This thrifted arched shelf got a brand new look with paint (easy!) and pretty decorative transfers (so easy!).
Hello my wonderful friends! I hope you had a blessed weekend.
We worked on the condo again this past weekend and I’m so sore today. I need this whole week to recover to go back and even think about painting any more ceilings. haha
We are done except for a good second coat all around the main living area/kitchen. You might have seen the action over on Instagram. If you are not already, be sure to follow along over there so you can follow our beach condo remodel. I’ll be documenting the whole thing over there in my stories as we go and then of course when we are done here on the blog. (if you missed my latest update on our progress, you can see it >>> here)
But let’s talk about today…which is Trash To Treasure Transformation Tuesday. I can’t wait to share my latest from my last haul…
Looks like all I have left to do are a couple of baskets which I’ll share in the same post… and those awesome barstools (there are 4). I’m excited to get working on those.
What I still have to share is our master bedroom makeover (still working on it), the round thrift store table and chairs (finished) from my last haul, and our screen porch makeover. It’s all coming soon, I promise, but we have had so much going on with the condo and are doing tiny bits of each makeover here and there when we can get to them. So you’ll probably see them one right after another once we get them finished. Hopefully before the holidays! lol
Arched Floor Shelf Makeover with Paint & Transfers
I’m thrilled with how it turned out.
Here’s how it started…
I had it in my garage for weeks so it got a little dusty. I should’ve wiped it down first but hey, I was in a hurry to get rolling on it.
So first things first, I did wipe it down before I painted. AND decided to spray this one because I didn’t want to tackle all those sides, etc, etc.
And don’t ya know, the only photo I took was when I turned it upside down to make sure I covered all areas. Ha!
But I moved it right side up and sprayed, then left side and sprayed, etc. SO much easier than brush painting all of that.
Once it was dry, I lightly sanded to bring some of that dark wood back through all over.
Next, I applied the pretty script transfers. I’ve had these for a while and thought I’d used them on dresser drawer fronts but nope, they were perfect for this shelf.
Aren’t they perfect??
I love it.
After that was done, I applied two coats of my flat sealer (linked above) drying in between.
Did you see my mishap over on my Instagram stories yesterday?? Yes… I broke my pretty glass lamp (that I loved boo hoo!) when I was moving the dresser. I have only moved it this 5 gazillion times but this time I pushed a little too far before I unplugged…and there it went crashing as I looked on helpless. (I slide the dresser over so I can unplug it but slid it a tiny bit too far this time)
Oh well, maybe I can find another one. I am pretty sure I got it at TJ Maxx and have even seen more of them since but it’s been a while so not sure I’ll be able to find the exact one again.
Anyway, let’s talk pretty transfers.
I really love this one.
Close up…
And a close up of the distressing I did on the paint…
I adore old antique blue bottles and snatch them up whenever I come across them. Even though I am sure I have nowhere else to put any. haha I can’t help myself. :)
Do you collect anything?
This was a pretty easy makeover today. I will say those transfers were a little bit more work to transfer with all those small letters etc. But overall, simple.
Have you tried any of these transfers yet? They are so much fun and can add so much to a project.
PIN it to save it!
But wait! Don’t go yet! Hop on over and see what kind of makeovers these projects got… (links to each are below)
Love this makeover. You have taken this bookshelf from boring and plain to upscale and romantic. I adore the script transfer, and of course the white finish makes this piece so much sharper and the lighter color just makes you want to decorate with pretty glass vases, books, and pictures! You do some wonderful work!
This is beautiful. Love the transfers. They totally change this piece and so practical too. Would look lovely in a bathroom. Don’t worry about your lamp, you’ll find another one or…maybe one you like even better. I can’t wait to see what the finished condo looks like. I’ve already been to Denise’s and Christy’s blog….I’m so enjoying all the trash to treasures!
Perfect!! Of course you know I love the white and the transfers were meant for this piece! Too bad about the lamp…HomeGoods had a ton of gorgeous new lamps when I was in there the other day, so I’m sure you’ll find one to replace it! XOXO
What a beautiful new look, so fresh and updated in white and with the script! Sorry about your beautiful lamp, I hope you find a replacement that’s just right.
It doesn’t even look like the same piece! Amazing what a little paint can do and I love the transfers. And good to know I’m not the only one who sprays my pieces upside down! 😉💙💙
Nancy, I’m so sorry your lamp broke but the shelf is stunning! Rubbing those transfers must have taken forever… LOL. I can’t remember if you’re keeping this one? Maybe for the beach condo?
That was a very ugly shelf! You work miracles with your paint sprayer! The transfers are perfect and are just subtle enough so they don’t overpower the shelf. Sorry about the lamp! I finally found a lamp at a gift shop I loved for my end tables and then found the same lamp at an antique mall for 1/3 of the price. Then my sweet tornado (grandson) knocked one off! It is cracked but still in one piece so I am able to use it. Maybe you will find another lamp that you love even more. Have a great weekend!
She was a bumbling Bigfoot, now she’s a cultured Lady! What a wonderful transformation. Sad about your lamp. Mine looked like that from the movers! Plus many other things, as well!
Save the metal pieces, you might find a basket, old tea pot or some amazing vase on which to transform these pieces!
Looking at this piece again shows me that the transfers on the shelves REALLY did change it even more than I first noticed. It nuanced it in such a subtle way. Funny how so little adds so much!
The shelf looks like a completely different shelf!! So cute!! I love all your transformations!! Is there a quick way to get to all the projects in your “haul” picture? The one with all the items Xed out? I would love to see all the projects but I couldn’t find them all.
Yes, doesn’t it?! I couldn’t believe how much so. I think I’m going to try to keep this one. ;) And yes!! Sorry about that, I usually put all the links to each finished makeover in all the “haul’s” postings. I forgot on this one but I’ve gone back in and added it to this post (scroll all the way to the bottom of this post and you will find them). I will update all of the posts once I finish everything from this haul. (still have the barstools to do and baskets too) xo
First time on your site. So informative! The website is so easy to navigate. My 15-year old daughter is starting a little upcycling business and is so inspired by your ideas!
Awe, love that! Thank you for the kind words… and so happy your daughter is inspired by my projects here. Tell her I said good luck with her new venture and to have fun with it! xo
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What a perfect update, Nancy. It’s not only refreshed, but has texture and style too.
Thanks, Larissa! xo
Great job. Love. Two thumbs UP
Thank you, Colleen! xo
Love this makeover. You have taken this bookshelf from boring and plain to upscale and romantic. I adore the script transfer, and of course the white finish makes this piece so much sharper and the lighter color just makes you want to decorate with pretty glass vases, books, and pictures! You do some wonderful work!
Thank you, Barbara, very kind of you to say! :) xoxo
This is beautiful. Love the transfers. They totally change this piece and so practical too. Would look lovely in a bathroom. Don’t worry about your lamp, you’ll find another one or…maybe one you like even better. I can’t wait to see what the finished condo looks like. I’ve already been to Denise’s and Christy’s blog….I’m so enjoying all the trash to treasures!
Thank you, Kathy! Oh yes, this would be perfect in a bathroom. :) xoxo
Perfect!! Of course you know I love the white and the transfers were meant for this piece! Too bad about the lamp…HomeGoods had a ton of gorgeous new lamps when I was in there the other day, so I’m sure you’ll find one to replace it! XOXO
Yes, I do!! ;) I know, I was so bummed but it’s just a lamp!! xoxo
What a beautiful new look, so fresh and updated in white and with the script! Sorry about your beautiful lamp, I hope you find a replacement that’s just right.
Thank you, sweet Kaycee! xoxo
This turned out beautiful, love it.
Thank you, Christina :) xo
This is such a great transformation, so pretty!
Thanks, Sandra! It was a fun one to do! xo
It doesn’t even look like the same piece! Amazing what a little paint can do and I love the transfers. And good to know I’m not the only one who sprays my pieces upside down! 😉💙💙
I know, isn’t it crazy how much paint changes the look of something? And yes, of course, gotta get all those spots! lol
Loved your little shelf. LOVED that floor (wood-look tile/) underneath the tile. Name and brand….PLEASE!
Thanks, Leah! Here is the blog post all about the flooring for you. :) https://www.artsychicksrule.com/affordable-rustic-laminate-flooring/
I really like this one! Definitely unique!
Thanks, Rose!! Yes, I think so too!! xo
Nancy, I’m so sorry your lamp broke but the shelf is stunning! Rubbing those transfers must have taken forever… LOL. I can’t remember if you’re keeping this one? Maybe for the beach condo?
Thanks so much, Jen! Yes, that part was pretty time-consuming! lol I haven’t decided yet…maybe! xo
That was a very ugly shelf! You work miracles with your paint sprayer! The transfers are perfect and are just subtle enough so they don’t overpower the shelf. Sorry about the lamp! I finally found a lamp at a gift shop I loved for my end tables and then found the same lamp at an antique mall for 1/3 of the price. Then my sweet tornado (grandson) knocked one off! It is cracked but still in one piece so I am able to use it. Maybe you will find another lamp that you love even more. Have a great weekend!
Yes! It surely needed some love! Haha…poor lamp!! So happy you can still use it. I did find another..wait till you see it! ;) xoxo
She was a bumbling Bigfoot, now she’s a cultured Lady! What a wonderful transformation. Sad about your lamp. Mine looked like that from the movers! Plus many other things, as well!
Save the metal pieces, you might find a basket, old tea pot or some amazing vase on which to transform these pieces!
Yes, she was! lol Thank you so much. And that is a shame! I think I will save it just in case. :) xo
Looking at this piece again shows me that the transfers on the shelves REALLY did change it even more than I first noticed. It nuanced it in such a subtle way. Funny how so little adds so much!
I know, isn’t it?! :)
Like always! Amazing transformation!!
Thank you, Lily! xoxo
The shelf looks like a completely different shelf!! So cute!! I love all your transformations!! Is there a quick way to get to all the projects in your “haul” picture? The one with all the items Xed out? I would love to see all the projects but I couldn’t find them all.
Yes, doesn’t it?! I couldn’t believe how much so. I think I’m going to try to keep this one. ;) And yes!! Sorry about that, I usually put all the links to each finished makeover in all the “haul’s” postings. I forgot on this one but I’ve gone back in and added it to this post (scroll all the way to the bottom of this post and you will find them). I will update all of the posts once I finish everything from this haul. (still have the barstools to do and baskets too) xo
First time on your site. So informative! The website is so easy to navigate. My 15-year old daughter is starting a little upcycling business and is so inspired by your ideas!
Awe, love that! Thank you for the kind words… and so happy your daughter is inspired by my projects here. Tell her I said good luck with her new venture and to have fun with it! xo