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  1. Home
  2. Bedroom Ideas

Tara gives an old pine bedside table a makeover

How to use chalk paint for an incredible transformation. - by Tara Dennis
  • 04 Mar 2021

The bedroom is often low down on the decorating wish list after the main areas of your home, but it can be easier and less expensive to update than you think. And you don't need to spend big on a suite of furniture. 

Bedside tables aren’t just nifty places to pop your book and glass of water before bed – they can add a real sense of style and symmetry to a room, too… and you don’t have to spend a fortune to get the look! With a little bit of paint and time you can turn ho-hum pieces into bespoke beauties. Start small with a bedside table and be amazed by what you can achieve. 

Tara’s transforming some old pine bedside tables into designer pieces using just a coat of paint! Plus, she’ll be sharing her tips and tricks for using chalk paint along the way.

before

BEFORE

Sue Ferris
after

AFTER

Sue Ferris

Gather your supplies 

  • Timber bedside table
  • Matt black chalk paint
  • Clear finishing wax
  • Drawer knobs (optional)
  • Drawer-lining paper

You'll also need

Screwdriver; chalf paint and wax brushes; paint roller and tray; lint-free cloths; scissors

For you to note: For this project, chalk paint with a matt finish was used. This type of paint adheres to many surfaces, including wood, plastic, concrete and metal, and doesn't require the usual priming or sanding preparation work. There are several brands of chalk paint you can use - find suppliers online or check out your local hardware store. 

Here's How

Step 1 

cleaning table legs
Sue Ferris

Remove the bedside table's drawers and unscrew the knobs. Turn it upside down on your workbench and clean it of all dust and grime. Take this opportunity to make any minor repairs, such as securing wobbly feet or filling any holes or cracks with timber filler and sanding smooth. 

Step 2 

painting legs
Sue Ferris

Use a paintbrush to apply 2 coats of chalk paint to the bedside table feet, base and drawer edges, leaving to dry after each coat. 

Step 3 

roller painitng
Sue Ferris

Apply 2 coats of paint to the drawer faces and sides, and sides and top of the bedside table, using a roller and leaving to dry after each coat. 

Step 4

painting sides
Sue Ferris

Use a large clean wax brush to apply clear finishing wax to all painted surfaces of the bedside table. 

Step 5 

wiping down
Sue Ferris

Buff the waxed bedside table with a soft, lint-free cloth to give it a subtle sheen.

Step 6

putting knobs on
Sue Ferris

Replace the drawer knobs or attach new knobs, and insert drawers back into the bedside table. 

Step 7 

fitting cupboards
Sue Ferris

Cut drawer-liner paper to size and position in the drawers.

DIY Tips

  • Use wallpaper offcuts as drawer lines 
  • Changing the feet is an easy way to update the look of a piece 

You might also like

How to upcycle an old dresser into a desk

Three easy ways to personalise your bedroom

Tara's clever flat pack drawers hack

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Tara Dennis
Tara Dennis
On Channel Seven’s Better Homes and Gardens, Tara Dennis shares her interior style and design secrets, showing viewers how to transform their homes for less.

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