Tags
chalk paint desk, diy chalk paint, painted secretary desk, painted vintage desk, shabby chic desk, vintage desk
I was recently at one of my favorite “furniture” thrift stores {this one is not really very good for anything else, but I’ve lucked out with furniture there several times} looking for a chair {which I did not find} and came across this little desk. I love the legs, but I really love the way it opens and COMPLETELY closes to hide “STUFF” if you want to. I love hiding “STUFF”! I think it’s a secretary desk, or something close to that, so that’s what I’m going to call it. It was in great condition and priced right, so of course I took it home with me!
I would have loved to paint this in ASCP Duck Egg Blue or Provence, but since I was hoping to put this desk in my kitchen “office” I wanted something that would work with my pedestal table as well as the colour scheme of the room {which is not painted yet, but will be Revere Pewter}. I also promised myself that I was not going to buy any ASCP until I used up some of the paint I already have in the garage. Soooo, instead I decided to mix Benjamin Moore Muslin with Ivory and make my homemade chalk paint {I use unsanded tile grout}. The color looks very close to the CeCe Caldwell Vintage White. I made the chalk paint pretty thick… this is it after one coat with some major distressing. I actually really liked it like this, but ended up doing one more coat and not as much distressing.
I like how the top opens and the back part flips up… it’s actually perfect for my computer monitor.
I’m now sitting at my new desk typing this post!
Sharing at:
Pat said:
gorgeous!
I’m looking to paint my computer desk… found this while searching. I think it
turned out great.
I’ve never used the grout…only the plaster of paris.
Shelly Andrade said:
Your desk turned out really cool ~ love it!
Montreal Digs said:
Now I’m going to be hunting for something similar… that’s a fantastic looking desk!
Love the paint job, & you’ve inspired me to try making my own chalk paint with the umpteen cans of leftover shades in my basement.
Ugly Duckling said:
Thanks! You definitely should make the chalk paint… it’s so easy – good luck!
Lauren @ The Well Crafted Home said:
I totally love this and I really wish it was in my work room! haha I would love it if you linked this project up at my link party! Here is the link:
http://thewellcraftedhome.blogspot.com/2012/08/well-crafted-wednesdays-18-link-party.html
Sugar Ellis said:
love how it turned out. It is really a lovely piece of furniture. I use the same mixture of paint with non-sanded grout, but then add water to make it thinner. Market Nine’s blog has a great recipe that is easier to use than ASCP and turns out looking the same. Check out her blog and look at her grey homemade chalk painted bed.
Now I am going to search for a secretary that looks like your because I think it would make a super kitchen island. thanks for sharing!
Terry Moore said:
This desk is called a spinet desk because it closes like an old spinet piano. I have one in my living room (unpainted) that I got out of the neighbors trash! Lucky me. Love yours too.
Ugly Duckling said:
Thanks for the info! I’m going to google it!
Katie Drane said:
I’m so glad that I found your blog! I am in love with this transformation. Now I’m inspired:)
Katie
http://www.funhomethings.com
Ugly Duckling said:
Thanks so much!
Connie said:
Your desk is fabulous. I admire your vision in realizing that the second coat needed less distressing. You nailed it.
Holly said:
It looks great! Nicely done! Thanks for sharing at the All Star Block Party!
Holly
laura@Top This Top That said:
this is so pretty! you did a great job on it!
Ugly Duckling said:
Thanks so much!! I’m loving it.
Rebecca said:
Really pretty!
Mrs. Handyverger said:
Beautiful! I think the lighter color really brings out the curves and details on the furniture. 🙂 I’m a fan of the lighter distressing you went with in the long run, but the first look was neat too!
Stopping by from DIY by Design’s Sizzle into Summer party. 🙂
Ugly Duckling said:
Thanks! I’m liking the lighter distressing too – it’s a little more in my comfort zone!
Cindy Martin said:
Love the transformation>>> great job… It looks wonderful…
Cindy
cassie said:
so pretty! i just love this style of desk!
Suzan said:
What a beautiful desk – and you transformed it perfectly!!!
Carlene@Organized Clutter said:
I like the light distressing better. Great desk.
debbiedoos said:
Beautiful redo there my friend. I love all your work! Thanks for sharin
Ugly Duckling said:
Thanks Debbie!
Connie said:
Take my breath away gorgeous!
Connie 🙂
Barb Kark said:
Your desk looks amazing!! Great work as always!!
Diane said:
I can not believe it–but I have one of these desks just like yours–only mine has a drawer also–and I have thinking about painting it white–but did not know if I should because of the antique value of it!!!! and I would like to cut off a couple inches of the legs–I am short!!!!!
Thanks so much for sharing what you did with yours
Hugs, Di and kitty–miss gracie
Ugly Duckling said:
Would love to see a picture of yours! I didn’t have a problem painting mine because it was already painted a chocolate brown when I bought it…
If you decide to paint it, please let me know… I’d love to see it!!
creativehomeexpressions said:
Wow, I love how pretty this is opened up, Kathryn, but love the option of being able to close it up, too. I’m hoping to find a desk to redo for my daughter for Christmas. Our Salvation Army here sounds like your thrift store ~ good for furniture but not much else. I’m planning to visit there each week hoping I hit the jackpot!
Ugly Duckling said:
Thanks! I hope you find one!
must love junk said:
I love it!! It looks great!
Susan
Claudine said:
Kathryn, this desk is ADORABLE!!!!! Great find and wonderful job!!!!
Hugs,
Pamela said:
What a great find you made. I have never seen a desk like that, I’ll bet it is perfect for your space.
Ugly Duckling said:
Thanks! I haven’t seen one like it either. It’s great for our space because it’s pretty small.
Cloches & Lavender said:
I love it and it came out perfectly as usual!!
Cynthia
Susan @ Uniquely Yours or Mine said:
What! Awesome find and great job on the finish… I love it!
JJ said:
good job!!! How do you like “ASCP”? I found out that for the CeCe paint works well on the bare wood, but for the smooth surface, i had to paint couple layers on it… what about ASCP?? Rocky doesn’t think CeCe is that much special, and told me to finish the ones i bought already then think about to get new ones… lol and how did u do the distress? use sand after each coat? or just cloth to wipe the corner? I haven’t tried yet…
Sonya said:
This is soooo cute, well done you!