This $6.99 Thrifted Tea Cart Was Restyled Into a Sweet Nightstand for My Sister
Hi creative friends, and thanks for joining me today! Can you believe fall is just around the corner? We’ve been having unseasonably warm weather here in the Greater Toronto Area, however, I’ve been waking up to cool mornings. It’s almost time to pull out the Fall sweaters and jackets – you can feel it in the air. Spring and Fall are my favorite times of year, so I’m looking forward to the changing leaves and cooler weather.
Today I’m sharing how I gave this vintage tea cart a sweet makeover for my sister Andrea. And the best part – Andrea was the designer for this piece. When she saw Pink Champagne and the IOD French Graphic Transfer I had in my inventory, she knew exactly what she wanted. She was planning to use this tea cart to hold her teacup collection and some of her milk glass… but it turned out so well that she decided to use it for her night table, which she still has today!
Here’s what we started with. A $6.99 Savers Thrift Store score. It was a lucky find for such a great price.
A good test for a quality paint is how well it sprays. I used my paint gun to spray this tea cart for a cleaner look. Plus, I didn’t want to fuss with brushing the spindles and wheels, so spraying is the faster option.
This chalk mineral paint shoots very nicely. It’s a full-bodied paint, so I thinned it with a little water by about 10-15%. With a light sanding between coats, it turned out to be a super smooth and flawless finish.
THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY DIXIE BELLE PAINTS & CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I USE. YOU CAN SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE HERE.
Check out this beautiful soft pink! Andrea and I are loving it.
SOURCE LIST:
- Tea Cart – SALVAGED $6.99 Thrift Store Find!
- Sponge & TSP for Cleaning
- Bonding BOSS Clear Stain Blocker
- Champagne Pink Dixie Belle Paint
- Vintage Furniture Transfer
- Black Paint for small plastic Wheels
- Rag, Paint Brush, Spray Gun
- Satin Poly Topcoat
HOW TO ADD A GRAPHIC TRANSFER TO YOUR FURNITURE
- First, I did a few repairs and cleaned the tea cart with TSP.
- Then I brushed on BOSS Clear Stain Block to stop bleed-through- this product is AMAZING!
- I spray-painted 2 coats of Pink Champagne.
- Then, I cut the furniture transfer to size – one for each drop leaf on the tea cart.
- I removed the paper backing and then positioned the transfer on the drop leaves, then taped it in place.
- Using the burnishing tool provided, I rubbed and applied even pressure over the entire graphic design.
- Tip – If some areas don’t adhere 100%, lay it back down and rub again.
- Once the design had adhered, I lightly sanded for a worn look.
- Topcoat with your choice of poly or wax.
PIN AND SHARE 🤗
THE BIG REVEAL…
Here’s the finished piece- what do you think?
There is the “La Petite” French Graphic on one leaf and “Boutique de Vin” on the other.
Andrea and I were trying to figure out which side we like better. She prefers the ’boutique,’ and I prefer the cleaner ‘La Petite’ side. Either way, I think they both look great and complement each other beautifully.
And just for fun, I prompted an AI to generate this tea cart into a room setting. Here’s what it generated. What do you think?! I think the chair and garden out back is a perfect match!
Here’s another look at the before and after of this tea cart makeover. I hope it’s inspired you to try some transfers on your salvaged pieces!
THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!
Andrea and I love how this salvaged tea cart turned out—and for $6.99, a little paint and a transfer, you can’t go wrong! Best of all, this little tea cart is solid and built to last, so if she ever decides she wants to change her decor, we can restyle it again.
Thanks so much for stopping by and creating with me today. I’d love to hear what you think of this vintage tea cart French transfer look. And if you have a question or want to say hello, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below — you always brighten my day! 🤗
Happy creating, sweet friends! 💙
Denise x
MORE DIY INSPIRATION!
DECOR TRANSFERS | 10 FAQ’S ANSWERED
HOW TO LAYER FURNITURE TRANSFERS
DIXIE BELLE TRANSFERS FOR FURNITURE
HOW TO USE TRANSFERS OVER RAW WOOD
20 INSPIRING DECOR TRANSFERS IN ROOM SETTINGS
PIN AND SHARE! 🤗
Hello again... I'm so happy you dropped by! Let's keep in touch! Follow me on social media or sign up for a dose of furniture painting inspiration and diy tutorials. :) 
I’m going to comment becsuse I’ve somewhat of a newbie. Love the color and what a creative way to use it.
Hi Kathy! So happy you dropped me a line, and I agree, Andrea picked a lovely color! 🤗
How pretty in pink! I can see why Andrea changed her mind and used it as a night table. It’s fabulous and to think it was a steal at that price. Beautiful makeover. Pinned 📌 Thanks for sharing. xo 😘
Thanks my friend! XOXO Steal of a deal at $6.99 for sure! And yes, I’m happy she’s still using it; it’s held up great and is still pretty in pink!
Hi there!
I recently purchased a tea cart just like that but it has definitely seen better years.. I need to replace the black rubber on the big wheels. Can you recommend a place or website where I can fin it.
HI Maciel! I did a little research and came up with this place here. Hope this helps. 🙂
Did you spray the underside or just the top? And how did you protect the black on the wheels?
Some of the undersides did get sprayed. That way if the teacart drop-leafs are down, it all looks coherent. And to protect the black on the large wheels I used painters tape. The smaller wheels were painted black to match. 🙂
Denise , I am a fan of your beautiful and artistic work.
I also am addicted to paining not only furniture, but anything that looks as though it might need a new life.
Thanks for the tips and information on products I am excited to try..
Love what you do… Keep up the ” fabulosity”. Jo
Thank you for dropping by and all your kindness Jo! Have fun creating ‘new life’ into your projects. 🙂
I have this same exact tea cart. I mean exactly!!! What a gorgeous transformation. I’m definitely going to get a decal from Iron Orchid. I never would have thought of that. Just wow. I’m loving this and your blog so much. Again thanks for sharing such wonderful inspiration.
Exact same… lucky! I wish I had spotted this teacart before my sister did. 😉 So glad you’re enjoying the SI Blog Angel and hope to chat again soon. I’d love to hear/and or see what you end up doing with yours!
What a marvelous tea cart! I love everything about it. And what a STEAL of a price!
Ya, a steal-of-a-deal! Thanks Linda! <3
Your teacart looks amazing!!
Thanks so much Hollie! 🙂 Good luck! x
that is such a cute piece, i love the color!
Thanks Amanda! We are loving this pink too. 🙂 Good luck to you! x
Beautiful piece and love the pink champagne color !!!!!!!
Hi Brianna! Thank you. Good luck to you in the giveaway! x
Where did you buy transfer and pink paint?
Hi Sheila! I’ve updated the “Source” section if you’re looking for the Champagne Pink and French Transfers.:)
I just love the stuff you post, all of is so inspirational. Thanks 🙂
Thanks so much Mariola! Good luck to you. x
I just saw your email and now my name as one of the winners. This is unbelievable so excited. Thank you so much
Yaaaay! Congratulations Mariola! I’m sure you’re going to love these products as much as I do. 🙂
Yall’ are such an inspiration to a girl like me just starting out! Thank you for sharing your beautiful work, and the extremely helpful tips! Appreciate the chance at winning the gorgeous paint and supplies as well =)
That’s sweet of you to say, Sherri! I’m glad you’re finding the tips helpful. 🙂 Good luck to you. x
I love the IOD transfers! I love how you split it between the 2 sides and it still works! Love how it turned out ❤
Hi Cynthia! I really like them too and they were so easy to apply. 🙂
I just passed one of these carts up. Truth is I’ve never seen one redone that I truly loved, but I lOVE what you did with this one! Your styling is amazing as usual! XO
Awww, thanks Christy! xo I don’t know if we’ll ever find another $6.99 deal, but I’m keeping my eyes peeled for one too. They make for a really cute plant stand. 🙂
Just found your blog! So excited to try/attempt your projects! I love them all <3
Hi Kelly…WELCOME! Good luck in the Giveaway. 🙂
Denise your work is stunning! Love the pink Dixie Belle colour!
Hi Lynette!!! Yeah, I’m loving this pink… and all your work is stunning too. <3 Good luck. xo