Rast Nightstand Makeover

I’ve been searching for the perfect pair of nightstands since I moved to Chicago last August. The mirrored nightstands I REALLY wanted were off the table as my boyfriend said they were “too girly” and since he never has an opinion as far as home decor goes, I decided to honor his wishes just this *once* (it’s all about picking your battles, ladies).

Other options I found were either cheap, not cheap but looked cheap, or perfect but unaffordable ( I’m looking at you Z Gallerie).

I then lost a whole day of my life when I discovered this whole “Ikea Hack” movement on Pinterest, where people completely makeover the crap out of Ikea furniture. Specifically, there were SO many amazing DIY rast nightstand makeovers. 

*Lightbulb*...I knew I could totally do a rast nightstand makeover of my own and get the perfect pair of nightstands I had been craving: bright, chic, modern & lux!

On my Nightstand: Threshold Lamp | Bath & Body Pillow Mist | Bath & Body Works Lavender Chamomile Lotion. 

In total, the entire project cost well under $200 for TWO nightstands.  The rast dressers were only $35 each and made of solid wood, so they were a GREAT buy! The hardware was $68, the marble tops $20 each and paint/supplies another $50.

I think investing in quality hardware really elevates this piece of furniture and the marble top just works SO well!

This project was SUCH a labor of love but I was able to execute my vision.  I mean listen, the closest I’ve ever come to even touching a drill, is the little tool the nail lady uses to remove my gel mani’s, ok. If I can do it, YOU CAN DO IT!

I’ve outlined my exact process below for the rast nightstand makeover–feel free to reach out with Qs and I hope to see some of your Ikea hacks!!

Supplies:
2 Ikea Rast Dressers
Benjamin Moore Paint in “White Dove”
Square, brushed bronze drawer pulls
4, 12 x 14 Marble Tops (This fit the tops of the rast nightstands perfectly. Input 4 for quantity as it goes by sq. ft. You will receive TWO marble tops.). Similar marble top here as well.
Sandpaper
Paintbrush
Wood Filler
Putty Knife
Drill

Directions:
1. Assemble the Ikea Rast nightstands (try not to break up with your boyfriend in the process–seriously why is Ikea furniture so ridiculous to put together?!).
2. Using the wood filler and a putty knife, patch up the existing hardware holes. Once the wood filler is dry ( I waited 2 hours), sand the holes so that the entire surface is even again.
3. Wipe down the nightstands with a damp cloth and add 2 coats of primer.
4. Paint the rast nightstands in your color of choice. I did 2 coats of Benjamin Moore’s “White Dove”.
5. Measure and drill holes for new hardware. Then install the hardware using a screwdriver.
6. Place the marble top on top of the nightstand and voila! I didn’t glue my marble tops down as they are heavy enough to stay put and who knows, I may get the urge to change it later!