In my Making Your Dream Room a Reality series, I spent some time talking about how to work with what you already own. When redecorating a home, a room, or just a tablescape on a budget, having an eye for new uses for old items is particularly helpful.
My blog friend Tiffany from Songbird Tiff has provided us with an excellent example of having such an eye. Check out her Pottery Barn knock-off dining set. It sure is amazing what a can of paint and some elbow grease can do!
Catalog browsing is good for producing a strong case of “The Wants”. When I saw a table and chair set in the Pottery Barn catalog I knew it was exactly what I wanted.
The problem? I’m
cheapfrugal. (What’s the difference?)The solution? A can of paint and a few hours.
This is the set I feel in love with from Pottery Barn. It’s wood, it’s black, it’s perfect.
This is what I already owned.
Over a year and one house later, I’m still loving my Pottery Barn knock-off set.
Cost break down:
paint $8
stain $0 (left over from a previous project)
paint stripper (spray can, safe for indoor use) $7.50
sand paper $1 (dollar general)
Total: $16.50
Do you have an inspiration photo that you could use to turn something you already own into your new favorite furniture?
Tiffany can be found blogging about eating well, thrifting, five crazy animals (plus one crazy husband!), and creating a cottage life on a outhouse budget at www.songbirdtiff.blogspot.com.
Thanks for sharing your fantastic makeover, Tiffany!
Wow, that looks fabulous!
suzanne
It turned out nice. I have wanted to do this to our kitchen table (got for free from the in-laws), but I've been pregnant, so no paint fumes for me. I wondered what kind of paint you used – spray or brush on, and enamel or latex? How is the durability. I painted one of the chairs to test it out, but it's chipping!!
Jenn C.
plaidjenn@yahoo.com
I love the idea of re-using things are already have to make your home more beautiful! Great inspirations! You are doing a great job lindsay, keep up the great work.
I tried the same concept but with outdoor set I've had for years. Loving the result… I'm also cheap – I mean frugal
http://eatdrinkanddecorate.blogspot.com/2009/07/warm-welcome.html
Sweet blog you've got here!! Enjoy following you!
Beautiful dining set!!! I have one pretty similar that I'll be trying the same thing on, just w/ different paint.
I wish I could wave a magic wand and turn everything in my house into Pottery Barn furniture!
I love the detailing on your chairs more. Pottery Barn prices are ridiculous!
I was wondering the same thing about the paint…
Great post.
Kelly
http://tearinguphouses.blogspot.com
Half the furniture in my home is black and I love it!
I alwways enjoy reading about Tiffany's projects. She does a great job with frugal projects.
Thanks for sharing this post, Lindsay.
I love your blog more and more each time. I love your wonderful, money saving ideas! Your table looks great.
I spend my evenings after my shower on the bed with my newest magazines. And most are either about decorating or gardening. Then my favorite pages go into a notebook so I can drool over them properly. Love Tiff!
Brenda
I love it and your blog! I am new to blogging but I am learning!
http://pharescausey.blogspot.com