Simple Nightstand Makeover in Primitive

Today, we’re sharing a simple nightstand makeover in Primitive. As well as, easy tips and tricks to help you keep things organized!

Finding Inspiration and Motivation

Over the past few months, I’ve really found myself without motivation to paint or be creative.  Looking back, I think I was just tired and on the edge of burnout.

I’m almost embarrassed to say, it took me a while to figure out rest was what I needed most. 

In the early days of our “safer at home orders” I was super frustrated at myself for not being more productive. But then early one morning when I was having trouble sleeping, I remembered I had written the words, “Prepare Him Room,” in my final journal entry of last year. 

That was also the same day, I committed to my Word of the Year.

It seems like such a small thing, but that simple reminder of grace helped me get over the creative fog I feel like I’ve been in for a while.  It also gave me permission to focus on the things I needed to focus without fear of obligation or hustle or guilt which felt like an amazing gift.

I slowly whittled down my social distancing bucket list to the projects I wanted to make a priority and decided to start on the master bedroom refresh ideas.

Choosing a Color Palette and Paint

Given all the furniture is in great shape, I knew painting several of the pieces in a fresh color was one of the quickest ways to give the space an update. 

Most of the paint stores in my area have been closed for indoor shopping but they’ve been very accommodating when it comes to curbside pickup. 

I don’t know if you’ve ever tried to pick out a paint color online, but it is    H-A-R-D.  Especially, given all the different lighting, angles and filters people are using now days.

After several days of searching online for color inspiration, I finally decided to go with an old faithful and create a simple nightstand makeover in Primitive. 

It’s a color by Americana Décor Chalky Paints I’ve used all throughout the house because it’s such a chameleon of a color.  Sometimes it comes across as a pale gray, and other times a soft taupe depending on the light. 

Creating a Simple Nightstand Makeover in Primitive

The nightstand had been previously painted in Valspar’s English Tea Party.  It worked well for a while, but the chairs in our seating area were also dark and it made the entire space feel kind of like a cave.

So, I set about painting the entire piece with Zinsser 123 Primer. 

You don’t normally have to prep a piece of furniture you plan to use chalk paint on but because the color was so dark, I didn’t want to waste any extra paint.

After two coats of primer, I created a simple nightstand makeover in Primitive using two coats of paint allowing for plenty of dry time in between each coat. 

Once the nightstand had completely dried, I slightly distressed the edges with 220-grit sandpaper, sealed with clear furniture paste wax and buffed with a lint free cloth. 

If you’re new to painting furniture, you can check out my Chalk Painting Furniture 101 post here.  

Styling a Nightstand

When it comes to styling and organizing a nightstand, I say keep it as simple as possible. On top of the nightstand consider leaving space for:

• Books and Journals
• Glasses
• Reading Lamp or Light (unless you have scones over the bed)
• Flowers or Greenery
• Carafe or Water Pitcher and Drinking Glass
• Artwork
• Clock or Phone
• Something Sentimental

Honestly, you can create a simple vignette or crowd the space will all your favorite things, just make sure you leave room for the essentials.

Organizing a Nightstand

There are lots of different ways and tools you can use to organize the drawers of your nightstand.  I usually leave the bottom drawers for pajamas and the top drawers for bedtime necessities. 

These include:

• Tray for Glasses or Sleep Mask
• Eye Drops
• Hand Cream
• Chapstick
• Hair Tie
• Tissues
• Lavender Pillow Spray
• Jewelry Dish
• Flashlight
• Wireless Sleep Aid Earbuds
• Books and Journal
• Writing Instruments

It’s fairly easy to find small bowls or plates to help corral things at thrift stores and charity shops.  

You could also use small bamboo organizers or dividers from the dollar store too though.   

Whatever you use to keep things tidy, it’s important this space doesn’t become a dumping ground or junk drawer. I know from experience it can easily happen!

While I was creating a simple nightstand in Primitive, I also decided to stage the nightstand with a lamp.

There are already sconces around the headboard, but lamps are so important I wanted to share how this same set up would look with one.

Finally, since I was already painting the nightstand in Primitive, I also decided to paint the armoire in the same color. 

I still need to get some knobs and better organize the inside but it’s coming along nicely too. 

Let us know if you’ve ever created a nightstand makeover in Primitive or if you have any tips to help keep things better organized. 

Other Painted Pieces in Primitive You Might Enjoy:

• Country House Accent Chairs 
• DIY European Farmhouse Cake Stand 
• French Country Headboard Makeover 
• DIY French Country Bed Crown 
• Dining Room Makeover Reveal 

Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Many blessings,

CoCo