Do you ever find something too good to pass up? I have taken a backseat to bigger furniture makeovers for quite some time as I don’t ship them any longer and I needed a break. That is, until I came across this motley crew being sold in a group. Could you resist? For today, I’m focusing on the antique oak chest of drawers. It’s the first one starting on the left.

On the surface, it looks seemingly good. It has all the casters, though three of them fall out. However, all the drawers have mis-matched knobs and oodles of junk inside hiding damage. Just for refrenenc, you can see my other furniture makeovers in my gallery HERE.

FINDINGS

Here’s what I found lining the drawers: broken glass, contact paper and linoleum.

What is more, it looks like this isn’t the first redo rodeo. All the drawers have had something added to their bottoms, whether replaced or jerry-rigged like this one.

Not only are there cracks in the bottom but has also had these pieces added to support it in the ends and middle. Mind you, I’m doing all this with a broken toe from splitting firewood (freak maul handle hit my toe) and then I cut my finger in a nasty way when trying to remove the nails. grrrr…

Also, note that this chest has once been painted white and then black. And this is after I sanded it. Talk about hot mess!

After that, I sand down the drawer fronts after replacing the bottom.

Likewise, I have to cut off two of the knobs that are glued on.

No worries, however, as I have a stash that has matching knobs to replace them. Then, I sand down the top hoping to find it’s better than I think. Unfortunately, I find that there are issues with it from the previous damage and painting.

I stop sanding with a mission and get the top ready for the next step – paint. At least, some paint.

This is the same blue I custom mix for my dining room ceiling.

Next, after two coats, I need to tackle the interior and missing drawer guides. I cut pieces attach and make sure all three new guides work smoothly. Additionally, I replace a runner on one of the drawers as well.

DRESSED UP

Finally, after much repair and fine-tuning, this ol’ antique oak chest of drawers is ready for many more years.

First, those oak drawers needed to shine since the rest had too much done to it. If you look closely at those knobs, I custom-mixed a paint I’ll be using in a BIG way soon. eep!

Second, the party on the inside makes for a nice peek-a-boo surprise and unifies the set.

I’m smitten with the outcome even though there is more sweat equity in this piece than I’d like to admit. haha. Here’s to elbow grease investing!

If you’d like to make this part of your home story, you can find it and more in my online store.

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As always, I’m here to inspire! I not only want to encourage you to try the hard tasks, but also know that it’s doable with little tools and investment. Now it’s your turn to leave some comment love down below. Would you have taken on this hot mess piece?

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Until next time!

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While you’re at it, here are more projects like my antique oak chest of drawers: