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A Nautical Shelf (Before & After)

“Our memories of the ocean will linger on, long after our footprints in the sand are gone.”
– Anonymous

As many of you know, I love all things beach.  Both my boys have nautical rooms.  You’ve seen some photos of Conor’s room already and John’s is done in red, blue and ticking stripe.  I have a few more things to paint in his room and then I’ll be doing a big reveal.

So when a friend showed me a book shelf she wanted spiffed up and said she wanted something nautical, I had the perfect picture in my mind.

Here is how it came out:

Nautical Book Shelf (After)

She really loved John’s union flag bureau and I thought this same color combination would work great in her boys’ bedroom, which has a nautical theme.

You may want to see the before picture.  She picked this treasure up at a yard sale and it has sat in the garage for several years.  Here is what it looked like before:

Before

There were knots shining through everywhere and it needed a good clean:

Before I even started to paint, I washed the whole piece down.  I first washed it with mineral spirits then denatured alcohol and rinsed with warm water.  Once it was dry, I took Zinsser Bulls Eye Odorless Primer and spot primed all the knots.

The whole piece got several coats of ASCP in Old White.

Then I did several coats of Emperor’s Silk on the two sides of the book shelf.  Beautiful Napoleonic Blue for the oar and detailing at the top.  I simply love that navy blue.  So beautiful.

Gorgeous Napoleonic Blue

Two coats of clear wax and then buffed for a high gloss.  Oh, and I stenciled a lighthouse on the oar.  It just needed something.

Lighthouse Stencil by Martha Stewart

Here is the finished book shelf:

After

From the side:

After

Oh, and I forgot to show you a really fun feature.  The wooden door opens and it becomes a desk!

Nautical Bookshelf (After)

Isn’t that cool?  I can’t wait to hear what her boys thought of their new ocean inspired piece of furniture.  So happy to help revive this, especially with a nautical twist.

Linking to:

{Primp}French Country CottageFunky Junk's Sat Nite SpecialtoomuchtimeTip Junkie handmade projectsMiss Mustard Seed's Creative BlogHome Stories A2Z

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Jessica Bruno
11 years ago

I love that navy blue also. I have a little sample size that I got from Nancy and I can’t believe I still have some left! That is cool how it folds down to a desk and the oar is the leg! Love it 🙂

pam {simple details}
11 years ago

Too cute! Love the surprise desk, I’m sure any little guy would think that is very cool! 🙂

fiona anderson
11 years ago

I was wondering what the oar was for too – it’s such a cute little cupboard, and even better, now that YOU’VE been working on it Danielle.

Deanne
11 years ago

What a cool piece of furniture, you have really improved it!

Erika
11 years ago

I am sure the boys will love it, it is wonderful, turned out really well, like professional. Congratulations, it’s an inspiring piece.

Danielle
11 years ago
Reply to  Erika

Thanks, Erika! So kind of you.

Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.

Very cool! I love the nautical feel!

Printabelle
11 years ago

It turned out so nice! I’d love for you to add it on my link party at: http://printabelle.com/?p=4459 Thanks!

Marie
11 years ago

Looks great! You did a wonderful job…..I wouldn’t have the patience for all that, but it looks like it was well worth it. So much brighter and so cheery!

Danielle
11 years ago
Reply to  Marie

Marie, thanks so much for your lovely comment. I’m really happy with how it turned out. Just looks so much cleaner and bright. My friend is really happy with it too!

Printabelle
11 years ago

Thanks for linking! My son would love this, nice work!