IKEA Desk Update and Alexa Lamp
Watch the video above for an easy and pretty way to update an IKEA desk for more function
Here I go again with a particleboard furniture update…but I just love the transformation!!
This corner of Kelsey’s home office was fairly drab and dark despite the abundance of natural light coming through the windows. But more than adding a very cool lamp and a good coat of paint, we created a larger work surface and made the whole thing look beefier and more substantial.?
The first thing I did was cut off the rounded edge on the right side of the top.
This made it possible to do 2 things-add a larger top and a 1×2 edge band. We used 1/2 inch sanded plywood for the new desk top. The piece on the left side of the desk is 4 inches wider than what was already there. Giving Kelsey just enough space to add a swanky new lamp and still have adequate work space. We used wood glue and set the plywood on top of the existing desk top. Then we used a nail gun to fasten the two pieces together from underneath. That meant we didn’t have any nail holes to putty on the top of the desk!
We used a piece of leftover plywood and attached it to the left leg of the desk. This helped make it look bigger and nicer but also added more support for the heavier new desk top.
Next we added a smooth 1×2 around the front edge of the desk. This created the illusion that the desk top was one chunky piece, like a thick piece of countertop, instead of the two small pieces of plywood that is reality. I used this same beefy trick in a video I did on building a fireplace mantel.
With all of the new materials in place, it was time to paint! I’ve used this paint from Woodcraft before on my Christmas bar cart makeover, but this was the first time I used it on new wood. And let me just say it was great that we didn’t have to prime the raw stuff and then wait for it to dry before we could paint the next coat!
The paint dried fast and then we coated the whole thing with the Guard Dog Topcoat (in Matte) that protects the paint from use and abuse. (I’ve used this on several occasions including these shelves for my little guy’s room. And it’s holding up well!)
We let it cure overnight before accessorizing Kelsey’s ‘new’ desk!
**This episode is sponsored by Woodcraft and GE Lighting. However I only work with brands I love! All opinions are honest and 100% my own.
I hinted at it above, but one of the accessories we added was a lamp. But oh my goodness calling it a ‘lamp’ just doesn’t seem right because it’s much more than that. It is actually an Amazon Alexa base station. So anything your Echo or Dot can do, this can do while also illuminating your bedside table, sofa table or desk! It’s called C by GE Sol and it’s now available on amazon.com*! (Don’t forget to watch the video above to see the Sol in action!)
Now Kelsey has a bright, happy spot to spend her working hours without having to buy new furniture. With many of my upcycle projects, it just takes a little bit of imagination and (wo)man power to completely transform it into something brand new!
Thanks for Checking In! ~Chelsea
*This post contains affiliate links*
11 Comments
JUDY NIEMAN
I had never seen the clear protective coat you put on top to keep the paint from scratching off. Can you please tell me what this is called and maybe a brand name to look for? I loved the desk. I am thinking of painting an old dresser and headboard in my room. Thanks so much.
Chelsea Lipford Wolf
I love, love this topcoat! I’ve used it on several different pieces. It’s from Black Dog Salvage, sold at woodcraft.com. I’ve only used the matte sheen, but they have a satin sheen too! https://www.woodcraft.com/products/black-dog-salvage-guard-dog-furniture-paint-topcoat-matte-pintplus Thanks for watching! ~Chelsea
Linda Sanko
My Dad rebuilt an old stereo cabinet. It has an electrical outlet underneath for my sewing machines. Do you have any plans that would redo a stereo cabinet change over?
Chelsea Lipford Wolf
Hi Linda! I’ve never had a stereo cabinet, so I don’t have any plans for a makeover of one! So sorry! ~Chelsea
Joanna
I need to update my kitchen cabinets. They are birch with wide grain. Should I get new doors or paint? What kind of paint is durable for cabinets?
Chelsea Lipford Wolf
Unless you want to change the style of the doors, there’s no reason to get new ones. If they’re stained cabinets, you’ll need to lightly sand them, wipe them down, use a quality primer (I’d recommend B-I-N primer with the red label), then 2-3 coats of a latex enamel paint. Sounds like a nice kitchen refresh! ~Chelsea
Susan Hollis
I always enjoy your videos!
Chelsea Lipford Wolf
Thanks for saying so, Susan! ~Chelsea
Barbi Kustritz
Very on trend and love the reuse what you already have idea.
Susan Hudson
Hi Chelsea, My name is Susan Hudson and I am the artist in residence at Black Dog Architectural Salvage. I worked with Woodcraft in the development of our paint line. Thanks for this wonderful Blog! You all did a fabulous job on Kelsey’s desk. Let me know if I can ever be help in answering any questions concerning the paint, top coat, application or mixing of the colors. Check out our website http://www.blackdogsalvage.com for color recipes using the 16 pre-mixed colors.
Sincerely,
Susan “Swooz” Hudson
Chelsea Lipford Wolf
Awesome, Swooz! Thanks for stopping by! I’m a big fan of the Guard Dog top coat and have used it successfully on several projects. Feel free to share my post! ~Chelsea