A while back I began a long-running bedroom makeover, and although the project has taken a while and I’ve worked on other rooms too, I’m finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
The small wall-mounted cubby shown below is the last item on my bedroom to-do list before a mini reveal. It’s a compact piece—perfect for urban living—and with a little attention it became a charming, shimmery accent for the room. Here I’ll share the simple makeover steps I used and an easy technique to add subtle shimmer.
I don’t remember exactly where I picked up this shelf, but it had good bones and was begging for a refresh. I used leftover paint from an earlier project, did a little sanding, and finished with wax and metallic accents to bring out texture and light.
What I Used:
- Old Fashioned Milk Paint in Slate
- Old Fashioned Milk Paint in Snow White
- Sandpaper
- Paint brush
- Daddy Van’s Decorative Wax in Farmhouse White (or a similar white wax)
- DecoArt Metallic Lustre in White Frost (for shimmer)
- Clean rag
- Round brush for waxing
How I Did It
I had already mixed Slate and Snow White milk paints to create a soft gray-blue that I used on a recent accent wall. Milk paint keeps well in the refrigerator, so I used the remaining mixture to paint this shelf. It took three coats to fully cover the wood and build an even, matte base.
After the paint dried, I sanded lightly to smooth any brush marks and make the finish feel soft. Next came the decision on the topcoat: I used a full wax finish across the piece and then added selective metallic accents for shimmer.
On this shelf I tested two finishes side-by-side. The overall sheen comes from a white decorative wax applied to the whole shelf, which seals the milk paint and brings out the subtle variations in the finish. Then I added DecoArt Metallic Lustre in White Frost in specific areas to create bright lines of shimmer that catch the light.
The white wax gives the piece an overall satin glow and protects the milk paint. The metallic lustre provides the “oomph” — small, concentrated streaks of pearly white that shimmer when light hits them. If you look closely you can see how the metallic highlights differ from the more subtle wax sheen.
The metallic areas are deliberately minimal so they only read as shimmer rather than solid color. They show up best where light grazes the surface, creating a subtle contrast with the softer wax finish.
The process is simple: apply wax evenly with a round brush or rag, buff lightly to an even sheen, then use a small brush or fingertip to add the metallic lustre in thin strokes where you want highlights. The lustre layers thinly and reflects light without overpowering the base color.
It’s amazing how a few small touches transform a simple shelf into a focal point. The milk paint highlights grain and texture in unexpected ways, and the wax makes those details pop.
Small imperfections—like the slightly crooked divider in this cubby—only add character. The finish emphasizes those idiosyncrasies and makes the piece feel handmade and authentic.
The shelf is now hung on the wall, and it coordinates with the rest of the room’s palette and textures. I’ll share the full room reveal next week so you can see how this piece fits into the overall scheme. Repurposing and upcycling are fun, but it’s even more satisfying when the finished room feels cohesive.
If you want a straightforward way to add subtle luxury to a small project, combine milk paint, a protective wax, and a touch of metallic lustre. It’s quick, affordable, and the results are elegant without being precious.
Thanks for following along. I’ll be back next week with the full bedroom reveal—finally putting this room to bed (pun intended). Below are the other projects that were part of the makeover.
