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Emily A. Clark

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Our White & Gold (IKEA) Nightstand Makeover

September 9, 2013

We’re mostly using the same bedroom furniture from our last house, but I wanted our room now to feel different and decided to give our plain white nightstands a quick makeover.

 

master bedroom

 

 

We have the Koppang nightstands from IKEA, but I saw these much pricier ones from Layla Grace and knew I could create a similar look with just a little effort.

 

How to make a $100 IKEA Koppang nighstand look like a $2600 Layla Grace Grammercy chest

 

 

 

In fact, I already had everything I needed—including a tube of Gold Leaf Rub ‘n Buff:

 

supplies

 

 

After I wiped down the surface, I just used my finger to apply the gold all the way around the top edge.

 

White and gold chest

 

 

Then, I started measuring and marking where the gold would outline each drawer:

 

nightstand makeover

 

 

painters tape

 

 

DIY nighstand makeover

 

 

I did all of the horizontal lines first, pulling off the tape as soon as I applied the gold to keep my lines clean.

 

painting bedside table

 

 

removing-tape

 

Once the horizontal lines were dry, I went back and did the vertical lines down the sides of the drawers.

 

I had previously changed the original hardware to some square chrome pulls (also found at IKEA), and sprayed them gold, as well.  I considered buying ring pulls to match the more expensive inspiration chest, but decided the spray paint gave them enough of a facelift (and saved me money. . .).

 

brass spray paint

 

 

To finish it off, I also taped off 1 1/2 inches on the bottom of the feet and applied the Rub ‘n Buff there, as well.

 

IKEA nightstand makeover before and after

 

 

master bedroom with white and gold chest

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Filed Under: bedrooms, DIY, our home, painted furniture

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Julie says

    September 9, 2013 at 12:51 pm

    Love it, Emily! Fabulous update!

    Reply
  2. Kate in Vienna says

    September 9, 2013 at 12:53 pm

    So clever! Looks great!

    Reply
  3. Crystal (theweekendhomemaker.com) says

    September 9, 2013 at 1:02 pm

    Love it! I thought you were going to show me how to break out a miter saw, etc. I’m so glad you went the easy route and still achieved a glamorous effect.

    Reply
    • Emily A. Clark says

      September 9, 2013 at 1:05 pm

      I can almost assure you that I’ll never break out a miter saw :)

      Reply
  4. Ashley says

    September 9, 2013 at 1:08 pm

    Great redo! No need to spend that extra $2,400!

    Reply
  5. Kathleen Mapson says

    September 9, 2013 at 1:11 pm

    This is so lovely Emily! It looks awesome! I love your site!

    Reply
  6. Playground Prepster says

    September 9, 2013 at 1:14 pm

    So impressive!! It looks great!

    Reply
  7. Gilli says

    September 9, 2013 at 1:23 pm

    As these the Koppang drawers? The hemnes 3 drawer are HUGE! It’s a beautiful update though, just may get tacked onto my very long to do list :)

    Reply
    • Emily A. Clark says

      September 9, 2013 at 1:39 pm

      Oh my goodness, Gilli! I’ve had them for so long that I got mixed up. Yes–and they were even cheaper than the Hemnes. Fixing my post now. Thank you!!

      Reply
  8. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    September 9, 2013 at 1:29 pm

    This looks amazing. I love this idea. I would love for you to link this up to my Inspire Me party this afternoon. This is such a fabulous idea and great tutorial. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  9. Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says

    September 9, 2013 at 1:37 pm

    Fantastic upgrade, Emily! Your nightstands have such a high-end look now!

    Reply
  10. Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says

    September 9, 2013 at 1:42 pm

    An amazing look for less!

    Reply
  11. Vel Criste says

    September 9, 2013 at 1:53 pm

    Emily, it looks fantastic!!!!! I actually added gold too to the lining of one of my canvas art prints in the kitchen and I love it! Gold really makes everything look classier !

    Reply
  12. Fletcher @ High Cotton Style says

    September 9, 2013 at 2:04 pm

    I love it! Looks great!!

    Reply
  13. the cape on the corner says

    September 9, 2013 at 2:04 pm

    so so good! that tube is inspiring many gold tinged projects, eh?

    Reply
  14. [email protected] says

    September 9, 2013 at 2:12 pm

    Looks great Emily :) Glad you could reuse something you already had xo Kristin

    Reply
  15. Mallory | Confetti and Stripes says

    September 9, 2013 at 2:14 pm

    They look great! Don’t you just love rub n buff

    Reply
  16. pam {simple details} says

    September 9, 2013 at 2:19 pm

    Love a gorgeous Ikea hack!! Do people really pay $2600 for a dresser? :)

    Reply
  17. Cheryl Luckett says

    September 9, 2013 at 2:30 pm

    Shut up! This is the second Rub n’ Buff nightstand update I’ve seen today. May be time to pull out my tubes.

    Reply
  18. [email protected] Pine Cones and Acorns says

    September 9, 2013 at 2:37 pm

    It looks fabulous!

    Reply
  19. Bette Creek says

    September 9, 2013 at 2:42 pm

    Beautiful. I wish i could find the Rub’nBUf here in Canada. I spray painted a mirror in Metallic gold too this weekend (it’s up on the blog now) and I love the look.

    Reply
  20. Kimber McGallagher says

    September 9, 2013 at 2:45 pm

    You’re so awesome! Looks outstanding.

    Reply
  21. René says

    September 9, 2013 at 2:51 pm

    I’m so glad you posted this! I was planning to do something similar to our nightstands and wasn’t sure which paint to use. They look great!

    Reply
  22. Jennifer Flores says

    September 9, 2013 at 2:58 pm

    Such a simple but effective change Emily! I think the gold feet are a nice touch.

    Reply
  23. Patty Day @Pattys Epiphanies says

    September 9, 2013 at 3:22 pm

    FABULOUS …..CAN’T BELIEVE THE OUTCOME…..SO, SO STRIKING

    Reply
  24. Courtney {a thoughtful place} says

    September 9, 2013 at 3:26 pm

    Girl, it looks great. What a difference. I love me sum rub n buff!

    Reply
  25. Nancy {at} powellbrower at home says

    September 9, 2013 at 3:31 pm

    so cute and so much more stylish! Way to go Em, your’e the best! Great great idea. Have a wonderful week.
    xo Nancy

    Reply
  26. [email protected] says

    September 9, 2013 at 3:45 pm

    I love this! Does Rub n’ Buff hold up well on laminate without priming first? That would be my one concern.

    Reply
    • Emily A. Clark says

      September 10, 2013 at 12:26 pm

      Mine have been finished for a few weeks, and so far so good. I was actually surprised at how well it took to the surface. Not sure how it would even do if you put it over a primer. Anyone else know?

      Reply
      • Ashley says

        August 13, 2015 at 9:38 am

        Curious to know how the rub and buff held up over the last 2 years. I am so loving the look but wondering about it’s ability to adhere to that typically slick Ikea surface.

        Reply
        • Emily Clark says

          August 13, 2015 at 12:38 pm

          The only part that has rubbed off a bit is the top corner by my side of the bed where little hands repeatedly grab to pull themselves up. :)

          Reply
  27. {Hi Sugarplum!} says

    September 9, 2013 at 4:09 pm

    Looks perfect!!! There’s nothing I won’t go after with rub n buff!! Is your finger still gold? ;)

    Reply
    • Emily A. Clark says

      September 10, 2013 at 12:26 pm

      Maybe… Is that bad?

      Reply
  28. Abby M. Interiors says

    September 9, 2013 at 4:22 pm

    Brilliant! I love them. I’m in desperate need of white nightstands and may try these ikea dressers on for size. Thanks Emily! xo

    Reply
  29. [email protected] says

    September 9, 2013 at 4:34 pm

    I love it! I have white ikea dressers that I was thinking about adding a painted wood trim on. I never considered painting right on the dresser. Good idea!

    Reply
  30. Rea T says

    September 9, 2013 at 4:35 pm

    awesome, i like projects like this emily! ♥ it!

    Reply
  31. Chaney @ May Richer Fuller Be says

    September 9, 2013 at 5:07 pm

    Those look LOVELY! I love that you had everything on hand too – aren’t those the best projects?

    Reply
  32. Carmel - Our Fifth House says

    September 9, 2013 at 5:53 pm

    I love rub ‘n buff so much I should probably have a Pinterest board just for rub n buff projects – ha! Love this makeover – looks so so great!

    Reply
  33. Erin says

    September 9, 2013 at 6:15 pm

    Love that stuff! Looks great!
    http://erinstaussdesign.co/

    Reply
  34. Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says

    September 9, 2013 at 6:20 pm

    No one would ever guess that is an Ikea piece! Beautiful, and I’m pinning!

    Reply
  35. Deanna Lowe says

    September 9, 2013 at 6:24 pm

    Beautiful! I think I need a tube of that gold stuff!

    Reply
  36. [elaine] says

    September 9, 2013 at 6:29 pm

    I’m totally scared of Rub ‘n Buff. Does it dry or stay “buffable”? I always imagine that it is more like a wax that you can wipe off. Emily, you may have convinced me to take the leap!

    Reply
    • Emily A. Clark says

      September 10, 2013 at 12:25 pm

      It dries really fast and I haven’t had any trouble with it rubbing off. I’ve had it on the nightstands for a few weeks now. I also used it on the corners of our coffee table, and so far, so good.

      Reply
  37. Diane Haynie says

    September 9, 2013 at 6:41 pm

    Love!

    Reply
  38. Helena - A Diary of Lovely says

    September 9, 2013 at 7:04 pm

    Emily this is amazing!! I’m saving it for future reference, I’m definitely going to give it a go whenever I need a new nigh stand!

    Reply
  39. Lisa says

    September 9, 2013 at 7:28 pm

    What a great makeover Emily. I’m pinning this one!

    Reply
  40. An Inviting Home says

    September 9, 2013 at 7:50 pm

    What a fun transformation and I love how little you had to spend and do to create this! I can’t wait to share it on facebook. Great job!

    ~Sarah

    Reply
  41. Jennifer Jones says

    September 9, 2013 at 8:10 pm

    You are such a smart cookie! Love how it turned out, so pretty and chic!

    xo!

    Reply
  42. marshallhousematters.com says

    September 9, 2013 at 11:07 pm

    Nice! Love that you chose gold for the accent color

    Reply
  43. Caroline Nolazco says

    September 9, 2013 at 11:28 pm

    What a lovely way to freshen and change up a space you see every day!

    Reply
  44. Chatfield Court says

    September 9, 2013 at 11:51 pm

    What a great transformation! Looks fresh and new. Thanks for sharing.

    Kristi

    Reply
  45. Linda {Calling it Home} says

    September 10, 2013 at 12:10 am

    Loooooooovvvvveeeeee TTTTHHHHHHIIIIISSSSS, enough said.

    Reply
  46. shirley says

    September 10, 2013 at 12:26 am

    Love it! Looks great!!

    Reply
  47. Kris @ Driven by Décor says

    September 10, 2013 at 1:03 am

    Stunning!! Now to see if I can convince my daughter to let me do this to her boring white MALM dresser…

    Reply
  48. House in the Heights says

    September 10, 2013 at 1:39 am

    The comparison to that Layla Grace chest is amazing! It looks gorgeous!!

    Emily

    Reply
  49. Julia Konya says

    September 10, 2013 at 1:54 am

    Ugh, you are killing me. Love this! I had them on my list before the summer started and they were out of them. I had even bought square gold knobs at Anthropology. You beet me to it and I love it!

    Reply
  50. Gwen, The Makerista says

    September 10, 2013 at 4:50 am

    Looks so great, Emily! You are so creative, yet practical. :)

    I have to ask, I’ve used rub and buff on lots of things, but I tend to have trouble getting an even finish on smooth surfaces. Do you actually rub it on with your finger? Or do you just dab it on? I’d love to know your technique for application, as this perfectionist has had some trouble getting a great look in the past.

    Reply
    • Emily A. Clark says

      September 10, 2013 at 12:24 pm

      I do just use my finger and rub it in. It’s not an exact smooth finish, but I’m not sure that’s what Rub ‘n Buff is suppose to do… I used the gold leaf so I was expecting it to be more of a an uneven metallic finish–which it is. I haven’t tried the other colors so I’m not sure how they do.

      Reply
    • Lauren (The Cottage Mix) says

      September 10, 2013 at 2:56 pm

      Holy cow! Wow! What a difference…looks amazing. You must me thrilled with your new nightstands

      Reply
  51. Amaco says

    September 10, 2013 at 3:23 pm

    Emily,

    Thanks so much for using AMACO’s Rub ‘n Buff product! We love to see how it works for furniture transformations. I’m going to post this on Facebook at Rub ‘n Buff Metallic Finishes, and link back to your site. Thanks again!

    Reply
    • Emily A. Clark says

      September 10, 2013 at 9:18 pm

      Thanks so much!

      Reply
  52. figtreesundays says

    September 10, 2013 at 3:47 pm

    Hey, that’s beautiful. Nice going. Don’t you love rub n’ buff??

    Reply
  53. Mrs. DeVore says

    September 10, 2013 at 6:50 pm

    Great makeover, what a difference a little gold makes!

    Reply
  54. Rita Crane @ craneconcept.blogspot.com says

    September 10, 2013 at 7:05 pm

    This is so awesome! I want to do this now! :)

    Reply
  55. SHERRY HART says

    September 10, 2013 at 10:30 pm

    Well…well…I am impressed. Is there nothing that rub n buff can’t make better….I doubt it! I love the gold accents.

    Reply
  56. dervla kelly says

    September 11, 2013 at 2:46 am

    yay you totally made that dresser sparkle…love this. So inspiring.

    Reply
  57. Anne {Almost Home} says

    September 11, 2013 at 4:15 am

    Your dressers look great!! I’m totally inspired! Thanks for sharing :)

    Reply
  58. Kayla Dixon says

    September 11, 2013 at 5:30 am

    Looks great, Emily! I love Rub and Buff! There’s so many things you can use it for!

    Blessings,
    Kayla

    Reply
  59. Katie Olthoff says

    September 16, 2013 at 12:06 pm

    Looks sooooo great with your sunburst mirror!

    Reply
  60. vl says

    September 24, 2013 at 8:14 pm

    Emily – that’s fantastic! The drawer pulls are perfect – better than the inspiration chest. Looking around for something to gold-up.

    Sheila

    Reply
  61. Cindy says

    July 21, 2014 at 12:23 pm

    Hi Emily! Great update, as usual.

    I have a question about the Koppang product. Do you like it? Are the drawers too shallow? We are considering getting two for our bedroom, but I’d love to hear your opinion first.

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      July 21, 2014 at 2:44 pm

      Cindy–the drawers are actually pretty deep. We’ve used them for the babies clothes (I still have to work on moving them out!) and they’ve worked perfectly.

      Reply
      • Cindy says

        July 21, 2014 at 3:10 pm

        Great, thanks for your reply!

        Reply
  62. Sarah says

    July 17, 2015 at 10:35 pm

    Oh my God, this is a great idea. Thanks for sharing this in the Internet. It looks very easy, cheap to make, and more important it looks elegant.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Golden Nightstand in 10 Bold Design Ideas - Rilane says:
    November 13, 2014 at 9:54 am

    […] Image Source: Emilly Clark […]

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