How I Saved BIG Money: My Arched Cabinet
I wrote about 3 ways I save BIG money on designer (aka usually more expensive) furniture HERE. I’m sharing how the arched cabinet I found using tip number 3 turned out and what I did to fix the blemishes it came with from the store.
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I recently wrote about how I have been crushing big time on the fabulous, designer arched cabinets like THIS ONE from Kathy Kuo Home, THIS ONE from Crate and Barrel, and THIS ONE from Anthropology. However, with 2 little kids in daycare, I was not about to spend several thousand dollars on a cabinet. Luckily, like I explained HERE, I was able to snag one for just 20% of the retail price. I was absolutely beside myself that day.
There was just one problem–the arched cabinet I purchased had seen better days. It was missing 2 of the 3 shelves, the metal was scratched on the doors and legs, and it had scratches up the side/back. Hence, the reason for the major discount. So, we broke out the chop saw and paint and got to work.
Step 1: Replace the Missing Shelves
The first step was replacing the missing shelves. I was really wanting a thinner shelf in there, but after trying a half-inch piece of poplar, adding some decor, and watching it sag over the next week, we went ahead with the three-quarter-inch board. After measuring the depth and width of the cabinet, we cut two perfectly sized board.
The cabinet was also missing the pegs that support the shelves, so I ordered a next-day set from Amazon. These also come in handy if you’re using IKEA shelves by the way, so I picked up a set with more than enough.
Finally, I had to match the stain from the cabinet. The cabinet has a light beige wood look with a definite grey tone. Luckily, I found the perfect stain for the wood that I had. Varathane has a water-based stain in a color called Sun Bleached and it is absolutely perfect. I linked it along with everything else I used for this furniture fix for your convenience. FYI, you could also use White Pickled Oak if you do not have/have less red tones in your piece of wood.
My DIY Supplies for This Project
Here’s what I used to fix up this cabinet!
Step 2: Paint the Metal Parts
I tried a few different shades of brown before I found the perfect shade for this project. Did you know that Rustoleum makes metallic paint you can paint on with a paintbrush?
It went on super smooth and was super easy to apply even though the metal on the front of the glass doors is fairly intricate.
What About the Scratches on the Side?
I could have used the Varathane stain to try to fill in scratches. It definitely would have made them less noticeable and had they been in a more prominent place, I would have.
However, the scratches are pretty hidden by the door casing right next to it. I never see it now and I’m not sure anyone else has ever really noticed them. So, I left them alone instead of potentially calling more attention to it.
Here’s How It Turned Out:
I’m absolutely in love with it. I’ve had a lot of fun styling it and restyling it. Even when it’s being used more as storage for my decor pieces, like it is now, it’s still beautiful.
Pin This For Later!
What do you think? Can you tell that it was a damaged piece “clearanced out” at an outlet store? I certainly cannot! I would love to see any projects where you’ve used the sun bleached stain or Rustoleum Metallic Accents. You can tag me on Instagram @designofyourlife or use #designofyourlife. You can also comment below! Until next time, friends!
