I miss my mantle! We removed our mantle years ago when we decided to hang a large flat screen tv over our brick fireplace.
While I love this configuration.....I miss my mantle!
I miss having a place to hang and feature holiday decor such as stockings, wreaths, garland, swags etc! I'm hoping this thrifted checked fireplace screen is the answer I'm looking for...
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Great Thrifted Find...Fireplace Screen
While scrolling online recently I came across a post from my favorite thrift store ever.....The Shabby Chicas!
They are local to me here in San Antonio....but I do believe they are willing to ship items as well.
They posted this amazing fireplace screen!
I didn't care for the artwork on it....but the shape really spoke to me!
THIS......could be my answer to missing holiday decor on the fireplace!
Supplies Used
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The Makeover Process: Checked Fireplace Screen
I began by giving it a good clean and rinse with White Lightning.
I painted the entire thing in two coats of Fluff white. I didn't prime.....since the screen itself was very textured and I knew paint adhesion was not going to be a problem.
Creating the Jumbo Check Pattern
Once dry, I began my jumbo check layout.
I used a yardstick and measured out vertical and horizontal lines spaced two inches apart.
This is a much larger check than I've done before but I've seen it a lot in the decor space recently and I really like it.
I asked my online community what color they felt would be best to serve as a backdrop for seasonal items that will be displayed on the screen.
We all settled on a soft heather gray.....of which I was completely out of!
SO......I made my own.
Now for my favorite part.....painting in the checks!
Good music....check!
Comfortable chair....check!
Cup of coffee (or two).....check!
Good sharp crisp brushes....check!
Let the painting begin!
I did decide to do a light Fluff colored drag in most of the gray squares to give it a slightly softer look.
I did this by keeping a small bit of white paint on a plate and a brush right next to me as I painted the gray squares. With the gray paint still wet....I just simply picked up the white brush and gave a quick drag through the gray paint. I don't do the drag very often but I do like the effect it gives.
I also made sure to pull the checks around into the seam so it looks complete when on display.
Next.....The Frame!
It was originally gold but had a very orange tone to it. I chose to use Liquid Gold which is a true gold with very opaque one coat coverage.
Please note that you will need to work in a well ventilated area or even wear a mask when using the Liquid Gold....as it has a very strong odor!
Once dry, I gave a light sand to the entire piece, frame and all, using a fine grit sanding pad.
I wiped away the dust and applied a top coat for protection using Satin Clear Coat.
The Finished Look: Checked Fireplace Screen
Isn't it adorable???
With the addition of a small hook or two, I can do....
Valentines.....
Easter.....
Birthday....
Christmas.....
...or nothing at all and it still looks amazing!!!
It was such a great thrift find!
I am undecided if I will leave it with this fresh clean look. I have a little bit of a yearning to age it a bit. But I'm choosing to let it be as it is for now.
I really do like it.....and I don't want to regret moving into the aged look!
More Inspiration:
I pulled a few blogs from past projects that came to mind when working on this piece! I really loved the curves of this fireplace screen and can't help but think about other Bombay style furniture. I hope you can use them to draw inspiration for your upcoming project. Here are the additional designs for your inspiration:
Neutral Whimsy Grunge Bombay Check - where grunge meets whimsy
Gold Striped Desk - gold Bombay design
Gold Leaf Harlequin Buffet - neutral whimsical gold leaf
While I love the finish of the liquid gold, the odor is really strong. If you are looking to get the same gold leaf look without the chemical smell, check out my How to Apply Gold Leaf blog for another option.
Click on any photo below for more up-close photos and all the design details
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