I’ve reached the finish line with my furniture trilogy makeover with this antique lot below. First, there is the oak chest of drawers, followed by the wash stand/gentleman’s chest. Last, but not least, there is this antique dresser revival.
Honestly, I cherish all three pieces for different reasons, so I don’t have a favorite. However, I am excited I didn’t need quite as much elbow grease or injury to get this one done.
BEGINNING
The good is that it’s solid with NO drawers needing rebuilt {{huge breath of relief}}. However, the bad is the peeling veneer is definitely an issue.
In addition, the top is missing the mirror and harp which leaves a gap at the back of the top.
No problem! As you can imagine that after nearly 13 years of blogging, I have plenty of experience. Feel free to check out my Project Gallery HERE. As for that missing piece, I can rebuild it in a matter of minutes like I did with this industrial chest and my bathroom vanity. But, before I show you that, look what I find inside.
Those are some fun treasures, aren’t they? It seems this piece was used to store holiday items as I found faux pine needles everywhere. While I quickly found homes for all those goodies, I still need to get back to this antique dresser revival.
WORKING TIME
First, I take time to work that peeling, bubbled veneer off the two bottom drawers. Before I do, however, take a peek at this pattern behind the knob. Can you see how there used to be different hardware or from a backplate? (the faded circle)
Thankfully, I have this set from a previous project that will complete this dresser and keep to the era.
I paint them a copper color to go with my end vision.
NEXT WORK
The first drawer I work on it came off easy-peasy. The second one, however, took me three times as long. ugh!
Afterwards, the oak underneath has worm holes and plenty of patina. As you can see, I need plenty of wood filler and my sander to make these palatable for the next step.
After sanding these two drawers and the smaller top two drawers, I want to address the interior of them too. I simply use grapeseed oil to wipe them down after cleaning them with a water/vinegar mixture.
Isn’t the difference crazy? They both looked the same before. You can see how I use hemp and linseed oil for other uses in these past posts. Loula just loves this stuff. It was all I could do to keep her from licking it!
Then, once I have them set, I add painted details with custom colors I mix up from my stash.
REPLACING
Next, do you remember that I need to cut a piece for that missing back mirror harp? Here it is after a few minutes of drafting a pattern and cutting it out. {{happy dance}}
After that, I drill holes and attach before staining with reactive stain to get it ready for paint.
REVIVAL
Finally, this antique dresser revival is complete.
With this dark weather from the hurricane, it’s been hard to stage these pieces properly. I’m just thankful to be able to do this at all.
That burled wood needs to shine, so I oiled it and waxed to give it more years of life.
There you have my final reveal of this furniture trilogy. I’m a happy DIYer that is content with the outcomes. What say you?
If you’d like to make this dresser a part of your home story, you can find it and more in my online store.
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While I have fun sharing my adventures, the extra cherry-on-top bit of joy comes from hearing from you. Take a minute to leave me some comment love below, and then pin and share to inspire others.
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Until next time!
While you’re at it, check out these other projects like this antique dresser revival:
I really enjoyed the renewal of these three dressers and that one might be my favorite !
Well done, Larissa !
Your amazing skills, woodworking, painting, and so much more, are an inspiration !
That is such a joy to hear, Helene. Thank you so much for taking the time to bring joy.
It’s so gorgeous! I love the blue and the white together to highlight the detals and the burled wood on the drawers is fantastic. It’s just perfect! Great job!
I’m so glad I had a chance to work on them as they were surely misfits that needed TLC. I have a special place in my heart for these 20’s dressers. Thank you, Janet.
I don’t know how you have the patience for some of these that need extra love and attention. This one looks very handsome. The burled wood drawers complement the more colonial blue color and your detail painting is great!
They try my patience for sure! 😀 I wanted just a bit of that wood saved so it could tell the story of its past. Thank you, Niki.