Modernizing an Old Fashioned Table

BEFORE

I was on the hunt for a bed side table for MONTHS, at first I thought I would go mirrored but the pieces I found lacked the curvy shape I was looking for, and the ones that did were out of my price range. So after searching high and  low I came upon a table that was BEAUTIFUL structurally but the cherry wood color made me gag. I budged on the table HAVING to be mirrored and I went down to home depot and picked up a can of Rustoleum Stainless Steel Paint. It's made with real stainless steel pigments so you get the great character of stainless steel on wood. I removed the 2 wood separators on the bottom to open the space, applied 3 coats and Voila! I took a pretty frumpy looking table and modernized it to fit in with my decor. I even have enough paint left over to paint picture frames and other tid-bits around the apartment.

AFTER

I *Heart* Walmart!

Anyone who knows me well KNOWS how much I LOVE Walmart. Most people don't take the time to look at their furniture because they think the pieces are cheap (which they are) and not very durable (which is true) BUT they are no more fragile then pieces you would find in Ikea, or West Elm. Actually you can find a lot of the signature pieces you would at both Ikea or West Elm at a FRACTION of the price at Walmart. for example...

The Parsons Desk...

West Elm's Parsons Desk - $299.00 (Shown in Chocolate)

Walmart's Parsons Desk - $49.00 (Shown in Rich Black)

Both have smooth sleek lines, similar design, and texture, BUT one is $149.00 cheaper. Having worked for furniture stores I can tell you the materials they are made from are the same, and will probably hold up for the same amount of time. Walmart's is a little smaller in design, but I think thats perfect for a New York apartment where you need all the space you can get...and at $49 you still have enough left over to complete the rest of your office area.