Have you seen a new desk you love but the cost is too high? Come see this Pottery Barn inspired desk makeover and start browsing your second-hand options! Soon you’ll have people asking, “Is that a Pottery Barn desk?”
To go along with the white desk, try our Cozy Built-In Bed Nook with Storage Drawers, Design Inspiration for a Sweet as Sugar Girl’s Room (on a budget!), and Easily-Sewn Back Tab Curtains.
New to furniture painting? You’ll definitely want to see our How to Paint Furniture Series
The Pottery Barn Teen Chelsea Desk.
Love it!
The $1000 price tag? — not so much.

After browsing through the furniture finds on Craigslist one day, I found this solid maple desk with similar lines to the Pottery Barn desk and bought it for a cool 30 bucks. Not bad, right?

1. Remove Hardware, Sandpaper and spray primer
To start the desk makeover, I removed the hardware and sanded the entire desk using a 120 grit sandpaper and then applied a spray primer.
2. Paint
After allowing this to dry for 24 hrs, I began applying my paint using a sponge roller. I chose Pillar White color from Behr in a satin finish.
I love the grayish undertones and the way it reflects the light.
3. Clear Poly
After several thin layers of paint had been applied and dried, I gave this guy a nice coat of clear (non-yellowing) poly.
4. Hardware
To finish the desk makeover, I replaced the old hardware with fresh new pulls and knobs in an
oil-rubbed bronze finish, just like the Pottery Barn Desk.
Here is the finished result!

(Yes, the pictures on the wall look crooked.)
And what desk makeover would be complete without the
“before and after” shot!


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Awesome, Jackie! Your look-alike Pottery Barn Inspired Desk Makeover is as beautiful as the real deal!
Readers, we have more great second-hand furniture projects!
Check them out:
Originally published 12.29.2011 // Updated 08.07.2019