Two Antique Re-do's: Nightstand + End Table

If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you might have seen these two antique tables I picked up at my local Goodwill recently. The two drawer nightstand still had the antique markings on the back - lucky finds for sure. They were both in great condition! 

I tackled the end table first. Here is the before. Sorry, blurry phone pic.

I mixed up some DIY chalk paint in "Cottage Linen" by Valspar, 

distressed it in natural places and finished it in Rustoleum's Java Glaze.

I loved the shape of that lower shelf. 

Here is a before pic of that antique nightstand. 

You might have noticed how similar it is to the Tiffany Blue dresser I refinished awhile back. 

Again, I refinished it in a DIY chalk paint in "La Fonda Mirage" by Valspar. 

I.LOVED.THIS.COLOR!

The DIY chalk paint I use distresses beautifully and dare I say, 

even better than ASCP {for me anyways}.

And because I sand in between coats, and give it a final finishing sand with a high grit, 

there are no streaks! 

Just a smooth, chalky, buttery finish!

This will be going in Hallie's new room at the end of the summer. She is our bright, cheerful and "sunny" child, so we will be doing LOTS of color in her new space. She's been helping me pick out colors, patterns and designs: pale aquas, corals and whites. 

We'll see how it all pans out! I just want it to reflect her. 

Have you tried a DIY chalk paint recipe? I'd HIGHLY recommend it! I really do love the ASCP products. But I find myself gravitating more and more to the DIY version - as do many of my favorite furniture refinishing bloggers. I anticipate going back and forth between the two {I still LOVE some of Annie's colors that you just can't replicate}, but when my hobby budget is lean, this is definitely the way to go! 

And for those wanting to know, this is the ONLY recipe I use, from this lovely gal:

Linked to Liz Marie Blog's "Paint It" Party! Go check out all the other fun painting projects for inspiration!