Upcycled Sewing Machine Table into a Desk: Painted in Peacock Blue +

Today, we will explore the transformation of a sewing table into a functional and stylish desk. Old sewing tables can easily be transformed into desks or entryway tables. We already showed you how Christina upcycled a vintage sewing table into a charming pink desk. In case you missed it, you can find this stunning transformation Here.

Table of Contents

Finding the Right Sewing Table

When it comes to upcycling a sewing table, finding the right table is the key. Look for a vintage sewing machine table with sturdy construction and a size that fits your needs. Small sewing tables make great entry tables whereas bigger sewing tables can be upcycled into desks or washstands.

Most sewing machine tables are rather small pieces. That’s why they make great desks for compact workspaces. When looking for a sewing table to repurpose, keep in mind that a table with storage compartments or drawers can provide extra functionality. Since these pieces are small, it’s important.

Amelie found this sewing table when scrolling the Facebook marketplace. She really liked its Mid-century Modern style and knew right away she would be able to do something special with it. She immediately contacted the seller to arrange pick up.

Tools and Supplies You Will Need for this Makeover

Prep Work

Cleaning the Sewing Table

When it comes to upcycling furniture pieces, one of the most important steps is to properly clean and sand the surface. This is especially true when working on pieces that spent way too much time in storage. Cleaning also allows you to examine your piece of furniture for any signs of damage or wear that may need to be fixed.

To clean this particular piece, Amelie used a soft cloth, mild soap, and warm water. She first removed any dust or debris from the table using a vacuum cleaner. Then, she wiped down the entire surface of the table, paying special attention to any dirty or stained areas. Once she had cleaned the table, she rinsed her cloth with clean water and went over the surface again to remove any residue from the cleaning solution.

The sewing machine was already gone when Amelie found this piece. So no need to remove it like Christina did for this project.

Sanding

Once the sewing table was dry, it was time to sand it. She started sanding it with 80-grit sandpaper to remove the old finish and moved to 120-grit sandpaper to get a smooth finish.

Once she had finished sanding the table, she removed any dust or particles that may have accumulated. She used a clean cloth to wipe down the entire surface. This step is important, it will help the paint adhere better and ensure a smooth finish when applying the new paint.

Remember, the purpose of sanding is to create a suitable surface for the new paint or finish to adhere to. By taking the time to remove the old paint and varnish and sanding the table, you’re ensuring a fresh and flawless canvas for your upcycled sewing table turned desk.

What about the hole in the tabletop where the sewing machine was stored? It’s a common issue with old sewing machine tables. You need to deal with the hole in the top. If you want to turn your table into a functional desk, most of the time, you have no choice but to replace the top. Christina’s husband built a new top with 1×4’s lumber from Lowes. Here Amelia removed the old top and replaced it with a medium board cut to the required dimensions.

Painting the Sewing Machine Turned into a Desk

When painting a piece of furniture, let each coat dry completely before applying the next one. This will prevent the paint from clumping or streaking, ensuring a smooth and flawless finish. Simply follow the directions on the packaging! Keep in mind that it is better to apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat. Do not try to achieve full coverage with a single coat of paint.

Priming

Amelie decided to prime before painting. Priming is always a good idea. It allows better adherence and prevents any bleed-through. Once she had applied an even coat of primer over the entire surface, she let it dry overnight before painting it.

Should you wish to save some time, you can use an all-in-one paint. This is a special paint with a built-in water-based primer and built-in topcoat. We recommend: All-in-One Mineral Paint from Dixie Belle – Blue-Green. This color is beautiful and the paint is of top notch quality.

Painting

Amelie chose a beautiful peacock-blue acrylic paint for this makeover.

The green yellow painted rob adds a touch of originality.

Amelie also left some parts of the piece unpainted. The wood grain is beautiful and the wood color matches the paint color. I’m a fan of these colors!

When it was a sewing machine table, it had a foldable top. This original feature has been retained despite building a new top. I think it’s a real bonus to be able to open the tabletop. The desk is still perfect for small spaces but offers more working space when needed.

Amelie also paid attention to details on the back of the desk. She left some parts of the back unpainted. The back is as beautiful as the front!

Under the top, where the machine was located, Amelie built a large drawer. She chose to paint the drawer front with a bright green color.

And there are more surprises inside the drawers. Amalie applied a bright yellow toucan wallpaper inside each drawer. When it comes to old furniture, drawers are often dirty. If you can’t clean them properly, you can try to hide the damage. The first option of course is paint. Another great way to hide persistent stains is wallpaper. Wallpaper is a great way to customize your piece of furniture with special eye-catching patterns.

Finishing Touches

To make the painting job more durable and protect the natural wood, Amelie applied a clear topcoat all over the piece.

Amelie cleaned the old hardware and reattached it in the same place, without the need to drill new holes.

We hope this makeover will inspire you. If you inherited your grandma’s old sewing machine table or just found a cute one at your local thrift store, it is time to give it the attention it deserves. After a couple of hours of work, you will be rewarded with a stunning piece of furniture that will be the perfect addition to your home or office.