Shabby Chic Roll Top Desk
Well back to work tomorrow )-; I was really enjoyed my six weeks off. Since I wasn’t able to do anything strenuous, no vacuuming, no heavy lifting, etc. (My hubby made sure of that). So I was able to play on my computer, craft, and sit and paint till my heart was content. It was like a long vacation.
This is one of the projects that I just recently finished, a roll top desk that I picked up at a garage sale last summer for $5. I couldn’t pass it up; I have always wanted a roll top desk. The only thing wrong with it was on the bottom right side the trim was broke. That was no problem to fix.
old roll top before
Before new life
Once the trim was fixed, and the desk was cleaned up, and sanded, I used Annie Sloan antique white chalk paint. Once dry I applied a light distressing technique to give it an old, slightly worn appearance. Then I used Annie Sloan antiquing wax for protection and to give it a beautiful mellow antiquing matted finish.
Old Roll Top Gets A Redo
Lightly distressed roll top desk
I really love how it turned out. I thought about painting it a darker color, but decided to go for the light. What do you think?
Good job. Just bought a similar desk and I wanted to know about when the desk was made. Any ideas? Thanks
Thank you Rob! I am sorry but I haven’t no idea when it was made, I picked it up at a yard sale.
Linda I really love what you did with it. It looked so dated before with that dark color. I say chalk paint to the resue!
Thanks Mary! The chalk paint did wonders for the dark dated look from before. Love chalk paint 🙂
Much Much Better! Love it.
Thank you Carlene!
I’m glad I found this post. I have this exact same desk. Was ready to toss it…now, I will simply change it! Love the color scheme you chose.
Glad to have helped Reva, LOL. Thanks for stopping by!
I have almost the same desk. How did you paint the actual rolling bit? Paint brush? Also I can’t seem to get the dust that settled in there…. yuck!
Hi Alex! The rolling part wasn’t much fun to paint but I finally got her done. I did use a paintbrush. You can use a paintbrush to brush the dust out as well.
Beautiful! I have no idea what to do with mine. It’s GIANT and missing the bottom half. How on earth do you sand the roll top part??
Hi Mariella! The roll top was not fun to sand. I just did the best I could by folding the sandpaper and using sanding blocks. Mine had only been stained so it wasn’t to bad.
Great job! I’m in the process of redoing the same desk, and the one I got on the side of the road for free, is needing some TLC. you’re finished results gave me inspiration to give this one some time and good effort to get it looking good.
Thanks Will! Good look on your roll-top.