Remember the sneak peekof my Dad's thrifted map desk I showed you earlier this week? Well, once we recovered from our cruise vacation I pulled it out and got to work on spiffing it up for Jack's room. Here is what it looked like when my Dad gave it to me:
And after a good sanding and restaining, here is what it looks like in its new home:
I absolutely adore this desk! Can you believe my Dad got it for less than $4!! Wow. And there is a matching chair as well-but our van was so packed from the vacation I couldn't fit it in to bring it home just yet.
It took me two days of work to revamp the desk. I used my electric sander to remove the old finish (it was a MESS! You can see just a hint of the dust it created in the before pic.) After removing the old finish I conditioned the wood and stained it with the same Mission Oak stain I used on our DIY Headboard build and Jack's World Map Wall Art.
My favorite part of the desk is the vintage map. I'm not sure what year it is from but it is obviously pretty old. (I'm thinking from the 50s?) You can see it shows the Soviet Union and many areas of Africa are French Territories. I also love that it is centered on Eurasia/Africa rather than the Atlantic.
What do you think?
I had a few projects going on at the same time I was refinishing the desk-I'll be sharing them over the next few days. There is a lot of spray paint involved (but you probably could have guessed that, right??)
[email protected] says
It looks great. Are you going to be able to get the chair?
Our Pinteresting Family says
Looks fantastic!! Megan
Hilary says
What an amazing desk!! I would love to have something liek that for my son when he gets a little older. You did a great job 🙂
The Far Fifty says
Very cool! I love the shape of the legs, so unique!
Kelly says
That desk is great! It looks like it could come right out of Mad Men! Even though it looks like your desk came with the map, it would be super easy to use mod podge and apply one to an old desk. Thanks for the idea!
Tamsyn says
Perfect! I just inherited a gorgeous old desk that my Granddad made for my mum when she was little. I have been umming and ahhing about what to do with it. I think a map would be perfect. Thanks for the inspiration!!
I'm Busy Procrastinating says
Saw this over at Primitive & Proper. What a neat find for only $4, and it looks great now that you have brought it back to life. I'm sure it adds a perfect touch of vintage to your son's room.
Meeha Meeha says
The desk is absolutely beautiful! I've got a similar one, all chipped up and no map at all... but you inspire me to make something similar!
the cape on the corner says
what an awesome desk, and it was definitely in need of work!
Melisa says
A wonderful refurbish! I love old maps. This is such a great old desk!
Peggy Jean says
That desk is awesome!! And what a steal. I love the lines and that you chose to refinish it with a stain! Great job!
Peggy
Karen at Bargain-ista.com says
This is darling! Love the color you chose and the vintage map! And thank you for not painting it just because 🙂
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
what?!??!??!??!?! i just saw this on craigslist- nooooo!!! you can't sell it! it's way too cool!!!!!!
Linda @ it all started with paint says
Stopping by from Hometalk .. and am loving that desk and the vintage map! I have plans to Mod Podge some maps to my beside tables ...
🙂
Linda
admin says
Thanks Linda, I'm seeing maps pop up everywhere lately, which is awesome because I love them!
Jean says
I have the same exact desk. I got it new when I was little in about 1960 or 61. Both my boys used it and it still looks good. You did a nice job on the refinish.
Richard says
I have a desk just like this is it worth anything
Melissa says
I've seen one other on craigslist for $40, so I'm not sure if it has any value, but they sure are cool to have in your home!
Debbi says
I have the same desk. It was mine as a child in the 60’s. It had been painted white. I am in the process of refinishing it’s using chalk paint in English Ivy.