You remember Donna and Donna’s bedroom, right? Well, Ms. Donna is cleaning out some stuff and thought I might be able to use this wooden flat file in one of my projects. She was right, so I ran over and picked it up.
When Donna first showed me the piece, I had planned to use it in Ida Red. But after a little mini makeover magic, I might have to keep this looker for myself!
The piece was already pretty worn, so I didn’t feel like I needed to sand (yay!). Instead, I got right to staining. After that, I decided to take a cue from Anthropologie and paint numbers on the drawers. I drew the numbers on graph paper (to make sure they were the same size), cut them out, and traced them onto the wood. Then, I used a brush and some black paint to fill the numbers in.
Next, I did some light sanding to the edges of the piece to increase the age factor. And last we added some casters to give the piece more height and make it easy to move (because we are constantly shifting things around here).
So, we went from this. . .
to this.
I wanted the piece to look aged and I feel like the stain really gives it that weathered look. And guess what?!!! We made that stain ourselves! And tomorrow I am going to show you the easy two step process to make your own homemade, environmentally friendly stain! Here’s a close-up of it!
See you soon!
LLOOOOVVVVEEEEEE that table! Can I have the address so I can break in and steal it? Thanks.
Excellent job, yet again!!
I’ve been needing a flat file for my office, so I gasped a little when I saw this!! Hope I’m lucky enough to find a similar one so I can replicate.
LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT.
However, I’ll need 2. I really do need one in my office & there’s no way this beauty could be anywhere but the living room. Plus, I don’t think little girls will stay out of it if it’s on the floor. Much too enticing. 🙂
Drooling over the casters. I am addicted to them lately. Can’t wait to read the stain post.
Gorgeous! Don’t you love it when people no longer want something and think of you to give it to because they know you’ll give it new life and a loving home?!
LOOOOOOOOOOOOVE this!! I have been wanting to make my own flat file coffee table for years but I just haven’t stumbled upon a used one in my area yet. Keep your fingers crossed for me!
This is my FAVORITE ever!! Love, love, love it!!!!! You are so incredibly talented Kara!
Love it!! I have been looking for one of these for a while for my coffee table. I found a really cool metal one, but was too much $.
I am so impressed… and adding the numbers was a great touch!
Remember that TU trade you owe me….I think I found what I want 🙂
That’s great! I’m amazed at what a transformation it was really was – great job!
Wow, this turned out great!!! Fantastic job!
Love it!
I’m so glad you girls like it! I really don’t have a spot for it in this house, so I might have to loan it to Ida Red until we get a different space. 🙂
Oooooo… she is a looker!!! The casters are perfection!
Love it! I am so impressed with your continued creativity and improvisation. Love your blog!
Wow! I love gorgeous before and afters. 🙂
Wow! I love gorgeous before and afters. 🙂
How did I miss this? gorgeous. I want one 🙂