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.
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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
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I did not know that there was specifically something called a Furniture Transfer. That makes it all easier! Are these purchased at craft stores ? I love the way this table turned out, especially the larger wheels painted as tires. Really cute ! Thank you for the opportunity to win !
Hi Patty! It is easy and they look great. You can purchase them through Dixie Belle Paints or direct from Iron Orchid Design. Some specialty paint stores sell them too, but I’m not sure about big box craft stores. Good luck with the giveaway. 🙂
I love your projects, you bring me inspiration with every blog, please keep it up!
Aww, thank Kelly. <3 Good luck to you. 🙂
The pink is a beautiful color, but I might want to try the blue/black one too!
Nice makeover and personally I prefer the smaller print side on the cart.
Hi Terri! Thanks, and I’m looking forward to trying Caviar too! Good luck. 🙂
Your tea cart transformation is just gorgeous. I can’t believe you scored that lil lady for $6.99, amazing! I can’t decide which I love the most the color or the transfers, they are both perfect. Thank you for sharing and for the opportunity to enter.
Thank you Kaycee! x Good luck in the giveaway. 🙂
Have been using Dixie Belle for several months and will now use no other paint. Love love the new Pink Champagne color! Your tea cart is so lovely!
It’s a great paint to work with isn’t it! Good luck with the giveaway Joette. X
Love the tea cart. Both sides are gorgeous!! Thanks for the giveaway.
Thanks Debra and good luck to you. 🙂
Thanks for all the tips! And, I wish I could find a cute tea cart, or wagon, or anything like that in that good-of-shape for $5.99! I do pretty well from time to time, but that’s too cute. Good thing I enjoy the hunt; you keep me inspired. Happy Fall! 🍂
Happy Fall Vonny and don’t give up on your teacart hunt. It will probably pop up when you least expect it. 😉 Good luck with the giveaway.
Love pink champagne! Thanks for the chance to win.
Thanks and good luck Sue! Thanks for dropping by. 🙂
So excited to use pink champagne to make a play kitchen for my daughter! So pretty! Great tips!
A play kitchen…what fun! Your daughter is going to LOVE it!
This is just do pretty!! I just did a tea cart almost exactly the same but I did stenciling, I have never done a transfer…. Maybe it’s about time I tried.
Thanks for this, it’s gorgeous!
Hi Cindy! I’ve done my fair share of stenciling and I think furniture transfers are faster/easier. Having said that, if you get a lot of use out of a stencil, a stencil is probably more cost effective though. Good luck with the giveaway. 🙂
Looks amazing!!!
Hi Angie! Good luck to you! x
I have a tea cart, now a sweet idea! Thanks
They are fun pieces to work on. I did this teacart for a client and loved every minute. Good luck Maryann!
Beautiful results! Great products!
Thank you Ronnie! Good luck to you! x
What a terrific find for only $6.99 and the new color is marvelous!
Yeah, my sister was super happy with her find. I wish I had spotted it first. 😉 Good luck to you Kathryn. x
I’m off to Goodwill to find a treasure to paint! Thank you for the wonderful idea!
Yaaay! Good luck Sharon. x
Am I allowed to enter again after I already won a package? I hope so!
You sure are! Good luck Annemarie. 🙂
This is so beautiful in this beautiful new pink by Dixie Belle! I love the color, the transfers and the project as a whole, well done.
Thanks Kaycee. Good luck to you!x
Love, love, LOVE the teacart! The transfers look amazing!
Judy from Brighton, ON.
Brighton…. we’re almost nieghbors. 🙂 Glad you like the teacart and good luck in the giveaway Judy. x
Another fabulous rehab, Denise.
Thanks Tammy. Good luck to you. x
Oh my gosh, Denise what a stunning tea cart makeover! So pretty in pink. I’m itching to try the IOD transfers.
Hi Marie! Thanks so much. It’s my guess you’ll love them. 🙂
What a great find and a beautiful finish!
Thanks Carol! Good luck to you. x
6.99 that is incredible deal you got! It turned out lovely. I have been looking at paint spray guns. Trying to decide what type to buy. What is yours?
It was a steal of a deal. Andrea was searching for a teacart for some time and many were selling for $50-$100. And my spray gun is a Husky that I’ve had for quite some time now. 🙂
Thank you for letting me know on the spray gun. I think I want to spray several of my pieces instead of brushing I have decided. Honestly a steal of a deal for sure on your piece!
Yeah, my sister was super pleased with her find. I wish I had spotted it first. 😉 Good luck to you Kathryn. x
There’s an antique shop in my hometown that sells this brand. I actually bought a jar of red, turquoise, & pearl white, a few months back. There is such a great selection of paint colors, it was difficult to decide, which shade of red & blue I wanted!?! As well as, resisting the urge to buy so many other beautiful colors available for purchase.🤗 I’m definitely going to have to go back & purchase the Boss Clear Primer & check out, their Vintage Graphic Transfers. I’m so excited b/c those are new products, that weren’t available during my last visit, nor the new paint colors. Yippee! Thank you for sharing.👏
Pleasure Regina! 🙂 And yes, if you’re looking for a great stain blocker to stop bleed through, grease and odors, if they have it, give BOSS a try. I’m really impressed with this product.
I think I hit the jackpot by finding and following you, Denise. You’re a talented inspiration. Thank you for sharing.
Awww, thanks Amanda… I’m grateful you dropped by and are following. 🙂 Good luck with the giveaway. xo
Love the tea cart and the transfer. Ive been looking into transfers for awhile now thanks for the instructions.
Thank Cynthia and I hope the tutorial has inspired. Good luck with the giveaway. x
So pretty…good job!!
Hi Sian! Thank you and good luck! x
The tea cart is gorgeous!!!! LOVE IT!!!!
Thank you Jessica! Good luck in the giveaway! x
Another AMAZING job!!!! I told Teri that I’d be buying all your stuff if you lived closer!!!
Awwww, that’s a huge compliment Suzanne…thank you! My sister would fight you tooth and nail for this one though. 😉 Thanks for all your amazing products!
What an adorable makeover! I love the color and the simple transfer design.
Thanks Stephanie. 🙂 Good luck to you!
Hi, Denise
Dixie Belle paint sounds amazing. Awesome job on the tea cart!
Hi Olivia! Thanks so much. And good luck to you! x
Love that champagne pink! and what a score the cart was! I’m interested to know more about your sprayer… do tell. 🙂 thanks!
Thanks Nicole! I use a Husky Paint Gun and love it. 🙂
Would love to try the Dixie Belle brand! Have heard such good reviews. Here in Northern Maine no stores sell it! Great chance to try and win the wonderful prize! Love the tea car that and that’s the nicest subtle pink I have seen. Thank you for the opportunity!
Glad you like the teacart Liz… how could I go wrong with that soft pink. 😉 Good luck with the Giveaway.
Lovely makeover! Really nice job!
Thank you Karen. Good Luck!
That turned out beautifully. Either side is cute too 😉
Thanks Tara… and yeah, both sides are stink’n cute. The IOD Transfer Design was wonderful and so easy to use.x
Love the soft pink…another beautiful transformation!
Thank you Tammy. Good luck to you!
Gorge!
Thanks Armida. Good luck with the giveaway. 🙂
I love the tea cart and LOVE the pink color. I use a few pinks for my furniture and have been pleased but I would love to try this one as well. It looks so soft!
Also, can you tell me which spray gun you use? I have one but have not been too happy with the quality of it so I’m looking to replace mine soon.
Hi Regina! Yes, my sister fell in love with this pink as soon as she laid her eyes on it. I use this spray gun and here’s another example of spraying with it. Good luck to you Regina. 🙂
Lovely subtle gentle pink. Great makeover. We’re so lucky to have sisters.
Thanks Tracy. <3 And yes, WE ARE SO LUCKY! My sister is my very best friend. Sisters are the BEST!!!
As always, wonderful, can-do info !!! Look forward to putting some of the ideas to use, thanks!!
Thanks Susan and glad the can-do info is helpful. 🙂
Such a cute tea cart! And I love that the pink is so light. I prefer the “petite’ side, too. Thank you for sharing!
Yeah, I love this light pink too. And (I think) the ‘Petite’ off center adds interest yet is a bit of a cleaner look. 🙂 Glad you like it Lisa.
Soft & feminine, beautiful!!! These are words that come to mind. You did a wonderful job. You and your sister can be proud of yet another great project!
Yaaay! Thanks Teresa. I’d like to keep this cart for a while but my sister wants it ASAP. 😉
Would LOVE to try Dixie Belle products!!!
Would love for you to try them. Good luck Louise. 🙂
Love that transfer.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Glad you like it Lyn. Good luck. 🙂
Beautifully done. Gorgeous, gorgeous shade of pink!! Would love to win it. Have a project in mind that would be great in this soft feminine pink. Thanks for offering the contest.
Gorgeous pink right! 🙂 Good luck to you Julie!
WOW! great transformation! Cant believe you scored that tea cart for $6.99!! Love the transfers!
Thanks Marisa, and yeah, the cart was a great find. My sister left it at the end of an aisle while looking at something else and a teenage girl swooped in and tried to scoop it up. Who can blame her for $6.99 right?! 🙂
Wow, this is amazing and what a beautiful colour you used Denise. Fabulous as always!
Awww, thank you Julie. Love all your work too. xo
That color is beautiful, I can’t wait to try it.
Good luck to you Dianne! x
What a great giveaway and a chance to try a new to me product!
Good luck Laura!
Thanks for the chance to win!
Pleasure, and good luck to you Alison!
What a soft sweet pink tea cart. I love the transformation. Your sister is very lucky!!!
Hi Monique! 🙂 Yeah, it’s a beautiful soft pink. I will definitely be using it on more pieces. Have a great day my friend. x