How to upcycle a bedside table

This simple decoupage technique is a great way to learn how to upcycle a bedside table

How to upcycle a bedside table

This simple decoupage technique is a great way to learn how to upcycle a bedside table or any other worn out pieces of furniture you have around the house

Learn how to upcycle a bedside table by turning a tired and worn out piece of furniture into a bold and impressive decoupage project.

For even more upcycling inspiration, take a look at these map projects and wallpaper crafts.

Or for something a little more challenging, ditch the paper for these vintage-look painting effects to use on your next piece of furniture.

To upcycle a bedside table you will need:

  • Bedside table – we found ours in our local Emmaus charity shop
  • Sandpaper and cork sanding block
  • Wood filler and filler knife
  • Cloth
  • Furniture primer
  • Chalk paint
  • Decoupage paper
  • Decorative drawer knob
  • Paintbrush
  • PVA glue
  • Matte finish Mod Podge
  • Ruler and pencil
  • Pin or skewer

For craft supplies, check out John Lewis & Partners

Take a worn out bedside table

How to prepare a bedside table:

1. Remove the old knob and drawers from the bedside table. Using some sandpaper and a sanding block, remove any paint and smooth out any chips on the surface. Don’t forget to do the drawer too.

2. With the wood filler and filler knife, fill any holes or indentations in the surface. Allow to dry completely and then sand away any excess filler.

3. Remove dust from the bedside table with a slightly damp cloth.

Replace the bedside table knob

How to upcycle a bedside table:

1. Prime and then paint the bedside table and drawer, following the manufacturer’s instructions for the amount of coats and finishing techniques. Allow the dry completely.

To upcycle the bedside table add a fresh coat of paint

2. Measure the drawer front and base, and transfer the dimensions to the reverse of the decorative paper.

3. Apply the PVA glue to the surfaces to be decoupaged and leave to go tacky for a couple of minutes. Position the paper over the top and push down to secure. Keep an eye on the paper as it dries to remove any wrinkles in the paper that might appear.

Add some floral decoupage papers

4. Once dry, apply a coat of matte Mod Podge over the top. Allow to dry.

5. Using a pin or skewer, push a hole into the decoupage paper on the drawer front where the previous knob was. Screw the new knob onto the drawer front and replace the drawer in the bedside table.

Add a matching drawer knob

Esme Clemo
Craft Writer

Esme is Future's resident craft expert, working across titles such as GoodTo, Woman&Home, Woman’s Weekly, Woman, Woman’s Own, Chat, Now, Pick Me Up and The Craft Network. Successfully turning her sewing hobby into a career, she's adept in a number of crafts, including sewing, papercraft, calligraphy, embroidery and printing.