Antique Side Table in Warm White Milk Paint

From Gilded to Grounded: A Standing Jewelry Armoire's Dark Moody Transformation

Sometimes, a "bright and airy" makeover just doesn’t fit the vibe. I found this standing jewelry armoire after it had already been given a white and gold facelift by someone else, but it felt a bit too "glam" for many people. I knew it had the potential to be something much more sophisticated, mysterious, and—of course— moody . In this tutorial, I’m taking you through the process of retaining some of the previous DIY and layering on a deep, velvety dark green finish. We’ll be leaning into those shadows, highlighting the unique curved silhouette. Whether you're looking to tone down a piece that's "too bright" or you're ready to embrace the dark academia aesthetic, here is how I turned a high-contrast piece into a seamless, moody masterpiece.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE antique furniture pieces. This sweet little side table looks adorable updated in warm white milk paint don't you think?

Through the years the stain had faded around perhaps a doily along with dings and a few burn like marks.

In typical antique wear and tear the top is not level but hat only adds to the quirky character of the piece.

All my pieces start with a deep scrub using warm water, dish soap and some TSP.

The top was then power sanded smooth with my Dewalt orbital sander and Zinsser Bull's Eye spray shellac sprayed all over to reseal the top for an even painted surface. It also stops any bleed thru these old stains may cause once painted.

I chose Shackteau Interiors milk paint in sand for the color of this piece. See the kettle cove green used on this gorgeous waterfall vanity.

It is a warm white that I think will be perfect for this little table. Below is the first coat brushed on.

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And here is the third coat applied. Once dry it was sponge sanded smooth with allowed the milk paint to chip where it wanted leaving the perfect antique finish.

To seal the milk paint I chose Fusion Mineral Paint clear wax then used Fusion's ageing wax in the nooks and crannies and edges to keep the antique feel to the piece.