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The $5 Thrift Flip: Turning an IKEA Cabinet into a Rich Apothecary Dream (Without Paint!)

  • Melissa Geskie
  • 1 day ago
  • 3 min read

Stop Yelling! We're Staining IKEA!


I have a confession: I love antiques.(And yes I paint them) And I also love a good, cheap DIY. And if there’s one thing that gets the internet riled up, it’s the debate over painting furniture. We've all seen the comment sections—a frenzy of purists crying over a painted antique dresser.

But here’s the thing I hear constantly: "If you want to paint something, paint an IKEA piece!"

Well, jokes on you, internet! Today, we’re doing something even more sacrilegious (to some): we’re taking a modern, wood, basic box and giving it the rich, deep look of a centuries-old apothecary cabinet. We aren't even using traditional paint.

I scored this simple, basic IKEA-style cabinet at my local thrift store for a whopping $5. Yep, a coffee-money piece of furniture with zero soul, begging for a glow-up.

Ready to see how we turn cheap into a luxurious, vintage-inspired focal point? Let's dive in!


✨ The Secret Ingredient: Gel Stain Magic


The key to this transformation is a single product that delivers incredible depth and richness without the intense prep work of traditional liquid stain: Walnut Gel Stain.

Gel stain is a thicker, almost pudding-like product that sits on top of the surface rather than soaking in. This makes it perfect for those tricky, less porous surfaces like particleboard, veneer, and even laminated finishes, which traditional stain simply won't touch.


What You’ll Need:



Step-by-Step Apothecary Transformation



1. Clean


Forget stripping! Wipe it all down thoroughly with a damp cloth to remove any dust. White Lightning if you want to scrub any extra dirt.

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2. Applying the Gel Stain


This is where the magic happens. I applied the gel stain using an applicator pad.

  • Dip: Dip your rag or pad into the stain.

  • Wipe On: Wipe it on generously in the direction you’d want a wood grain to go.

  • Wipe Off: After a few minutes, use a clean, dry rag to wipe off the excess.

The piece immediately started to look like rich, dark walnut. The first coat will look a bit translucent; that’s perfect. Follow the drying time on the can (usually 8-24 hours) and then apply a second, thin coat. This is where you build the depth. One coat were all I needed for that deep, rich, moody apothecary vibe! I also stained the four wood knobs that I glued on for feet. Need a in depth tutorial on GEL STAIN? Click here!


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💡 PRO TIP: You can apply the stain using a dry-brush technique on the final coat to mimic a subtle wood grain if the surface is completely flat.
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3. Adding the "Vintage Library" Detail


While the stain was curing, I cut out the pages of a old vintage dictionary. These will line the back plate of the new hardware.


4. Sealing and Hardware


You can seal your Gel Stain or not - I did not.

Finally, the jewelry! I added brass apothecary cup pulls. The aged brass against the new, dark "walnut" finish is simply stunning and instantly elevated the entire piece. It looks like a vintage piece that cost hundreds, not $5.


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The Grand Reveal: From Basic to Bold


I’m obsessed with the result! This was truly a quick, one-weekend project that required minimal skill and minimal investment.


This $5 IKEA cabinet is now a functional, beautiful, and expensive-looking piece that brings so much character to the room. It just goes to show you—it doesn't matter where the furniture comes from; it matters what you're willing to do with it!


So go ahead, grab that cheap piece from the thrift store or the big box store. A little bit of gel stain and hardware magic is all you need to create your own bespoke, high-end piece.

Want to watch a video of the process? CLICK HERE.

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Hope you loved this simple DIY project! Follow along for more on all socials here!

Love thrifting like me? I take you all on a thrifting adventure weekly on YOUTUBE!


Melissa

The Top Drawer RVA

Artist & Social Media Coach

Want to listen to how "Building A Brand Online" can help your small business? Click here!




***This blog contains affiliate links at no added cost to you! They do provide me (the artist) With a kick back for using the product!



 
 
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