsale, which I truly can't wait for them to start up this year!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Great tip! These are so inexpensive, and really could be used for so many things. Thanks for sharing.



    Heavy Duty Caster Wheel & Locking Casters

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for leaving a comment, they make my day! If you have a specific question, please make sure to check back here as I will respond in the thread, or leave your e-mail so that I can respond personally. Or, email me directly to address in "Contact" section at top.