Scavenger Chic

Harlequin Diamond Red Side Table

• By Joan
• June 4, 2020
• 1 Comment

Harlequin Diamond Red Side Table

I have another side table for you today that is just waiting for his makeover.  I picked him up at an online auction in early March at the same time I picked up the desk with the paper stuck to it.

I know it had to be early March because it was just before the quarantine kicked in and just after a bout I had with the flu in February. 

This guy is a sweet little piece. I didn’t even mind the paint colors the original artist chose but it was kinda messy, a little scratched and it had its share of paint globs. 

The layers of paint obscure much of the detail of the original table.  I thought about stripping him down to the bare wood, but there was a lot of paint.

Instead of stripping the entire side table, what I did do was take an electric sander to the piece before I started to paint to get rid of those paint drips and globs.

I’m using red chalk paint to totally transform  this little side table.  With chalk paint you do not have to sand  ahead of time but I would recommend sanding if your piece of furniture has a shiny or glossy finish.  Sanding gives the paint more “tooth” so that the paint sticks to it better. 

I wanted to show you the cabinet all red because you could certainly stop here.  As with all chalk paint it will still need a wax finish.  

Dark gray chalk paint highlights the details of his feet.

To add a harlequin diamond pattern, measure the space where you want this added detail. My space was about 15″x 6″ so I created a diamond template from cardboard stock,about 5″x 2″.

Use the template and a pencil to trace around your pattern directly onto your furniture piece.  Carefully fill in each diamond with more chalk paint. I’m using the same dark gray that I used for the feet.

Lightly sand any edges you want to have that time worn, I’ve used this cabinet a lot, look.

The chalk paint was finished off with a coat of clear wax  (let dry) followed by a coat of vintage wax.  When the wax is dry, buff with fine steel wool for a smoother, slightly shiny finish.

If you like the color of the original chalk paint, use only clear wax.  If you want a darker finish, start off with the vintage wax.

These cute glass teardrop knobs were from Hobby Lobby.  Hobby Lobby has tons of knobs and handles to choose from but here’s the tip…if the knobs are full price wait a week, the knobs go on sale for 50% off every other week.

For a different look, the feet could be removed and this little cabinet would look fantastic mounted on a wall.

Stay inspired, until next time.

If you like the Harlequin Diamond look you may like one of these past projects.  I was on quite a diamond obsession for a few weeks last year.

Harlequin Diamond  Mirror

Diamond Side Table

Thrift Store Desk Lamp

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Clock Table from a Flea Market Find Painted Harlequin Diamond Side Table Painting a Nightstand and Creating an Heirloom Maryland Flag DIY Table