Well, this is without a doubt the nicest “before”, I’ve ever started out with. It just needs a little change… in the storage direction. You feel me?
I’ve always loved our little white Ikea console table. In our last home, it had this great spot in the family room for a little laptop work, or paying bills — that sorta thing. Now, though still pretty, the drawers were starting to become an unorganized catch-all — Not. Helping.
And, it’s location does not lend itself to anything useful. I love pretty, but I love beauty and function more. So — time for a little switcheroo. I’ll give the Kiddo the honour of sending it on it’s way… just for funzies. That’s how we roll. (This post may contain affiliate links. This means, should you end up making a purchase, advertisers give me a small percentage of that sale, at absolutely NO EXTRA COST to you. Click here for full disclosures).
Enter my storage solution. This 9 drawer dresser, found and foraged from my local Habitat for Humanity ReStore. One of my favourite places… So! Good! And, 80 beans later, it was home with me. Yay!
It needed a little prep work, like, a good sanding…
And, all the gouges got some wood filler to get things even Steven.
I found a really pretty, super light, shade, called “Seagull Gray” from Behr, and got it in their Behr Premium, paint and primer in one, eggshell. Niiice. Now for a little hardware bling. And, if you’ve never added hardware to a piece before, it’s your lucky day, because I’m sharing my no fail trick to getting them perfectly aligned! Here we go…
Do yourself a favour and find some sturdy paper, and make a template! Mark one corner (you can see I’ve got the “right-top” or “RT” corner marked), AND, mark the center.
Next, measure the distance between the posts on your hardware, and mark them evenly out from the left and right of the center-point you’ve already marked. Create holes in your paper template.
Now, it’s easy to use a pencil, to mark your hardware hole locations, from the holes you created in step 2. An extra tip? On each drawer, use a ruler to take a quick measurement, from the top edge, to make sure you’re not veering off course.
Now, you guessed it, you’re ready to drill your holes! The only thing left? Attach that gorgeous hardware! Another handy tip? Don’t drill all your holes at once. Follow through and attach your hardware after each time you drill your holes. It will allow you to catch any mistakes or make any adjustments to your template (especially with that first set) before being stuck with a bad guide. Hardware is finicky, and needs to be precise!
TA-DA! Look at that. 9 drawers of glorious storage! (See what I mean about lining up hardware? You do not want this many drawers, with wonky hardware).
I love that this piece has some bulk to it — it’s great for hiding that sneaky lamp cord too. Bonus! The soft grey keeps things light, and I’ve been dying to participate in this gold hardware trend… without committing to something huge, like my kitchen knobs.
But, most importantly? The storage! Holy cow, this has been a lifesaver! Even if we had a “playroom” it’d be empty. The Kiddo just likes to be where we are… so including all her art supplies right into the living room is perfect. We’ve all got 3 drawers each, and hers look a little something like this ^^ … colouring books, finished art pieces, and paper all fit neat and tidy and our guests are none the wiser, that our new console table has all this is going on!
And, just in case you want to Pin that hardware trick for later…
31 thoughts on “Living room console table makeover”
I LOVE how this turned out! I love the gold handles you chose too! Im featuring this transformation on my blog as one of the Talented Tuesday features tomorrow :) I hope you’ll stop by the blog to say hi!
Thanks so much Lindi!! I will be stopping by for sure! :)
Oh my I love it!! The space did look great before but it looks even better not…great job!
Thanks so much Sydney!!
Wow, I love it! I loved the console table too, but this is gorgeous, and useful! I am not a huge fan of gold, I love silver tone, but the light color of the buffet and the gold, gorgeous! Even though the piece is big, the color keeps in from being heavy. Great job.
Thanks so much Nikki! You hit the nail on the head, we need the storage, but don’t want it to look like the Hulk is in the room… light and bright! :)
This is really beautiful! and i love your trick for the hardware!
Thanks Amanda!
I absolutely LOVE this! I’ve yet to come across such a beautifully perfect piece like this at our re-store, but now I think I’m going to be looking more often. I’m probably missing out!! Thanks for sharing your process, and tips for the hardware.
Ha! I visit often, Iris! I hate the thought of a great find slipping through my fingers! :)
Gah! I love this! The hardware is beautiful and the perfect way to add a touch of bling. Love it. Great job!
Thanks so much Janna! Yep, I’m loving all the hidden storage! ;)
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Love this! It’s looks awesome! Love the hardware trick as well!
Thanks Cristi!!
It’s gorgeous Jen! And I am DEFINITELY pinning that brilliant trick for later!!!
Thanks, Kristi!! :)
Yeeeees!
;) Thanks Amy!
This is stunning! You are a girl after my own heart, hide the function and kid centric stuff within the pretty display. It can be kid friendly even if it does not look that way. I am loving that gallery wall too!
Right?! Thanks so much, Emily! I’m glad you’re picking up what I’m putting down. :)
Hi Jennifer. This is lovely. You did a fantastic job. I am stopping over from our Home, Decor, Diy Craft group on FB. I have shared on FB, Twitter and pinned on Pinterest. Have a great day.
Thanks so much!
It is beautiful! I love the paint and hardware colour you chose. That’s the same hardware installation trick I use too – sooooooo much easier than measuring every time!
Thanks so much Christina! We’re loving it. Isn’t having a template, the best trick ever?! I love anything that makes life easier.
The storage jackpot! That color is beautiful :)
Bah! So. Much. Storage! (I’ve still got 2 empty drawers). Thanks so much Emily!