NEED SOME COLOR INSPIRATION? IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT MOODY BLACK-BROWN, I HAVE YOU COVERED WITH THIS GORGEOUS VINTAGE VANITY MAKEOVER!
Hi, sweet #sifamily, and welcome back! Have you had your morning coffee yet? I’m here to serve you up some Coffee Bean goodness! ☕️ Here’s a modern-moody-black-brown chalk mineral paint that makes a statement while adding a TON of character to your furniture makeovers, decor projects… or even your walls. I’m also including a few quick tips that I’ve learned over the years to make painting these vanities and mirrors A LOT faster. Can’t wait to hear what you think….. this before and after has me smiling from ear to ear.
* This post was originally published on January 27, 2020. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. There may also be affiliate links in this post to other companies/products I use and love as well. You will never be charged extra when you purchase through these affiliate links. To see my full disclaimer, click here!
Black on black. Isn’t she stunning!?!
THIS POST IS SPONSORED/CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I USE. YOU CAN SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE HERE.
SOURCE LIST
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- Vintage Vanity – SALVAGED
- Mini Angle Paint Brush
- Sandpaper | Shop Towels
- BIN Shellac Primer
- Water Misting Spray Bottle
- Coffee Bean Chalk Mineral Paint
- Cheetah Transfer (similar)
- Glass Scraper
(40% Off as of writing this post!)
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COFFEE BEAN VINTAGE VANITY MAKEOVER
My original plan for this makeover was to paint the body and swivel mirror — and have a stained top.
The top was badly scratched so unfortunately (or fortunately… because I really like how it all turned out!) while trying to get rid of some of the deeper scratches, I sanded through the veneer in a few spots. Once the veneer is sanded to deep, a stained finish is not possible because the sanded veneer will stick out like a sore thumb.
If you’re not sure about the difference between veneer and laminate, I wrote an entire article here.
Plan B. Paint. To stop any bleed-through and seal the exposed wood veneer, I primed with this BIN Shellac Primer using my go-to 4″ mini foam roller. It took two coats and sealed the wood perfectly. Within an hour I was painting.
I’ve worked on a good few of these vintage vanities in the past. For many years I removed the mirror and disassembled the swivel stand to get a professional finish. I found a MUCH easier way. I leave the mirror in the frame while I paint. If a little paint overlaps the glass/mirror while I’m painting — no worries. Once the paint dries, I use this glass scraper to remove any paint on the mirror. It works amazingly and saves me a ton of time.
Another time-saver is to position the mirror face down on a table or workbench after the frame has been painted and dried. I know this isn’t the prettiest picture but hopefully, it helps in giving you a visual.
By positioning it this way, The swivel frame hangs down and every inch is accessible to reach with a paintbrush or spray gun. If you’re using a paintbrush, here’s a GREAT way to paint spindles without brush marks!
I kept the original hardware painting in Coffee Bean and then gave it 3 coats of Minwax Wipe-On Poly in Satin. This is my favorite top coat for hardware because it’s durable, fast-drying, and easy to apply.
My friend Christy at Confessions of A Serial DIY’er inspired me with her Fixer Upper makeover last week, so I used Re-Design With Prima’s NEW Cheetah Transfer to add some patterns to the drawers. Update – I don’t think this transfer is available anymore but here is a similar substitute.
It adds a touch of whimsy design while keeping it sleek and elegant.
I love all this detail and this gorgeous Coffee Bean brown-black!
For the top coat, I sprayed two coats of this Clear Coat for a perfect satin finish.
I’ll be back on Thursday with my Furniture Fixer Uppers Crew with the before and after of these nightstands. See you then!
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LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF THIS ‘COFFEE BEAN’ PAINTED VANITY … OR FEEL FREE TO ASK ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE… I ALWAYS LOVE HEARING FROM YOU.
Thanks for reading. 🙂
Wishing you a beautiful day filled with inspiration and Happy Painting friends!Denise XO
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It looks wonderful. I would only ask if you were not tempted to slightly enhance (wax?) the decorative details on the drawers?
Thanks Audrey! For this vanity I really liked the monotone look but there have been plenty of times I’ve used was to enhance the details and it looks great!
What a drop dead gorgeous piece. WOWZA !!!!!!
Thanks Robin!
I fancy this vanity. GORGEOUS! It reminds me of one my Grandmother had when I was growing up. ❤️ Coffee bean was a great choice. It’s one of my favorite blacks.
Thanks for sharing your talents, Denise. I always learn so much from you. ❤️😘
Coffee Bean is one of my favorite blacks as well… and I’m glad it brought back some memories.🤗 Thanks my friend. Hugs! XOXO
Love love love it!!
The cheeta design makes it complete!
Thanks Petra!
I love it! You did an excellent job!!!!
Thanks so much Mary! x
Hello there this is beyond gorgeous!!!!! What color is this on the vanity?
Thanks so much! I used this DB’s Coffee Bean.
Hi! I love everything you do. I like the chair you have with wheel. Where did you get?
Thanks Cristina! It’s my mechanics stool and I couldn’t live without it. I can’t find the exact one but here’s one that’s really similar.
I am in love with this vanity make over!! The coffee bean and the leopard!! OMG!! I am trying my first refinish ever on a vanity myself. Do you ever use an alternative to Dixie Bell? As a novice, I’m afraid to spend that much on my first piece.
Thanks so much!!
Hi Julie and thank YOU! I’ve used a ton of alternatives to DB paints and I will say that in comparison, Dixie Belle is priced super reasonable for the quality of paint and products they provide. That said, when I first started painting furniture, I would go to the mis-tints at HomeDepot and paint stores and MAKE my own chalk paintsMAKE my own chalk paints! Super inexpensive and works great. Hope this helps. 🙂
YES!! I went for the DIxie Belle in Caviar for my desk ! Can’t wait ! Thanks so much!!!!
This is so pretty! I bought the coffee bean and the satin finish to paint a mid century dining set and turn it into a coffee station and bar. I was looking for inspiration and I certainly got it! I have a question on the satin finish. If I do not have a spray gun what is the best way to put on the satin finish and should I apply all over?
Hi Maria! What a great project! The satin clear coat can be applied using a regular paintbrush. It does not need to be sprayed to look awesome and provide great protection. Also, DB paints are very durable and don’t need a topcoat on lower traffic items so whether you topcoat the entire piece or just the top (which would be getting the most use) is totally a personal choice. Hope this helps. 🙂
Thank you so much!
Anytime. 🙂
Beautiful! Love the color & splash of color on the drawers. Amazing as usual.
Thanks my friend! I hope you’re having an amazing day. XOXO
Simply gorgeous and really live the drawer sides! One question, when you sprayed on the finish did you do that without the hardware in place and before the cheetah print on the drawers? Love that finish❤
Thanks, Mary! Great question. I always spray my pieces without the hardware. This eliminates the chance of any drips around the hardware. And then I topcoat my hardware (if needed) separately.
Absolutely beautiful! Love the Cheetah!
Thanks so much Donna! 🙂
Oooh, that’s a great color! It looks so pretty on this vintage vanity. Love the cheetah surprise on the drawers too!
Thanks, my friend! I wasn’t sure what I was going to use this Cheetah Transfer on, but I’m really loving the added detail on this piece.
Hi denise, i had my doubts, but this looks fabulous! the trim looks like it’s accented, but i guess it just illuminates more than the flat surfaces.
i watched your side video of the chair you whitewashed with Dixie Bell gel stain. my question on that video is: the brick wall behind you looks like it was limewashed, but it’s black underneath – did you do that yourself? and did you paint the brick black first?
Hi Gwen! Yes, the trim was not accented at all but I see what you mean with the light reflecting on it! And for this video https://youtu.be/MD1moC2O8DY I’m not sure what brick wall you’re referring to. Maybe I have my videos mixed up so feel free to direct me to the right one. 🙂
i’ll have to keep an eye on the videos to the side and see which one it was!
Okay, thanks! 🙂
I figured it out, Gwen! 🙂 It’s the brick wall behind my counter in my paint studio. This brick was put up by the prior owners. It’s grey-blackish-beige but whenever I use my paint gun, I test the spray on my walls, cupboards AND the brick. So yes, it’s been painted… but not ‘really’ painted. hehe
That is absolutely stunning. And that cheetah transfer…oh my goodness! Your talent amazes me over and over again!
Thank YOU Jeannie! XO
OMGoodness! Gorgeous! I’m going to get some coffee bean today! Just a quick question— what brand of sprayer did you use for final finish??
Thanks!
You’re going to LOVE Coffee Bean! I promise! 🙂 And the spray gun I’ve been using for the past 7 years is this Husky. Still works amazing.
WOW! This piece looks delicious! Good enough to eat or drink…rich and smooth with no bitterness at all. Love it! Gotta get me some Coffee Bean!
Hi Nadine! I love your Coffee Bean description… I wish I had used it in my blog post.😉
So, so classy! Love it!!
Thanks, Becky!
How many coats of coffee bean did it take for this coverage? Absolutely stunning!
Thanks Robin! I painted two light coats. 🙂
Hi, I am new to seeing your pieces and wow! For a piece like this one, how much paint are you using? I am about to refurbish a piece and turn it into a bathroom vanity. I’m not sure how much of the paint to purchase. Also, do you have a favorite product for waterproofing with the Dixie Bell paint?
Hi Maria and a BIG warm WELCOME! 🙂 Everyone paints differently but if you’re an experienced furniture painter a 16oz should do it. If you’re a little newer to painting furniture, you might want to go with the 32 oz to be on the safe side. If you have a little extra left over, bonus. For water repellant topcoats, DB Gator Hide is the most durable. Hope this helps.
So sophisticated looking with a touch of whimsey with those drawer sides . LOVE them!
Thanks my friend! XO
Very nice, love the color!
Thank you, Claudette!
Gorgeous. I love the color
Thanks Colleen! I love Coffee Bean too. x
Hi Denise,
I really like it!
I have a spinet piano I bought that needs some attention and I’ve been wondering what to do with it. Maybe this color is the answer!
I appreciate your creativity so much!
Carolyn
Thanks, Carolyn! This color would be amazing on a piano!
Really love this piece! I have a question … does the color tend more toward gray or brown in person?
Thanks, Jan! Definitely a black-brown… not gray. I know monitor screens and even the lighting when taking an image can alter it a bit, but this is a gorgeous black-brown for sure. 🙂
Another HOME RUN!!!!
Swooning.
Aw, thanks, Diane! x
Gorgeous. Everything is perfect, especially the painted hardware. I’m redoing a bachelor chest for my husband with the ‘Prima Somewhere in France’ transfer and have been deciding between In the Navy, Coffee Bean or Midnight Sky. Love the Coffee Bean. Now I just might have to do the cheetah drawer sides. Whimsy but not cutesy. Just the perfect finishing touch to this lovely piece.
Love Prima’s Somewhere in France! That’s going to look amazing with ANY of those 3 colors!
I love the way this piece turned out, it looks so much better.
Thanks so much Sandra! 🙂
I love this piece. The color is so great; I just ordered it and can’t wait to receive it. Thanks for sharing this beautiful piece.
You’re going to LOVE IT! 🙂
Hi Denise
Love it, as always 😍
Pls advise what did you use to spray the top coat? Considering it comes in a jar…
Tx
Zora
Hi Zora! I use my Husky Spray Gun to spray my topcoats. 🙂
I love your style! Taking chances with colour is so inspiring. Thank you
Thank you, Angela! 🙂
I absolutely love it. Great job!
Thanks Jaye! x
Wow! That’s really lovely! Great job.
Thanks, Cate! XO
What stain color HAD you planned on originally? I am just starting to refinish an antique mahogany drop leaf side table, and thought I would paint the base black, and lightly stain/wash the top a pale gray, to tone down the reddish wood. It’s in great shape, so I dont need to cover up the top, and the grain is so pretty. You are always a super inspiration!! Thank you for sharing your passion!!
Hi Susan! I was thinking along the same lines as you – to tone down the red. I hadn’t decided between this Black Magic or Tobacco Road. 🙂
Oh My! This is gorgeous! I have a jar of DB coffee bean and can’t remember what I bought it for so it’s been abandoned. I was afraid to use it but now I see what a pretty color it is I’m going to paint something! Do you dilute your DB paint? It seems so thick to me. Thanks! XOXO
You’re going to LOVE Coffee Bean Cecilia. And yes, whether it’s adding a touch of water and mixing it directly in the paint, or using my water mister to mist the brush and/or paint, I’m usually adding water. It helps with brush marks, blending…. and a jar goes that much further. 😉
Absolutely gorgeous! I’m wondering what you used to spray on the satin coat? It looks like that finish only comes in cans. I apologize if you’ve addressed this in another write up.
Hi Melissa! The DB Satin Clear-Coat comes in a plastic jar and can be applied with a brush or paint gun. Here’s the paint gun I use… still works great after all these years. 🙂
I really love this! The color, the cheetah print and the vanity. My favorite prints are leopard and cheetah.
Simply unique.
Thanks so much Frances!
Wow Denise ! You certainly raised the sophistication level of this piece quite a few notches. You took a common what appears to be a 30’s piece and lifted it to a whole new level. I can see this piece without the mirror and paired with a metallic finish chair and used as a beautiful writing desk. Really nice color and the leopard print surprise I love!
Hi Frank! Funny thing you mention using it as a desk. As I was painting it, I was thinking if it was only a little larger. If so, this would have been my new desk!! 🙂
What a gorgeous piece of furniture. You did a fantastic job , it’s stunning!
Thanks Cecile! x
Your attention to detail is always impressive. Love the cheetah addition to the drawers. The whole piece is beautiful and your instructions are so clear.
Oh, I’m so glad you find the tutorials easy to follow Jane… and so happy you like the vanity! 🙂
Oh MY what a fabulous turn out !! Every part is perfect. I love the cheetah spots on the drawers…so unexpected.
Thanks, Julie! I’m really liking the cheetah spots on this piece too!
I was going to ask about the background color under the transfer but I see it is the bare wood…..love it!!! Did you put anything on the wood before you placed the transfer? Thanks!!! BTW, beautiful piece and great job!!!! Thanks, Jeannie Scott
Thanks, Jeannie! And yes, I adhered the transfer on the wood and no prep was required before adding it. 🙂
Lovely makeover! Coffee bean is one of my favorite blacks. LOVE the print on the inside of the drawers too. It’s those little details that gets my attention. I enjoy your makeovers so much. xo Do
Thanks Do! Coffee Bean is one of my go-to’s too! My sister mentioned that she loves it so much she wants to paint her front door in Coffee Bean.
Wow Denise. This vanity was in rather rough shape, especially the top. You made it better than new. DB Coffee Bean is such a gorgeous color. Not harsh and it’s so warm. And I love love love the transfers on the side of the drawers. Another beautiful transformation!
Thanks, my friend. The top was in rough shape but even though my plan didn’t turn out as I envisioned I’m kinda glad. I’m really liking the black on black.