An 80s Furniture Makeover Concludes

Click here to read my first post about deciding to change up an older jelly cabinet that my parents bought in the 80s.

Are we all on the same page? Great. Now that you’re up to speed, I can let you know that the cabinet is done. Yup. Check it off.

After much debate about a striped top, striped sides, polka dotted sides and even a solid navy top, I decided to keep it really simple with a fresh coat of paint, vintage hardware, a simple one-letter monogram and a new knob. There is just soooooo much going on in the nursery that I didn’t want to add another busy item.

It took two coats of paint on the inside and three on the outside. I used Annie Sloan’s Pure White for the wood. I had it on hand, I love it, and since this cabinet would be sporting a humidifier, I like the protection against moisture that it offered.

I printed out a large “H” in the same font I used for the name wall above Harrison’s crib and using a pencil, traced it lightly onto the door, eyeballing the centeredness. If that’s a word.

Then, I took a small craft brush, dipped it in a sample pot of Olympic’s “Royal Navy” and hoped for the best.

I’m pretty happy with the results. The left side of the “H” is a bit curvier than the right, but I think it’s one of those things where I’m the only one who notices. Hopefully. If you notice, keep it quiet.

I had a can of brushed nickel spray paint on hand to do the hardware but then decided at the last minute that I’d keep the hardware original because the color was kind of a perfect match for this drum that serves as a small table for Harrison’s books and such.

Drum Garden Stool

Of course, the hardware looks completely different against the white background than the stained wood background and for that I’m grateful - it feels like new hardware.

I trolled the internet for a knob and ended up with one that I picked up from the local Anthropologie, but I’m not smitten with it. I like that the hardware behind the knob matches the drum and existing hardware and I like that the knob itself is a nod to the milk glass that I love so much, but I don’t think it pops enough nor do I think it’s fun enough for a future toddler’s room.

I’ll keep it for now but I’m keeping an eye out for something a bit more…perfect.

The humidifier sits perfectly on the top, and I love that I don’t have to worry about the unwaxed finish being destroyed by the moisture.

I’m not storing anything inside for now (there isn’t much room!) but one day, I think Harrison will enjoy keeping little treasures safe inside the cabinet that used to be in my room when I was little. Here’s my little Vanna White (Vanny White?) helping me out with the knob exchange.

I think that’s it for furniture overhauls until Spring. Although knowing me, that may be a lie.

Any painting going on in your neck of the woods?