How we transformed a bulky thrifted piece of furniture into a chic modern-glam buffet with brass spray paint, new hardware, and removable grasscloth wallpaper
It always starts the same way: a classic thrifted furniture makeover, the Cinderella story of DIY. I’m a total sucker for an underdog piece—solid bones, nothing fancy, but full of potential. That’s exactly what I found on Facebook Marketplace a few weeks ago: not awful, just not my style. It was sturdy and well-built, so we decided it was worth the time, tools, and paint to give it new life.
Supplies used
Below are the tools and materials we used for this makeover. These are the types of items you’ll want on hand when tackling a similar project.
- Circular saw
- Power drill
- Power sander with medium-grit sanding pads
- Tack cloth and/or shop vac
- Wood filler
- Spray primer (stain-blocking)
- Fusion Mineral Paint in Picket Fence (white)
- 2″ angled sash brush for corners and tight spots
- Brass and frosted glass pulls
- Brass knobs
- Decorative furniture feet
- Rustoleum metallic gold spray paint (modern brass finish)
- Removable grasscloth wallpaper
The process
- We wanted to keep the buffet’s original height but slim down its silhouette. To do that, we removed the bottom boards. First we unscrewed the bottom boards where they attached to the cabinet.
- Then my partner ran a circular saw along the seam to cut off the buffet’s base, creating a cleaner, lighter profile.
- On the drawers we filled the old knob holes with wood filler and sanded them smooth once dry so the fronts would read as fresh, uninterrupted surfaces for the new hardware.
- After sanding, we cleaned off all dust with a tack cloth and a shop vac, then moved the piece outdoors to prime. Keeping the dust out of primer and paint makes a big difference in the finish.
- When painting white over dark wood, primer or a spray shellac stain blocker is important to prevent bleed-through and discoloration. We used a spray primer specifically for stain-blocking before applying the white paint.
- While the primer dried on the cabinet, I sprayed the furniture feet with my favorite modern brass spray paint to update the tone. The original gold hardware had a shinier, more yellow finish that didn’t suit the look we were after.
- Once the primer and paint on the feet were dry, we flipped the buffet on its back and attached the new feet to the corners of the base with a drill, giving the piece an elevated, more elegant stance.
- I applied two coats of Fusion Mineral Paint in Picket Fence across the entire piece for a crisp, durable finish. Mineral paints are forgiving and offer great coverage, so two coats gave the depth and uniformity we wanted.
- For the glass-front cabinet doors, we installed removable grasscloth wallpaper on the back side of the glass panels. Working slowly, we smoothed the paper from one edge and pressed out air bubbles with a wallpaper smoother for a clean textured look that also conceals contents.
- With the glass reinstalled and all hardware attached, the transformation was complete—fresh-looking, modern, and with a subtle glamour thanks to the brass accents and textured grasscloth.
The finished buffet really reads like a high-end designer version of the piece I used as inspiration. Total cost for the buffet, paint, pulls, knobs, and feet came to about $350—much less than a new piece with comparable style and quality.
One of the things I love about using removable grasscloth is its flexibility. If we ever decide we want to return to plain glass, the wallpaper comes off cleanly. For now, it adds subtle texture and helps conceal the items stored inside, keeping the buffet looking tidy and intentional.
Styling ideas
I’m still deciding how to style the top. A pair of buffet lamps brings height and balance, while a simple bowl or decorative tray can keep the look minimal. On some days I love the layered mirror gallery above it; other days I crave simplicity. For now it stays—and the piece feels cozier and more grounded underneath it.
We gave her a name—Betty White—because she feels spunky, classy, and timeless. If you’re intimidated by painting furniture, don’t be. Start with a small, solid piece and focus on prep: fill holes, sand, clean, prime, then paint. Good music and coffee make the process feel more like therapy than work.
If you enjoy thrifty furniture makeovers, there are plenty of other before-and-after projects to explore for inspiration. A beginner’s guide to painting furniture can also walk you through essential techniques and product recommendations to get started.
Whether you’re updating a thrifted buffet or refreshing a beloved hand-me-down, a few targeted changes—altering the silhouette, modern hardware, brass finishes, and textured panels—can elevate a piece from ordinary to statement furniture without breaking the bank.
