May 29, 2013

My Television Console

I'm so excited to show you what I've been working on the past week!



I snapped this photo on my phone of this big dresser I found recently at a local consignment shop. I'd been searching for one for a long time.

 My husband thought I was off my noggin' when I told him it would soon be a charming piece of furniture holding his treasured 47" flat screen TV and soundbar in our family room. 

He definitely didn't see my vision. 

So it was fun and very gratifying to watch him come around to my side as I completed each step of its transformation. 

First, I put it outside and sanded all the stain off the top with an orbital sander, being careful not to sand through the thin veneer. Then I sanded the sides by hand with sanding sponges to remove the shine. 


 I brought it inside and stained the top with one coat of Minwax dark walnut stain followed by three coats of wipe-on polyurethane.


Next, I painted the bottom with two coats of Glidden flat paint. I sanded both the poly and paint between coats for a smooth-as-silk finish on both the top and sides.



The color I used is called Linen


I put the knobs and handles in a cardboard box and painted them with oil rubbed bronze spray paint. 


Then I got to work distressing everything by hand. And, boy, was it a workout! 


Are you starting to see my vision? 

Next, I rubbed clear furniture wax onto the paint and buffed everything to a soft glow. 


I stained the middle drawers to match the top and finished the cabinet door that hides them, just in case we ever want to use this as a dresser in a bedroom. But for now, the drawers and door are stored away in the basement. 


In their place are some shelves I made to hold the cable box, bluray player, and a basket. Holes were drilled through the back for the cables and wires.


The television and soundbar fit just right on top, and there's tons of storage in the drawers for DVDs and all our electronic cables, chargers, and manuals. It's a great TV console.

I have a whole new respect for bloggers who tackle furniture refinishing projects like this every week. It was a TON of work! But it was so worth it. The custom vintage look fits our cottage perfectly and adds so much charm to our family room. 

Here's a look back:


  What a difference!



It feels wonderful to finally have the exact piece of furniture I've wanted for such a long time.

Thanks so much for letting me share it with you today!

I'm partying this week at these fabulous blogs



36 comments:

  1. Laurel, I love your entertainment stand! That thing sure was ugly beforehand. Now it's just gorgeous! I really like it. I like the center being open with the basket and bluray player. You had quite the vision and it completely worked out. I don't think I would've seen the possibilities like you did. I hope you're enjoying a great spring! ~ Jamie

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  2. Wow - that is quite a transformation. I have to admit, I was kind of with your husband at first, wondering what on earth you were thinking. You definitely have a good eye and vision!

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  3. it looks wonderful!!!! you should really be proud of this baby! great job!

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  4. Looks great! Laurel, What an idea! nice work!

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    1. What an incredible piece, you did a great job

      Lisa

      Creative Raisins

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  5. Now that is perfect Laurel! I think dressers make the very best media cabinets and you found a beauty. I love the dark top with the white bottom - just a classic look. And look at all that storage. What could be better? I bet your husband is seeing your vision now! You should be feeling quite pleased with yourself!

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  6. it's gorgeous Laurel! LOVE your new media center. I'm about to tackle one for my living room... it's a little older than yours. I'm ready for a change. :)

    great job girl!
    gail

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  7. Terrific transformation from the dresser to the TV console. Love that linen color and the stained top complements the color perfectly.

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  8. oh...wow! doesn't it look great! I bet your husband loves it now! I need something like this myself. I've been searching for awhile...one day it will pop up. I'd love it if you linked it up at my party...Mod Mix Monday at http://www.modvintagelife.com

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  9. Simply awesome! What a transformation!!

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  10. What great vision I'm sure your husband thinks now. This is great!!

    Cynthia

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  11. You did a fabulous job Laurel!! It looks great and you've gotta love all that storage!! :)

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  12. this is gorgeous!! amazing what some elbow grease and a vision will do!!

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  13. This turned out fantastic, I love it!
    ~Katie

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  14. Gorgeous!! That is one great looking piece of furniture!

    Cher @ Designs by Studio C
    http://designsbystudioc.com

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  15. Congrats on a job well done! I'd love to tackle such a project.
    Maybe.
    Some day. :)

    I'm here from Junkin Joes!

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  16. I love it Laurel! I need one and now I am inspired to find an unlikely dresser and copy you!

    Have a beautiful weekend,
    Linda at The French Hens Nest

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  17. I host a weekly link party called "Seasonal Sundays". This week, in honor of my fourth blog-a-versary, I'm having a giveaway of a $100.00 gift certificate to HomeGoods/TJ Maxx. I'd love to have you join the fun!

    - The Tablescaper

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  18. All your hard work has made quite a difference, it's just beautiful! I had to smile at the distressing. I bought a piece of furniture once that was distressed. The delivery man helped us get it out of the crate. When he saw the distressing, he said,"Uh oh". He thought it was damaged during shipping. LOL Now that I'm at your blog, I have to take a look at your craft room. Hmmm, I may be staying for a bit. (Sorry I deleted my comment above, it was all this, but I wanted to fix part of it.)

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  19. I featured your wonderful tv console today at Mod Mix Monday!

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  20. What a great eye you have! This looks so much better painted and I love the wood top. Well done!!!
    Kim@reposhture.blogspot.com

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  21. This really came out nice.... Would love it if you came by and shared it at One More Time Events.http://www.onemoretimeevents.com/2013/06/share-it-one-more-timefeatures-and-party.html Hope to see you there... Tammy

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  22. It's funny how you'd walk by the "before" piece and not even notice it. But the "after" would have me taking double looks and a lot of swooning ha ha. This piece looks AMAZING you did an incredible job finding a piece with such pretty detail. Love it!! Love it!!

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  23. Love how this turned out! How smart to finish the other pieces that you're not using at the moment.

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  24. So impressive! Makes me want to take one on! I'm a new follower,
    Karee

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  25. WOW...you really rocked this transformation my friend...talk about UPCYCLE!!! whooooooo hooooooooooooooooooooo LOVE IT TFS! hugs...

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  26. This is simply gorgeous! I'm suddenly feeling all inspired... b_t x

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  27. Absolutely stunning! I love it!

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  28. Love your console. Thank You so much for sharing on last weeks party. Hope to see more from you on my next party.

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  29. SO PRETTY Laurel!! I love it! You did a great job.

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  30. Love it! Great job! Sharing it at my place on Friday! xoxo

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  31. Laurel, I would have been standing right next to your husband asking you what the HECK you were thinking, but once again, you amaze me. I'd be proud to showcase the "after" piece in my own home. Good job!

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  32. Oh my gosh, it turned out great...I need to show this to my husband. We're in need of a new TV stand and I absolutely love your idea!

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