I have been wanting to replace the side table in our family room for a while now. It was slowly starting to warp and the planks were separating, so it was time for a change. I kept looking through catalogs and seeing what was out there. Frankly, I was kind of bored. Everything that I liked wouldn’t have worked in the room and everything else seemed like it was just the “same”. So, about a week ago I decided to go to one of my favorite vintage haunts and see if anything called my name. I think it has long been established that I love anything galvanized. In fact, I have decide that galvanized is my favorite color. So, it was instant love when I saw this large barrel that is actually a vintage honey extractor. To me, it instantly said – repurposed galvanized side table. Upcycled-Galvanized-Side-Table When I first brought it home, I set it next to the existing table just to see how much I actually liked it in the room. The numbers are so yummy and the label is just perfect. Although it is an unusual choice, I really did like the texture and color in this room.

Originally, I thought I might just add a wood top, but I was unsure. I went out to our garage and found a metal side table that I have had for years and I actually have tried to sell four times. The top was great, but the base was kind of awkward. With a quick removal of three bolts, I brought the top inside to see if it works. I really like the black on top, I think it grounds the piece in a way that was needed. I might change my mind and do a wood top in the future, but for now, I love it. At least now I can be glad I never sold it.

I went out on a few different occasions while running errands to see if I could find a lamp I liked because the one that was there really did not work. I kept looking for one “just like” the one in our guest bedroom. In the end, I ended up switching the two lamps and the green lamp that was in here looks perfect in the bedroom. I brought in a few accessories including a sweater textured candle to warm up these cold and dreary days. When the days are so much shorter, I find myself lighting candles and turning on lamps more often.

I changed out the light bulb for a Cree soft while LED bulb. I love that I can run a lamp most of the day and know it will last longer and use less energy than a regular bulb. And if you are a “dimmer” of all your lights like I am, the Cree bulbs are totally dimmable.

Oh, and one more little side note from a girl who has broken more than her fair share of light bulbs, they are made with a safety coated glass for shatter resistance. You can find Cree bulbs are The Home Depot.

I love our new little side table. And, the best part is I found a second large galvanized bucket that I am scheming what to do with next. Thanks so much for reading! Quickpen-Signature_edited-1