Lightening Up the Living Room with a DIY Chalk Paint Dresser turned Media Console
If you are a regular reader you probably saw my recent post about Spring-ifying the Living Room… and you may have noticed that the ‘springifying’ was rather one sided. I am here to show you what has been “going on” on the other side of the room now… still a few more tweaks until the living room is complete, but so far it is feeling much brighter and lighter and airier. And a lot of the credit goes to one not-so-little refurbished piece.
Our previous TV armoire is a beautiful Canadian made piece of furniture and it has found itself a very happy little home in the basement. But if truth be told it only holds our 32″ TV (only… I know what a pathetic little issue). Since my eyes are not great in the evening I wanted to bring up our larger and better quality TV to the room we usually watch TV in.
I was out on a thrift shopping day trip in celebration of my girlfriends birthday and I came across this little piece. Actually, the birthday girl had her eyes on it first but changed her mind and relinquished it to my greedy little hands. (I really wasn’t going to hog it, I promise). I texted my hubby some pictures but truth be told it was already sold! (to me)…
Isn’t she beautiful! Easy to see the potential. Now down to some serious DIY Chalk Painting business. I used the same process as I did for the little yellow side table and the chalk painted laundry room cabinet doors.
First I cleaned it thoroughly and removed all the hardware.
Look, someone forgot their socks!
Next on to some modifications. My husband is not doing sit-ups in this picture. He is, in fact, switching the side drawers out for shelves. He attached some back bracket pieces and used thin pieces of MDF for shelves to house all of our media equipment behind a closed door.
You can see we have a little helper for this. All he wants to do is build things these days… wonder where that comes from.
Once the modifications were complete, I whipped up (with my fabulous magic bullet) some DIY Chalk Paint using the same recipe as I used for our cabinets, back door, our pantry chalkboard doors, and little side table in living room
The yellow is quite pale on top of the dark wood so it took four coats of chalk paint. Luckily it dries quickly. Four coats later and I think we are done…this step.
Next comes sanding the paint smooth and then distressing the edges as desired.
Lastly a coat of wax… rub on and buff off…
I spray painted the old hardware white and reused most of it – the two top middle knobs are new but fit in easily because they are white ceramic.
The new media console is ready for our springy living room!! Yay!
I added a few little dressing pieces on top… I got all these things garage saleing the other day – the lamp was $6… I added a little sisal rope to a shade I was hoarding storing in the basement. The globe was $2!! Yay! I love the way the colors on the globe tie into the pillows and art on the opposite couch wall. The little milk jug was $1 and is imprinted with the stamp of a local dairy (I love local touches)… I used my glue gun to add some sisal rope to dress up the bottle neck a little).
Oh, and there is a little piece of driftwood my son brought in from the beach. Now, the space above it is really calling for something. I have a fun idea for up there and I need to get to work on it really soon!!
Here is a little peak at the difference with the new versus old TV cabinets… from the side the lower cabinet really lets in a ton more natural light from our big front windows as well.
The living room is almost done… I will be back soon with a few tweaks!!
Have you been painting any furniture lately? Any DIY chalk paint? Changes to your living room or your house for spring? I would love to hear about them!!
Thanks for reading. And remember, my housie friends, HOME isn’t built in a day. Enjoy the journey.
This post was featured at
I am linking this post up at some of my favourite Housie Parties and at DIY Mania at The Corner of Main, The Humber Project, Wit Wisdom and Food, and Mailbox Journey
Oh wow! I love this color, can you possibly tell me you name of it. I’m dying to do my headboard in this color!!
Hi Brittney – I made the DIY chalk paint using Martha Stewart “Mellow Yellow” as the base- it may have changed slightly when I mixed it with the Plaster of Paris to turn it into chalk paint. Good luck with your headboard project!!
Hi Krista…..browsing your site “again” and I love this project….any way we could get you to post the “after” photo of the inside work your husband did on the shelves? I’ve been thinking of doing this myself, but the end look would help piece everything together for me….I love the colors you use….you are so BOLD! My home could use some boldness.
Hi Teresa! I could email you some photos of the inside – but we didn’t paint the whole inside so it isn’t as pretty as the outside:) Maybe one day I will get around to painting inside it?? It has changed colors now too- I gave it a coat of white a couple of weeks ago and let a little bit of yellow shine through but mainly it is cream now:) I will try to take some pics of the inside and send them to you later today:)
Krista
Sounds great! Looking forward to your posting…tks!
Hi Krista, when you say chalk board paint. Is it the chalk board paint that you would also use for writing on? I love the idea either way!!
Hi Melanie- you can write on the chalk paint before you have waxed it- once waxed it doesn’t have the same chalkboard properties but the wax gives it a fabulous furniture finish. I have used the same recipe to create my own chalkboard paint before… for my pantry doors and most recently for a little pillow I am sharing over at Uncommon Designs today.
Thanks, I plan on doing this next week if all goes well. I’ll let you know how it turns out. Love your website. You do spectacular work.
Aw, thank you Dee!! That is so sweet!! Best of luck:)
Thanks for the info on the plaster of paris, I will make sure it is well mixed. Have you ever tried the calcium carbonate method? This scares me a bit, because I have always stained then waxed. So chalk paint is a new thing. Do I sand in between paint coats?
Hmmmm Dee – that is a good question. I don’t usually bother because I am super impatient but if you want a really smooth finish it is likely a good idea to give it a quick sand between coats. Mostly I sand at the end just to distress my piece. I use a blender to mix my plaster and water but that is because my plaster is a little old and chunky (I know: an easier solution might be to buy new plaster!). I haven’t tried the calcium carbonate method yet. Good luck, I am sure that it will turn out beautifully!!
Wow!!! I just found this site and am impressed. I want to paint a headboard and a deacons storage bench a burgundy color. Can’t wait it try out the chalk paint recipe. I have used minwax stain and dark wax on 10 doors Nd the result was amazing. Have never used chalk paint so I am excited about it. Thanks so much for the inspiration.
Good luck Dee!! Just make sure you get your plaster and water blended completely smoothly before adding it to the paint- that seems to be the key!! Hope you have an awesome experience with the diy chalk paint:)
You didn’t sand that dresser first, did you? I have a desk I want to redo and I’ve already sanded the entire top, but I want to paint the bottom and I’ve been delaying, because I hate sanding. Does the chalk paint stick better than regular latex?
~FringeGirl
Hi Tricia!
With chalk paint you supposedly don’t need to sand… the only time I found it didn’t adhere properly was on super slick melamine cabinetry. Then I had to prime. Otherwise you just paint with it (no sanding or priming) and then distress it by sanding, then protect it with a coat of furniture wax. Good luck!!
So pretty! I love it!
Thank you Therena!
Love the colour! One cup of latex paint is all you needed to do 4 coats???? I am going to repurpose a dresser as a kitchen sideboard and in about the same colour. I hope it turns out as beautiful as yours! Wish me luck!
Hi Nicole!! I am trying to remember if I used one or two batches for this project… it may have been two batches of chalk paint – but I just bought one of those small tester size cans at Benjamin Moore and that is all that I used. Sounds like a fun project!! Good luck, I would love to see a picture when you are done!
Just finished painting the dresser and the hardware. I am waiting for the paint to cure a bit before putting it in the kitchen. I gotta say that the colour yellow I had in the house is pretty darn close to yours. Can’t wait to show you how it turned out! I used a double patch of paint, and it did not dry out or thicken up at all.
How do I send/attach pictures?
Hopefully the link to my facebook picture will work!
Krista,
I just came across your blog and am very inspired by your color choices! I live in a 7 year old builder grade home and it’s still very neutral. I’m ready to liven it up! I especially love your chevron rug! Where did you happen to find that?
Thanks for the inspiration!
What sheen do you use of the latex paint? I would like to try this.
Hi Kathleen,
It is just eggshell or satin. I have also done this using a semigloss that I had leftover from our ensuite renovation and used it to paint my laundry room cabinets and laundry room back door. Hope this helps:)
Krista
I LOVE this…it is super sweet and the perfect shade of yellow! Thank you for linking up at The Weekly Creative! I’ve pinned this bad boy!
Smiles,
Melanie {Reasons To Skip The Housework}
Oh it came out so nice! It is very bright and cheerful. I have never used chalk paint before but have been dying to see what all the fuss is about. I am going to try out your homemade recipe ASAP! Thanks for the inspiration!
Hi Lisa!
So glad you like it, I hope the recipe works well for you. Note: you don’t have to use a foam brush… I actually used a regular brush from the dollar store to paint this. Good luck!!
Krista
I love it all…… just beautiful.
Thank you Sheryll!
Krista
Love, love the color, Krista!
Thank you Linda!! So glad you came to visit and I appreciate your kind comments a ton!!
Krista
Totally fun room! Love it !! Those old dressers are so great painted! 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing on Project Inspired.
Nancy
Thanks Nancy!!
Krista
I love the way this project turned out. I just bought a new china cabinet and I am thinking about using chalk paint on it as well. Maybe we should all have a chalk paint challenge together 🙂 Glad you linked up at DIY May-nia. Looking forward to following you.
Hi Anne!
I think that a chalk paint challenge sounds like a fabulous idea! Thanks for co-hosting!!
Krista
Love this! I’m a huge fan of yellow. Great job! I found you over at Today’s Creative Blog.
Hi Christine!
I am majorly crushing on yellow right now too! Thanks so much for your visit and comments.
Krista
I love the color! I’m hosting a new linky party. I would love for you to join it. http://hickorytrailblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/assets-and-efforts-linky-party-2.html
Thanks,
Angela
Oh Krista, I am loving all the yellows in your house, most especially this latest one!!!!
Thank you Vel:)
Krista
I wish I had the guts to paint a big piece of furniture a bold color like this! It always amazes me how something SO traditional instantly looks new and modern with a bright color slapped on!
You should link this up at DIY Maynia – this week’s challenge was thrift store/garage sale projects! 🙂
http://humberhomeproject.blogspot.com/2013/05/country-to-chevron-thrift-store-diy.html
Thanks Ash! I also read about that through Kelly (Corner of Main)… nice to meet you to! I will hop over there:)
Krista
Thanks for posting the chalk paint recipe! I really want to try doing this myself. =)
I have that same owl table!! Don’t you love it? I saw it in Redbook magazine and bought it ten minutes later, lol.
Hi Kelly!
I can’t wait to see what you do with the chalk paint recipe! I saw the owl table in a nearby store called Urban Barn and had to have it!! It also came in blue and green but I thought that with the amount of color I already have in the room that the white would be my best choice. I love it for sure!
Krista
Looks gorgeous, Krista! Love that bright color. And super excited about the chalk paint recipe…I’ve been looking for a good one! Pinning this! 🙂
Hi Kristi!! I am beyond thrilled that you came over to look at this! Thanks so much, glad you like it and hope the recipe works well for you. Can’t wait to see what you do with it:)
Krista
FABULOUS job…I LOVE it!!
I am a new follower!!
Julie @http://www.thevintagebarnhome.om
Hi Julie!! So thrilled that you came by and are following!! Yay! And thanks for your super sweet comment:) I will hop over to visit you as well!
Krista
Gorgeous, as always!!! You are a color genius, my friend! I always love the color combos you use! Your room is so bright and cheery–I’d never want to leave. 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend, Miss Krista!!
~Abby =)
Oh Abby you are too sweet! Thanks for your super kind encouraging words though! Hope you are having a fab weekend as well:)
Krista
So, since you painted it with chalk paint, are you going to write on it? I love it ! It’s so pretty. Thanks for sharing at Pinworthy Projects.
Hi Carrie!! Lol!! I guess I could try… I wonder if the waxing would interfere with its chalkboard abilities… The chalk paint makes it super easy to distress tho, and you don’t have to prime – so those are two big advantages to it!!
Krista
Hey Krista, that is like a ray of Florida sunshine right in your house.The yellow is perfect on that piece and I love it how you put the chartreuse Chevron rug in front of it.
Super stylin’. Very fun and inviting. I like your style girl.
Have a Happy Mom’s Day!
Cheers to you and yours,
Therese
Thanks Therese!! Your comments always make my day!! Hope you have a fab Mother’s Day weekend too:)
Krista
Great piece, I love the redo. The color is wonderful. I host a party called Inspire Me Tuesday and it goes live every Monday evening. I would love for you to link up any of your projects. http://www.astrollthrulife.net
hugs, Marty
Thanks Marty! I will definitely check that out on Monday evening!! Thanks so much for the invite:)
Krista
This is so pretty! I think that amount of distressing is just perfect. Love that you made your own chalk paint. It turned out so lovely!
Thank you so much Katja! I am thrilled you came by to visit and thank you for your super kind comments! Hope to see you again,
Krista
I just used chalk paint for the first time. Love it. Now I want to try this DIY chalk paint. Your dresser/media console looks amazing. The color is so pretty! I will be following you through Facebook. If you would like to follow me back here is my link.. http://www.facebook.com/fabtwigs
Hugs,
Fabrizia
Hello Fabrizia,
Thanks so much for your kind comments! I would love to check out your blog:) Thanks for the invite,
Krista
Looks terrific! Love the color and the piece. Great job 🙂
Thank you Courtney! I think it is a big improvement with the new colour:)
Krista
It looks so pretty! I am loving all the diy inspiration I am finding for home these days! Question: Is the chalk paint still ‘writable’ after the wax?
It looks terrific on screen Krista, but I’ve got to say it looks even better in person. You have such a great eye for the potential in your random discoveries.
Lol! Thanks:) I agree, the pictures don’t quite pay it true justice. It is definitely prettier in real life.
Krista
I love using pieces of furniture for media consoles that aren’t intended to be media consoles! They look so much less technical! Love yours! I use a buffet for ours! Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof
Hi Jenna! I have seen your gorgeous piece, and the fab gallery wall around it! We did a buffet TV cabinet in the basement as well, that one with turquoise chalk paint. I like the prettier lines of the buffet but this time around I found this ‘dresser’… I like how it has doors on each side so it doesn’t look too dresserish.
Krista
Krista, you did a fabulous job on this, wow!!! It looks amazing and love the color. This is totally inspiring me because I want to put a television in our living room so that we actually USE the room! 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing this great project. Have a wonderful weekend and a happy, happy Mother’s Day!
Hi Cindy! We had our TV “hidden” before in the armoire but truth be told we never really closed the doors. I much prefer this look, the whole room feels much brighter and more open. Happy Mother’s Day to you as well!!
Krista
Love that color! I have been wanting to paint something that color.
That’s on my list!
Your green chevron rug is very cool,
Deb
Hi Deb!! Can’t wait to see what you will do, your stuff is always so amazing:)
Krista
Just tell me when I can move in 🙂
LOL! Hilarious Kim:) Thanks for your enthusiasm!!
Krista
Oh wow! This is stunning! Talk about shabby to chic! You are so skilled at these redos… thanks for sharing your tips and tricks.
I love, love, love that yellow with white knobs. So fantastic.
Wishing you a lovely weekend.
xoxo
Thank you Jennifer!! I love the contrast of the white against the yellow too… so light and pretty looking. Have a fabulous weekend as well!
Krista
Looks great! The color is wonderful.
Thank you so much Kelly!! I am really happy with how the colour turned out as well!
Krista
Awesome job Krista, how about you come visit me and teach me all this stuff!!! btw I notice the rope you wrapped around your lamp shade…how awesome is that. I may have to steal that idea. Is it normal rope? did you use a glue gun?
Hi Christine!
It is the same sisal rope that I used on the edges of my texture table with sisal rope edging… I think I picked it up at Walmart. I used a glue gun very sparingly because I didn’t want to ruin the shade if I decide to ever remove the rope. Thanks for you awesome comments!!
Krista
WOW! WOW! OK, I want it in my living room now! 🙂 can you please send it to my house through “Puralator” please 😉 It’s beautiful Krista, you did an amazing job with this! I’m in love with it! The color is so beautiful! Love how you decorated the bottle and lamp with rope; perfect! and only $2,00 for the globe YAY!
your little helper seems to have done a great job on this project 😉
You know I have an old dresser that I’m using as a “buffet” in my dining area, it’s old and damaged but I love it, don’t know if I should paint it but if I do, I will use yours as an inspiration! I have never tried chalk paint! 🙂 funny that someone forgot their socks there! ha!ha! Hope you will have a great Mother’s day weekend Krista! 🙂
Hi Ingrid!!
You super awesome kind comments totally made my day! Thanks! I would love to see what you do with your dining room buffet. What I like about chalk paint is that it dries quickly, allows you to distress things easily, and is pretty fail proof (against things like brush marks and drips). I know that you love the color yellow too, this one is called Mellow Yellow by Benjamin Moore! Have a fabulous Mother’s Day weekend as well:)
Krista
Thank you very much Krista! 🙂
Love, Love, Love the color. You did a great job 🙂
Mandy @ the hankful house blog
Thank you Mandy!! I am really loving the color too! Have a fabulous Mother’s Day!
Krista
Krista that looks amazing!!!!! I need to do something like this ASAP! Thanks for yet again another great tutorial!!!!
Hi AnnMarie!
Thanks for your super kind comments! It was a fun project and I really like the room much better without the really tall dark armoire. Have a fabulous Mother’s Day!
Krista