We shared the new chest that we bought to go beside Zoey’s bed a few weeks ago, and we’re finally getting around to how we later customized it! We’re no strangers to painting old furniture in need of a facelift. Just two weeks ago we transformed a thrifted dresser into a media console with just a little paint and a herringbone pattern. But what about painting new furniture? My rule of thumb usually goes by price, rather than old vs new. So, when we stumbled upon Ikea’s Koppang Chest for just $99, I was ready to whip out the paint brushes. Not so much because the price was crazy low, but more for the reason that I knew giving this dresser a facelift would take me 5 minutes top. And so it began.
Usually when we paint a piece of furniture, there are all kinds of nooks and crannies to work around. Which involves a lot of brush work on top of rolling out the larger flat surfaces. Not the case with Mr. Koppang. I simply slipped out the three drawers, removed the hardware, and applied not three, not two, but ONE coat of paint with a foam roller to each drawer face. Holla!
Choosing paint colors for an ombre effect can not be any easier. You just pick up a paint chip that has colors descending from light to dark and voila! Instant ombre. We actually chose every other color to ensure that there would be a visible difference between them. And I’d love to share the colors we used… but I lost the paint chips. Whomp, whomp. However, it looks like Ben Moore’s Glimmer 342 (darkest), Lightning Bug 340 (middle), and Early Dawn 338 (lightest) are a pretty close match!
We also switched out the hardware with a few clear glass knobs picked up at Hobby Lobby – the best place to find discount knobs that are very Anthropologie-ish.
Ok, it’s time for the lamp story. Not too long ago I shared an awesome DIY painted lamp from Ikea. It was great. Inexpensive clear glass lamp, fill it with paint, swirl it around, instant lamp in any color you choose. Well, the story didn’t end so happily. A few days of the lamp sitting in Zoey’s room (not even turned on once!) and the paint began to crackle. To this day, no idea what went wrong, but I’ve had a few other readers emailing me with the same problem. What the heck? Maybe it’s the paint brand specifically? No idea. If you’ve tried this project yourself with good results, please chime in! Any suggestions are appreciated!
Long story short, I wasn’t willing to throw anymore money into painting a second lamp that could possibly fail as well. Instead, I finally bit the bullet on a gorgeous white owl lamp that I’ve been eyeing for months! She was just $40 from Target, including the shade. So barely over the total price of the first lamp, when combined with the shade purchase. And honestly, I love this one SO MUCH MORE.
Ricky thought an owl might be a little creepy for a little girl’s room, but he’s totally on board now. I had plans of switching out the shade with a white one, but I think I’m actually digging the black now.
I know I’m a bit late on the ombre band wagon, but anyone else bringing a bit into their lives? We’re really loving how much life and interest it brings to the room!
Hi! I'm Jessie, a wife, mother of two girls, and an interior design fanatic. My husband Rick and I just purchased our second home, a 1950's ranch in dire need of some TLC, in our hometown of Cincinnati, OH. To find out more, click 
AHHH! I LOVE it! The yellow is so bright and cheery and its such a simple redo because you only have to paint the drawers! Love the knobs as well
When I made Christmas ornaments a while back and painted the inside of the glass balls, it said to rinse out with alcohol and let dry completely before painting. Not sure if that helps, but I only had 1 out of 24 crackle!
Thanks Megan,
Good advice! I’ll definitely be trying that if I get the itch to paint another one
Jessie
the dresser turned out wonderfully! you didn’t need to sand the surface at all?
Thanks Becca,
Nope, no sanding required. Not even primer. Just a single coat of color
Jessie
Love it! You can’t help but be cheered up when you look at those happy colors! Oh, and the gallery wall yesterday was perfect.
I’m also LOVING those curtains…do you have a source for them? Fabric name if they’re homemade?
Thanks Lisa,
The curtains are from Ikea. Hopefully we’ll have a post up next week with more deets!
Yes, it’s such a pop of color in the room
Jessie
Love the little superhero framed art… so perfect. And LOVE LOVE LOVE the dresser!
Did you prime or sand the drawers first?
Brenda,
No priming or sanding, just one coat of color
Jessie
Looks great! I love the knobs..
We have this same dresser and had plans to do the same thing
I was curious, I heard we should use an oil based paint vs latex…. do you remember what you used??? I’m worried it won’t stick?
We just used basic, latex wall paint. However, I will point out that if the dresser is for a kids room or is going to see high traffic the latex may not hold up as well as oil based would. Just a thought. We’ve noticed some very tiny spots beginning to chip. Hope that helps!
xo,
Jessie