Shabby Chic End Tables with Raised Stenciling

I’m so excited to share this end table makeover with you today! These tables were old and worn, but with a pint of paint, and a lace stencil they were completely transformed into new beautiful shabby chic end tables with raised stenciling. I mean, come on! How about them drawers!?

Get more painted nightstand ideas here!

wood end tables with 2 drawers before painted makeover

Table of Contents

Supplies Used for shabby chic end tables with raised stenciling

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Prep End Tables for Paint

We started out by drilling a new hole for the new hardware and filling in the old hardware holes, then lightly sanding the whole piece. Learn more about how to prep furniture here.

How to Stencil End Tables with Raised Stenciling

I wanted to do something to add a little bit of character to the tables. I was easily able to do just that with a little bit of texture powder mixed with Dark Roast from Country Chic Paint.

Simply mix 1 part texture powder with 1 part paint to create a smooth peanut butter consistency. I only mixed up a few tablespoons of it, and still had extra when I was done.

That texture powder is some amazing stuff!!

mixing texture powder with dark roast brown paint

Applying Texture Powder to the Drawers

I removed the drawers and stood them up, so I was working on a flat surface.

Then I put some painters tape on one edge of my stencil (isn’t that lace stencil amazing?!?) to help keep it in place as I worked, and placed the stencil over the raised part of the drawer fronts.

I used a straight edge to spread a thin layer of texture powder over the stencil. Once it was spread evenly, I lifted up the stencil and worked on the next raised part of the drawer.

Check out how to stencil without bleeding here.

My stencil was a bit on the small side and didn’t cover the entire surface. When this happens it’s best to wash off the stencil, cover the bowl of texture powder and wait a few minutes to let the texture start to harden.

Otherwise, the raised texture that was just created can easily get smashed and ruined.

applying texture powder with lace stencil

If the texture gets ruined, simply grab a wet cloth and rub it off. I didn’t worry too much if the texture was smudged, as it isn’t too noticeable when painted over.

Once the first section was starting to dry, I matched the stencil up and spread a thin layer of texture powder over the second half of each of the raised surfaces. Then I let it all dry overnight.

Here’s another method for adding texture to furniture, check out my post about how to decoupage furniture with rice paper.

Paint and Distress Raised Stencil

The next day I painted them in the beautiful light grey, Lazy Linen from Country Chic Paint. Then I distressed the raised edges with 220 grit sandpaper and sealed with satin polyurethane.

Check out my honest and detailed Country Chic Paint Review here.

Learn ALL of my tips and tricks on how to spray polyurethane here! And learn all about the best topcoats for painting furniture here!

For the finishing touch, we replaced the old hardware with new crystal knobs.

It was so fun to add some extra character with this raised stencil technique, and it was super easy too! I loved that I didn’t have to be perfect with the texture because it just added more character to the pieces.

Check out more Shabby Chic Painted Furniture ideas here!

closeup of light gray painted nightstands with raised stenciling on drawers

full view of light gray painted nightstands with raised stenciling on drawers

More Before And After Makeovers

Click any of these “before” photos below to view the “after” of that makeover.