Upcycled Dining Room Cupboard

I'm not usually very good at making things and crafty-stuff. Kids stuff, messy play, baking things, yes. Actual grown-up bits of DIY, no.

So I am relatively surprised by how this project turned out.

It started with this wooden cupboard unit with three drawers, bought for a bargain £30 from our local British Heart Foundation furniture shop.


It was a bit battered in places and had a fair few tea rings on the top, although it was a good fit size wise for our dining room alcove, it didn't really go with anything else in the room.

So I sanded it down, wiped it clean and gave it a few coats of paint. I also changed the handles to these blue ones from Zara Home that I bought in the sale for £2 a pack.


Since I finished painting I have noticed a few chips, I'm sure that's because I did something wrong, but having no expertise in this area at all I have no idea what it is. Matt assures me that he thinks the chips make it look good but I'm planning on touching it up a little at a later date. For now, I'm pleased and it is playing host to our Easter tree.


For someone who isn't usually good at this sort of thing, I'm glad I gave it a go! Are you any good at upcycling furniture? Or perhaps you know what I did wrong with the chips? Let me know in the comments below! Share your links, I'd love to see them.

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Coombe Mill - Fiona said...

Well done you and what a bargain. It looks like it was designed for that space and I love the slightly rustic look and the pretty blue handles. The only thing I can think of with the chips is if there were little areas of varnish still on the old unit which the paint struggled to stick to. Did you use a coat of primer paint first? This usually helps bond the paint to the wood. Depending on your space in the room I'd be temped to put some matching wood painted shelves above too for books or pretty things. I get a real kick out of a bargain like this, I hope you have the same joy from your lovely makeover. Thank you for sharing with me on #Trash2Treasure

Lisa from @intotheglade said...

I love this, it looks fab! I'm hopeless too but I've heard that Annie Sloan chalk paint is really good and doesn't chip. However, I think the chips add to the shabby chic look xx

Our Cherry Tree said...

You might be right with the chips - I sanded it down but didn't use a primer :( I love the idea of some shelves, we rent so I'd have to check with our landlords but I think it would look lovely!
I really enjoyed it, am looking forward to my next project.xx

Our Cherry Tree said...

Thank you! I did read after I'd done this that chalk paint is very good, I'll have to remember that in the future! My husband agrees with you about the chips so I'm not rushed to fix it yet.xx

Coombe Mill - Fiona said...

I hope you get your shelves and keep hunting in the charity shops for your next project.

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