Shabby Chic End Tables with Raised Stenciling

I’m so excited to share this painted nightstand idea 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!?

You won’t believe how simple and fun this project was. So let’s dive into the details and see how you can recreate these end tables for your own home!

wood end tables with 2 drawers before painted makeover

End tables are functional pieces that don’t have to be boring or basic. On top of painting them a new color, adding some raised stenciling can really elevate their look and add a touch of uniqueness.

Stenciling is also fun and easy, and it’s also budget-friendly! You can find inexpensive stencils at your local craft store.

Plus, you can choose from a variety of designs to fit your personal style and home decor. You can go as simple or intricate as you want! Let’s get started on this project!

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.

close up of light gray painted end table with raised stenciling on the drawers for a shabby chic look

Can I use this raised stencil technique on all types of furniture?

Yes, you can use this raised stencil technique on most types of furniture. But it’s important to consider the texture of your furniture.

This technique works best on flat or slightly raised surfaces, such as drawer fronts or cabinet doors. However, it may be more challenging to make it work on highly curved or intricate pieces.

If you have a piece with a very rough or uneven surface, it may be difficult for the raised stencil to adhere properly. In this case, you may need to sand down the surface smooth before applying the texture powder.

For intricate or curved surfaces, you may need to use a smaller stencil or carefully place the stencil in sections to create the raised effect on the entire surface.

Overall, check the texture and shape of your furniture before attempting this technique.

Country Chic Paint – Lazy Linen

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Painters Tape

Stencil

How to clean and maintain furniture after using raised stencil technique?

Cleaning and maintaining furniture after using the raised stencil technique is relatively easy. If you applied polyurethane as a topcoat, it will provide some protection against wear and tear.

However, it’s still important to use coasters or placemats on the furniture to prevent scratches and damage.

You should also dust your furniture regularly with a soft cloth to prevent buildup of dirt and grime. If there are any spills or stains, clean them up immediately.

To maintain the raised stencil effect, avoid scrubbing or rubbing too hard on the stenciled areas when cleaning. This could potentially remove some of the texture powder and ruin the raised effect.