{Updating a Nightstand with a Map and Mod Podge}
Hey lovelies! I am back in the swing of things and so excited to have spent the last two days knee deep in projects. Aaah, I missed the smell of fresh saw dust, and the mod podge under my nails. 🙂
I had this nightstand, it had been repurposed into an entry way table, and now will serve as an end table. Who knows what it will be in its next life!
I am really into lightening up my house lately so I went for a pale blue color, Prelude by Behr, also used here, to give it a drastic transformation.
Updating a Nightstand
First things first, I sanded the entire piece down with my orbital sander (if you want a tutorial on that click here).
Secondly, I added 2 coats 0f paint with a foam brush (my go-to brush).
Everything dried completely in a few hours so I went ahead and distressed with with some fine grit sandpaper (check out a tutorial for distressing furniture here).
Lastly, I added a coat of polyurethane to seal it.
I liked it as is, but I thought it needed a little interest. I had a map that I’d used on an ornament I made during the holidays, so I thought why not add it to the top of the nightstand?!
Adding a Map to Furniture with Mod Podge
Surprisingly, this was the easiest part of the entire project! All I did was cut the map to size, added a coat of Mod Podge with a large brush (both had been generously provided to me by the folks at Plaid so I could make this project). Pressed it into place, and added an ample coat of the Mod Podge over all of it again using the wide brush. So easy!
For the final touch, I updated the knobs with these nickel cup pulls from Home Depot.
Naturally, now I wanted to Mod Podge a map onto everything I can get my hands on!
Have you ever used Mod Podge to update a piece of furniture?
Linking up here!
Jessie says
Looks terrific! You did a great job on the update 🙂 I love the idea of a map on top.
Barbara @ Chase the Star says
Thanks Jessie!
Christine says
LOVE it Barbara!!! What a great idea! It looks stunning!
Barbara @ Chase the Star says
Thanks Christine! It makes for a good conversation starter!
Leisa says
LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! How is the texture on top? That part has had me putting off similar projects.
Barbara @ Chase the Star says
Leisa, the texture is surprisingly smooth. It almost feels like a piece of fabric or something. Also really durable!
Tara says
LOVE it! Was I with you when you bought that map? I am planning on using mod podge when I repaint my nightstand so this is perfect, thank you!
Barbara @ Chase the Star says
Yes Tara you were! I went back to that store recently and they were all out of maps, I should’ve gotten a few! I also used it on Christmas ornament. Can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Tara says
Awwww, that’s too bad they were out of maps!
Megan says
What a great idea! I’ve never tried it before on furniture. I might have to soon after seeing your project. Megan
Barbara @ Chase the Star says
Thanks Megan! Would love to see what you do!
Courtenay says
What a difference! I love the idea of being able to look over and see that pretty map when you roll over to turn off the alarm clock! 🙂
Barbara @ Chase the Star says
Courtenay, I actually use it as a side table in my living room, but you’re right, it would be a cool thing to look at first thing! Thanks for stopping by!
[email protected] Goofy Monkeys says
I love it! I have a few side tables that need a little redoing and was considering a mod podge/map treatment for the top 🙂
Barbara @ Chase the Star says
Thank you! Good luck with yours Ginny!
Julie says
Looks fantastic! I used modge podge for the first time a couple of months ago. Love the stuff.
Barbara @ Chase the Star says
Thanks Julie! It gets pretty darn addictive doesn’t it?!
Robin says
Looks fabulous!!!!
Barbara @ Chase the Star says
Thank you Robin!
[email protected] artsy mama says
LOVE!!!!!
Barbara @ Chase the Star says
Thanks dollface! Appreciate the support!
Tonii says
This nightstand is so fantastic!! I need to redo one for my girls new room and you have totally inspired me…thank you!!!
Barbara @ Chase the Star says
Thank you for the kind words! I’d love to see what you do for your girl’s room!
Ali Manning says
This looks wonderful – thanks for sharing such a great project!
Barbara @ Chase the Star says
Thank you Ali! Appreciate you stopping by!
Kara says
What a transformation! I love the map accent!
Barbara @ Chase the Star says
Thank you Kara!
Dianna L. says
I love this! I’ve always wanted to make something with a map since I love to travel!
Barbara @ Chase the Star says
Than you Dianna! I had been wanting to make something with a map for a long time too, it’s such a fun trend!
Eva Scott says
What a great idea! My son has a simple red nightstand that I picked up free somewhere and I think something added on top like this is a great idea! I’m fairly new to using mod podge. Do you think wrapping paper would work okay? I have some awesome vintagey looking superhero wrapping paper I used for Christmas that I think would be a great idea for it. Do you think you need a specific kind of mod podge or will any kind work? Thanks!!
Barbara @ Chase the Star says
Eva, I love the idea of using wrapping paper, especially with a vintage flare! To answer your question, yes you can use wrapping paper; if the nightstand will remain indoors (which I trust it will!) then I think any kind of Mod Podge will do. I used the antique matte finish because I wanted to give it a vintage look so you may want to try that, or just the original Mod Podge since your paper most likely already has that tint naturally. Can’t wait to see how it turns out!
Jenny says
Wow! It looks fantastic! I really love the map on top and the color! This would be a really unique way to cover up some of the damage my kiddos have done to our furniture! 😉
Barbara @ Chase the Star says
Thanks Jenny! Yes that’s a great point! I love Mod Podge!
[email protected] says
Love that! Is there anything mod podge can’t do?
Barbara @ Chase the Star says
Nothing it seems!! Thanks for stopping by Gretchen!
Adrianne at Happy Hour Projects says
Oooh, I love it! I’m a map fan anyway and those pulls are fabulous!!
Kaitlin @ Wunderbar says
Pinning so I remember this when it’s time to redo my bedroom!
Barbara @ Chase the Star says
Thanks for the pin Kaitlin!
Kadie says
Saw this on TJ!! It’s so cute! Great job girl!:)
Barbara @ Chase the Star says
Thank you my dear friend!
gail says
Barbara–the nightstand is sooo pretty. The blue looks so great with the map.
gail
Barbara @ Chase the Star says
Thank you my friend! I am so glad you like it!!
Eileen says
I love this idea I have old maps. Now I know what to do with them. Thanks.
Barbara @ Chase the Star says
Thanks Eileen! Old maps are so fun to decorate with!!
Dawn says
What a great idea I love it saw it on totally tutorials
Dawn says
ps how does one follow you blog cannot see any button/icon saying follow me etc
Barbara @ Chase the Star says
Dawn, thanks for the support! You can follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+. The icons are up top in orange!
Nicola says
I love it!! I wanted to have map wallpaper for a wall but my husband doesn’t like it as it reminds him of work, maybe I should cover my sewing desk like this and then I get to see the beauty! Thanks for the idea! X
Barbara @ Chase the Star says
Nicola, I LOVE the idea of map wallpaper! I bet your sewing desk would look awesome covered in map!
Beckie says
You just updated the nightstand perfectly! Great job Barbara! Thanks for sharing!
Barbara @ Chase the Star says
Thank you Beckie!! Appreciate you stopping by!
Kim says
What is your favorite polyurethane for furniture?
Barbara @ Chase the Star says
Hi Kim, I like to use a satin finish and the brand varies, although I really like the Varathane brand!
Becky says
Looks great! I’m thinking of adding a map to makeover my boring file cabinet. Can you use Mod Podge on metal?
Barbara @ Chase the Star says
Thank you! I do believe you can use it on metal, but definitely check the label first. Good luck!