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Rain on a Tin Roof

DIY and Home Decor Blog. Fly Your Freak Flag.

You are here: Home >> Furniture Makeovers >> Gray and White French Country Chest

February 1, 2013 By Jenna 64 Comments

Gray and White French Country Chest

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Remember the small gray table in my master bedroom reading nook?This french country chest below was also part of that Craigslist haul where Grunt Labor was counting the farm animals. It has turned out to be one of my absolute favorite pieces I’ve ever done.

DIY Chalk Paint French Country Chest Makeover

This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
It started out like this:
French Country Chest Before
For me, it was easy to see through those horrendous painted flowers and awful 1980s(?) yellow-y color to see the beautiful curves underneath. She is also solid wood, so it was a no-brainer that Grunt Labor would be loading it up in the truck for me.
I mixed up the same Benjamin Moore Trout Gray chalk paint recipe that I did for the table and covered the entire piece in it.
I really wanted this baby to pop, and I love the combination of white and gray for contrast, so I grabbed a sample pot of some white color I have (sorry I don’t know the name!) and made some more chalk paint. I painted the grooves along the legs white and the handles the same color. When it was all done, I gave it 3 coats of Minwax Polycrylic Spray.
No sanding for rustic-ness, I wanted pure, clean, contrast.
Chalk Painted French Country Chest Makeover
French Country Chest painted with DIY Chalk Paint
French Country Chest Makeover
Isn’t she grand? Unfortunately, I can’t keep this beauty. There is no room for it at my house!
Want to see more DIY chalk painted pieces? Here you go…
DIY Numbered Chest – features a cool way to add detail to furniture pieces with numbers!
DIY Gray Chalk Paint Table – simple, but adorable!
French Country Dresser Makeover – two-toned love going on here!
Two Toned Rustic Dresser – with a DIY shelf that took the place of a missing drawer!
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Filed Under: Furniture Makeovers Tagged With: chalky paint, chest, country, french

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Audrey @ Neverending Decorating says

    February 1, 2013 at 12:34 pm

    It turned out beautiful Jenna, I love it. Don’tcha just love what the power of paint can do. Amazing! I’m your newest reader and follower, would love for you to do the same. 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for stopping by today!
    Audrey @ neverendingdecorating.blogspot.com

    Reply
    • Rain on a Tin Roof says

      February 1, 2013 at 10:16 pm

      Audrey, thanks! I’m pretty happy with it! SO happy you are following along! Headed your way to do the same!

      Reply
  2. Pamela says

    February 1, 2013 at 12:41 pm

    Great makeover Jenna! Paint certainly can bring pieces to life.

    Reply
    • Rain on a Tin Roof says

      February 1, 2013 at 10:16 pm

      Pamela, so true! Amazing what paint can do! Thanks so much for stopping by!

      Reply
  3. Decora Adora says

    February 1, 2013 at 5:09 pm

    It turned out beautiful Jenna, I love it. And I love your blog
    Angelica

    Reply
    • Rain on a Tin Roof says

      February 1, 2013 at 10:17 pm

      Angelica, thank you so much! I’m so glad you stopped by and like the blog! Makes my day!

      Reply
  4. Rain on a Tin Roof says

    February 1, 2013 at 10:17 pm

    Thanks and thanks for your awesome link party!

    Reply
  5. Rain on a Tin Roof says

    February 1, 2013 at 10:18 pm

    Kate, I think the color is gorgeous too! So happy you dropped by!

    Reply
  6. Something Nice and Pretty says

    February 2, 2013 at 11:59 am

    Love how you outlined it in white and of course love the gray!

    Reply
    • Rain on a Tin Roof says

      February 2, 2013 at 10:48 pm

      Thanks! I’m lovin the colors as well! So happy you dropped by!

      Reply
  7. Pieced Pastimes says

    February 2, 2013 at 6:12 pm

    Such a transformation! Love the gray combined with the white. So pretty!
    Regards,
    Suzanne

    Reply
    • Rain on a Tin Roof says

      February 2, 2013 at 10:49 pm

      Suzanne, thanks! I love the colors too! So glad you stopped by!

      Reply
  8. Biljana says

    February 3, 2013 at 5:25 am

    Great job Jenna, It is absolutely beautiful:-))

    Reply
    • Rain on a Tin Roof says

      February 3, 2013 at 10:44 pm

      Biljana, thanks so much! I love it, just wish I could keep it!

      Reply
  9. Angela @ Cottage Magpie says

    February 3, 2013 at 6:27 pm

    It looks fantastic!! I love the clean fresh look. Very nice! ~Angela~

    Reply
    • Rain on a Tin Roof says

      February 3, 2013 at 10:45 pm

      Angela, thanks! I like the crispness of the colors as well! So happy you dropped by!

      Reply
  10. Rain on a Tin Roof says

    February 3, 2013 at 10:43 pm

    Thanks! I LOVE the dark grey as well! So happy you dropped by!

    Reply
  11. Rain on a Tin Roof says

    February 3, 2013 at 10:44 pm

    Susan, thanks! I love the colors as well! So happy to have you as a follower! I’m headed your way!

    Reply
  12. Julie Fagundes says

    February 4, 2013 at 11:34 am

    Love it…just beautiful!!!!

    Reply
    • Rain on a Tin Roof says

      February 4, 2013 at 11:00 pm

      Thank you, Julie! I’m pretty happy with it!

      Reply
  13. Tonna @ USS Crafty says

    February 4, 2013 at 5:32 pm

    Beautiful chest makeover! I love the color! Thanks for sharing @ Submarine Sunday!

    Reply
    • Rain on a Tin Roof says

      February 4, 2013 at 11:01 pm

      Tonna, thanks! I love the color as well! Thanks for hosting your awesome link party!

      Reply
  14. Katie @decoratemylife says

    February 4, 2013 at 9:07 pm

    Found you over at Sassy Little Lady blog! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Rain on a Tin Roof says

      February 4, 2013 at 11:02 pm

      Katie, thanks for stopping by! I’m headed your way!

      Reply
  15. Rain on a Tin Roof says

    February 4, 2013 at 11:01 pm

    Lisa, thanks! I’m headed your way!

    Reply
  16. Lindsey Domer says

    February 4, 2013 at 11:49 pm

    LOVE the charcoal gray. Gorgeous job!

    Newest follower. Would love for you to follow back at toddlindsey.com 🙂

    Reply
    • Jenna LaFevor says

      February 7, 2013 at 6:37 pm

      Lindsey, thanks! I am lovin the gray as well! So happy you stopped by and are following! Yay! I’m headed your way!

      Reply
  17. Katie says

    February 5, 2013 at 12:18 am

    Inspired!!

    Newest Follower,
    Katie
    SomethingToBeFound.com

    Reply
    • Jenna LaFevor says

      February 7, 2013 at 6:37 pm

      Katie, thanks! So glad to inspire you! Thanks for stopping by and following! Headed your way!

      Reply
  18. Taylor Howard says

    February 6, 2013 at 12:48 pm

    I’ve been looking to do some things like this in the near future. Thanks for the ideas!!

    Reply
    • Jenna LaFevor says

      February 7, 2013 at 6:38 pm

      Taylor, you are so welcome! Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  19. courtney says

    February 7, 2013 at 12:12 am

    I love this transformation! beautiful job!! I am addicted to making my own chalk paint now! I think I have found the perfect variation for myself! this dresser is beautiful 🙂

    Reply
    • Jenna LaFevor says

      February 7, 2013 at 6:39 pm

      Courtney, thanks! I only make my own chalk paint too! Just can’t shovel out that kind of money for pre-made! So happy you dropped by!

      Reply
  20. Crystelle Boutique says

    February 7, 2013 at 12:28 pm

    The grey is very pretty. What an improvewment!

    hugs x
    Crystelle

    Reply
    • Jenna LaFevor says

      February 7, 2013 at 6:40 pm

      Crystelle, thanks! I love the grey!! So happy you stopped by!

      Reply
  21. Jenna LaFevor says

    February 7, 2013 at 6:38 pm

    Thanks, Diana! I’m loving it too! Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  22. Jenna LaFevor says

    February 7, 2013 at 6:39 pm

    Bridgett, I’m so glad you stumbled on the blog as well! I’m headed your way!

    Reply
  23. Kathy Moody says

    February 8, 2013 at 12:17 am

    It is beautiful, and I love the grey! Awesome job!! Thank you so much for sharing at A Bouquet of Talent. So glad you did! Have a wonderful weekend.
    hugs
    Kathy

    Reply
    • Jenna LaFevor says

      February 11, 2013 at 10:39 pm

      Thanks, Kathy! And thanks for hosting your fantastic link party!

      Reply
  24. Jamie -Better With Age says

    February 8, 2013 at 12:47 am

    This looks great! I love the grey. I’m your newest follower 😉
    Jamie ~ Better With Age

    Reply
    • Jenna LaFevor says

      February 11, 2013 at 10:39 pm

      Thanks, Jamie! I LOVE the grey as well! And I am SO happy you are following along!

      Reply
  25. marie says

    February 8, 2013 at 5:19 am

    Hi jenna. I Really love the gray color! It turned into a fantastic one!Thanks for sharing.:)

    Reply
    • Jenna LaFevor says

      February 11, 2013 at 10:40 pm

      Thanks, Marie! I love the gray as well! So happy you stopped by!

      Reply
  26. Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking says

    February 12, 2013 at 3:21 am

    LOVE the color ~ very pretty! I’m featuring it in the PoPP Spotlight this week. Thanks for linking up.

    Reply
    • Jenna LaFevor says

      February 12, 2013 at 8:50 am

      Maryann, YAY!! Thanks so much! You made my day! I love linking up at your blog!

      Reply
  27. katie lake says

    February 18, 2013 at 9:36 pm

    I love that you didn’t sand or distress it. It is so pretty!

    Reply
    • Jenna LaFevor says

      February 18, 2013 at 9:49 pm

      Thanks, Katie! I loved the clean contrast of the two colors without any sanding / distressing as well! So happy you stopped by!

      Reply
  28. Taryn @ Design, Dining + Diapers says

    February 21, 2013 at 1:08 am

    This definitely is a beauty! I love the colors that you chose and I’m so glad you didn’t distress it. I love it!

    Reply
    • Jenna LaFevor says

      February 21, 2013 at 12:59 pm

      Taryn, thanks! I’m really glad I didn’t distress it either! I like the nice contrast of the colors! So happy you stopped by!

      Reply
  29. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says

    February 21, 2013 at 9:22 pm

    SO much better!!! it was pretty blah before- now it’s wow!

    Reply
    • Jenna LaFevor says

      February 26, 2013 at 3:21 pm

      It was blah, Cassie! Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  30. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says

    February 21, 2013 at 9:22 pm

    SO much better!!! it was pretty blah before- now it’s wow!

    Reply
  31. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says

    February 21, 2013 at 9:22 pm

    SO much better!!! it was pretty blah before- now it’s wow!

    Reply
  32. Cher-Ann Texter says

    February 27, 2013 at 4:37 pm

    Wow, gorgeous! Found you from the Beneath My Heart linky party!

    Reply
    • Jenna LaFevor says

      February 28, 2013 at 7:23 pm

      Thanks so much, Cher-Ann! So happy you stopped by!

      Reply
  33. to the moon and back says

    February 27, 2013 at 4:39 pm

    can you use that spray over chalk paint too instead of hand waxing? how do you get the annie sloan painted surface to not feel a little tacky?

    Reply
    • Jenna LaFevor says

      February 28, 2013 at 7:26 pm

      I do use the spray over chalk paint and it has worked fine for me so far. I don’t use the Annie Sloan chalk paint – I mix up my own chalk paint and never had a problem with it being tacky. Sorry I can’t help on that! Glad you stopped by!

      Reply
  34. The Decorative Dreamer says

    June 4, 2013 at 9:05 am

    Very nice! I would love to find a piece like this to sell as well. Usually they are laminate though so you did get lucky with this one, didn’t you?. I love that it is so clean looking now. Very versatile and classic. Great job!

    Reply
  35. [email protected] says

    June 28, 2013 at 2:41 pm

    wow, it looks amazing, Jenna. And love that Benjamin Moore color!
    Thanks so much for linking up for Habitat! Good luck and hope to see you again next week!

    Reply
  36. Annette Spellman says

    July 9, 2013 at 2:15 am

    I love the contrast!!! Beautiful! May I ask how you are making your own chalk paint? I would love to save some money, and be able to paint more!!!!
    thanks!
    annette

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      July 9, 2013 at 9:22 pm

      Thanks, Annette! This is one of my favorite pieces I’ve done! I have my chalk paint recipe here: https://rainonatinroof.com/2012/01/diy-chalk-paint-and-results/

      Reply
  37. Brigitte says

    March 18, 2020 at 6:34 pm

    LOL, I can’t believe I’m just seeing this post (it was linked from one of your “decorating on a budget” posts)….you will NOT believe this, but I had that EXACT bedroom set when I was in middle/high school. I think it was my 14th birthday present and I got to pick it out all by myself! Dresser, canopy bed and a nightstand! You’re right on the money with the timeline, I was born in ’67, so I would have been 14 in ’81. I can’t remember if that’s the right year, but it’s pretty close!

    I LOVE the makeover you gave this. Very classy, updated look! I remember that set well, always loved it! I love your update even more!

    Reply
    • Jenna says

      March 26, 2020 at 11:12 am

      hahaha!! This was one of my first furniture makeovers I posted! That being said, I do still love how it turned out. I actually love this style of furniture – it looks completely different when it’s given a fresh coat of paint!

      Reply
  38. Carrie Reveal says

    November 14, 2021 at 3:03 pm

    You did a great job! I have this EXACT entire bedroom furniture set in my garage! My grandparents bought it for me when I was 4, hence the reason I haven’t been able to part with it. It’s followed me to 3 apartments and 2 homes and now sets in my garage collecting dust. My husband hates moving it. He says it’s “dead weight.” After seeing your post my chest, dresser and nightstand have a purpose! I think I will turn the dresser into a hutch for my dining room and the nightstand into a side table of sort. Can’t wait to get started this spring! thank you!

    Reply

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