This roll top desk makeover with contact paper and hardware was affordable and easy. It was a fun way to update the look of oak furniture without painting! Post contains affiliate links.
We picked up this roll top desk on marketplace when we needed an extra office hidden in plain site.
With hubby working from home way more often, this has become my little office nook more often than not. Unfortunately, it was becoming a mess inside to the point of not wanting to use it at all, not to mention all that oak.
Although I didn’t want to paint it, I was determined to change it up somehow!
Adding Contact Paper
After getting the desktop cleared, I applied contact paper to the back panel of the desk with a felt scraper and an exacto knife from a basic wallpaper kit. The contact paper has lines on the back that make it easy to cut the paper slightly larger than the area I was applying. For the second and third panels, I had to cut further down the roll to line up the pattern.
I used the exacto knife to cut clean lines along the edges and to cut the L shape space around the drawers.
Once the contact paper was up, it felt a bit empty. So I decided to add something to the back to break up the green.
Making a Cork Board
We have had this white frame laying around for ages from a broken picture, and it finally came in handy to make a cork board!
I spray painted the frame gold, and cut a piece of thick cardboard to fit the frame. This adhesive cork roll was easy to cut and apply to the cardboard before attaching to the frame with hot glue.
To decorate my cork board, I used papers from this vintage paper pack!
I also spray painted this galvanized envelope file holder gold to match the corkboard frame, and I popped in some pretty floral file folders. The frame and file holder look so fun alongside my favorite planner!
Swapping the Hardware
Next, we installed these gold cup pulls with bolt cutters to give it a more antique look.
Accessorize!
The last few little changes to my desk area were to add this affordable rug, and swap the chair to a cozier one with a throw and pillow!
I found this pretty and affordable desk lamp with charging outlets. Lastly, I swapped out a couple prints on the wall, and added some books and a brass plant mister to the top of the desk to fill in an awkward empty space.
This roll top desk makeover with contact paper was so much fun! Painting a secretary desk like this (with all those nooks and crannies!) did not seem like a fun time. I am thrilled with how this subtle little desk update came out, especially since it took hardly any time at all to complete! Have you updated any furniture without painting it? I’d love to hear about it!
