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The Rags to Riches Story of a Thrift Store Desk

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Two months ago, I showed you this desk I picked up at Goodwill for $25. I actually had to fight another lady off of it, which made me want it more. Yes, I’m totally that person.

My husband thought I was crazy. I told him that all he’d have to do is help me tighten up the screws in the legs because they were a little wobbly. He laughed.

He laughed even harder when I told him that I wanted the finished project to look like a mix between this picture:

and this picture:

Okay, so maybe I had my work cut out for me.

It literally took me two months to finish this project. I wasn’t working on it every day, of course, but I sanded and primed and sanded and painted and painted and painted and sanded and painted …you get the picture. I made the mistake of choosing black glossy paint, which is pretty much the hardest paint to use since it shows EVERY drip and flaw.

Tom’s contribution grew and grew as the days went by. What began with his helping me take out and replace some stripped screws turned into completely replacing the legs and cutting a new skirt that I drew by hand. We also added some trim to hide some of the original flaws.

For two months, I heard Tom complain about how the desk was built by monkeys and that he should just throw it out and build me another one. Today, I heard him say, “Linds, I really like that.”

She cleaned up pretty nicely, didn’t she?

I ordered the vinyl decal from Say It With Style on Etsy. I needed it to be a bit smaller than what she offered in her store, so she custom-sized it for me. It arrived about 3 days after I ordered it, and I couldn’t be more pleased. It’s exactly what I wanted.

I lined the inside of the desk with a black and ivory floral wrapping paper I found at Target. I just used my Hard Coat Mod Podge so that the lining will be durable for storage.

We have a little nook set into our staircase, and that space will be her new home. I’m now on the search for a wooden chair to paint black and put next to the desk. After adding a chair, a lamp, and some accessories, I think this is going to be one of my favorite little areas.

Just for fun, let’s see a before and after side-by-side:

You see? A little elbow grease and a coat of paint can really give a piece of thrift store furniture a rags to ritches story.

About Lindsay Ballard

Lindsay Ballard is a former college mascot turned political geek turned roller derby playing, DIY fanatic.

Lindsay chronicles her projects, design ideas, and lifestyle tips here at Makely, where she shares tutorials and inspiration. Her DIY designs are bold and graphic, while her spirit is fun and full of color.

Comments

  13. Allidink says

    That is so awesome! You are so inspiring! I loved the desk before but I would have probably just left it and never realized it could look so much better!

    All the best,
    Allison

    Reply

  15. C. Beth says

    Okay, I am totally, totally impressed. Lindsay, that is beautiful!! Great job!

    I know you’re out of town so no pressure at all–but I’m asking for some decorating advice on my blog today. I’ve gotten tons of good ideas and would love to add yours to the mix if you have time!

    Reply

  16. The Professional Family Manager says

    Beautiful! (And great work wrestling the desk…I did that with an artificial Christmas tree a few years ago…hubby didn’t know I had that in me!)

    Reply

  18. Sherrie says

    What a wonderful job you did! Who would have thought this could have such a transformation? Obviously you did! What great insight you have!
    ~Sherrie

    Reply

  19. Kathie @ Just a Happy Housewife says

    Lindsay,

    That is amazing!!! I wish I were as creative to think of something like that when I go thrift shopping! What to go with me next time? 🙂 Great job!

    Reply

  20. Jennifer says

    Wow!!! Just wow!!! I have the perfect spot for something like that…I’ll definately be on the lookout.

    Reply

  21. Princess of Everything (and then some) says

    OMG!! It is beautiful! I bet that lady would fight you even harder for it now!

    Reply

  22. Christy says

    Wow, that’s gorgeous! You need to post more details on how you added the scalloped edging and the legs!!!

    Reply

  24. queenbee says

    Simply Amazing!! I love to see “trash” to treausure projects, they are soooo inspirational. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  25. Paisley Girl says

    Just found your blog from hopping through other craft blogs and I am so glad I found your blog. I love what you and your hubby did with that desk. You truly gave it a second life. You should both be proud of your work. 🙂

    Reply

  33. Tracy says

    Wow! Wow! Wow!!! That’s amazing! Such a beautiful job. Glad you fought for it! Thanks for sharing this wonderful project. That monogram is just the perfect finishing touch.

    Reply

  38. Amanda says

    Oh gosh… love it. Wish my husband was this handy and that I’d find some great piece like that at Goodwill! My husband’s pretty great… maybe if I made room for him in the garage he’d build me something. 😉

    Reply

  39. Betty Jo says

    Awesome re-do, and it is totally adorable. Your blog is awesome too. As soon as I have more than a couple minutes I’m going to explore it further. ♥

    Reply

  43. Kara@ Creations by Kara says

    Totally amazing! Love how the monogram and the paper inside coordinate. What did you use for the legs?

    Reply

  58. Chris says

    As soon as I scrolled to the “after”, I had to go back up. I just couldn’t believe it was the same desk! It. is. perfect!! You must do a tutorial! I love it!!

    Reply

  59. Kim says

    Oooh La La Lindsey!!!! You GO girl! I heart that desk SO much. Funny thing is, I just painted a trash-picked old sewing table (you can see it on my blog) and have been searching for the perfect decal with my initial. So, thanks to you, I will now be ordering my very own custom-sized decal. Thanks so much for the info and it looks amazing Lindsey!

    Reply

  67. Bonita says

    Wow! That’s quite a transformation! Honestly, when I first saw the purple version I couldn’t believe you would pay $25 and fight over it. Obviously, you are a woman with vision. It’s beautiful! So classy!

    Reply

  68. Amber says

    Wow, this is absolutely lovely. What a nice husband you have to help you, they aren’t all like that, you must be quite special to him.

    Reply

  73. Dream Mom says

    Love the desk! You did a great job! I had to laugh when I saw the wrapping paper you chose to line the desk because I just purchased the identical paper this week to put under some glass for these dressers for a client (It’s a little girls playroom makeover.)

    Beautiful job!

    Reply

  76. Hi! My name is erica. Would you be my friend? says

    Whoa! I can't believe it's the same desk! Amazing!

    Curiosity: What do you finish the paint with? I've done numerous spray painting projects with great success, but the one time I brush painted (with glossy) it stained way too easily. And some things (like my cabinets, which were painted haphazardly by the people before us to sell the house) have paint that peels off.

    Any suggestions?

    Reply

  79. Naomi says

    Wow! You have really inspired me. I inherited a desk that is similar and never knew what to do with it. It needs a little work (!)but now that I have seen yours…..I want to do it NOW! I love the initial on it as well.
    A million thanks.
    Naomi

    Reply

  82. Carolyn O'Connor says

    This looks fantastic Lindsay! I love the way you revamped it with a new skirt and legs. You really did a fabulous job on this. I know what you mean about black paint. It is really hard to get a smooth seamless finish. If you get a chance, check out my blog, I just started it and would welcome any suggestions. 🙂 I do painted furniture, so your item was of particular interest to me. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

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