Updating your home is fun and expensive sometimes. Yet, there are things that can you “cheat” with to get the expensive look without the price. I’ll explain…I was sitting one day thinking that I needed to update my horrendous dining room table. Initially, I tried painting it with white lacquer paint. Unfortunately, the end result was horrific….but since I’d had the table for ages, I didn’t feel bad and thought it could look more distressed than glossy at this state…lol
Update With Adhesive Contact Paper
One day, I was thinking what if I just applied adhesive contact paper that we use for shelves, would that work? So being at work on my lunch time with Pinterest being unaccessible from my work computer, and too cheap to use my own data to check the app, I googled “wall paper on table.” I stumbled on a fascinating blog of round post of great bloggers who’d updated a ton of pieces with adhesive contact paper. I thought I died and went to heaven. Seeing that someone else has attempted only what I had envisioned made me so happy. To express my contentment, I recall leaving a Shakespeare-like comment.
Favourite Pieces to Update
While you can update pretty much anything with contact paper, these are my fave pieces to tackle. From there, you can take pretty much any piece you have and slap on beautiful adhesive contact paper to give it new life.
Where to Buy Contact Paper
I bought mine from Aliexpress. The downside to it is if you need more, well you kinda gotta wait a month, which means your piece will be sitting there idle and half done for that much time and once it’s here, well you’ve lost the motivation to complete it. But if you don’t mind waiting and believe you will still be pumped to finish up your project after your item has FINALLY arrived, then check out their listings here.
Otherwise, if you prefer something with quicker shipping, here are some other places to get your hands on gorgeous adhesive contact paper.
- Marble contact paper
- Wood contact paper
- Textured contact paper
- Metallic contact paper
- Geometric contact paper
- Other patterns
Countertop
You knew that was coming, it’s too easy to not let go. Here are some examples from Pop Sugar and Buzz Feed.
Table top
I kinda gave that one away. Syl and Sam and Real House Moms have awesome tutorials.
Bookcase
Monica Wants It, Monica showed it off well. I know I’ve done that with some of my own bookcases at home.
Dresser
Homed It has a gorgeous tutorial that you just HAVE to check out!
Tray
This tray can be a central piece in any room. I don’t have one but what I did is I have a block of marble that acts as a tray on one of my hutches. Try this tutorial from Blonde Boss Babe.
Stair risers
I gotta say this one is preeetttyyy darn cool. Never thought anyone would do it but there are a ton of examples here.
Bar cart
Bar carts are cool on their own. Imagine adding some marble vibes to them, now that’s WOW! Well thanks to Sand and Sisal, you can update any clunky cart to look like it’s out of a House & Home mag.
Vase
You can update a vase, a coaster, a book cover, a box or a soap dispenser (yeah, I’ve done that one), the process is the same, the shape changes. Whatever it is you want to tackle, the end result is stunning in a home setting. Follow this tutorial from A Purdy Little House to get a head start.
The Gist of it
So you see, updating your home to make it look high end, it doesn’t mean you have to spend endless amounts of money. Little things can make a big difference.
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This is Grace

Grace from Color & Grace. Based in Troy, Michigan, Grace is a 42 year-old petite woman who loves colours. Born and raised in China, she moved to America for love in 2007. Her day job – teacher. Her dream job – fashion blogger. Make sure to go and check out her blog and leave her a comment on her awesome outfit.
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dousedinpink says
I’ve been wanting to do this to the shelves in my office. I love all of the inspiration! Those vases are so cute!
Jill
Doused In Pink
The Wardrobe Stylist says
It’s definitely worth it! I did it for my bookcase, table and some smaller decor items and it looks great. Next it my shelf, and possibly my console.
curlycraftymom says
My bar cart is one of my fave home decor pieces!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
The Wardrobe Stylist says
It’s pretty awesome, useful and super decorative too. I love it too!
Offrs says
The vase really does look beautiful, Wardrobe, you did a great job! Pinning to share.
The Wardrobe Stylist says
Thanks so much! I’m so glad you enjoyed the ideas in the post.
İtalyan Mobilyalar says
I’ve been wanting to do this to the shelves in my office. I love all of the inspiration! Those vases are so cute!
The Wardrobe Stylist says
They really are adorbs and practical.