How to upcycle bedside cabinets with Aldi’s Upcycling range.
(Paid Partnership with Aldi)
I am always up for a challenge and a good cause, so was super excited when Aldi asked me to participate in their upcycling and DIY campaign in support of Teenage Cancer Trust.
This campaign was also to celebrate the launch of Aldi’s Upcycling range which are now available in their shops.
A bit of a spoiler I know, but you get to see the finished product first.
I have been on the hunt for bedside cabinets for a while, and managed to find 4 similar cabinets at my local second hand store.
Here’s one of the four.
I’ve decided to upcycle all four and put a pair for auction in support of Teenage Cancer Trust.
Can you believe I have never used a sanding machine before? Usually, I would just use a piece of sanding paper to rub down surfaces before painting.
Imagine my delight when I found out that Aldi now sells one.
This Aldi Workzone Detail Sander was so easy to use. I felt like a pro sanding the rough and uneven edges away from my vintage bedside cabinet.
After sanding, I couldn’t wait to get painting. As you can see, a lot of painting was done.
Aldi sells a collection of chalk paint and I was sent this Dove Grey tin of paint. The paint was a matt finish with virtually no odour.
The paint dried really quickly, about 1 hour to touch dry and 4 hours to full hardness.
As you can see my cabinets are not a Dove Grey, but the Dove Grey was used.
I applied it to the interior of the cabinets.
In true Little Big Bell style, I went for my signature sorbet colours for the upcycle bedside cabinets.
I call the look “Miami Gelato” because they look like the painted houses on South Beach, and also look like ice cream.
The top and sides of the cabinets were painted in a light pink. I’ve left all the borders white, so that the colours pop.
I’ve decided on yellow for the doors, and blue and green for the cabinet drawers and bases.
I replaced the drawer and cabinet knobs with porcelain ones, that I dipped in paint, then hung to dry. This gave the drawer knobs a smoother look, than when painted.
You could also spray paint the knobs, and Aldi now stocks a variety of spray paint colours and effects.
Here’s a little side profile of the cabinets. Don’t the colours look pretty. I’ve made myself a similar pair of cabinets.
So, whoever wins the charity auction, we will be twin owners. There will be only 2 pairs of cabinets like this in the world.
The auction will be a silent auction, so DM me on instagram if you would like to place a bid. All proceeds goes to Teenage Cancer Trust.
As I mentioned previously, Aldi now sells a collection of spray paint.
I’ve decided to spray paint the drawers of my bedside cabinets gold. Word of advice, you must wear a mask when you spray paint.
Whilst the outside of my cabinet drawers look a candy pastel tone, open them up and you will see the gold spray paint surprise.
I’m really quite pleased with how the ‘ upcycle bedside cabinets’ project has turned out.
To show the tables off, I’ve decided to put them together with some styling ideas.
The art prints in similar colours really accentuate the pastels of the cabinet. 
Stack some books with pretty pastel spines to make all the colours pop.
To add some warmth, I’ve placed my rainbow coloured rug in front of the cabinets.
So what do you think? Don’t these colours just scream Summer?
I had so much fun with this project. I hope some of you will participate in the Instagram silent auction soon.
Alternatively, you can DM me now on Instagram @littlebigbell to place your bids.
All the money raised goes to Teenage Cancer Trust . They provide specialised care and support for young people with Cancer.
( All photography, styling and DIY are by Little Big Bell. This upcycle bedside cabinets post is a paid partnership with Aldi. )