My style is typically French farmhouse / shabby chic / cottage, but I seriously love the lines and design of the Mid Century Modern era, like the console and Brasilia chest of drawers I’ve done. When my kids are watching flashback episodes of The Brady Bunch or Benji, etc. I’m gazing at the wonderful furniture that is featured. Do you do that? Let me show you my Mid Century Modern dresser makeover in honor of those awesome times.
While doing my typically fun searches on Craigslist I came across this funkified bedroom dresser set.
Apparently, someone was cleaning out an estate from a family member and wanted to “get rid of this ugly furniture” – translated in junker lingo, “SCORE!”.
DIY TIME
I love to hear that type of statement coming from a seller and I try to put on my poker face and play the game. Most times I feel bad that they don’t know what gem they have, but in the end it’s win-win. They get rid of their “junk” and I get to play. tee hee. This set was in excellent shape, but, of course, the top surfaces had the most wear. All the dove-tailed drawers worked smoothly and were in great condition.
First, I grab my handy orbital sander and went to town. The top of the console dresser was so worn that the finish came off so easily.
Funny note: A giant headache with a nine drawer dresser is figuring out where the drawers are supposed to go after you take them out. This previous owner has a genius moment and numbered the frame and drawers at some point. THANK YOU!
NEXT STEPS
Since the drawers were in excellent shape, I decided to sand and refinish them with a dark stain and poly topcoat. Likewise, I found the manufacturer stamp on the bottom that read, “Japan, June 8, 1961”, another part of the story.
One of my favorite aspects of the MCM style is the lack of drawer pulls. Innovation and creativity were used to make these pieces function with ease. This set was no different with the inset places for a finger-grab hold. To draw attention to that detail, I painted with a white semi-gloss.
For the cabinet, I went to my handy dandy stash and pulled another favorite “seconds” paint of mine. Can’t beat paying $7 for a gorgeous blue semi-gloss from Home Depot. I love it…sigh.
Not sure what could be better about this Mid Century Modern dresser makeover than the offset mirror. It’s funky, different, unique and I’m all about that.
READY SET
In addition, since this is a set, I wanted to stage them together and lack the wall space to do so (I’m working on a remedy for that!). I originally set them in front of my garage as I’ve done with other pieces, but it just didn’t do them any justice. So, I decided to play in Photoshop and create a faux setting. I’m selling this set in my shop (SOLD) and wanted to present them in a clean way as the pieces themselves are a clean design.
Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130
What do you think? Would you have listed them with the garage, the brick, or the tweaked version? I think it’s fun to change it up! Additionally, pin and share this Mid Century Modern dresser makeover to inspire others to give DIY a try.
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How nice. I enjoy seeing what people can do with others “junk”.
Beautiful job! Love the way you highlighted the area where you open the drawers.
You’ve really given these new life! Thanks for sharing these at the “Something to Talk About” link party 🙂 Hope to see you next week too! Bwg ~~~
Larissa, Wow again another beautiful transformation. I love it with the brick for the back drop for your shop. I cannot believe how fabulous it looks and what a score that was. I love Craigs list and have found some wonderful furniture for our home but haven’t painted any of it yet….lol. Thank you again so much for linking up to the Party and have a great day. xo Lisa
That’s a wonderful makeover. Funny thing is, I think we have that exact bedroom set, including the pieces you bought and two nightstands and bedframe with headboard and footboard. We bought ours for a song at an estate sale and it was in near mint condition. Consequently, it’s still in its original state. I know what you mean about the drawers! We took them all out when we brought the set home and I felt like I was working on a giant puzzle to get the drawers back in the right place. So glad I stumbled on your post–I’m going to mark the drawers in case we ever move it again. Fun to see what others do with something I own, too.
The whole set?? wow. Yes, number those drawers for headache-less moving. 😉
I have a MCM 6-drawer piece. It has some chipping in areas, so I am going to have to paint, I think. I was thinking of gray and white. I wanted to get your take on it. I have posted a link to a photo of it under “website,” and will also paste the link here. I love what you do!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1004363932915653&set=pb.100000261676380.-2207520000.1460662801.&type=3&theater
Thank you so much for the love! That is one gorgeous piece you have and I think your color choice would be fantastic. Though if the wood is in good shape, I would hate to see it covered up…but it’s yours and if you want paint, PAINT! 😀
I acquired what looks like the EXACT 4-drawer taller dresser and have been waiting to be able to make it over. I gave it a good scrub down today only to discover the top is particle board with a veneer over. The drawers are dovetail construction. I’m so disappointed because the particle board expanded when the water I was scrubbing with hit it and popped off the veneer. I am thinking I can glue it back on and just paint but now I’m worried about even trying to sand the top! Do you have any advice?
Oh boy…that’s a tough one. Particle board is not really workable. You can try sanding, but I’ll be honest I don’t think it will go well. I’m sorry. :/