This Footed Grasscloth Buffet Makeover shows how a sturdy but bulky secondhand cabinet can be updated with a lighter silhouette, fresh white paint, brass details, and removable grasscloth wallpaper. The project keeps the buffet’s original height while adding furniture feet and a softly textured look to its glass-front doors.
Planning a Footed Grasscloth Buffet Makeover
The buffet was in good condition but did not suit the desired style. Before changing a piece of furniture, check that it is solid and stable, and decide which parts are worth keeping. Here, the cabinet’s sturdy construction made it a suitable candidate for a makeover.
The main changes were to trim the bulky bottom boards, cover the existing drawer-knob holes, paint the cabinet white, and add brass-finished feet and new hardware. Removable wallpaper applied to the glass fronts provides texture and helps screen the contents while remaining reversible.
Materials and tools
- Circular saw
- Power drill
- Power sander with medium-grit sanding pads
- Tack cloth and/or shop vacuum
- Wood filler
- Spray primer
- White furniture paint
- 2-inch angled sash brush for corners and tight cabinet areas
- Brass and frosted-glass pulls
- Brass knobs
- Furniture feet, also suitable for some chairs and sofas
- Metallic gold spray paint
- Removable grasscloth wallpaper
How to update the buffet
1. Remove the bottom boards
To make the cabinet look less heavy without changing its overall height, the bottom boards were removed. First, take out the screws securing those boards. Before cutting, inspect the cabinet’s construction and make sure the planned cut will not remove a structural support.
2. Trim the base
Run a circular saw along the seam to separate the buffet’s base. Use appropriate protective equipment and work on a stable surface; if you are unsure whether the cut is safe or the cabinet is structurally sound, consult an experienced professional.
3. Fill the old hardware holes
Apply wood filler to the drawer-knob holes and let it dry according to the product directions. Sand the filled areas smooth before installing the new pulls. This creates a clean surface and gives you flexibility when positioning replacement hardware.
4. Clean and prime the cabinet
Remove sanding dust with a tack cloth or shop vacuum, then move the buffet outdoors or to a well-ventilated workspace for priming. Primer or a suitable stain-blocking shellac is especially useful when applying white paint over dark wood because it helps reduce the chance of stains bleeding through the finish.
5. Refinish and attach the feet
While the primer dries, spray-paint the furniture feet metallic gold if you want to change their existing finish. Follow the coating’s directions for drying time. Once the parts are dry, turn the buffet carefully onto its back and attach the feet at the base corners with a drill. Check that each foot is secure and that the cabinet sits level before moving on.
6. Paint the buffet
Apply two coats of white furniture paint, allowing each coat to dry as directed. Use an angled brush to reach corners and narrow cabinet sections, and work carefully around hardware openings and edges for an even finish.
7. Add the removable grasscloth
Apply the removable grasscloth wallpaper to the glass door fronts. Start at one side and move gradually across the surface, smoothing the material as you go to press out air bubbles. A wallpaper smoother can help create an even application. Take your time around the edges so the covering sits neatly on the glass.
8. Reassemble the doors and drawers
Put the glass back into the doors, then reattach the doors and drawers with the new pulls and knobs. Check that the doors open and close freely and that the hardware is firmly fastened.
Cost, styling, and care
The total cost for the buffet, paint, pulls, knobs, and feet was about $350. Costs for a similar project can vary depending on the furniture’s condition and the materials selected, so it is helpful to price the hardware, paint, and wallpaper before starting.
The grasscloth covering is removable, making it possible to return the doors to their original glass appearance or try a different look later. Its subtle texture also makes the contents less visible. For styling the top, a pair of lamps, a simple bowl, or a tray can each work; leave enough clear space for the buffet to remain practical.
This Footed Grasscloth Buffet Makeover combines a slimmer-looking base, white paint, brass accents, and reversible wallpaper to refresh a solid secondhand piece. Careful preparation, dust removal, and patience while applying the wallpaper are the most useful steps for achieving a tidy, lasting result.
