My husband celebrated his 29th birthday back in July, and I decided I wanted to buy him a new TV. Since we had moved in April, our old TV (32 inches) was a little small for our new living room. After much research I decided on a bigger, 51 inch TV, and was psyched to get it and throw it up on the wall. Our new house already came pre-wired for the flat screen to mounted above the fireplace, and I planned on taking full advantage of it. Well, after a huge ordeal with the TV and mounting process (long story short, ended up going through 3 tvs and a huge PITA to finally getting a TV that worked), we finally had it up on the wall. Five minutes later, I decided I did not like it up there. It was much too high, and there wasn’t enough space to actually mount it high enough, so the TV just looked like it was sitting on the mantle, which was not okay with me. I will show you what I mean, but I am embarrassed to even post this picture.
And yes, that is my toddler watching Adele live at the Grammy’s, because he will only watch TV if there are music videos playing….
So yeah, as you can see, it’s really low, but it wasn’t possible to put it any higher because of the pre-wiring already on the wall…ugh. But this gave me another good excuse to take it down. My husband actually liked it up there, but once I explained to him how we couldn’t keep it up there, and how I would make an awesome console table, he agreed to take it down!
Since I have been on a DIY kick lately (see refinished dresser and farmhouse hutch!), I started searching craigslist and thrift stores, looking for the perfect dresser or table to turn into a console table. After a couple weeks of not finding anything, I was getting really annoyed because 1.) I really wanted to take the tv down, and 2.) I wanted our living room to keep progressing in the right direction. Then, on a whim I decided to stop into this thrift store we were passing one Saturday, and found the PERFECT dresser. Sure, it was missing some hardware, and one of the drawers was completely broken and jammed inside, but I had a vision. We picked it up the next day and I got to work!
Let me tell you, this bad boy was full with disgusting crap inside….and when I say crap, I mean literally crap. Mouse crap. It was everywhere. And dust, baby powder (?!?!), safety pins, stray keys, bobby pins, and more dust were literally everywhere. I wish I would have taken a picture to share, but I was too busy strapping a mask to my face and vacuuming it out. Just getting the inside clean took me over an hour and a half….and it seemed like more dust would appear right when I thought I was done cleaning. Anyway, after I cleaned it, I used my new power sander (!!) and stripped off the top layer so it wasn’t shiny anymore. I also took out the top row of drawers, because I wouldn’t be needing those. I decided to use that as the area for the cable box/dvd player/etc.
Next, I primed the entire dresser and filled the holes with wood filler. I wasn’t sure if I was going to use the same hardware or not, so I didn’t want to risk having to fill the holes later. I let that dry, and then sanded it smooth and even.
Onto painting. If you know me, then you know that I am the most indecisive person when it comes to DIY projects. I always have something in mind, but I get so anxious I am going to pick the wrong color or hardware or whatever it is. For this console table, I REALLY wanted to paint it yellow. But yellow? Really? I was sure, but unsure. After much discussion, a few of my friends and husband reassured me that yellow could be great. I looked up some examples of different yellow furniture on Pinterest, and found some inspiration. I decided on a color called Jackson Square from Valspar, which is more of a dark yellow then a bright sunshine yellow. I picked up a quart of the paint (and had my handy $10 off coupon from Lowes!), and headed home to get going.
I was a little unsure of the color at first, but it started growing on me, and darkened with additional coats. I also had a plan to glaze the furniture to bring out the accent lines and make it not so plain. So after 2-3 coats of paint I was on to the glazing part. I have never glazed anything before, but read several tutorials and guides to glazing furniture. There is a great tutorial from Brooke, at All Things Thrifty, and took her advice and things seemed to go well.
After I was done with the glazing, I wanted to put some solid wood on the shelf that would be the top shelf for the cable boxes etc. I measured the inside, and purchased a flat board from Home Depot, and had them cut it into 3 parts, so I could put it in easily. This was a very simple step, and it definitely makes the TV Console look more polished. I painted the boards, and also the inside of the top shelf that would be exposed. For some reason in the pictures it’s not really obvious that it is painted (shadows, I think), but it is. I think it would be very noticeable and irritating if it weren’t painted.
Next I waxed the entire piece in Minwax soft wax paste. I just love this stuff. It is so easy to apply, it takes 20 minutes to dry, and then you buff it off (easily) and it has a really nice sheen, and is protected.
After I did this, I decided to keep the original hardware, but I gave it a spray of iron rubbed bronze spray paint…man, I love this stuff! Talk about an instant upgrade!
I attached all the hardware, put the drawers back in, and we brought it inside!! I was so excited!!
I know this post is picture heavy, but who doesn’t love a good before and after?!
Cost Breakdown
Dresser: $50 (marked down from $79 because of my sweet negotiation skills)
Paint: $12
Primer (because I didn’t have any left): $14
Rubbed Bronze Spray Paint: $8
Wood for top shelf: $1.50 (sweet deal from discarded wood pile at HD)
Glaze: $12
Total: $96, minus 2 $10 off lowes coupons= $76
Like I said before, I wasn’t really sure of the yellow color once I started painting, but I really like how it turned out with the black glaze. The color is really hard to capture in the picture, and probably the first couple pictures are the truest to the yellow it looks like in person.
I need something to fill the cubby in the middle….what would you put there? I recently threw out a huge stack of magazines, so I can’t increase the stack that is in there now. Books? A picture? A basket? What would you do? (Update: I made a basket!)
If you like this project, go on over to Facebook and ‘like’ Domestic Superhero over there!
It looks great! Love the yellow and I bet it will go so good with your color scheme. Please post pics of the whole room once you get it all done. I think I would try a basket there first.
Thank you April! I did put in a basket!
It looks amazing!
Thank you, Heather!
You need to come redo my house!
LOL!
A basket for remotes! Or my picture, whatever
Send me your best pose!
Wow, what a make over! I love repurpose/refurbished furniture projects. You really made it work. In the small space between I wouldn’t put a picture, it seems a little low and may just look cluttered. I would put books there.
I think you are right! My husband is pushing for a picture, but the height, and the fact we have a toddler might make that no go, lol. I am going to raid our book collection!
Amazing!!! You are totally a domestic superhero. Taking your living room to infinity and beyond!!! Okay, that was totally cheesy, but seriously, what an amazing transformation on that banged up old dresser. Love it!
I think a small basket (maybe in another accent color or black?) would be nice, and you could toss remotes and other random stuff lying around in there before guests pop in for a visit!
Yes, i love that idea!! And I love your cheesy-ness, too! Haha. I am going to keep an eye out at homegoods and tjmax for a cute little basket!
Love love love this! Great work! I’m heading thrifting with my friend on the weekend to see about a ‘project’ for her new house – maybe I’ll show her this and convince her yellow is the way to go! Erin xoxo
I was soooo scared to use the yellow, but I really wanted to do it! I am glad I got up the nerve to do it, because I love it-especially with the glaze. Thanks for the sweet comments! I can’t wait to see your friend’s project!
wow! dare-y with the black glaze but it turned out wonderful and unique!! You’re an inspiration!
Thank you, ML!! I was so scared to do the yellow/black, but I am glad I did because I love it now!
Awesome!!
thanks!!
A basket would be great. You could put all of your remote controls in there!
Good call! That would probably help in keeping them out of my toddler’s little hands too, right? Thanks for coming by!
WOW! This is beautiful! Wow an amazing job you did with this one!
I really like your DIY projects!
thank you!!
I’m incredulous at your vision. I don’t think I would have had any vision with that dresser! wow. Looks fabulous and who knew yellow could look so great.
How do you add the cool words too the photos, ie: Glazing, Before, After etc…
Thanks!! I just use photo editing software! Easy peasy!
It’s gorgeous! I love it yellow with the black glaze, it kind of gives it an older feel. Also painting the hardware made quite a difference. Love how it turned out-beautiful! I’d definately go with a small basket for the center. Maybe a 3″ high by 12 or 14″ long (rectangle shape) in black or maybe a color from one of your beautiful pillows to put it together. Great job and thanks for sharing. ;D
wow looks really really nice you did a good job on that Allison
Thanks, Jackie!
Gorgeous! I need to hire you to come make pretty furniture in my apartment!:-) As far as that space in the middle goes, could be a nice area for displaying a selection of your favorite books!
Thanks, Jess! I think I am going to see how the books and basket look, and then decide. I am leaning towards the books too, but I think with my 22 month old they may just all end up on the floor, all the time, lol.
Lauren told me about your blog so I thought to check it out. It’s amazing. So creative. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you for stopping by, Mrs. David!! Come visit often!
Wow! Great work!
thank you!
love it! and great call on keeping the original hardware. i usually think the hardware on an older piece really dates it, but sometimes that is not the case! great job knowing a good thing when you see it!
I agree, I usually opt to go with new hardware to instantly revamp, but I liked the style on here and couldnt find any at the store that I liked….so voila! Thanks!!
Nice! The yellow was a bold choice but super fun! I love it! I want to do something extremely similar very soon! I hate my current tv stand situation as well!
Do it!!! thanks!!
WOW stellar before and after! I LOVE the yellow, the bold choice paid off! Much more personality than the mount above the fireplace. Go you!
Thanks!! I was scared, but now I love it too!
Love it!! Great job.
Love what you have done here! It looks amazing!
Thank you! And thanks for stopping by my blog!!
Looks awesome!!! I would do a basket, you can never go wrong with a basket!
Thanks!! I have been looking…I might just find one and spray paint it. There aren’t many black baskets out there….at least that I have found!
I absolutely love this! You’re work is truly inspiring. I looked around our place to see if I needed to replace some piece of furniture just to try this! Haha. I do have to ask you: how did you measure the pieces of wood inside the top shelf? They look seamless like its all one piece. I’m thinking you make the middle piece slightly bigger to take up the space but I’m not sure. Thanks!
Thank you!!! As for the top shelf, I measured it in sections. I measured the total length inside, and then had 3 pieces cut from that total length. On the very back of the dresser there are 2 support bars that stick out a little, so i have the middle piece accommodate that, and then the outside 2 were a tiny big wider (because they weren’t going to be pressing up against the bars). They fit together tight though! Does that make sense?
Just an amazing transformation. I LOVE the yellow ! I’m inspired to look for something similar for our entertainment center! came over from tilly’s nest down home blog hop!
I’d love for your to share this project ( and any future ones) on my weekly Farmgirl Friday blog hop! Hope to see you there!
Thank you!!! Count me in!! Thanks for stopping by my blog!
Thanks so much for coming to my linky party!!!!! Debbie. http://www.vintageonadime.blogspot.com.
Thank you for coming by my blog!
What a fantastic job! You are one talented lady. Thank you so much for linking up to our blog hop today. I hope that you will join us each week. I have a lot to learn from you!
Thanks girl! I am excited to link up again! Thank you for hosting!
Wow, that turned out great! I love the yellow color. Thanks for sharing at The Fun In Functional!
Thank you!!! Also, thanks for stopping by my blog and hosting the party!!
So I found your post on pinterest and had to check it out. I love the finish project!!!!! I am obsessing over yellow these days too. I have a 15 month old and our current console table is just the right height to climb. Needless to say we need a new solution. So I want to take our bedroom dresser and give it a make over and use it as our new console table. Hoping that will keep him off it… for now. So question what type of primer did you use? Did you spray paint or paint? Any suggestions?
Hi Chelsey, thanks for stopping by my blog! I talked about the type of paint and techniques in the post (valspar paint, etc)…I wouldn’t recommend spray painting a piece like this, but there are a lot of blogs out there that have done it. Good luck!
What gorgeous shade of yellow. That is one of my favorite colors and I see it is yours too. Thanks for sharing at my party. Please add my link that you are joining in over at my place. Thanks.
Love the color and the glazing!!! and try a basket!
dropping by from debbiedoos
Thank you! I did try a basket, check my latest post!!
Please join me for Welcome Home Wednesday!!!! Debbie http://vintageonadime.blogspot.com/2012/10/welcome-home-wednesday-3.html
Thanks!
no way! so adorable!! I wish I had more space in my house because when I go thrifting I want to buy every ugly piece of furniture I see!
Thanks, I know, I feel the same way!
I love this project and the color!!!
I looked through your different posts on furniture painting and I have a few questions-What finish do you use-Satin? and do you use a roller or brush? and I see that you used valspar for this project, when I went to pick up some paint for my first redo on my daughter’s sleigh bed, I was overwhelmed by the many many options of different valspar paints….so I just left-ha! Do you have a favorite? Thanks
Hey Jen, thanks for stopping by my blog and your sweet comments! As for your questions…I do usually use Satin paint. For this Valspar in particular, I used the Satin that wasn’t all the way at the bottom, but second from the bottom (they can show you woods with the paint finishes, and it was the one right above Satin). Personally, I like a more matte finish on the furniture, and then I like sealing with wax for a little shine. If you want a sleek glossy look, then go for a glass finish or a poly top coat.
I usually use a paint brush, that is angled. I love my Purdy brush (from home depot). You could use a roller on the larger sections, but you will definitely need a brush for the smaller crevices. I like the coverage the brush offers better then the roller, but since you will likely need multiple coats it doesn’t matter that much.
My favorite paint is Behr, but Valspar is okay, too. It really just depends on the color you are looking for. They do have a lot of different lines, so it can be overwhelming! I don’t like the paint that has primer added into it, I like to prime separately (the coverage is better). I like Zinsser for priming, but Kiltz is good too.
I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any other questions!
very creative!!! love it!!
” tv consoles “
Thank you, Niharika! Come visit me again!
I absolutely love this! We are in need of a new place for our tv, just talked my husband into letting me do this, and as he says do i really have a choice? But i was wondering was your dresser pressed or solid wood? Found the perfect one but its pressed. Was just worried about it holding up.
Thank you, Jasmine!! To answer your question, this is real wood, but I think you could use pressed wood as well. If you are able to sand it, then prime it, I would go that route…however if you can’t sand it, I would find a really good primer to stick to it. If you have more questions or would like to send me a picture I can give you more advice. Email me at DomesticSuperheroAZ@gmail.com
Best,
Allyson
WOW! I love that paint color. You did a wonderful job, and the dresser looks great as your new entertainment center. I spent the weekend refinishing a buffet and a few other pieces, and I’m using the buffet as my entertainment center. I love real wood and antiques! Anyhoo, I found you via the Pin Me link party, and I’m pinning this!
T’onna @ Navy Wifey Peters Aboard the USS Crafty
Thanks girl! I just checked out your blog and love your wreaths! Let me know when you post the buffet, I can’t wait to see it!
Clever! Thanks for linking up to my Pin Me Party! I’ve pinned this! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Not sure who you ended up having adjust your blog but the minor changes make a WORLD of difference!
Hey Diana! Thanks, girl!
What a clever idea! I’m going to start looking for a dresser to convert!
Linda @ The French Hen’s Nest
Thanks for stopping by, Linda!! You should definitely keep your eye out
What type of spray paint do did you use for the hardware? I know you said oil-rubbed bronze, but what brand did you use?
I used Krylon!
Love it! I’m confused about the “shelf” you created with the wood. I don’t get what you mean by 3 pieces (it looks like 1 continuos piece), and also how did you get it to stay there, and be steady? Screws, glue?
Hi Jacinda, thanks for stopping by my blog, hopefully I can answer your questions…
The wood looks like one continuous piece, because it was, but I cut it in 3 sections. Without doing that, I wouldn’t have been able to fit it into the top (because of the support beams in the front). Once I put all 3 pieces in, they fit together like a puzzle, being very tight. I measured it so it would fit snugly inside the top. I didn’t use glue or anything to hold it in place, because the shelf is nuzzled tight against the sides, and the support beams in the front. Does that make sense? You can kind of get a better idea from this picture maybe: http://azcubed.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/console9.jpg Does that make sense?
I was browsing Pinterest like every good stay at home mom and came across this pin. It took my breath away as I have the EXACT same dresser! Why such a dramatic response, you ask? Well, we are currently in need of a TV console AND I almost put that dresser by the road only two days prior to seeing your pin! Something in me said, “keep the dresser!!” So happy I did! I got my paint, hand sander and will get started today!! Thanks for sharing!
omg!! That is so funny! You have to send me pics when you are all done! How luck you are to have that dresser already! Thanks for stopping by my blog!
Wow this is beautiful! And I love the colors! This was the most clicked at my link party last week and I’m featuring it tonight on my blog!
Thanks so much Alexis!!
Saw this on Better After and had to leave a comment. I love what you’ve done with that dresser. It is gorgeous and the vision you had for that run down piece was spot on. Nice work!
Thanks maria and thanks for stopping by!
Wow! This is gorgeous! Glad I stopped by. Your project really caught my eye!
This is absolutely gorgeous! I love the colour.
wow, $76 is amazing! and I love it yellow with the black rubbing!!! Great job, Allyson!
Thanks so much!!
Thanks so much for linking to Make the Scene Monday @ Alderberry Hill. You are being featured later today!
I hope you are having a wonderful weekend, and join me this evening for Make the Scene Monday #67!
Thanks so much Sarah!! I am so excited!!
Very nice job!!! I love refinishing furniture like this. I am not too sure I like the black outline. It looks as if it was missed in covering. Just my opinion.
Love the yellow! My dresser turned TV console is one my all time favorite pieces. Yours is fantastic!
Thank you! I love it too
That looks great! I really want to do something like this for my TV, too….just waiting for the right dresser to come along
Yes! It is definitely a waiting game, but don’t worry, it will be totally worth it! Can’t wait to see it!
Looks fabulous!! We did a similar project with an old hutch turned into a TV console, painted it with turquoise DIY chalk paint. They are such a fun upcyled project! Thanks for sharing this, love the bright yellow!
Krista @thehappyhousie
Thank you for the inspiration and step-by-step info on how to do it! This is exactly what I want to do!! Now, to decide what color I want to go with!!!
You are welcome! Picking the color is definitely the hardest part! Please send me some pics when you are finished! I would love to see your final product!
I was going to do the same thing with a dresser. How would you put the wood in for the shelves when there is a small piece of wood in the middle where the drawer slid in?
I am not sure what you mean? Like wood the drawer slid on? I would take that out, mine also had that but I just unscrewed and removed
This is awesome. I inherited an old amoire from my parents house and was going to paint it white and put in my daugthers room. i cant wait to try this technique out and see the results. was this a weekend project or did it take you longer than that?
This dresser took me probably 8 hours total to do everything. There was a lot of sanding, priming, painting, and cleaning. An armoire is definitely a larger undertaking, and I refinished a hutch and it took a lot longer…a couple weekends! You can see the project here: http://domesticsuperhero.com/2012/08/28/refinished-farmhouse-hutch-with-tutorial/ Please share pics when you are finished on my facebook page!
Allyson. I checked out the hutch and again, you did a phenomenal job. The piece that I am redoing is very ornate and it is not as tall as a regular armoire. I can’t even say if it is 100% wood, but my next question is, did you prefer the method you used on the hutch with the chalk paint, or your dresser turned console painting method? I don’t want to do a ton of sanding, but I know that I am going to have to break the original paint surface to get the paint to adhere. Your advise is appreciated.
If you want a look like Chalk Paint gives (distressed and matte) then I would definitely go with the Ann Sloan Chalk Paint. You won’t have to do any sanding or priming, it will save you a lot of time!
Thank you so much for you input. I’ll post pics once I am done. Thanks.
Please do!