Buffet Makeover on a Budget: Painted White + New Wooden Top

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Before I begin my Buffet Makeover on a Budget, I wanted to discuss the meaning of “farmhouse”. Farmhouse style is all the rage these days, and I must say I am a super huge fan!  Being raised in a small, rural town in Georgia, it is not uncommon to see old barns and old homesteads.

Farmhouse, to me, means something different than the next person.  Above all, my idea of farmhouse style is old and worn.  Meaning it should show signs of wear and tear, chipping paint and dings here and there.    Please realize I am a country girl at heart.  Therefore, my opinion may be different than that of a city dweller, and that is understandable. 

In my small rural community, I have clients who own their parents’ old homesteads.  You know, the ones with the authentic wood floors that creak, the doors that have keyholes and windows that are wood.  They feel that their modern furniture just doesn’t fit in.  That’s where the Husband and I come in.  We can transform every day, contemporary pieces, into farmhouse beauties, and it’s not that complicated if you have a little woodworking experience. 

See my latest video here!

Now for the Buffet on a Budget Makeover. This is a buffet that my client has that she uses for her television cabinet in her living room. 

Buffet Transformation Process

Supply List: (I have included affiliate links for your convenience at no extra cost to you.

1×3’s wood boards

Minwax Dark Walnut Stain

Dixie Belle Buttercream

Dixie Belle Best Dang Wax

Wooster Silvertip Paint Brush

Wood Glue

Finishing Nails

220-Grit Sandpaper

To transform the buffet, we will be adding a new plank wood top.  Firstly, Daniel (my husband, who is the best woodworker ever) constructs the plank wood top using 1×3’s.    He cut them to size using his chop saw. 

He glued each strip into place and then added nails to secure them to the existing top. Lastly, he sanded. This top was similar to the one he constructed for this dresser project you can see here.

Buffet makeover, building new top

Once the top was complete, I applied one coat of Minwax Stain in Dark Walnut.  I allowed this to dry overnight.

Painting the Buffet

The next day, I began to prep for painting.  I removed the drawers and the hardware.  We decided to use new pulls because the existing would not coordinate with the farmhouse look.  I purchased these pulls on sale at Hobby Lobby for 50% off. 

Add farmhouse hardware to buffet.

The entire piece, including the drawers, was cleaned with a vinegar and water solution.  After it dried, I applied one coat of Dixie Belle Chalk Paint in Buttercup.  A deep off-white. 

After the first coat was dry (about 5 hours, because I had to run an errand), I applied the second coat.  I allowed the second coat to dry overnight.

Buffet Distressing

Now for the fun part.  At least for me.  The distressing. 

I used 220-grit sandpaper and distressed around the leg edges and the outside of the piece, just enough to give it a worn look.

I then lightly sanded the entire piece with my 220-grit sandpaper to achieve a smooth finish.  After removing all the sanding dust with a tack cloth, I applied one coat of Dixie Belle’s Best Dang Wax.  The new hardware was attached to the drawers.

Finished Buffet

The client was thrilled with the finished piece. In just a few easy steps, you can transform your existing furniture into a farmhouse charmer.

In conclusion, I will have two other furniture pieces that I gave the same makeover too coming soon!  Stay tuned!

What are your thoughts on farmhouse trends?  What does farmhouse mean to you?  I would love to hear from you!  Type your thoughts in the comment section below.  And remember, sharing is caring, so feel free to pin and share if you love the finished project!

Christina

Looking for more furniture makeovers ideas?

Check our Home Office Printer Station From an Old Dresser and this Repurposed Hutch Top

14 thoughts on “Buffet Makeover on a Budget: Painted White + New Wooden Top”

  1. I’m a 78-year-old purest. My skin literally crawls when I see people painting antique pieces, but I have to admit that I liked this buffet much more in its new look. Fresh and lovely. High 5’s to you and your husband.

  2. Joe-Anna Taylor

    Amazing transformation, if I was not informed first, I would never guess this was possible from the original piece!

  3. Mary-The Boondocks Blog

    That is one beautiful makeover. I always like furniture that is painted a lighter color, it really brings out all the pretty details of the piece.

  4. What an amazing transformation! My idea of a farmhouse is like yours. I think of my granny’s house where everything was worn, used, and filled with things passed from generation to generation.

  5. What a beauty! I really want to do this exact same thing to my dresser that is 40 years old but I’ve not done anything like this yet.

  6. Anna Daniel-Hasan

    It’s beautiful your husband is a gem! I wish I lived closer so you could transform my bedroom set. How did he attach the new top to the buffet?

    1. Thank you for your kind words! He used Wood glue and nails. I then filled in the nail holes with wood filler ❤️

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