Revamping a Vintage Sideboard: A DIY Guide for a Modern Look

Don’t let that outdated orange sideboard collect dust in your garage! With a little creativity and elbow grease, you can turn it into a modern masterpiece that will be the envy of all your friends.

1. Remove Hardware: Start by removing all the hardware from the sideboard, carefully labelling each piece so you can easily put it back in place later. I love using my Bosch Mini Screwdriver for this.

2. Strip Varnish (Top Only): Use a paint stripper and scraper to gently remove the varnish from the top of the sideboard. You can find my favourite products for stripping here. Be extra careful not to damage the veneer underneath. Sand the top to remove any leftover varnish – here’s my list of recommended products for sanding.

3. Repair (If Needed): If the veneer is chipped or damaged, use a furniture repair kit to fix the affected areas. These Mohawk Brush Tip Graining Markers are my absolute favourite, but you can also find a selection of other products I like here.

1. Mix: Create a 50/50 mix of Frenchic Cool Beans (a greige neutral tone) paint and water.

2. Apply: Brush the paint wash onto the drawers, following the direction of the wood grain, then wipe away the excess with a slightly damp cloth.

3. Layer: Repeat Step 2, until your desired opacity is achieved.

1. Sand and Clean: Sand the bottom part of the sideboard to remove any leftover varnish. Use a liquid sander for stubborn areas.

2. Prime: Apply an oil-based primer to the bottom of the sideboard – I recommend Zinsser Cover Stain. This will prevent stains and odours from bleeding through the light-coloured paint.

1. Paint: Paint the sideboard with Frenchic Cool Beans paint (or the same paint you used to do your paint wash).

2. Varnish: Apply two coats of matte varnish to protect the paint and give the sideboard a durable finish. I used Ronseal Interior Varnish.

3. Touch-Ups: Touch up the sides of the drawers and the interior with the appropriate stain and finish. I love to give the insides of the drawers some love with Howard’s Feed N Wax so they look and smell great!

4. Reattach Hardware: Once everything is dry, reattach the hardware to the sideboard.

With a little patience and creativity, you can transform an old, outdated sideboard into a stunning piece that adds character and style to your home. Enjoy your refreshed furniture!