How to Turn a Vintage Drinks Trolley into a Bedside Table
Before throwing out that old trolley, see what you might be able to transform it into
The other week at a furniture auction, I found a sad, disused laminate drinks trolley for just £1.20. I was able to look beyond its scratches and other signs of wear, because I knew all it needed was a little TLC, wood filler, sanding and paint. Sure enough, in no time at all, my second-hand find was completely refreshed.
I transformed my cheap laminate drinks trolley into a bright bedside table with gold accents, but these methods will work for any side table or small furniture item in need of repair. If you have neither the time nor the patience for such a project, but still fancy repurposing an old piece, a furniture restorer or upcycling specialist should be able to help. Search for experts in your area in the Houzz Professionals Directory.
I transformed my cheap laminate drinks trolley into a bright bedside table with gold accents, but these methods will work for any side table or small furniture item in need of repair. If you have neither the time nor the patience for such a project, but still fancy repurposing an old piece, a furniture restorer or upcycling specialist should be able to help. Search for experts in your area in the Houzz Professionals Directory.
Materials and tools
- Drinks trolley (or any piece of furniture that needs revamping)
- Wood filler
- Putty knife
- Sandpaper (120 and 220 grit)
- Orbital sander
- Bonding primer
- Paint
- Gold spray paint
- Scrap wood or cardboard
- Smooth 6-inch foam roller
- Paintbrush (for hard-to-reach spots)
- Microfibre cloth (to remove dust after sanding)
- Dust mask and safety glasses (to use when sanding and applying spray paint)
Luckily, the drinks trolley was all in one piece when I found it.
But as you can see, there were quite a few gouges in the laminate.
1. Use a putty knife to fill any scratches, dents and gouges with wood filler.
2. After the wood filler has completely dried, sand the entire piece with an orbital sander. Complete one pass with 120-grit sandpaper and finish with 220-grit sandpaper.
3. To prepare the piece for painting, use a microfibre cloth to wipe off any dust. Next, prime with a durable primer. If you’re painting laminate, using a bonding primer is especially important due to the slick surface.
4. Apply a first coat of durable paint. A water based paint with a durable finish, similar to that of oil-based enamel, will clean up easily with water. Oil-based enamel is also very durable, but it needs to be cleaned with white spirit (or a similar product).
Once the first coat of paint has dried (this will take a few hours), apply a second coat.
Tip: Apply the paint thinly and don’t over-brush. This will help prevent drips and brush marks.
Once the first coat of paint has dried (this will take a few hours), apply a second coat.
Tip: Apply the paint thinly and don’t over-brush. This will help prevent drips and brush marks.
5. If your piece has cutouts, like mine, prepare to add a two-tone effect to the back and sides of the cutout. (If your piece doesn’t have cutouts, try painting just the inside edges.)
Cut a scrap piece of wood or cardboard to fit snugly inside the side frame. Enlist an extra set of hands to hold it in place firmly on the outside of the cutout.
Also, using masking tape and scrap paper, protect all areas that you don’t want painted gold (or whatever your accent colour is).
Note: If your section is removable, take it out and firmly press it on a solid surface to paint the inside edges and back side.
Cut a scrap piece of wood or cardboard to fit snugly inside the side frame. Enlist an extra set of hands to hold it in place firmly on the outside of the cutout.
Also, using masking tape and scrap paper, protect all areas that you don’t want painted gold (or whatever your accent colour is).
Note: If your section is removable, take it out and firmly press it on a solid surface to paint the inside edges and back side.
6. Using light coats (this prevents dripping), spray the back side of the cutout or inside of your piece. Make sure to get all of the edges.
Remove the excess tape and paper and let the paint cure for a few days, and you’re done! Then you can style your brand-new-looking piece of furniture with your favourite accessories.
Remove the excess tape and paper and let the paint cure for a few days, and you’re done! Then you can style your brand-new-looking piece of furniture with your favourite accessories.
The gold edges make the cutout details stand out.
This drinks trolley isn’t just for serving drinks. It also makes a perfect nightstand, small desk or occasional table.
Tell us…
Liked the idea of repurposing furniture? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
Liked the idea of repurposing furniture? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.