Transform Your Old Wardrobe Into Stylish Shabby-Chic Storage
Updating your wardrobes is never a bad idea. However, this can prove an expensive option if you have multiple in the home you want to replace. Why not consider upcycling your old wardrobe into a smart, shabby chic bedroom storage facility instead of throwing it out? Read on to find out how to do it.
What you'll need
- a jig saw
- sand paper
- paint and paint brush
- handles/knobs
- screwdriver
- chicken wire
- wire cutters
- wooden battens
- strong wood glue
- staple gun
You can find everything that you need for this project in your local DIY store. Although this is a simple project, a little DIY knowledge is useful so you might want to recruit an experienced helper if you're new to DIY.
How to do it
- First of all, remove the doors and handles from the wardrobe. The handles should just unscrew, and the doors can be removed by unfastening the hinges with a screwdriver. If you're not replacing the hinges, put them and their screws somewhere safe.
- Now use a jig saw to cut out the inset panels in each of the doors, leaving you with a 'window' in the door.
- Your next job is to sand down the wardrobe to remove any traces of old paint or stain and to make sure that there are no rough edges.
- Now paint the wardrobe, inside and out, with the colour of your choice. Allow the top coat to dry, and then add a second coat if necessary.
- To create the shabby-chic look, use fine-grained sandpaper to distress the surface of the new paint. Sand some areas harder than others so that the old wood is revealed for a more deeply distressed look.
- Now add new handles or door knobs to the wardrobe by simply screwing them into place.
- Now it's time to cover the door 'windows' with chicken wire. This allows you to display your best jumpers or linens, making a useful and decorative storage facility. Cut the wire so that it's slightly larger than the 'window' and staple it to the door using a staple gun.
- To finish off the 'windows,' fix wooden battens over the chicken wire to form a neat frame.
- Paint the wooden battens to match or contrast with the doors.
- Finally, rehang the doors on the wardrobe.
Instead of throwing out your old wardrobe, why not recycle it into a stylish shabby chic bedroom storage unit by following the instructions given above?
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