Antique Harp Desk DIY with sanded and stained top and distressed layered paint finish.

After buying this antique harp desk at an estate sale, it was time to give it a DIY sand down. Years of use and layers of sloppy paint had taken a toll on this desk. I was drawn to its harp-shaped legs and the potential of its all-wood construction, making it a perfect DIY project. My favorite feature now is the newly sanded top and the No Pain Gel Stained top using the American Honey stain color from @dixiebellepaint. It's one of my favorites. The wood grain looks amazing now. You can see the process of staining the top in this video. I also freshened up the hardware with Gilding Wax in Gold. Sanding down the base was a lot of work, but the desk is now super unique. Be sure to check out the finished photos at the end of the video as well.
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[@hwy138]

beautiful !!

[@BowTieTreasures]

thank you!!

[@lisamackres783]

I know you're going to create something great- a piece of furniture that's well-worth keeping and handing down.

[@BowTieTreasures]

Thank you.

[@BarbaraABryant]

My husband's grandmother had a piece like this; she referred to it as a vanity table. Saw one at an antique store, and one at an auction, both were listed as vanity table or ladies desk.

[@BowTieTreasures]

that's good to know!

[@janicelamb5630]

What a beautiful unique little piece. Almost like a campaign table, built to travel. I don't understand the desire to leave the old paints showing. It is like wearing ripped jeans. I don't understand the appeal. My father sold and repaired furniture. He taught me about beautiful wood and finishes. I know that dates me. You did a lovely job, just not to my taste.

[@BowTieTreasures]

you are right, I this could be also called a Campaign table I hear. I loved that I could sand down the top to reveal that beautiful wood.

[@janicelamb5630]

Yes, the top was lovely. Excellent workmanship.

[@runedyrting8476]

Could it have been for a sewing machine perhaps?

[@BowTieTreasures]

I didn't see anything missing. From what I can tell it was made to break down if needed but they would have had to remove some screws though. It's different for sure.