Cottage-Style Nightstands

Give any nightstand a quick, cottage-style facelift with a fresh coat of paint and distressed finish.

By Layla Palmer, the Lettered Cottage
Filed under: Bedrooms, How To, Handmade

Materials Needed:

solid wood nightstand
screwdriver
pint water-based primer
pint latex paint, in the color of your choice

2" wide paintbrush
sanding block
painters' tape
80- and 100-grit sandpaper

Remove Hardware, Drawers and Doors

Remove all drawer and door hardware using the appropriate screwdriver. If the hardware isn't removable, cover it with painters' tape. Tip: Keep all screws and knobs in a safe place so they can be reattached later. Remove drawers and/or doors. They will get painted too, but it's easier to paint them separately.

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Sand Then Prime Surface

If the nightstand has a glossy finish, use a sanding block covered with 100-grit sandpaper to lightly scuff up the surface before applying primer. Using a 2-inch brush, coat the entire nightstand, including the drawer and/or door fronts, with water-based primer. Allow it to thoroughly dry before moving on to the next step.

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Paint Nightstand

Next, coat all primed areas with latex paint. To create an extra-smooth painted finish, use long, consistent strokes when applying paint. Paint tends to build up along the edges and in corners, so always be on the lookout for runaway drips.