Updating a Thrifted Sideboard

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I have spent many fruitless hours hunting for the perfect sideboard for the little nook behind my desk. I searched all of my favorite online retailers and hit up lots of local shops to no avail. I just couldn’t find what I was looking for at a price I was willing to pay.

Lo and behold, last week I struck gold at a thrift furniture store just a few blocks from my apartment. The shop is Pittsburgh Furniture Company, and I have been stalking it weekly for pieces to decorate my space. The store focuses mostly on mid-century style pieces, which I love, however they do have other styles from time to time. (Plus, their prices are always great!)

Tips for updating a thrifted mid-centruy sideboard with new drawer pulls. | Inspired by Charm

If you’re a thrifter, you know that it’s all about patience. Even though patience is not my strong suit, my waiting paid off when I found this piece.

Not only is it the perfect size, but the style is great in my office. The drawers give me plenty of room to store office supplies, and the open shelving provides a place for my printer and a few decorative accessories and books. Score!

Tips for updating a thrifted mid-centruy sideboard with new drawer pulls. | Inspired by Charm

The other thing that sold me on this piece was its price: $275 (plus $20 for in-home delivery). I bought it within five minutes of spotting it, and it was delivered the following morning.

Now, you might have wondered about the not-so-great drawer pulls.

Tips for updating a thrifted mid-centruy sideboard with new drawer pulls. | Inspired by Charm

At some point, the pulls were swapped out for brushed nickel art deco style ones. Why? Your guess is as good as mine. New holes were drilled to fit the new handles, but unfortunately, the holes for the previous pulls were still visible.

Side note: When thrifting, it’s important to keep an open mind and remember that certain things can be easily changed to make a piece you love better suit your space and style.

Knowing that the pulls needed to be changed, I did a quick search online for new ones to fit my piece and hopefully cover up those unsightly holes.

I got lucky and found the perfect solution at CB2 with their Pause Brass Pulls.

Tips for updating a thrifted mid-centruy sideboard with new drawer pulls. | Inspired by Charm

These were ideal for several reasons. First, the brass finish and overall style are a nice complement to the sideboard. Second, the solid handle covers the old holes, and third, the comma-inspired shape that’s apparent on the side of the handle is a fun touch in an office.

Switching up handles, knobs, and pulls on a piece of furniture is one of the easiest ways to update or change its look. If you’re new to this process, just be sure to measure first to ensure that the new ones will fit.

Then, simply unscrew the old handles and screw on the new. Voila!

Tips for updating a thrifted mid-centruy sideboard with new drawer pulls. | Inspired by Charm

Tips for updating a thrifted mid-centruy sideboard with new drawer pulls. | Inspired by Charm

Tips for updating a thrifted mid-centruy sideboard with new drawer pulls. | Inspired by Charm

Talk about a big change, right?

I couldn’t be happier with this piece and how it works and looks in my space. To get it all for under $350 made my thrifter heart sing.

Tips for updating a thrifted mid-centruy sideboard with new drawer pulls. | Inspired by Charm

Tips for updating a thrifted mid-centruy sideboard with new drawer pulls. | Inspired by Charm

Now I’m looking forward to styling it with art and lamps. I may even do some sort of feature wall behind it. Time will tell.

Tips for updating a thrifted mid-centruy sideboard with new drawer pulls. | Inspired by Charm

Tips for updating a thrifted mid-centruy sideboard with new drawer pulls. | Inspired by Charm

Whatever I decide, I’m enjoying the process of shopping for and decorating my new space. In case you missed any of my previous finds, you can check out all of my apartment decorating adventures here.

Tips for updating a thrifted mid-centruy sideboard with new drawer pulls. | Inspired by Charm

I hope my latest thrifting story has inspired you. What items are you on the hunt for? What goodies have you picked up lately?

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14 Comments

  1. You certainly got lucky with that piece. It’s gorgeous! And the new pulls are perfect.
    I’m currently working on the guest bedroom. I’m trying to find nightstands & a dresser. And you’re right…it takes patience.

  2. First of all, I love your piece of furniture. Quite stylish. How is the finish on it? Looks pretty good.

    Second, the plant. I didn’t know it’s name, but in my family, we’ve always called it “The Andrew Sisters” because it always comes in threes. I think my cousin gave it that name.

    Best wishes as you settle in to your new home.

    1. The finish is pretty good. It’s vintage so it’s not perfect, but the store where I purchased it refinished the top and touched up some other areas. Works for me!

      xo Michael

    1. Thank you! I’ll have to get back to you. The place I bought it told me and now I totally forget. It’s an obscure plant name. Give me a couple days. Thanks!

      xo Michael