A budget-friendly option for customizing furniture to work in any space using unfinished, solid wood pre-built pieces & staining an office work table.
We finally have an actual desk in the home office. That’s kind of important I guess, huh?
While I was searching high and low for the perfect budget-friendly option for a big work table, I stumbled upon an unfinished one that was priced super low, was made of solid wood (meaning it would last longer), and gave us the option for customization.
Bingo!
(Some affiliate links are provided below. Full disclosure here.)
If you’ve never looked into unfinished furniture, it’s definitely one to consider.
It’s like the perks of building furniture without actually having to build furniture.
So to customize ours, I tried out a couple of stain options and eventually landed on my old faithful color I come back to time and time again: Minwax Special Walnut.
I swear it looks beautiful with everything in any room.
The unfinished furniture usually needs a quick light sanding to remove the protective coating first.
Then just apply Wood Conditioner and wipe away any excess after a few minutes with a dry, lint-free rag (a must to keep wood from looking splotchy).
Brush on a coat of stain, let sit for 5-10 minutes, and wipe off. Repeat if you want a deeper shade.
And brush on a couple of coats of water-based poly. (I prefer water-based most of the time since it does not yellow like oil-based will.)
It’s looking so official in this home office now!
We rolled out this area rug, added these rolling armchairs, and hung up these creamy white curtains on these modern brass curtain rods.
The light fixture will be going up soon along with the frosting film on the glass doors and we’re finished! Besides the fun decorating part, of course. 😉
Are you loving it?!
While we’re on the subject, do you have any favorite places for buying “pretty” office supplies? Maybe that’ll be the extra productivity incentive… ya think?
If you want to customize some unfinished furniture for your home, here are some of my favorites that are super budget-friendly:
TJMaxx usually has some pretty sweet office supplies. 🙂
Beautiful! The office is looking great. As always, great job.
LOVE that table! And the rug. And the cabinets. And the chairs. And… Oh, heck, you get the idea. I love it all! You guys are awesome. 🙂
Looking good! In answer to your question for pretty office supplies, I have found some pretties at World Market and Target but I love to incorporate a few vintage/antique items which can usually be found at antique malls and flea markets and Etsy.
The office looks fabulous! Love everything you are doing. Love that table too. Where did you purchase yours as it doesnt seem to be the one on any of your links.
Blessings, Candy
I love your new office! Where in the Charlotte area do you shop for unfinished furniture? Also, where did you find the white drapes?
Just gorgeous! I am motivated!
For interesting office accessories? I use old silver and silver plate pieces. A baby cup for paper clips, sugar bowl and creamer for pens and markers, a coffee pot/tea pot across the room for seasonal faux bouquets and arrangements. I also have a champagne bucket with a small faux Christmas tree (undecorated). I prefer to let mine have some tarnish rather than polished super shiny. Makes for a classy yet low key and professional office.
If you click on “these creamy white curtains” in the post, it will take you to Amazon.
Thank you. I was skimming through and totally missed it.
Lauren you and Robert killed it again. Another beautiful room!! I love it! May I ask where you purchased your unfinished table from? Can’t wait to see the finished office!!
I used unfinished furniture many times when furnishing my home and always loved the quality. They aren’t cheap, but they are well made and you can personalize the way you want, stain, paint, whatever! Love thee desk!
Outstanding! I love yet another fabulous job of yours.