Upcycled Bedside Table: Painting, Refitting and When an Old Table Is Worth the Effort
Upcycled bedside table: what can be changed on an old bedside table, how painting and fittings work, and when the effort is worthwhile.
An old bedside table is rarely a case for the skip. Most pieces from the 1920s to the 1950s are built from solid wood or veneered on a sound carcase, and have drawers that still open. With an upcycled bedside table this substance is kept, while the finish, fittings and top are rethought. What furniture upcycling means exactly and how it differs from restoration is explained in our basic article What is upcycled furniture?. Here we deal with the practice: what can be changed on a bedside table, how much work is involved and when the effort is worthwhile.
What Can Be Changed on an Old Bedside Table
A bedside table is small, and that is exactly why every change catches the eye. Four places decide the result:
- The colour. A painted bedside table in matt black, a graphic black-and-white pattern, a deep petrol blue or a calm white changes the piece most. Which tones work in the bedroom is described in the colour guide to black and white bedside tables.
- The fittings. Brass handles and escutcheons are often the best part of the piece and are usually kept. Missing or bent parts are replaced.
- The top. A wooden top that is scratched or marked with rings can be repainted or replaced with a glass top.
- The drawers. They should run easily and close cleanly. That is not about looks but about the part you use every evening.
The type of wood determines what is possible. We have put together which woods occur in old bedside tables in the article Wooden bedside tables.
Painting a Bedside Table: The Steps
A bedside table cannot simply be painted over if the result is to last. The sequence is always similar for vintage furniture. Our process, step by step shows it in more detail; here is the short version:
- Check. Do the legs wobble, are the glue joints dry, is the back panel damaged? Repairing the construction comes first.
- Degrease and sand. Over decades, wax, polish and skin oils build up on the surface. Without thorough cleaning, no paint will adhere permanently.
- Prime. Especially on veneer and on dark woods, the primer stops dyes in the wood from bleeding through.
- Paint in thin coats. Several thin coats with sanding between them give a smooth, hard surface. With us it ends up as a matt superfinish.
- Fit the hardware. Only at the end, so that nothing gets stuck or scratched.
If you want to try it yourself: on wood that has already been painted this is doable with patience. On veneered wood you should first check in an inconspicuous spot that the veneer is firmly attached, because blisters and loose edges must be glued down before painting. A truly even finish is harder to achieve with brush and roller than with a spray gun.
Reupholstering, Replacing the Top, Renewing the Fittings
Not every bedside table has upholstered parts, but some have a padded shelf or a leather top. In that case fabric or leather is a further lever. With bedside tables the covering is mostly a matter of taste and less one of necessity.
With the fittings, restraint pays off. Solid brass can be polished and over time acquires a calm patina that goes well with black and white. Replace fittings only if they are really missing or no longer work. A new top in black glass, on the other hand, can make sense: it is resistant to glasses, cups and alarm clocks, and on a dark painted carcase it looks calm and clean. We did exactly this with our Swedish Grace bedside tables in black and brass.
When Upcycling Is Worthwhile
It is not worthwhile with every bedside table. An honest rule of thumb:
| Condition | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Solid wood, stable joints, drawers that run | Almost always worthwhile |
| Veneer with minor damage | Worthwhile if the veneer can be repaired |
| Chipboard under foil or veneer | Generally not worthwhile |
| Severe woodworm or mould | Only after careful inspection |
| Family piece with personal value | Feeling decides, not the sums |
Height matters too: a bedside table should stand at about the height of the top of the mattress. With high beds, for example with a divan mattress, a small chest of drawers often works better, as we show in the article on the tall bedside table for a divan bed. The work on a chest of drawers is the same; more on that in Upcycling a chest of drawers.
And the cost? Reliable figures cannot be given without looking at the individual piece. The effort consists of repair, sanding, priming, several coats of paint and assembly. Done yourself, it costs mainly time and materials; in a workshop it costs skilled labour. A point of comparison is our finished pieces: the restored bedside tables are available from €890 for a pair.
Finished Bedside Tables from Plan B Design
If you would rather leave the work to us, here is what the result looks like. The black-and-white Louis XVI-style bedside tables are painted in matt black and white and have their original solid brass fittings, price €890 for the pair. The pair of Gustavian bedside tables is painted in matt black with a black-and-white pattern inspired by Art Deco, also with brass fittings, price €980 for the pair. You will find the full range under Bedside tables and in the category Chests of drawers and bedside tables.
If you are looking for a particular piece: for several of the bedside tables and chests of drawers that have been sold, similar or identical ones can be made to order. Simply enquire.
How to Buy from Us
You enquire without obligation, we clarify dimensions, condition and delivery with you, and payment is arranged by agreement. Delivery within Germany is free. You can reach us via Contact; the terms for returns are under Right of withdrawal and returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you simply paint over an old bedside table?
Yes, if the surface has first been thoroughly cleaned, sanded and primed. Without this preparation the paint soon flakes, especially on the edges and the drawer fronts.
How long does it take to paint a bedside table?
The actual working time is manageable, but each coat has to dry and be sanded in between. For clean work, allow several days, not an afternoon.
Which colour is best for a bedside table?
Black hides signs of use and goes with almost any wall colour. White looks light but shows marks more quickly. More in the colour guide.
Should I replace the brass handles?
Only if they are missing or defective. Original fittings in solid brass are usually better than new mass-produced ones and can be polished.
Can I also order a pair of bedside tables?
Yes. For many of our models, matching pieces can be ordered. Write to us via Contact.