Goodwill Desk Makeover

A desk makeover of a found at Goodwill desk is a favorite furniture makeover. 

This desk got a makeover and now has an updated look.

Goodwill Desk Makeover - This desk originally came from Sears prior to 1969. It looks snazzy now that it has received a makeover. virginiasweetpea.com

Desk Before the Makeover

Here is what the desk looked like when I found it at Goodwill.

The finish was in rough shape, but the desk was solid and I knew that I could make it beautiful.

I was immediately drawn to this desk because of the pretty scrollwork on the front and also because of the unique design of the drawer pulls.

Harmony House Desk

Steps to Makeover the Desk

I started by giving the desk a good cleaning with Simple Green.

The desk then needed a few repairs and after they were complete, it was sanded.

For the finish, I used these products:

DecoArt Americana Chalky Finish Paint in Everlasting was used on the front of the desk and drawers.

The top of the desk and drawer pulls were painted with DecoArt Americana Chalky Finish Paint in Vintage. 

Gold Metallic Finish Paint was dry brushed on both the scrollwork and on the medallions behind the drawer pulls. 

The entire piece was then sealed with Americana Decor Soft Touch Varnish.

  I love the combination of these three colors.

The End Result

I love the end result of this makeover!

A desk discovered at Goodwill looks like a million bucks after being made over with paint. virginiasweetpea.com

Shortly after I finished painting the desk, I discovered the chair that I painted to match it at our local Habitat Restore. 

I really liked its design and it’s actually pretty comfortable to sit on. 

My mom told me that it looks like chairs that teachers used to have long ago, so perhaps it originated in a school. 

I painted it to match the desk and to me, they look like they were always a pair.

A mid-century desk discovered at Goodwill in rough shape looks pretty once again after being repaired and being made over with paint. virginiasweetpea.com

Here you can better see the pretty scrollwork on the front of the desk.

Harmony House Mid-Century Desk Makeover by virginiasweetpea.com

This desk has six side drawers plus a large one in the middle. 

Goodwill Desk Makeover - Look at the Pretty Detail on the Drawers! virginiasweetpea.com

History of the Desk

This desk originally came from Sears. 

When I researched Harmony House, I discovered that Sears carried all sorts of products marketed under this brand from 1940 to 1969.

Harmony House Quality Design Color Furniture

This desk was taken to my shop at Blue Sky Cottage where it sold very quickly. 

I hope that the new owner loves it as much as I do!

If you like this makeover, I’d love for you to pin it to one of your boards on Pinterest for others to discover.

A vintage desk from Sears gets a makeover

17 Comments

  1. What an incredible makeover. Love those colors. We’re featuring your project tomorrow on our weekend features post! Have a great weekend. 🙂

  2. Paula–I am just trying my hand are refinishing and haven’t quite mastered the sanding. Can you give me some helpful tips
    Thank You

    1. Hi, Jeannie! I use a palm sander on flat areas and like to use foam block sanders for curves and smaller parts. I buy these buy the box at Lowe’s.

      Paula

  3. Such a beautiful makeover! Love the color! So glad you shared it at our party… featuring you this Thursday! Hope you have a great week 🙂

  4. Hello, if you are ever interested in selling this, please let me know. I’m not in your state but I collect this brand of furniture. It’s by Harmony House from Sears and I have the kitchen buffet that matches it exactly.

    1. Thank you so much for writing to me, Natalie! I did not know that this piece was from Sears. I wish that I could sell it to you since you have the matching kitchen buffet, but I sold it to a local person who purchased it for her granddaughter.

      I really appreciate your visit to my blog.

      Paula

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