DIY: Footboard turned Message Center
June 8, 2009
For me, 50% off day at the St. Vincent de Paul is the definition of excitement. Not only do I love the treasure hunt, not only do I get giddy at the thought of a big discount, but I relish the opportunity to transform found objects in a way not contemplated by others.
I found a little lost footboard, sitting in the dust, behind all of the other large furniture, scratched, neglected and alone. This poor little end of a bed had no mate. From the cobwebs surrounding it, I could tell no one had glanced at it in awhile. It was $25, but then 50% off, so I brought it home for $12.50 for a complete makeover.
Ladies and gentlemen, please say hello to the new and improved version of my footboard. This little lady can multitask. Not only is she able to sit outside and be charming, she is also a unique home message board and mud room organizer, complete with chalkboard center, and ceramic knobs for hanging sweaters, umbrellas, and hats.
Take a bow, fair footboard.
Before and After, outdoor style:
Before and After, indoor style:
How to Transform a Footboard into a Message Center:
Supplies:
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Twin or Full size Footboard
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Medium grade sandpaper
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Primer
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Paint color of choice
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Chalkboard paint
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Knobs of choice
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D Ring Hangers
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Screwdriver
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Step One: Sand your footboard to remove all traces of varnish. Prime your piece with spray or brush on primer. With these smaller projects, I prefer spray primer for faster application and drying time. Apply two coats and allow to dry.
Step Two: Cover your footboard with your paint color of choice, whether by brush or spray. Again, I chose to cover with spray in a favorite color: Rustoleum’s Heirloom White. Apply two coats and allow to dry.
One nice thing about this particular kind of spray paint: it is for outdoor use as well. So when you paint with this product, you may use your transformed footboard outside ! (See photos below.)
Step Three: When your paint is dry, tape it off so to allow for application of chalkboard paint. There I go again with the spray version for faster application and drying time. Apply two coats and allow to dry.
Tip: This particular brand of chalkboard spray I chose was very sensitive to whether there was a good coat of primer underneath. In one corner, it started to peel up since the primer there was too thinly applied. I had to go back in just that corner, sand it again, prime it again, then apply the chalkboard paint again.
You can use this project to add an interesting element to your outdoor decor. Here, it’s displayed in front of my outdoor fireplace, which is used only in winter.
I also envision this piece displayed on a buffet in a dining room space.
I like how this particular footboard already had curved pencil trim that made the placement of chalkboard paint easy. If you find a plain footboard, you can easily add your own trim with molding and a miter box.
If your intention is to use your piece indoors as a place for hanging hats or handbags, then follow these additional steps.
Step Four: Drill pilot holes with a drill bit. Attach knobs to the bottom of your footboard.
I chose to use two kinds of cream colored ceramic knobs to compliment the paint color:
Step Five: Locate your wall studs, and line up your footboard with the studs. Mark the location of the studs on your footboard. Attach D ring hangers to the rear of your footboard, then hang on your wall.
This recycled footboard now hangs in the hallway as a place for handbags, umbrellas, sweaters and winter hats, for our family’s use and for guests as well. I like that I chalkboard center allows me to change the wording depending on the occasion, or the season.
Here’s just another way to change up an ordinary piece of furniture, and revamp it in a unique way.
Tags: chalkboard, footboard, heirloom white, primer, spray paint
I saw your post the first time when the sign just said BBQ- LOVED it!! Now with the knobs I think it's fantastic! So i'm at the local thrift store the other day and what do I see??? One lonely headboard very similiar to yours!! Something I would have never looke twice at until your post! I snatched it up brought it home and plan on using it out by our pool. I to will put knobs but ours will be for wet towels and i'm thinking the sign will read something like… "No lifeguard on duty" or "Pool hours as follows" Thanks for the inspiration!!!!!
Wow .. I love it!! What a creative mind you have.. I woulda never thought of using a headboard that way.
Thanks for sharing.
Hugs,
Debbie
I am so glad to have found your blog from the Chalkboard party. This is an awesome creation!!! Thanks so much for sharing! I'm also in Northern CA and love visiting St. Vincent De Paul for items. I bought a $3 globe there the other day for the chalkboard party.
This is great!! Now i know what to do with the footboard i was just going to make into ah self.
blessings and thanks,
Barbara jean
This is a wonderful project! Thank you for the great tutorial!
Beautiful! Sweet Dreams come to mind!
WOW! That's a great project! I'm sooo gonna be a "copy cat" and do this one, too!
I was wowed in the beginning when it was just a painted footboard – then you turned it into an outdoor piece, then a piece that was for hanging stuff, then it was mounted on the wall – Goodness! It's fabulous!!
I already commented on this, but just had to again! I love this transformation! It's so fantastic. Thank you for sharing your inspiration.
Blessings,
Marie
http://emmacallsmemama.com
That is an absolutely fabulous transformation! I love it! What a great idea AND a great tutorial, too!
WOW, you did an amazing job with that transformation! It looks perfect. I've never tried to be that creative before but I am inspired! Thanks
soooooo cute! So glad I started following your blog!
Susan @ http://www.peanutpetunia.blogspot.com
I adore all of your chalkboards! What creativity!
That is so amazing! You did a great job and your tutorial is very well written. Hope to see you soon over at my blog!
You know, I was thisclose to buying a piece just like yours to be used for the same thing, at my favourite thrift shop. Except, I am so lazy I left it behind because I didn't feel like painting. Now you just know you have inspired me to go back for it! Sigh..I guess I know what I am doing tomorrow!
You have so many beautiful ideas and your home is just a dream! Thanks for the steady stream of inspiration!
Linda
that does it…I am now completely insane with jealousy over this piece! On the hunt for a footboard…my homeschool corner *totally* needs this
I enjoy reading your blog, especially the decorating ideas. I love the footboard chalkboard. I've also made a chalkboard out of an old antique sewing cabinet door. (See my blog)
Regards,
sushikaydesigns.blogspot.com
…OH MY GOODNESS!!!..thanks for sharing this !…I have two foot boards (took the two head boards to make a day bed!)…that are just waiting to be transformed!…you are a genius!…C
I love this project. Thanks for the inspiration!
I have my childhood headboard in my attic just waiting to be repurposed. What a great idea! I think I may use it in my new dining room over a buffet/dresser. Thanks for the great idea!
Oh your blackboard is beautiful.. I have to go to the thrift store and see if I can find one. I would love one on the deck by our pool. you do amazing work and shoud be so proud of yourself. Debbie