DIY Concrete-Topped Office Credenza

For months, I’ve been keeping an eye out for a mid-size vintage console table or credenza that wasn’t too bulky and that had a functional, easily accessible storage area for a printer.

I’ve seen a few here and there, but nothing jumped out at me as the perfect fit. I saw this vintage credenza a week or so ago at a used furniture store for only $39 and while it didn’t jump out at me at first glance, it sort of grew on me over time.

And I actually took a few quick photos and then I decided to pass on it.

But as soon as I had the idea to cover the bad formica top in concrete, I knew it could be something super-functional and beautiful, so I hustled back to the store to buy it a day or so later.
I repeated the same steps on the credenza’s top that I used in our laundry room redo. The basic idea is to rough up the formica, trowel on the Feather Finish concrete in several thin coats, with drying time and sanding sessions in between.

A good sealer is a must here. Ardex makes one, but I just used a brand called Silkagard in a really thick coat. I don’t know if this sealer would be heavy-duty enough for a kitchen application, but it’s served me well in our laundry room and now on this credenza. (PS – in case you were curious about the laundry room counters, they’re holding up really well! No regrets!)

While the two or three coats of sealer were drying, I brushed on an oil-based coat of Benjamin Moore’s Galapagos Turquoise using this same approach of placing the paint, sort of in the way you paint your nails.

If you’re careful to not put too thick of a coat on, you won’t get any drips. But if you do, just let it dry and then sand and light touch up the mistake areas. The result should be a glossy, glass-like surface.

Isn’t that side detail pretty? I love the simple line.

I’m so happy with how the matte concrete pairs with the glossy lacquered look. I left the concrete a little more raw-looking this time and I really love the contrast of pretty things with the industrial material.

Also, how great is that giant yellow lamp I picked up at Goodwill for $5?

It needed a new shade in the worst way, so I put one of my old black ones on it and the proportions are much better now.

I love seeing the gold tortoise shell pattern peeking out from under the shade while I’m working a few feet away at my desk.

Also, can I just say that a can of white paint does wonders for any room?! My office felt like a beige cave just a few days ago and now it looks bright and cheery with the new white walls and the new furniture. :)