Distressed Dresser and Night Table

For years I have been using boring and junky MDF dressers, usually found on the side of the road (though I do love free things) I had been keeping my eye out for something better.
Due to my Grandma downsizing we were given a really good quality dresser and night stand set that she had bought in 1956.
Extremely heavy, well built and beautiful and other then some water damage on the top of the dresser, in great condition. I didn't like the color of the finish as it didn't match our bed frame or anything else, so I decided to refinish it. I really love the white distressed vintage look, So I decided to go for a nice creamy white. We happened to be at Canadian Tire while they were given away miss tinted 1 gallons of paint (Yay! free!) I didn't get much of a choice of color, but it was free! The total cost of the project was about $56, not to bad! To repaint the hardware I used a nice black gloss spray paint I already had. I chose to use a eco friendly stripper, as I was going to be doing this inside.
The the thing  took about 12 hours as I sanded it by hand, which took a very very very long time. Borrow  a power sander if you don't have one. Trust me.

Before

You will need
- A piece hard wood furniture
- Furniture stripper ( I used EZ Strip, from Home Depot)
-Tupperware fro stipper
-Brush for stipper
-Scouring pads or steel wool
-Paint scraper
-Sand paper (I used 80, 100 and 150)

-Gloves
-Drop sheet
-Paint
-Painting suplys


 1. Remove hardware and set aside for painting later




2. Apply a layer of stripper, following the instructions on the container. I found that using a really really thick layer did NOT make it come off better it made more of a mess, I had to let it sit for about 40 mins.



3. This is a really good time to paint the hardware

4. Scrape, scrape and scrape some more. I used used steel wool and Scouring pads on the round legs.

5. Once all the paint is off, give it  a good wipe down with a wet cloth to remove any residue.

6. Sand, sand and sand some more.

7. apply your first coat of paint, be patient so you don't get any runs.


8. Once the paint is dry, With 150 grit sandpaper, distress and "high traffic areas" such as corners, edges and around the drawers. If you want to chip the paint in any areas, go wild with any kind of tool. (this is the fun part!)

9.Wipe off the sanding dust, replace hardware. and congratulate your self on a job well done!

Lazy Day Bed Table

This awesome bed table is perfect for lazy mornings with coffee in bed. Its mounted on wheels so you don't even have to get out of bed, and it slides out of the way when not in use.
The table is a copy of an Ikea table, but cost only $57 to build rather then a couple hundred to buy and then struggle to assemble.
We built ours with clear pine 1 by 12's, but 2 by 12s would make an extra sturdy but heavy table.

You will need

• 1 long piece of 2by10 or 2by12 (top)
• 2 shorter pieces of 2by10 or 2by12 (sides)
• wood glue
• 4 angle brackets with screws
• small wheels
• 2 large decorative brackets ( if your table needs more support, ours did)

1. Measure how high and long you want your table. Keep in mind that you will want to get your legs comfortably under it and be able to wiggle around a little bit.
our table dimensions are 36 inches high and 72 inches wide. and we have a Queen size sleigh bed. Rember that the wheels will add a bit of height so take that in to consideration when measuring.

2. Cut (or have cut at the lumber store like we did) your wood

3. Decide where you want to pre drill your screw holes, measure and mark.

4. Mount the brackets to the tops of the side boards. making sure that they are square.

5. Apply a nice thick line of wood glue where the sides and table top will meet. Secure with screws. wipe away extra glue.

6. Sand well, stain or paint to your liking!! we painted ours a nice clean white.

7. Grab the laptop and a drink and crawl in to bed  for some much deserved relaxation!