Small Side Table With Character & Charm

This small side table makeover was an easy one. It is actually a step ladder, but I would use it as a side table in our home. 

In our home, I have had to come up with creative ways to decorate and make it functional for our needs. The rooms in our home aren’t huge at all, but by thinking outside of the box, I have been able to make each space beautiful and full of charm and character. 

This small side table makeover is one of those “creative” decorating ideas. 

I have used all kinds of things as side tables in our home. I put a vintage stool with an old suitcase on top next to my side of our bed. An old tall bar stool is in the back porch next to the sofa to serve as a side table. This little step-ladder was destined to be a small side table when I saw it at a yard sale. 

It was pretty grimy when I found it, but it was old and full of charm so I had to bring it home.

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I wanted to make this step-ladder lighter, but not white. “Dried Sage” from Dixie Belle Paint is the color I chose. I thought this color was going to be a bit more green, but it isn’t. I used my Zibra Fan Brush on this ladder. 

They have different brushes for every project you have. I finally found a paint brush company that understands the work I am doing and has a brush for it all. If you haven’t checked out Zibra, head HERE to pick up the only paint brush you will buy again. 

After I had two coats of the paint on the step-ladder, I wanted to rough it up a bit. I used my orbital sander to rough it up and add more character to it. Then, I rubbed antique wax all over the ladder to deepen the color and make it look a little more aged. (Make sure you are following me on Instagram HERE where I show behind the scenes looks into these projects as I am doing them.) The outcome was exactly what I was looking for. 

This ladder is sturdy, but old so the front part isn’t very straight. We would never use it as a ladder anymore, but it makes a perfect small side table!

I love taking something that can’t be used for what it was made initially and turning it into something very useful again. You just have to look past the patina or main function of a piece sometimes and rethink what else you can do with it. 

I love that the steps and the top add three different surfaces to set things and since it is just a step-ladder, it is small enough to fit in small spaces. 

If you are looking for a small side table for a space in your home, don’t just look at the “table” aisle in a furniture store. Head to your local thrift stores or yard sales. Keep an open mind about what you are looking for. Have a size in mind and see what stands out to you that may not be a traditional “side table” but would definitely fit the bill. If you decorate your home this way, it will be full of charm and character. You will have the best stories about the pieces you have cultivated!

AND…. if it needs a makeover and a new paint job, you must get yourself a Zibra paint brush to get the job done. It will be the best investment you make for all your DIY painting jobs. We have used them in all of our flip house projects and on every smaller project in between. The brushes are a game changer!!

I would love to know if you have any pieces in your home that you use other than what they were made for. Comment below and tell me what they are. I need some new ideas for our home.

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If you liked this small side table makeover, you will also love these projects:

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Large Square Coffee Table Makeover

Antique Chest Of Drawers Makeover