Nightstand Resuscitated

Patient diagnosis: Benign case of ugliness. Although it had a missing door and knobs, it boasted a sturdy structure and few dents.

 

Design triage: After a thorough cleaning, dents were repaired with body putty and the surface was lightly sanded. The cabinet perked up after a coat of primer (formulated to adhere to metal surfaces), two coats of enamel oil-base glossy paint, and three coats of waterborne polyurethane gloss varnish. Colorful fabric was cut 6 inches wider and 3 inches longer than the bottom opening and then divided in half to form two curtains with a 1/2-inch hem on all sides and a 2-inch rod pocket. Holes drilled in the cabinet's sides hold threaded eye hooks, which were then spanned with picture wire to hang the curtain panels. A quaint, frosted drawer knob added the final touch.

Expected recovery: Full. Strong color meds turned a depressed cabinet into an optimistic bedside stand cheery enough to brighten any morning.