Create a cosy reading nook for wellbeing with a simple table makeover using Rustoleum & Rustins

In today’s fast-paced world, we all need a little sanctuary, a space where we can truly switch off, unwind, and take care of our wellbeing. One of the easiest and most rewarding ways to do this? Create a cosy reading area in your home! And even better – why not make it sustainable by upcycling furniture using products that come in metal packaging?

In this blog, I’ll show you how I transformed an old, unwanted occasional table into the perfect centrepiece for a calming, family-friendly reading space. The secret weapons? Rustins Wood Stain, Rustoleum Furniture Paint, and a little imagination.

The table I’m using was a lucky find at our local tip. Someone was just about to throw it into landfill when I asked if I could take it home and give it a new life. It’s amazing what a little creativity and care can do.

🌿 Why choose metal packaging for your DIY supplies?

Before we dive into the makeover, let’s talk about something that often gets overlooked: packaging. The products I used are Rustins and Rustoleum and are both available in metal tins, and that’s no accident.

Metal packaging is one of the most sustainable options out there. It’s:

100% recyclable
Endlessly reusable without degrading
Great for long-term storage
And can even be repurposed creatively once empty!

By choosing paint and stain in metal tins, you’re not only making something beautiful for your home, you’re also making a small but powerful choice for the planet. Now, let’s get into the DIY magic!

So now it’s time for my step-by-step guide tutorial to create a reading area in your home.

🛠️ What you’ll need:

500ml tin of Rustins Wood Stain in Dark Oak
1L tin of Rustoleum Furniture Paint in White
2 x 1.5-inch paint brushes
Assorted sandpaper (P60 for heavy sanding, P180 for smoothing)
Hard bristle brush
Damp cloth
Dust sheets
Optional: new doorknobs, candle, cushions, and your favourite books!

Step 1 – Giving it a good clean

Start by brushing off any dirt or cobwebs with a bristle brush.

Step 2- Sanding it down

This table had old paint and years of wear, so I used coarse P60 sandpaper to get through the grime and then switched to P180 to smooth the surface.

Top Tip: Wipe down with a damp cloth afterward to remove dust. This helps the stain and paint apply beautifully and evenly.

Step 3 – Painting the legs and base

Flip the table upside down and apply your Rustoleum Furniture Paint to the legs and underside. I went with white to brighten the look, it took two coats, but if you’re painting over a dark colour like I was (blue!), you might need three for full coverage.

Pro Tip: Detach the legs if you can as it makes for a much neater job.

Step 4 – Staining the tabletop

Now for that rich, warm wood finish! Apply Rustins Wood Stain to the top of the table. Two coats gave me a gorgeous, deep dark oak tone that contrasts beautifully with the white legs.

Step 5 – The final touches

With the table done, I added a few cosy extras to turn this corner into a proper reading nook: soft cushions, a scented candle, and (of course!) a stack of my favourite books.

I couldn’t resist swapping out the old drawer knobs for some quirky, cute ones to make the piece really pop.

Last notes 💚

So, whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just starting out, projects like this are a great way to boost your mood, create a beautiful home environment, and make mindful choices for the planet at the same time.

Enjoy your new reading space and happy upcycling!

Let me know if you try this project, or tag me in your own metal-packaging-inspired makeovers!

Blog by Nigel Higgins – DIY Daddy