So a few days ago I was standing in our living room and just feeling blah about everything. Do you ever have those days? You’re just tired of looking at the same stuff everyday and it all feels really boring? That’s how I was feeling about our living room. And I’ve been feeling this way for a while. It’s a small space, so I’ve always felt a bit limited in terms of what I can do in this room. But one area in particular was driving me absolutely nuts and that was the TV stand and the wall behind it. It’s always been a struggle for me to decorate this spot above our TV and I’ve honestly never come up with anything I loved. So I was in the middle of telling my husband I wanted to get a new TV stand, change all the things, and re-do the entire living room when I realized I sounded ridiculous. I needed to slow my roll, take a deep breath, and do what I could without spending tons of money. After a bit of brainstorming I decided to do an easy farmhouse style makeover on our TV stand and start completely fresh with the wall decor. I’m excited to show you what I came up with today!
Ok, here’s how things were looking when I started. Totally blah, right? And dusty. Please don’t look too closely. This TV stand has actually been with us from our very first house, so it’s least 8 years old now. It was a dark brown when we got it, but I painted it white a few years ago. My main issue was that it just felt really bulky and heavy in this space. Like I said, it’s a small room, and I feel like this guy was just adding a lot of weight. Does the make sense? I wanted to open this up and give it more of a farmhouse feel.
The first step was removing the hardware. This is the original hardware that came with the TV stand. It has a very rustic, country vibe that I just wasn’t digging. Next up I took the doors off!
With the doors and hardware off I literally sat and stared at this thing for about an hour trying to decide what to do next. I ran through several different ideas, all of which required a lot more effort and money than I was willing to put in. Just being real with you guys here! Since my main motivation was to keep this makeover cheap and easy, I decided my best bet was to paint the inside of the cabinet to give it a brighter look.
Here’s the first coat of paint on the inside. I ended up doing three coats and also painted the little shelves in the middle. I filled the holes left from the doors with simple wall putty, which worked really well. Next I added new hardware and this is the finished look:
With the doors off I knew I needed to find a new storage solution. My kids have a gazillion toys that need to be tucked away and out of sight, so I knew I couldn’t just leave these cubbies open with toys crammed in them. Thankfully I found this pair of awesome farmhouse style wire baskets from Hobby Lobby. They were the perfect fit. BOOM.
I also found the hardware at Hobby Lobby. Of course I had to go with something that had a vintage, antique vibe.
After I had the TV stand done I took everything off the wall and started fresh. I honestly pulled things from my house to spruce this area up. The frames, Our Nest sign, the hanging wire baskets–I had it all sitting around. I was actually getting ready to put those wire baskets in storage because I couldn’t find a spot for them. And that old headboard piece has floated around to a few different places over the past year or so, but I love it in this spot. I’m pretty much obsessed with how this whole area in our living room looks now. Decorating that annoying empty space over the TV is tricky business, but I think I FINALLY found a look I love. Adding height with the layered pieces and dimension with the baskets was just what I needed for this spot.
You guys know I’m always preaching about taking ownership over your home and changing the things you don’t love–even if you’re on a tight budget. Well I think this post is a great example of that. With the new baskets and hardware, I only spent $60 on this TV stand makeover. And by pulling things from other rooms in my house I was able to decorate around the TV in a way that I actually really love. I’m honestly kicking myself that I didn’t do this sooner. I’ve been unhappy with this area for a while now, but I never really did much about it. I hope this encourages you to get creative with those weird spaces in your home and don’t be afraid to grab a paintbrush and get busy. You’ll save yourself money in the long run and I bet you’ll even have a little fun while you’re at it.
Thank you so much for dropping in today. I’m always so grateful when you spend part of your day here with me. I’m actually planning to share more of this living room space next week in a fun little spring update, but in the mean time I’d love to hear what you think of my TV stand makeover. And let me know if you have any questions!
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Wow!!! What a transformation, I love it!!
Thank you Heather, I’m so happy with how it turned out!
Where is the top piece from? The arch? Not sure where to find something like that or what title to search for it under if I look online ?!?
I got it from an auction actually, it’s from an old headboard I believe!
Unbelievable ! You never disappoint. This is so fresh and pretty as well as utilitarian – you’ve checked all the boxes on this one . You also have a way of keeping your readers grounded and reminding us that you can change the entire look of something with some thought and very little money….. thanks again.
You’re seriously the sweetest, thank you so much for the kind words Marilyn! Hugs to you friend. xoxo
Sarah, I just love when you see something that needs a fixin’…means you are gonna stick it out till you find what works and not spend a ton of money! We get the benefits from it too! Thanks for sharing!
I give it a try, that’s for sure! Doesn’t always go my way, but thankfully this one did. Thanks so much for dropping by Rhonda!
I love it. The basket idea was great for storage. Good Job!
Thanks Tina!
It looks great! I have a “tv area” problem too because of my small living room. I have a corner tv stand but I can’t figure out the wall space behind it. 🙁 help!
Oh yeah, those are definitely tricky when it’s in the corner like that. I’d try to do a gallery wall of some kind behind the TV. Or maybe add some interest/texture by planking that section of the wall up to the ceiling?
absolutely love it… you home is so comfy and cozy…love it!
Aw I really appreciate that Michele, thank you!
Wow! Looks great…Love your blog! Oh to live so close to Hobby Lobby! 🙂 it’s almost 4 hrs away :(across the border at that!) maybe that’s a good thing! Lol! Ok I need to go change something around…always look forward to your posts! Have a blessed day!!
Oh dang, that’s a heck of a drive to get to a Hobby Lobby. You’ll just have to online shop instead Kim! 🙂
is there a specific name for the baskets? I’ve searched hobby lobby and haven’t been able to find any similar to them.
No, I’m sorry–I don’t know their name.
Love the changes! I’m seriously going to paint my tv stand and shelves soon!
I say go for it!
Awesome transformation Sarah! What a great reminder to start with what we have and fill in the rest. Such a cute area!
Definitely Jana, so much cheaper that way! I’m so glad I didn’t go buy a new one. Now I have money for a new light in the breakfast nook. HA!! 🙂
I have a tv area as well that I don’t like. I actually love the stand but could never figure out what to do above it. This was so inspiring !!!
Isn’t that area above the TV tricky? It’s taken me years to finally figure out something I like! Good luck with yours Kristen.
Looks great! Perfect symmetry. Nice job!
Thank you so much Jen!
We solved our problem awhile back,did pretty much the same thing.Yours is great. Think we have the same pillows!
That’s awesome Ann!
I love this! Have a question: what color white did you use on your tv stand? Flat, satin? Thanks! ????
Good question Suzy! I painted it white several years ago and I just used a regular latex paint. I think it was a satin finish, but I can’t remember the exact color/brand. For the inside I used the Rust-Oleum chalk paint in Linen White.
Love the transformation! Gave me alot to think about. xx
Thanks Kim! 🙂
Amazing! I liked it before and now I love it! ????????
Thank you Leigh!
Love the transformation…can you tell me where you got those picture frames?
Thanks Kimberly, those picture frames were actually made for us by a local guy. They’re made from old barn wood. Wish I could find some similar to link to for you! Try searching Etsy, I bet you’ll find some there.
I love the headboard, those frames are gorgeous, and I love the flowers! It looks really charming and sweet now! Great pictures!
Thank you Corinne, I am so happy with it now!
Love the change! Would you believe we still have the old style entertainment center and the TV doesn’t quite fit in the opening. Your TV stand makeover inspiring me to tackle ours.
I believe it! Sounds like the one my parents have Sandy!
You blow me away week after week. Thank you so much for all of your inspiration.
You are way too kind, thank you so much Denise! xoxo
BOOM is right, this makeover makes me smile it just fantastic. Great job.
Thanks so much for dropping by Susan!
Wowza!!!! This is spectacular! Love those wire baskets on the wall with the metal vases. Are those both Hobby Lobby too?
Yep, I got those from Hobby Lobby a few years back. I’m sure they still have similar ones.
i LOVE how it all turned out!
Thanks for your inspiration.
Thanks Dianne!
. Fantastic Sarah! This ‘removing doors thing’ you do works so well, I love it! Well done you ????X
Yes indeed Helen! That’s my new motto–take the doors off!
Wow. Never would have thought to remove the doors. I have one that holds this giant ugly speaker thingy box that takes up the entire shelf. Then the other shelf is components too. Goodness gracious…we can send a man to the moon but we still have wires everywhere. Ugh. At least yours was totally inspiring – as is everything you do. Beautiful job.
haha you’re so right about the wires Cindy! They’re out of control. Thankfully ours are piled up in a big knotted mess behind the TV stand. Out of sight!
I love it!! You are so talented and have a great eye for decor.
You are so sweet Nikki, thank you!
Wow, what a huge transformation for such a simple thing!! I love how much brighter it looks. Great job friend!
So much brighter, right? And less “heavy”. Thanks for dropping in Chelsea!
Loving it so much …
I just love coming here, you always have something fantastic to share 🙂
Aw thank you Teresa, I appreciate that!
It looked fine before your makeover but after seeing what you did, it now looks amazing! And as we all know, there is a huge difference between ‘fine’ and ‘amazing’ not only in decorating a space, but how you actually FEEL about the space (my hubby said that’s a woman thing LOL!) Great redo … Again ????
I couldn’t agree more Kathy! I always felt pretty luke warm about this space before, so it’s nice to actually LOVE it for the first time. Thanks for dropping by tonight!
Also Sarah those doors you took off would look amazing if you chalked boarded the centre of them or put some linen or photos in them , im looking every where for a door like that so I can do something … Just not willing to buy a brand new one , I like the stuff you get for free or second hand 🙂
WHERE DID YOU GET THE TOP PIECE KINDA LOOKS LIKE A HEADBOARD?
It was part of an old headboard off an antique bed actually, we found it at a farm auction!
I LOVE this..I recently did this look to an old piece and it came out so nice. I’m in need of baskets like these. How long ago did you purchase them? This is great!
Thank you.
Just a few days before I posted this actually. Hopefully you can find them!
I love this project but also LOVE the wall color! I would love to do the same color in my living room. Do you happen to know what paint color you used?
Yep, it’s autumn blonde by Sherwin Williams.
Thank you!!!
Love, love, love. I am looking around and my mind is racing. Fantastic job! You are the next Joanna Gaines 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
haha Ellie, you are too sweet!!
Where did you get the TV stand?
Looks ok. You probably should have dusted everything before posting finished pics. And freshly painted the darker parts of the tv stand. But it looks ok I guess. Just not my style.
I would like to find a TV stand table just like this. Do you know where I can find one?
This one is really old and from a local furniture store, but I just found this one that is similar! https://rstyle.me/n/c736e6b6hgf
Love love it ,im always trying new things .my daughter calls me diy lol.this is beautiful will have to try this .
Love love this look! where are the wire hanging baskets from?