Updated Vintage Desk

I’ve mentioned before that I’m working on being a better, faster finisher.


This project earns no points in speed, but it’s done.


I’ve been living without a bedside table for over a year and it wasn’t working.  Taking a cue from this piece on my husband’s side of the bed, I went to work.


I love the layers of distressed paint on this dresser, as well as the legs and the detail at the bottom.  The drawer runners are in sad condition, which was how I paid only $5 for it at a yard sale last year.  My husband stores very little in it, so it serves it purpose in function as well as adding a pop of color and character to the room.

A few years ago I picked up this vintage desk for $7.00.  It didn’t fit in the spot I originally intended to use it, so it’s been sitting in the basement until I found a use for it.


The paint job was quite frightening and took a LOT of sanding to prep for a fresh coat of paint.


What I loved about it were the legs and the old wooden wheels.


My original intent was to paint the desk, then rough it up and distress it.   When I was done painting, I really liked it as it was.  I skipped the distressing and hauled it upstairs.


Since the desk sits on the side of the bed near the windows, it gets a lot of light, which further emphasizes the fact that the desk is brighter in color than the dresser.  I was nervous about it, but I actually like it.  The two sides are balanced without being exactly alike.

Finishing the desk meant hanging two vintage oval mirrors I’ve had sitting forever.  Over the desk I hung a more feminine, wider, gold mirror.  I picked it up for $5 at a yard sale last year in Colorado.  Over the dresser I hung a mirror purchased at a thrift store.  I thought it was dirty but when I cleaned it I discovered that someone had created this gold and white finish with paint.  While my original plan was to paint one of the mirrors, I liked both finishes and opted to leave them alone, letting the oval shape tie them together without matching finishes.




And so, two projects are now done.  The mirrors are hung as I pictured and the desk is now in use as a bedside table.  The painting spot in my basement is available for a new project (of which I have an abundance waiting).  I’ve loved having a place for my lamp, alarm clock, and current reading.  I also love the way this vintage wire basket looks atop the desk.


One last look.  Before:


After:


Quite an improvement, wouldn’t you agree?


Hopeful Homemaker project shared here and here