Repurposing the side of an antique oak desk
Sometimes I find pieces I love at first sight, but have no idea what they are exactly. These mysterious “things” pop up in my antique hunting every now and then, and I’d like to share one I found recently with you!
When I first laid eyes on this 4 drawer “thing” on Facebook Marketplace, I knew I had to have it.
I pictured it propped up on caster wheels and painted in a chippy coat of Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint. My bid was accepted on Marketplace and I noticed the seller’s name was quite familiar. It took me a second or two to realize that I was buying from a fellow dealer at Morgantown Market!
After we laughed about it for a minute or two, I popped over to the seller’s house and picked up my new “thing”.
Figuring out what my new “thing” was
Once I got my 4 drawer find home, I set about figuring out what it was. The drawers were too shallow to be a filing cabinet. They had dividers in them here and there and the whole piece had a very desk-like feel to it. At almost 33 inches deep, it had to be a really BIG desk!
After doing some Googling, I found out that my piece was actually one side of an antique oak executive desk. Here’s a photo of one that is in tact to give you an idea of what my piece used to look like:
Once I was satisfied knowing what my piece was, I spent about an hour cleaning it out with my vacuum and some cleaning spray.
A bespoke blend of mms milk paint
After the piece was cleaned, I installed 4 caster wheels on the bottom. This would help the new owner move it around more easily.
The finish on the piece was weathered and worn. I knew I wanted a chippy paint finish, so I did not scuff sand the piece at all in preparation. All I did was clean it off.
For my color of choice, I mixed up a custom blend of equal parts Boxwood and Artissimo by Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint.
This combination makes a lovely jewel tone green that is quite beautiful on the right piece. I used it on this French Provincial Dresser/Buffet.
I knew this combination would look lovely on my desk side too!
If you ever struggle with knowing which paint product to use on a piece of your own, you may find this blog post helpful!
The reveal
The Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint chipped to perfection across my piece and I sealed it with Hemp Oil for a natural finish.
Isn’t it so cute? Those caster wheels add a nice industrial touch. Plus, they’re practical for moving the piece around.
Like I said, the piece chipped to perfection! This is a look that only Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint can do. This finish is authentically aged and looks like it’s always been a part of the piece.
To add something special to the drawers, I lined them with vintage sheet music from a 1970’s hymnal I had on hand.
I like using sheet music as drawer liner and decoupage material. It adds an artsy touch, in my opinion. To see more sheet music projects, visit these blog posts.
This piece is currently available if you’re interested. You can read all about it’s details on my online shop listing. If you’re local to Southeastern Pennsylvania, you can pick it up locally. We also offer delivery within a certain radius. For those living further away, white glove shipping is available. Inquire with me for a quote!
Looking for another Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint Bespoke color for inspiration? Take a look at this Bespoke Empire Dresser!
