Caitlin’s project caught our attention the moment we read “purchased for $1.14” and “found on the side of the road.” That was before we even saw the photos of her shabby-chic DIY jewelry station makeover. Here’s her story:
I’ve been a long-time follower (my morning routine includes a cup of coffee and your blog), so I wanted to share a recent project. The old window screen came from a local Habitat for Humanity ReStore for just $1.14, and I rescued this nightstand from the curb. In other words, this makeover was extremely budget-friendly.

I sanded the nightstand and painted it white. After a little candle mishap left a large blue stain on the top, I recovered it with leftover fabric to hide the blemish and to coordinate the piece with our bedroom decor. For the window screen, I kept the chippy paint and simply leaned it against the wall to serve as a playful earring holder.

For bulkier or less frequently worn items, I used small mirrors to organize them inside the nightstand. A few faux flowers and a ceramic bowl to catch loose pieces finished the look. The result is an almost-free, attractive jewelry box that keeps everything accessible.

This would be such a fun and practical option for someone living in an apartment or dorm. The fabric-covered top enhances the vintage charm of the makeover—even if it was a happy accident. Great job and thanks for sharing! What do you think—will you create a window-screen jewelry display or use mirrors inside a drawer to organize your jewelry?
P.S. If you enjoy budget-friendly decorating and small-space solutions, keep an eye out for more inspiration and ideas that make the most of found and thrifted items.