Whimsical Bathtub Side Table Makeover
Who doesn’t love a good thrift store find? As I was working on my bathroom renovation (check out the reveal here) I was brainstorming a stool or side table to put next to the bathtub. I love bubble baths and I knew I wanted somewhere to put candles or a drink. After spending hours looking online, I just didn’t find anything that was speaking to me. I started visiting local thrift stores regularly to see if I could find something to transform. And then, I FOUND IT!!! I found a small and very purple side table at my local Goodwill for a steal—just $4.99! However, it definitely needed some love to fit the aesthetic of my bathroom. But I saw potential in this piece and with that price tag, I wasn’t going to say no to trying!
With a bit of creativity and elbow grease, I completely transformed this table into exactly what I imagined. Here’s how I did it!
Materials Used
- Orbital Sander
- Detail Sanding Sponge
- White latex paint
- Black latex paint
- painter’s tape
- small roller
- small paint brushes
- clear water-based polycrylic sealant
Step 1: Sanding Off the Old Paint
Using my orbital sander and a detail sponge sander for those tighter areas, I began the transformation process by sanding down the table. I didn’t aim to completely strip it back to its natural wood state and instead I focused on achieving a smooth base for the upcoming paint job.
Step 2: A Fresh Coat of Paint
With the sanding complete, it was time to breathe new life into the table. Opting for a classic white hue, I applied two coats of paint to completely cover the purple paint. The table already looked so much better, but I had a very specific design in mind.
Step 3: Adding a Touch of Whimsy
Once the white paint was completely dry, it was time to give the table some personality! Using a mix of small paint brushes, painters tape and black sharpie markers, I drew whimsical checkered patterns on the different portions of the table. This playful design fit the bathroom design perfectly, while adding a pop of fun to the space.
Step 4: The Final Result
After allowing ample time for the paint to dry, I put a layer of water-based sealant on the top of the table. You could cover the entire table in this if you wanted to! I was just mainly worried about the table of it being protected from the elements.
This cute little table provided the perfect spot to set a candle or drink while indulging in a relaxing bubble bath. Honestly before this project, this piece was definitely a thrift store find I would’ve walked past and not even noticed it, but it was truly perfect for this space. So here’s your reminder to check out your local thrift stores before ordering something that you like but don’t love brand new. Who knows what hidden gems you might discover along the way!
