She Replaced the Cracked Mirrors With Cane Panels and Completely Changed These Nightstands
Most people would have focused on the cracked mirrors and peeling finish. Instagram creator @shellychicboutique focused on the nightstands underneath.
Rather than restoring the original design, she replaced the damaged mirror panels with woven cane and used faux wood techniques to create an entirely different look. By the end of the makeover, the nightstands reflected two of today’s most popular furniture trends while barely resembling the pieces she started with.
Scratches, Chips, and Cracked Mirrors Made the Nightstands Easy to Ignore
The original nightstands featured a black finish, mirrored drawer fronts, and simple framed detailing. Years of use left visible scratches across the tops and edges.
Matching proportions and sturdy construction remained hidden beneath the damage. Most shoppers would have focused on the worn finish rather than the furniture itself.
Closer inspection revealed more serious problems. Large sections of finish had peeled away from one top surface while multiple drawer mirrors showed extensive cracking.
Furniture with this level of visible wear often gets passed over because the repairs appear larger than they actually are.
One drawer front showed large cracks spreading across the mirror surface. Damage like this often convinces people that furniture isn’t worth repairing.
Instead of replacing the mirrors with new glass, Shelly used the problem as an opportunity to completely change the design.
Neutral Paint Replaced the Worn Black Finish
Using a spray gun, Shelly covered the nightstands in a soft beige paint that completely concealed the scratched black finish. Smooth, even coverage gave the furniture a cleaner and more refined appearance.
The fresh base coat transformed the look almost immediately. It also provided the perfect foundation for the faux wood treatment that would later give the nightstands their natural wood appearance.
Faux Wood Techniques Started Replacing the Painted Appearance
With the base coat dry, Shelly began building a faux wood finish using several brushes and darker glaze. Long brush strokes created grain-like patterns while additional brushes softened and blended the texture.
Layering different tones and brush techniques added depth that flat paint could not provide. As the grain developed, the nightstands started resembling stained wood rather than painted furniture.
Cane Panels Replaced the Broken Mirrors
Sheets of cane webbing were cut and attached to backing panels sized to fit the drawer openings. Once installed, the woven inserts completely concealed the damaged mirrors and changed the appearance of the furniture.
Cane continues to show up in designer collections because it adds texture without making furniture feel heavy. Swapping the mirrors for cane transformed the nightstands from a dated design into pieces that align with one of today’s most popular furniture trends.
Faux Wood and Cane Completely Changed the Nightstands
Warm wood tones replaced the dark painted finish while woven cane inserts took the place of the damaged mirror panels. Updated pulls completed the transformation and helped tie the materials together.
The combination of wood-look finishes and cane detailing shifted the nightstands away from their original mirrored style and toward a look that feels far more current.
What once looked dated and damaged now resembles the type of furniture commonly found in higher-end retail collections. Few elements changed the appearance more than replacing the reflective mirror panels with textured cane.
Designer-Looking Nightstands Emerged From Furniture Most People Would Have Discarded
The before-and-after comparison highlights just how much changed. Damaged mirrors, peeling paint, and years of wear gave way to textured cane fronts, natural-looking wood tones, and updated hardware.
Projects like this show why thrift store finds, Facebook Marketplace purchases, and even curbside furniture are worth a second look. A few thoughtful updates can turn overlooked pieces into furniture that reflects today’s most popular design trends.
All image credits go to Instagram creator: @shellychicboutique.