Friday, August 13, 2010

Dirty Little Secret....

I have a dirty little secret. These simple little covered night tables with their very clean lines started out life as one of these...


Nasty, I know.  But true.  I cleaned, sanded, and spray painted them using the last drop in more than one can and color of paint.  Waste not, want not.  It wasn't going to show anyway and wouldn't really bother anyone I know -- except maybe my mother.



I expanded the size of the top just a smidge because I wanted a little more space on top and because I needed the cover to drop down freely over the sides.   I glued a 1/2" piece of plywood the dimensions I wanted to the top using liquid nail and a small child to sit on it for a couple of hours while the glue dried.  Not really,  I used heavy books but I like the "small child" idea.





The topper was simple -- just four flaps cut to fit the four sides and 4 smaller flaps (mine are about 10" wide) cut to cover the corners.  I added the tiny bows to "cute" it up a little and to keep everything in place. 



All the extra storage comes in really handy.

So what's your secret?

*To see the parties I link to and to join in the fun, CLICK HERE!

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30 comments:

  1. Those are so cute! What a great idea:)

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  2. Storage and beauty all in one. I love the way you thought to add the top with the overhang so the handles wouldn't show.
    Traci

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  3. Now THAT is a clever idea! :) Beautiful fabric! The draping and tie is the perfect touch.

    Donna

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  4. What a genius idea! They really look very classy.

    Well done!

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  5. What a fantastic idea for a bedside table! You are right, that hidden storage would be great!!! Such a pretty way to add softness to the room with fabric. Are you going to add a tutorial on how to make the fabric cover?

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  6. Oh I think this is a beautiful little secret! Love that fabric you used, and you did a beautiful job making the covers. I LOVE this idea, and I'm so glad you shared this idea for Favorite Things Sat. Have a wonderful weekend. laurie

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  7. you are scary smart...well done...olive

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  8. good idea! I recently got a free filing cabinet that I'm now using for my bedside table, now I know how I can cover it!

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  9. Could you please tell me the name of the fabric you used? It is gorgeous!!! I have been looking for just the right fabric to make panels for my new family room, and I think this may be perfect. Thanks so much! Amy

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  10. I kept saying as I was reading and looking at the pictures, "this is a REALLY cool idea!" Bravo!

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  11. I really love the fabric you chose. It goes so well with your really cool headboard.

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  12. Well aren't you the clever one?! I need to do this very thing.

    -Rene

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  13. First off, they are gorgeous. Love the fabric and how you made the corners with the bows. Stunning look, and what wonderful storage too. Such a great idea. Thanks so much for linking to TTT. Hugs, Marty

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  14. Those look amazing! Who would have ever guessed a filing cabinet could look so good. You are so clever!

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  15. Love this idea!! I have a filing cabinet next to our computer desk and it is the ugliest thing ever but functional. I'm going to use your idea for sure! Where did you get the glass from? It looks like it fits perfectly, I wouldn't even know where to look for something like that...the only ones I've seen in stores were round.

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  16. @Jessica

    Hi, Jessica, I couldn't find an email address so I hope you check back here. I had my local glass shop cut the glass to fit. Just tell them the size and what you're using it for and they will know what to do! Good luck with your project!

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  17. How elegant. The fabric is gorgeous. You really know how to design and sew.

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  18. Hi Lindy...

    My friend, it's so good to have you for Sunday Favorites again this week...what a great post! Ohhh my gosh, I don't know why this idea never occurred to me before! Using a file cabinet for a bedside table is a GRAND idea! Ohhh...and yours turned out sooo beautifully! I love that pretty aqua fabric and I love how you designed the skipcover with flaps and the pretty ties!!! I will definitely be keeping this great tip in mind! Thank you so much for sharing it with us for Sunday Favorites!!! By the way...your bedroom is gorgeous!!!

    Warmest autumn wishes,
    Chari @Happy To Design

    PS...I kind of like the idea of using a small child too! wink!

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  19. I love it! My night stands and my "secret" are tha they are garbage cans with round toppers on them and table cloths. I use them to store winter coats when off season of summer clothes off season.

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  20. Neat idea - - - I still have one of those little file cabinets, but doubt I'm going to recycle it into a night stand - - - I just never seem to do any of those projects.

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  21. Hi Lindy...

    So happy to have you join up with our little Sunday Favorites repost party again this week, my friend!

    I just love this idea! Ohhh...and who would have ever guessed that an old metal file cabinet was the base for that fabulous looking night stand! Hehe! I really do love that fabric...it's so rich and elegant! And...I love how you used those pretty ties on the corner flaps! You're such a creative and talented lady, Lindy!!! Thank you for sharing this sweet post with us for Sunday Favorites!!!

    Warmest autumn wishes,
    Chari @Happy To Design

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  22. What a fantastic idea. I happen to have one of those old, ugly and battered filing cabinets in my basement and a guest room in need of a bedside table to hold the lamp.

    Plus, I think I have an extra panel from the bedroom drapes. Now where did I store it? Running down to the basement now. Bye.

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  23. LOVE it! And they look so darned cute!

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  24. Ohhhhh that's sneaky! And beautiful! What a neat way to actually store paperwork in a bedroom! Brilliant!

    Donna
    http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/

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