Most people would have focused on cracked mirrors and peeling finishes. Instagram creator @shellychicboutique Focused on the nightstand below.
Instead of restoring the original design, she replaced the damaged mirror panel with woven cane and used fake wood techniques to create a completely different look. By the end of the makeover, the nightstands reflect two of today’s most popular furniture trends while bearing little resemblance to the pieces she started with.
Scratches, chips, and cracked mirrors make nightstands easy to overlook
The original nightstand featured a black finish, mirrored drawer fronts and simple framed details. Visible scratches remain on the top and edges from years of use.
Matching proportions and sturdy construction remained hidden beneath the damage. Most shoppers would have focused on the worn finish rather than the furniture itself.
Closer inspection revealed more serious problems. Large areas of finish were chipped away from one top surface while multiple drawer mirrors showed extensive cracking.
Furniture with this level of visible wear is often passed over because the repair appears larger than it actually is.
A drawer front showed large cracks spanning the mirror surface. Such damage often convinces people that the furniture is beyond repair.
Instead of replacing the mirrors with new glass, Shelley used the problem as an opportunity to completely change the design.
Neutral paint replaced the worn black finish
Using a spray gun, Shelley covered the nightstand with a soft beige paint that completely hides the scratched black finish. Smooth, even coverage gives furniture a cleaner and more refined look.
A fresh base coat changed the look almost instantly. It also provides the perfect foundation for the faux wood treatment that will later give the nightstands their natural wood look.
Faux wood techniques began to replace the painted look
With the base coat dry, Shelley began to create a faux wood finish using several brushes and darker glazes. Longer brush strokes create grain-like patterns while additional brushes soften and blend the texture.
Layering different tones and brush techniques adds depth that flat paint can’t provide. As the grain developed, the nightstand began to resemble stained wood rather than painted furniture.
Kane panels replaced the broken mirrors
Sheets of cane netting were cut and attached to the backing panels to fit the drawer openings. Once installed, woven inserts completely hide damaged mirrors and change the look of furniture.
Cane is a constant feature in designer collections as it adds texture to furniture without overwhelming it. Swapping mirrors for canes transformed the nightstand from a dated design to a piece that aligns with one of today’s most popular furniture trends.
Faux wood and cane completely transformed the nightstand
Warm wood tones replaced dark painted finishes while woven cane inserts replaced damaged mirror panels. Updated pulls completed the conversion and helped tie the content together.
The combination of wood-look finishes and cane details moved the nightstands away from their original mirrored style and towards a more current-looking look.
What once looked dated and damaged now resembles the type of furniture typically found in high-end retail collections. Few elements changed the look more than replacing the reflective mirror panels with textured cane.
Designer-looking nightstands would have been discarded by most of the furniture
A before and after comparison shows how much has changed. Damaged mirrors, peeling paint and years of wear gave way to textured cane facades, natural-looking wood tones and updated hardware.
Projects like these show why thrift store finds, Facebook Marketplace purchases, and even curbside furniture are worth a second look. A few thoughtful updates can turn overlooked pieces into furniture that reflects today’s hottest design trends.
All image credits go to the Instagram creator: @shellychicboutique.
