Vintage Command Center Makeover
Hi everyone! Last summer I picked up a vintage bulletin board/chalkboard combo that seemed pretty handy, but it screamed 1970’s. In short order, I gave it a vintage command center makeover and the change was SO dramatic.
I tend to go pretty conservative with most paint projects because items are easier to sell when they’re in neutral, antique white, taupe, and gray. This project seemed to call for antique white chalk paint with some distressing and clear, rather than dark wax. You’ll have to let me know what you think.
Related posts: Personalized Command Center and Message Center Makeover
No matter whose home it ends up in, I think it will be very handy, and it will work with both farmhouse or shabby chic home decor beautifully.
Materials Needed for a Vintage Command Center Makeover
See what I mean about the terrible 70’s finish? Medium [bleh] brown with darkened edges/corners. You may enjoy reading about another piece or two with similar finishes: Pedestal Stand Frame and Jewelry Box makeovers.
This post contains affiliate links for products necessary to complete the project. This is both for your convenience as well as to support my blog, as I receive a small compensation whenever you click on such a link and make any sort of purchase, for which I thank you.
Materials:
- Vintage chalkboard/bulletin board combo (search garage sales & thrift stores)
- Chalk paint (learn how I make my own chalk paint HERE)
- Sand paper
- Clear paste wax
- Cheese cloth or jersey rag
Step 1: Paint the Vintage Command Center
Give your piece a coat or two of chalk paint, depending upon how much coverage you get with the first coat.
Step 2: Distress Your Project
Next, lightly distress the edges and high points of the piece using sand paper.
Step 3: Wax Your Chalkboard-Bulletin Board Combo
Finally, give it one coat of clear paste wax. Apply a light coat of wax, let it sit for about 10 minutes, then buff with cheese cloth or jersey rag.
It’s a pretty radical transformation, right?
Some antique and vintage trinkets help create the final look. I always like to have a supply of smaller items like these for completing various displays around the house. In my workroom I have a shelf set aside for storing decorations like these.
I enjoyed sharing my makeover with you today. If you’d like to give it a try, you’ll have no problem finding a similar item at a garage sale or thrift store. Send me a photo via Facebook or email of your final result–I’d LOVE to see it!
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This is so cute, Diana. It always amazes me what some white paint can do. This is something I would love to have in my home!
Very nice make-over Diana … That should be welcome in any home. Of course, your staging is very attractive.
Gotta love white paint!!! Looks awesome Diana. Have a great weekend.
Hugs,
Kris
Really cute and I can see it being so useful also! Great job!
The paint transformed it! Pretty and functional!
Very unique! People do need an area where what you need on hand is kept.
Is there anything you can’t do? Amazing!!
Wonderful makeover and handy command center.
Thank you for sharing your command center at the Snickerdoodle Create~Bake~Make link party!
Nicely done! I believe I used to have a chalkboard just like that way way back. You have a good eye for transformations!
Nice job on this. I have been looking for something similar with a low profile–to put on the one bit of wall space I have in the kitchen. I will have to keep looking, as you have reaffirmed I should keep searching. Grins, nice post, Sandi
Love the new look! What’s with the black accent color? What were they thinking? Much better now. Xo kathleen Our Hopedul Home
Love it!!! And I’m a little envious. 🙂 Thank you so much for linking up to Talk of the Town!
Great little makeover — definitely will be a focal point where ever it lands!
This turned out really amazing, Diana! You’re being featured next week at Talk of the Town – thanks for linking up!
Turned out super cute Diana!!
Tania
What a great transformation Diana. Love how it turned out! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Going back thru some of your cool vintage products. I had to share with you & your readers that Dollar Tree has expanded their craft section and the now have thin corkboard about 8×10 size I think for just $1!! Granted it is thin but at that price one could afford to glue 2 or 3 together to create a thicker board.
Meant to say PROJECTS not products