Don't Throw Out A Vintage TV Stand: Give It A Much Needed Transformation

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Your TV stand may be older than your home, but that doesn't mean that it's ready for retirement quite yet. A nice television stand is a great way to maximize your living space and change the focal point of a room. But what if you have an old TV stand that you want to modernize a bit while still keeping some of the vintage-style elements, like the textured wood grain and the retro knobs or pulls? Simply update the stand. You can transform your vintage stand into a fresh, on-trend furniture display in 24 hours by giving it a makeover with chalk paint, an acrylic back panel, and decorated shelving, along with a few other new-age touches.

The best part is you don't need a woodworking certification to do this upgrade. The supplies list for this project is pretty extensive. There are ways to substitute many items, but here's a general outline of what you'll need: A drill, rags, protective gloves and eyewear, two colors (a dark and light) of something like Vintiques Mineral and Chalk Paint, a kit like the Zonon Stencil Kit, LED cabinet lighting, a jigsaw (maybe), and an acrylic sheet. You'll also need a paint sprayer, paint brushes, a sponge, pliers, sanding paper, wood filler, a box cutter, wallpaper, and Gorilla Glue Clear Construction Adhesive. 

The most expensive items are the paint sprayer, drill, and jigsaw, all of which generally start at around $35-$50. The other items will typically range anywhere from $7 to $15 each. Don't worry — once you get started, you'll realize there are so many clever ways to repurpose a TV cabinet that choosing just one idea is actually the hard part.

First, put on your safety gloves and glasses before beginning this project. Start by cleaning the console to remove any dust, and use a degreaser if needed. Then, fill in cracks, holes, or dents with wood filler. Next, take your sander and go over the doors, removing any old varnish and stain. Use a small sander or sandpaper to get between any tiny sharp grooves. 

Prop the cabinet up on four cans and put a tarp down. Next, go over the cabinet's exterior and interior with your paint sprayer, using the dark paint. Fill in any small unpainted grooves manually with a paintbrush. Then, apply a light paint wash to the doors using the white paint. Top them off with a coat of wax for added protection. When they dry, apply your stencils with a small paint sponge. Next, carefully add the peel-and-stick wallpaper to the shelves, pressing it down firmly to remove air bubbles. The YouTuber above uses children's wallpaper to make the upcycled stand suitable for a baby's room, but you can pick any style that suits your desired final look. 

Once the cabinet's dry, remove the back panel with pliers. Then, measure your acrylic sheet to fit it. Next, use your box cutter to score the sheet on both sides. If you find yourself struggling with this step, use a jigsaw to cut it. Then, add a bead of adhesive along the back panel. Once it dries, place the TV stand upright. Add the LED light to the interior of the cabinet's ceiling. If needed, drill pilot holes into the bottom of the cabinet to mount new legs. You can also add a layer of polyurethane as a low-sheen topcoat.

Changing the color on the doors is one of the best ways to bring attention to your TV stand. Consider making it a contrasting color to the stand for a trendier vibe. Pick the perfect paint colors for the doors and the stand by finding ones that blend in with your room's main colors or complement them. And of course, you can always tone down the vintage appeal by swapping out the old-school hardware and adding new knobs or pulls. 

Adding trim to the top and bottom edges of the TV stand is another great way to give it a bit of character. And instead of white painted stencils, consider using gold or silver leaf sheets to create a sleek, upscale aesthetic. Bring in a more personal touch by replacing the TV stand's legs. However, don't just stick with boring everyday designs; try going for unique shapes or styles that stand out a bit. You can usually find these at local furniture specialty stores.