From dated table to chic dog bed/side table

Have you ever found yourself with a few extra days on your hands but instead of relaxing in the sun by the pool you just get that itch. The itch I am referring to is the itch to restore old furniture. There is just something about giving life to an old piece of furniture that would have otherwise been destroyed that is fulfilling.

 So this past weekend I had a few projects going on but one was my favorite: a side table dog bed. This was my first piece that I had done in a few years (I know a long time but time was just not on my side) but it was love at first sight and I just knew this table was for me. And luckily it was still there when i left without it the first time because The boyfriend couldn't see what I was able to see, but I just could stop thinking of this table. The next day I left early in the morning to pick it up.

After everything even he had to admit that it was a very nice looking piece of furniture (especially since it was for HIS puppy)

Steps:

So first I found an outdated side table for $20.00 on clearance at ReStore. This one was a steal but I have seen similar ones go for about 35 - 40. Then you have to remove the doors and hinges and sand the entire surface of the table. Proper sanding is important since it helps the primer and paint adhere to the wood properly. Once the table is sanded wipe it down with a wet cloth and let dry. Since I chose to paint it white i bought three cans of rustoleums paint and primer spray paint as white is notorious for requiring multiple coats. Finally spray the entire piece. Follow drying times specified on the can. I didn't have to wait as long because it was 105 that day and the paint dried in almost a quarter of the time. At this point the table should look like this:

I know I didn't specify this earlier but always remember to use either cardboard or drop cloth as well as protective gear when dealing with spray paint. Even while in a well ventilated area the fumes can be overwhelming. Now it is time for the fun part. While I initially wanted to put lace on the side a quick trip to Michael's had me changing my mind. When we went we both picked patterns and my choice won (yay). So last year I had made colorful coasters and I used the same principle here. I mod lodged the paper onto the inner squares on each side. (There was only four sides as the front doors were removed). Then I added five layers of polyurethane in order to waterproof and seal the paper to the side I case of spillage.  

Here is what the back side looked. I know that it wasn't necessary to do ten whole back but I am still unsure which side of the couch this will go on so better make it perfect all around. Just be careful of the polyurethane I had the boyfriend do it and he wasn't so careful with it and we got drippage. Now for the front just paint the interior and get a cute bed ( we are still waiting on the bed). Were were a bit crazy and added a ceiling light to the inside but since we live in earthquake country we validated it by saying it is for earthquakes but really I thought it was cute. Here is the almost finished product on the inside. All we have left is to add mini table legs to the sides like pillars and get a bed. Doesn't she look cute.