How To Quickly Revive an Old Desk: A Simple DIY That Makes a Big Difference
We all have that one piece of furniture collecting dust or blending into the background—and for me, it was an old IKEA desk I had tucked away for years. It was still functional, but let’s be honest: it looked tired, worn out, and completely uninspired. I knew it had more potential, so I gave it a quick refresh that turned it from plain and practical to stylish and eye-catching. If you’re looking for a fast and budget-friendly way to breathe new life into your desk, this post will walk you through exactly what I did—so you can do it too.
Supplies
Old desk
Behr Paint & Primer All In One (Gray)
Directions:
Remove any hardware from desk and drawers.
Using sander (220 grit used - see video) sand entire surface.
Clean the surface thoroughly (use a tack cloth or microfiber cloth for this).
Time to paint the desk - color of your choice - using a paint and primer in one can save time and money. Foam rollers are helpful when doing this type of project. Paint entire item and allow to dry completely and apply another coat if needed. Allow to dry.
Using metallic spray paint, paint the hardware - allow to dry.
Using Painter’s Tape outline where trim accent paint will be applied. Outline the legs for a faux metal leg look (see video) - measure and mark each leg for a symmetrical look.
Using tape and paper cover the desk so that the spray accent paint does not go anywhere that you do not want it to go.
Spray outside in a well-ventilated area - allow to dry. Recoat if needed. REMEMBER - patience with light, even coats. When dry remove all tape etc.
When dry reattach any hardware.
FANTASTIC! ENJOY this easy, expensive looking, updated desk. Be creative. Make your space your own.
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