I’m always looking for affordable ways to infuse my personality into our home and update things to make them more me. One of my aunties gave me this blanket box to use as a glory box back when I was at high school. We’ve been using it as a coffee table but it was looking a little worn and the varnish was all chipping off. This easy blanket box makeover took about 2 hours and cost me less than $20. Perfect! 
See what I mean? Not so pretty. 
For this project I used:
- a standard paintbrush
- PAL small job paint in black gloss (find it here)
- teak wax
I started my sanding down the top really well with an electric sander. Initially I used the Renovator Multi Tool but progress was super slow. I switched to using a Bosch sander similar to this one using 180 grit sand paper. I sanded the sides too to remove the varnish and rough up the surface ready for painting. 
I then used 600 grit sandpaper make the top silky and smooth! I did this by hand. I did two coats of paint on the sides of the box and lightly sanded it once it was dry. This took away the intense gloss look and made it a bit more rustic. 
Once the top was sanded and smooth, I polished up the top with some teak wax and an old cloth. It warmed up the colour of the wood nicely and will protect it. 
Isn’t it gorgeous?! I love the contrast between the black sides and the warm timber on the lid. This was such an easy and quick makeover and made me wonder why I hadn’t done it sooner. 
Little details! Marble placemat from Kmart, concrete house is General Eclectic from Onceit, and reed diffuser is from Farmers.
I love how it came together so well! A perfect little makeover for our home. Let me know in comments below if you have any questions.
This turned out beautifully! Being newlyweds our families gave us a lot of furniture and I also love making it more me, my husband on the other hand keeps asking if I’ll ever stop painting everything lol
Exactly the same situation here! We currently have a painted dining chair in the bathroom because apparently its embarrassing to have your friends around to a white table and chairs? Haha I’m SLOWLY winning the ‘paint all the things’ challenge with my hubby.
This is awesome. I too have a glory box I’ve had forever. It too is being used as a coffee table, and with two kids and their inability to use coasters it is looking pretty sad. I have found this inspiring, and hope to (one day soon!!) perform miracles as you have done.
Thanks for the post! LOVE IT
I had adults come over and not use a coaster then I turn into Monica from Friends! Ha! Let me know how it goes! :)
This looks amazing Brittney – Well done. I would love a blanket box, especially if it looked like this! Love how the top turned out – love the natural wood look.
Thanks Charlene! Yes I love the natural look too! Such a big difference from the old icky stain that was on it. :)
Looks lovely, I’d love to be a bit more handy with things like this but have never done any DIY in my life. I always imagine it will be too expensive and not look great when finished, but this is quite inspiring :)
I had been putting off this little DIY for SO LONG. I honestly don’t know why because it took me less than two hours and went from my least favourite to my most favourite furniture piece in the house! Also, super cheap! Thanks for stopping by. :)
This is so cool! What a great idea! Love it :)
Thank you so much Jodine! :)
What a great job you have done! I love the contrast between the black and the wood. I would love to do something like this but I have never tried. I should just give it a go!
Thanks Karen! I am so in love with it!
What a great transformation! This is a treasured piece and you get to enjoy it all over again! The top looks fantastic, and I really like the contrast. Even more I love the way you styled it! From that gorgeous mirror to the nick-knacks on top, so pretty!
Thank you Nikki! I feel like I have a brand new furniture piece but barely paid anything for it. It’s great! You are always too kind with your comments! :)
Looks awesome! I agree timber and black make a good contrast.
Thanks so much Jim!