A distressed and antiqued piece of furniture can add a unique charm to any room. If you do it yourself, it's relatively inexpensive and best of all, it's easy!

I use Chalk Paint and my favorite is Annie Sloan. Check it out: http://www.chalkpaint.com

Here is all you need:

*    a good paint brush
*    chalk paint in your choice of color
*    clear wax (minwax is just fine) 
*    wax rags
*    drop cloths 
*    face masks
*    disposable rubber gloves

First, remove all hardware. Then, make sure your furniture is clean. Dust it, wipe it down with a damp rag and dry it completely. Remove the drawers and begin!

You will want to protect your floors with a drop cloth. Take your chalk paint and enjoy! 

Try and keep it to single (long) strokes around your furniture piece. Start with one coat, but keep in mind that it may take 2-3 coats before it is perfect for you. Chalk paint dries within a few hours and that's what I love. Once dry, it's time for the finishing touches. Put on your rubber gloves and face mask and make sure that you are in a well ventilated area. You may want to open some windows right about now. It is quite messy! Take your large sheet of sand paper and cut it into 1/4 squares. Wrap around your fingers and begin sanding edges and everywhere you would like that distressed look. You will need to add some pressure when sanding, but not too much. You may want to experiment with a small furniture piece first to get the hang of it and see how little or how much you would like it distressed. You are the artist!

Wipe down (or vacuum piece) to remove all dust. You can now replace your drawers. I just recommend that you keep them pulled out a bit. Once everything is dusted off, you are ready to start applying your wax. Note: It normally takes about 2 coats of wax to make sure that your newly painted furniture is protected from scratches. Wax and wipe...just like waxing a car. Seriously!

Wait 24 hours and Voila! You are now ready to reinstall your hardware and to add all of your decorative pieces on top of your NEW furniture. No worries!

Now, take a step back and make sure you admire your hard work of art. Pat yourself on the back & take it all in. Great job! Until...your next furniture piece!