Thrift Shop Find: Jewelry Chest

Sometimes, when I go thrift shopping, I find something that's perfect as it is. I tend to really like the look of old things with a healthy patina, anyway. Other times I find something that needs a little bit of care and attention before it becomes a piece I will love and use.

This jewelry chest is one of those pieces. I didn't like the look of this wood or the finish, but the design itself is very cute, it's sturdy, and has been only lightly used. I saw potential here, and before I even left the store I had a picture of what I'd do with it in my mind.

Thrift shop jewelry chest, before

I've been seeing the French grey furniture look online, in blogs, on Houzz and Pinterest, and I really like it. And this jewelry chest has some ornate features that suit this style really nicely. So I gave it a try! 

Same jewelry chest, after

I painted on a white coat first (Tailor's Chalk by Martha Stewart) and then two grey coats (Dovetail by Sherwin Williams). Then I distressed the edges and corners a little bit to make it look a little more rustic.

My jewelry fits so nicely on the hooks and in all of the nooks and crannies and drawers--and I think it looks so much more chic now than it did before!