I was tempted to call this post the Frankenstein sewing desk makeover because I kept finding things to add to it. But this sewing desk turned girls vanity table is just waaay too sweet and cute!
Because I was finding things along the way, I have not one, but two before pics for you – ha!
Here’s what we started with. A salvaged curb shopped sewing desk and large table extender.
After the table extender was cut, routered and attached, I found this Ikea mirror in my stash. Andrea gave it to me a few years ago and it’s been sitting around waiting for the perfect sized project. It might have been better if I found it before I took my before pic, but hey…
Piece it all together and isn’t this the cutest girls vanity table or budding artists desk!?
THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I USE. YOU CAN SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE HERE.
SOURCE LIST::
- Old Sewing Desk/Cabinet – SALVAGED!
- Table Extender – SALVAGED!
- Ikea Vanity Mirror – SALVAGED!
- Wood Knobs – SALVAGED!
- Sandpaper and Tack Cloth
- Spray Gun
- BOSS Stain Blocker
- Apricot Chalk-Mineral Paint
- General Finishes Colonial Maple Gel Stain
- Waterproof Topcoat
SEWING DESK MAKEOVER::
I love sewing desk makeovers but the one thing that I’m not crazy about is the flip top. It’s wonderful if you can lift it up and use it for storage, or an actual sewing machine, but if it flips up to empty space, it’s disappointing. Not to mention the distracting crack on top which isn’t overly attractive.
So, we started by removing the original top and cutting the salvaged table extender to size plus a half-inch overhang.
MMM routered the edges (optional) and then attached the new top to the sewing desk. It looks SO much better.
The entire table was lightly sanded and sealed with BOSS to stop bleedthrough. I picked this spring apricot color and sprayed for a smooth flawless finish.
This was my first time spraying with a Dixie Belle paint. This chalk-mineral-paint is nice and thick so I thinned it with 10% water before spraying. Amazing beautiful finish. I’m really impressed.
For contrast, the legs and wood knobs (I found these knobs at the ReStore for $1.50 – that’s $1.50 for ALL of them!!!) were stained with GF Colonial Maple Gel Stain. The warmth of the wood really adds interest.
And check this out. The front drawer pulls out for extra drawing or writing space.
My takeaway from this makeover… when I have furniture that looks dated or plain, Frankenstein’ing a few pieces together 😉 and adding a pop of color can really update the entire look.
I’D LOVE TO HEAR WHAT YOU THINK OF THIS SEWING DESK MAKEOVER. IF YOU HAVE ANY TIPS YOU’D LIKE SHARE OR HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, FEEL FREE TO CHIME IN… I ALWAYS LOVE HEARING FROM YOU.
Happy painting and have an inspiring day my friends,
Denise x
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Hello! I’m new to your blog and revved…this writing desk/vanity opens up so many possibilities.
You inspire me to Frankenstein my way to the shop and resurrect a few pieces mouldering in the recesses of the attic.
Thank you!
Hello Barbara and WELCOME! I’m so happy this desk/vanity has inspired you! Have a lovely weekend!
Love,love it!! I especially love the top writing drawer. Two tone color is amazing. You are such an inspiration.. Now my wheels are turning for a new project. Thank you!
Thank YOU! So happy it has sparked some ideas!
Such a cute piece now. Love the two-tone, and the weird top is history. Well done!
Thanks Tracy! 🙂 And YES, weird top – history! MMM did an amazing job at cutting it down and routering it. 🙂
This is really a lovely transformation. Love your color choice.
Thanks so much Nancy! 🙂
The color is gorgeous and the mirror couldn’t be more perfect for this desk. You’d never know it used to be a sewing table! Love how three salvaged items came together to make one beautiful piece of furniture! Pinned
Thanks for pinning Marie! It was fun pieces it all together. I’m working on a MCM piece right now and looking around for ‘extras’…lol 😉
LOVE how you kept the legs original, works so well with the paint!
Thanks Suzanne! I’m really liking the paint/stain contrast too… and LOVE this color! Thank you. 🙂
You would never know this started as a sewing table! This turned out SO good!! XO
Thanks Christy! Its been a while since I sprayed a piece – so it was a fun project. 🙂
Just adore this piece, the color is BEAUTIFUL! You def Beautified the Beast!
Thanks so much Teri! I’m impressed with this gorgeous color too! Thank YOU. 🙂
This piece is gorgeous! I love the color combination! That paint is sooooo pretty. You certainly have a good eye for up cycling. xx
Thanks so much, Sally! 🙂 And the DB Apricot is sooooo pretty! Such a “yummy” color as a previous commenter (Carole) mentioned. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Not so familiar with this vintage sewing machine but I love the color combinations.! I especially love the wood on the lower legs. I really like that contrast. The little tray pull out and. Drawers really extend the use of this t able. Well done!
Thank you, Dee! I’m loving the wood/contrast too. 🙂
Wow – what a great project! I love the stained legs with the apricot. And the marriage of all the pieces is just inspired. Love it!
… “the marriage of all the pieces” sounds so much sweeter than frankenstien’d doesn’t it… LOL. Thanks so much Marcia! XOXOX
The contrast of the apricot and stained wood is striking. I love the way you matched the knobs and legs too. How did you attach the top piece where there were no holes? I’m new to “marrying” pieces so I need a little more help than other DIY’ers. Thanks for sharing this project, it is lovely.
Hi Cecilia! The flip-up top was removed from the hinges on either side. After the table leaf was cut to size and routered, it was attached to the existing sewing machine top from underneath. We removed all the drawers and pulled out the sliding drawer, and screwed in long wood screws to hold the new top in place. I actually took pics of all the steps but I can’t find them. Sorry. I misplaced the card they were on.
What a gorgeous colour – APRICOT! Sounds (and looks) so yummy 🙂
Yummy, YES! I’ve said this before but I think you should co-write for this blog Carole! 🙂
HAHA! Denise… that’s funny but I think you do a brilliant job on your own. I LOVE reading your blog and learning
…. “Carry on”… xx
Thanks, my friend. xo 🙂
I love the color and stain combination! These random pieces look like they should have been together all along, I love it!
That’s a huge compliment Kaycee. Thank you! xo
Om’gosh I just love this piece. You may be the best Frankensteiner I’ve seen thus far! Great work. I always look forward to your posts
…”the best Frankensteiner”… love it! Thanks, Nina!!! 🙂
This is beyond adorable. I love it. The colour is so pretty. Wonderful work you do.
Thanks Betty! I’m really liking this color too. I constantly remind myself to step out of my comfort zone and try new colors. When I do, it rarely disappoints. 🙂
What a great way to salvage a bunch of unloved pieces! The oversized wooden knobs are perfect. Love it!
Thanks Linda! 🙂 The wood knobs tie it all together nicely. And a buck fifty… even better! That’s almost FREE! 😉
Love it. but why is the picture frame there? Kind of distracting.
Thanks Norma! I didn’t mean it as a distraction. When I styled/staged the piece, I imagined a little girl painting, drawing and then framing her creations. 🙂
A great transformation as always Denise! I love it! And the color is perfect! Thanks for continuing to inspire us! All the best!
Lori
Thank you Lori! I always love your creations too. XO 🙂
Thanks Denise! 😘xo
This is fantastic! So beautiful and I love the pull out drawer thing very handy. Now what to do with the old sewing machines?
I just posted a vanity makeover last week. 😉 I went in a different direction with lots of color. Painted the fabric for the stool too.! The whole thing was so fun.
Thanks, Lorin! I didn’t have to worry about the sewing machine because when I found this sewing desk it had already been taken out. And I love how you painted the fabric on the stool btw. Very watercolor and cheerful. 🙂
Great job Denise!!! LOVE it ❤❤❤
Hi Debi!!!! 😀 Thanks so much neighbour. 😉 🙂 🙂
Wow Denise, another beautiful makeover. What a charming little desk. Beautiful apricot spring color. LOVE IT:)
Thanks Monique! XO This color makes me smile. I love it too. 🙂