Trailer Reno | Nightstand make-over

Having completed the trailer bathroom, it was time to tackle the bedroom. I was determined to use the brand new, but uuuuuugly nightstands. It is amazing what can be done with a vision, some paint, a vintage handle and a box of old wooden shims (see also my sidetable post using the same old shims). Looking at the before and after shots I am pleased…

By: Liesbeth

Having just finished the massive living room paint project, changing all wooden trim to white (2 base coats and 3 top coats!!) I decided to “work around the wood” in the bathroom as I found the pale blue I used in the kitchen actually made the wood  look nice.

before and after:

Step by step:

Remove bottom door and drawer from nightstand and remove handle from drawer. I decided to take off the door and not put it back on as the nightstand has enough hidden storage with the top drawer and leaving the bottom open creates more “visual space” in the small bedroom. I might add a basket at some point in the future.

Using Benjamin Moore base paint I needed 2 layers to cover the difficult material. Base paint dries quickly but I still waited 24 hours for the next step.

I used Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace semi gloss for the top coat and again had to apply 2 coats (let dry for 24 hours in between coats).

For the top I simply used the wooden shims to cover the complete existing vinyl covered top. I wanted a bit more of a rustic/industrial look so I used small trim nails to affix each shim to the nightstand top (I used over 80 shims per nightstand). If you want to have a more sleek, minimalistic finish, simply use carpenter glue as I did in my previous Sidetable post.

The finishing touch was the vintage handle which I had purchased 2 years ago at a garage sale for 50 cents a pop without a specific project in mind (don’t you love it when the DIY gods make it all come together at the end). I used the same handles on some repainted cupboards in the same bedroom (but that’s another post some time soon…).

To complete the look I threw the bad lamp in a corner and purchased a neat concrete/trim lamp stand at Target and a textured linen small lamp shade in a cool white. Add rustic iron picture frame and voila: opening my eyes at the trailer has now become even better. Stay tuned for more trailer reno projects.