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Wooden Magazine Rack Makeover

January 08, 2022

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Long ago, in a land not so far away, I found a treasure of unbelievable value and beauty.

Translation.

Last summer, my daughter and I were walking in the neighborhood and spotted this fabulous magazine rack in someone's trash.

Black Painted Magazine Rack Makeover
This post is sponsored by Dixie Belle Paint

But it sounds much better the first way, doesn't it?

Almost magical.

Now, even though I had a very similar magazine rack and nowhere to put another, it was such a great piece, we dragged it home.

And put it in the garage for a rainy day.

Well, yesterday, it finally rained.

So I dusted it off and decided to give it a fairytale makeover.

The funny thing is, I still had no idea where I was going to put it, but in this house, red is always a safe bet.

So that's where I started.

With no real plan, but lots of supplies to inspire me.

How To Makeover A Wall Mail or Magazine Rack


This piece offers lots of possibilities. It has feet and hooks on the back so it can stand or be mounted. It's also structured to hold magazines, but could easily hold mail or books.

Honestly, it could even be repurposed to display plates.

With that in mind I decided to go for a rather simple design, knowing that the display pieces tucked inside would most likely be taking center stage.

Supplies I Used:


Dixie Belle Red Chalk Paint containers in two colors



I started by vacuuming and dusting the piece off. It was very dirty, but didn't require anything more than that for prep.

Black Wooden Magazine Stand in kitchen before makeover

Then I removed the decorative label tabs and set them aside.

Next, I gave it a generous coat of Barn Red with my brush.

This chalk paint is so rich and goes on so well that I only use the teeniest bit of water to dampen my brush. 

Painting  A Magazine Rack Red with a brush

It was easy enough to paint and I was able to do it inside, even with my lousy lungs, because there is virtually no odor with the chalk paint.

The toughest part was tackling those spindles. It was just time consuming.

Once it was dry, I added another coat that was a 50-50 mix of Barn Red and Rustic Red chalk paints.

Red Painted Magazine Holder DIY Makeover in process with wet paint

It's the same color combination that I used to make my painted kitchen sign back in December.

There were so many comments on that post about it being the perfect red, I had to repeat it on another piece.

Once the piece was covered with a second coat, I set it aside to dry and went to bed.

The next morning, after a cup of hot water, it was time to add some flair. For that I opened up my floral transfers and chose one design to feature on the top row of the rack.

The flower transfers are so versatile, I've used them on a wooden sign and a farmhouse style cabinet door makeover, too.

Floral Vinyl Transfers sheet

It was easy to add.

I just cut it out, peeled it away from the sticky backing, pressed it in place and used the enclosed stick to rub the pretty pattern for a few quick minutes.

Until it released from the top sheet. 

Adding A Vinyl floral Transfer To Wooden painted rack

I added a another flower and a leaf around the larger transfer to complete my work. 

Besides being the easiest way to add art to your pieces, I love these vinyl transfers because I can customize my composition by combining the individual elements, even layering them, in any way I like. 

The possibilities are truly endless. I recently used them to makeover an old cabinet door and whip up a romantic Valentine banner

The last step in the painting part of my DIY was to give the entire magazine stand a coat of Clear Coat in Satin to seal it. 

Adding Clear Coat Over Floral Vinyl Transfer

Then I put the metal labels holders back on and my makeover was complete.

Adding Metal Label Tags To Magazine Rack WIth a screwdriver

When it was done, I was blown away.

I couldn't believe the transformation.

A trash to treasure happily ever after ending for sure.

From plain drab to cottage style fab and ready to decorate and organize my home.

Trash To Treasure Red painted Magazine Rack Makeover in rustic living room

Just gorgeous.

Of course, now my dilemma is trying to decide where to put this charming new display rack.

And what to put inside it.

Like I said, in this color it looks good in just about any room.

Cottage Style Magazine Rack Makeover next to wicker chair in kitchen

So far today alone, it's brightened the kitchen.

And the living room with no clear winner.

Leaves me thinking I just might need another one.

And another walk...

Where would you put it?

Magazine Rack Makeover Before and After

If you're looking for even more magazine rack makeovers using Dixie Belle paints stop by and visit my very creative friends!

Gathered In The Kitchen
Creative Moments
The House On Silverado
      Birdz Of A Feather       
           White Lilac Farmhouse             
Tea And Forget Me Nots      
 The Vixen's Den 
 The Fifth Sparrow No More
Kim Signature


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  1. I love the color you chose. Happy New Year

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    1. Thank you, Rebecca! I just can't seem to pull myself away from that pop of red! Glad I'm not alone. Happy New Year!

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  2. Love that you used your happy color of red. This looks amazing. Glad you saved it from the landfill and gave it new purpose. Happy Weekend. xoxo

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    1. Thanks Kris! Red really is my happy color and this shade certainly pops! The finish wasn't in perfect shape when I found it, but it was so solid, I couldn't believe someone tossed it. Lucky find! Happy Weekend and stay warm! xo

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    1. Thanks so much! I wasn't sure where I was going with this one, but it's turned out to be a favorite. Thanks for taking the time to let me know you like it, too!

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  4. Oh, that turned out just beautiful! I love this!

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    1. Thanks so much, Mandy! I have to admit, I'm smitten with this one, too. I really appreciate the visit and the comment. Happy New Year!

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  5. Beautiful makeover, Kim. You could use it next to your office space for storage - on the wall or standing up!

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    1. Great suggestions, Ann! It’s funny, before I started with this makeover I told my husband, oh well, I could always give it away if I can’t find a place for it. Now I’m so in love with it and don’t want to let it out of my sight!

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  6. This would be beautiful mounted on the wall or sitting on the counter against the wall, then fill with plates or small platters.

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    1. I think I'm leaning towards displaying some dishes, Jenny! I have so many pretty plates tucked away that it would be wonderful to let some of them out! Happy Weekend!

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  7. You find so many fun items along the curbside. I love it. I want to find one.

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    1. It was a very lucky find, Carla, someone was apparently moving and tossing a lot of stuff. In this old beach community, the streets are great for walking (especially if you like hills!) and the houses are tight together, so it's a great place to spot treasure! I hope you do find one and add it to your new kitchen!

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  8. Gorgeous makeover. Love the addition of the transfers.

    Pinned

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    1. Thanks so much, Cindy! The transfer are so easy to use...and I love getting pinned! ❤️

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  9. That turned out great! Have fun deciding where to put it.

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    1. Thanks Penny! It turned out much better than I expected.

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  10. Oh this is beautiful Kim! My kind of trash to treasure for sure! I think I would be using such a gorgeous piece in my crafting room, it would be perfect to store craft magazines and inspiration. I might even use a piece of china in it as well. I think it will be a piece you will love for many years to come! Thanks for sharing your process with mixing of the paints. I tend to go for whites/browns most of the time when painting pieces. Maybe, I need to try red. Ha! Blessings and hugs from Idaho, and wishes for God's best in the New Year!

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    1. Thanks so much, Marilyn! It's funny you said that about the white and brown furniture, because believe it or not, I'm the exact same way. I own two red wooden Pottery Barn chairs (that I've had forever), but other than that, this is the very first piece of furniture I've ever painted red. However, I doubt it will be the last!! Happy wishes right back to you, too!!

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  11. What a great find, Kim! Of course, red is my favorite color, and I just love how it turned out. I think it would be great in the kitchen, or I can picture it in a bathroom, even.
    great job!

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    1. Thanks for taking the time to visit. I’m always so happy when I can share my bold treasures with another red lover, Kitty! I often feel like we’re a very small minority in this world of white and white decor.

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  12. I would put it in the bathroom and smile every time I looked at it!!
    Fortunately, red would look good in both bathrooms ;^)
    Very cute!! You did great!
    Blessings,
    J

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    1. Thanks J! I wish I had room in my teeny bathrooms to put anything other than my toothbrush. It would look very pretty in there though...maybe someday! Enjoy the weekend!!

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  13. Be still my red lov'n heart, it would be perfect in MY home office. LOL But I could see it in a guest bathroom to hold fluffy white rolled towels or in a guest bedroom or your pretty living room for books and magazines. You'll have too update us when you decide.

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    1. Marie, you and I are cut from the same crimson loving cloth. That is for sure! Thanks for the tips and the sweet words.

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  14. OMG!!! KIM!! Now you know I would just fall in love with this because you know how much I love this color, just like you!!! Fantastic job, my friend!!!! LOVE it!! I am so jealous!! LOL!! Thanks for visiting and Happy New Year to you and your family,my friend!!
    Hugs,
    Debbie

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    1. It's a keeper for sure, Debbie and thank you so much for your capital filled comment. You just made my day with all that excitement! Stay warm my friend!

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  15. Oh yes! You did find a treasure. Do you wonder what the people who threw it out would think now? It looks great and will be perfect wherever you put it. :)

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    1. Thanks Mari! I know the girl who tossed it, even though she moved, it’s local. If I ever see her, I’ll definitely tell her. I hope she’s a red lover!!

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  16. Oh, now that's really pretty! I think it would be cool to store all kinds of things in - I'm thinking beyond magazines, like my cross stitch supplies, or office supplies, or crafting books...

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    1. Thank you, Gina! Oooh, cross stitch supplies...I never thought of that. Or maybe yarn or my paint by numbers kits...hmmm...you've got me thinking!

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  17. Hmmmm...I sent a response from my phone but don't see it here. Weird. Anyway- I love what you did with it. How cool is that!!!!! Have a wonderful, blessed Sunday, Kim! xo Diana

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    1. Thanks so much, Diana and I'm sorry about the comment. Blogger is a flighty friend. Thank you for trying again!! I hope you have a wonderful Sunday, too!! xo

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  18. I love it! It is the perfect red. Place it where you read your magazines !

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    1. Thanks so much, Ricki! Yes...and a few books from your lists maybe, too.

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  19. Rachel - Tea and Forget-me-notsJanuary 10, 2022 at 5:29 AM

    I’m not surprised you recreated the red, it’s stunning. Would love that in my home.

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    1. Thank you so much, Rachel! That red just pulls me in everytime!

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  20. Love love love it, Kim! Another winner! No matter where you put it, it's sure to make you smile!

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    1. Thanks Amy! The color is a great pop during these whitewashed winter days. Stay warm!

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  21. I can't imagine your magazine rack in any other colour; so perfect for your decor!

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    1. Thanks Sara! Red is my decor addiction. No doubt about it.

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  22. This is so adorable!! Thanks for the collaboration too!

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    1. Thanks so much! Collaborating is alway fun, I love all the projects and seeing everyone’s different transformations. I’m a sucker for a good before and after!

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  23. Kim, you find the most interesting items to makeover. I love the way this rack came out and it looks great painted red with the pretty flower decal. I hope you enjoy it in your home.

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    1. Thank you so much, Julie! This was a very lucky curbside find. I’m so glad I lugged it home!

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  24. Kim, this red looks amazing on your magazine rack. I love it!

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    1. Thank you so much!! It's a really good tone...

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  25. That really is the perfect color red. It's so warm and luxurious. Gorgeous makeover too <3

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    1. Thanks so much, my friend. This one totally has a little piece of my heart!

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  26. I love this idea. Thank you so much for linking up with Fabulous Friday Link Party! We sure appreciate you, Hugs and blessings to you.

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