Check out this great little solid wood table that I got off of Craigslist for $10! It’s in phenomenal condition and with unfinished wood, I knew it was a candidate for a primitive/country make-over. **UPDATE! Thanks to some readers, I finally figured out what this is! It’s a make-up vanity, with arms to fold a skirt in and out, where your legs would be. See the comments on this post to learn more. Thanks guys! ** 
It was full of tack holes around all the edges, which I decided to fill with wood filler, to clean it up a bit. 
I used my finger to smear it into these tiny holes. Let it dry for about 10 minutes and then sanded it to smooth down the filler. 
Now it’s ready for paint! 
I used a satin black spray paint – Rustoleum American Accents in Canyon Black. Did a light sanding mostly on the edges to “prim” it up. 
Sealed with a coat of spray polyurethane. Make sure to let it dry completely, for several hours. Otherwise you’ll get finger prints and streaks across the finish. Now, can anyone tell me what these little retractable arms are for? 
I added the little teal knob from Hobby Lobby. Teal and black are one of my favorite color combos! 
And here she is, ready to bring over to the co-op. I love how it came out! 🙂 
Have a fantastic week and enjoy the last few days of summer. It’s winding down and soon my FAVORITE season will be here…looooooove FALL!!! Be back soon with some new pics from The Carriage Place and other crafty chaos! Later! 🙂
A Vanity Table Re-Do
27 Aug 2012 17 Comments
in Antiques, Country Decor, Craft Tutorials, Primitives, Thrift Store/Flea Market Finds
Aug 27, 2012 @ 14:53:52
Your last pic is not a sewing table it is a vanity. I have my moms from when she was little. It should also have a mirror to go with it. I don’t have that with mine. It has gotten lost over the years. The holes are from skirts people tack on. Mine also has the holes.
Aug 27, 2012 @ 15:07:35
Thanks for the info Linda! Do you happen to know what the little retractable arms are for? I can’t figure it out! ~Maggie 🙂
Aug 27, 2012 @ 15:47:24
A fabric skirt was tacked on around the edge of the top and on the retractable arms, I believe. Then when you sat down, you open the arms and you can get your legs under the table. When finished, close them and hide the little matching stool under it and anything else you wanted to hide out of sight.
Aug 27, 2012 @ 22:38:01
That stadium seat is an amazing find! Reminds me of something Mike & Frank would find on American Pickers (o; The ‘smalls’ are so cool and I love the redo on the little table – especially the knob! You have a real talent! By the way, have you been watching Storage Wars Texas? There’s a new gal on there who bids on lockers with old furniture that she redoes and puts in her store – right up your alley! (o;
Aug 28, 2012 @ 08:31:55
It turned out beautifully!! Great job!
Aug 28, 2012 @ 13:32:26
Love the little chair its very neat! The table looks awesome i love the knob and the color. You do such great work! 🙂 I love the crock also i wish i could find stuff like that on my craigslist..lol.
Aug 29, 2012 @ 22:10:53
Hi Cheryl is correct, the arms are to pull back the skirt so you can get your legs under. It’s a make up vanity.
Nice finds!
Aug 30, 2012 @ 11:24:37
Thanks Cheryl! I am glad to finally know what that table is! 🙂
Sep 01, 2012 @ 07:34:41
Love that crock and tinware! I’m always curious as to their stories-how they made it all the way to you!
Oct 12, 2012 @ 11:33:19
I have a table exactly like that, and have been always confused on the arms, mine came from my grandparents. Glad to know!
Oct 12, 2012 @ 11:53:04
I was so confused and couldn’t figure out their purpose, but thankfully a reader filled me in! Thanks for stoppin by my blog Tolly! 🙂 Maggie
Dec 16, 2012 @ 16:49:17
Saw yr table w/drawer that u painted black today on Pinterest . Had one as a child and my mom used it as a vanity. She would thumb tack fabric to match the season. The swing arms helped me open the drawer! Nice job! Thx for the memories!
Jan 13, 2014 @ 15:37:00
THANK YOU Lord…I’ve been searching the internet trying to figure what the heck these arms on a vanity I’m “up cycling” are for! Too small to use as a pullout for work tasks so I was confused. haha blessings!
Aug 07, 2014 @ 12:05:39
My vanity table was manufactured by Frankson Product Man Co of New Hampshire. There is a label glued under the drawer. By any chance,could you let me know how much you sold it for?
Aug 11, 2014 @ 13:07:46
Hi Clare, it was quite a while ago but I want to say I sold it for around $45-50. I am sure the prices would vary depending on where you are selling it. Hope that gives you a ball park idea, however you could try looking them up on ebay and seeing what they sold for to get a more accurate idea of the going price. Thanks, Maggie
Nov 18, 2015 @ 14:59:09
Wow!!! I just bought one of these vanity today from a guy for $10 I was wondering what color to paint it I love the black I to was wondering the arms thanks a lot!!!
Nov 20, 2015 @ 12:59:37
$10 ~ great deal Sharon!!! I love the black too…they are really cool little pieces. Have fun with your make-over! 🙂 maggie