Time for some fun! Today is Furniture Fixer Uppers day and you know this is right up my alley, right? I mean, what’s more fun than getting to get creative and share the projects done by my blogger friends? It’s all to inspire you. Today is all about this antique chest I found while thrifting.
This never fails to happen to me. I walk into the store knowing full well that I don’t need another piece to work on and am there on a solitary mission. Then, there it is…a big ol’ sign saying 50% off furniture. Well, any sane person couldn’t ignore that, right?
However, there sat this antique chest just showing me those gorgeous mismatched glass pulls and marble top. It begged me to take it home, I tell ya. First, I gave it a quick assessment and went…ugh. 50% off may sound good, but this thing needed much work.
Here’s what I’m facing…
Broken frame to the drawers,
HOT MESS
Also, plenty of damage to the drawer fronts from someone trying to pry it out with a screwdriver. The the inside guides were falling out and a dozen nails were sent into them through the sides trying to get them to stay. And…looked like someone tried to refinish this piece and did a sloppy job. They got it all over the marble and didn’t even bother to remove the knobs. Plus, there were plenty of bristles stuck in the finish.
There is paint in all the crevices, and those top two drawers were flopping up and down like a mouth speaking to me from missing their hardware. Hot mess, shall we say? See…it’s opening up begging me to save it. hee hee hee.
Meanwhile, it’s at this point I’m like, “What did I just buy???” I needed another headache piece like another hole in the head, but silly me can’t resist. So, onward we go!
DIY TIME
First, I repair those broken drawer rails. Those had been hopelessly failed to be repaired previously. Nailed through the outside panels, through the front and were hanging loose. Then, I pull out all those nails and started fresh using my nailer to secure it from the inside.
*post sponsored by DecoArt (see full disclosure)
Next, I bust out the wood glue and wood filler. I used half a tub on this thing. At least it works wonders to make things new. After that, I use my sander to take off the chunky finish. Finally, it’s now time to give this antique chest new life.
First up, add some casters back to the empty spots. Thank goodness for a junk stash! I love collecting casters when I’m about and about. They come in so handy. At last, I find four wooden ones to make a set and they add that bit of height my antique chest needs.
FINISHING
Enter in this new product by DecoArt. Anything with the word “vintage” gets my attention. Aren’t these colors gorgeous? Actually, here are 20 different washes available that will make your heart happy.
For this antique chest makeover I chose to use one of my old standby’s, DecoArt Chalky Finish Paint in Vintage along with the Vintage Effect Wash in White. In addition, you can see all my other posts with DecoArt products in these posts.
To get started, I use apply two coats of the chalky finish paint making sure to let it cure between coats. For the next, step, I decided to use the wash to add dimension to the chest. I applied it to the center panels on the sides. Just brush on and use a soft rag to wipe off any excess leaving traces of it behind.
WASHING
The beauty of the wash is that it has an additive to give it a longer cure time than paint. Why would we want that? Well, that gives us the chance to work it in to the places we want and take off the excess before it sets up. It makes it so nice to work with. I even added it to the carved parts of the chest and drawer fronts.
THE REVEAL
The wash sets up beautifully and then I do a bit of distressing to add time-worn wear. Finally, my antique chest makeover is done. Here is the new look!
Much better than the broken down lady I found in the store. I would have loved to have restored all the wood, but there was no doing with all the damage. However, instead I have those gorgeous burled inlays showcasing their gorgeous self.
Notice how that Vintage Effect Wash really gave dimension to to all the details? I love it! In case you were wondering, this originally had a mirror and different pulls, but I was able to scrounge out some sets to make this complete from my stash.
Also, the side panels make for a sweet statement too, don’t you think?
My hydrangeas are in such gorgeous full bloom that I had to bring some in. They look like lace to me…sigh…
ALL THINGS VINTAGE
Likewise, I do have such fun staging my pieces. Especially with treasures like these. My grandmother-in-law passed not too long ago leaving us wonderful trinkets like that pearl necklace above, and this delicate jewelry box.
I’m happy to say we have a happy ending for the chest. And, for me knowing I saved yet another piece from some dismal outcome. Oh, and by the way, I did pass up a Queen Anne vanity that was there too. I just can’t save them all!
If you are in love with this chest, you can find this piece, the paint brushes, and more available in my shop.
Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130
SHARE
In addition, pin and share this antique chest made new to inspire others to restore the unloved furniture the find. They may have great bones only needing some TLC.
UP NEXT
Likewise, time for some more fun! You just have to see what my gal friends whipped up for you today. Be inspired!
- The Interior Frugalista
- Just the Woods
- Girl in the Garage
- Confessions of a Serial DIYer
- Petticoat Junktion
To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!
Also, more makeovers like this antique chest:
Beautiful! I love the colors and how you let the burl peek out. Well worth the effort to save this sweet dresser. Btw, I covet your stash of casters 😉 Do you find them at garage sales and such?
You are so kind, Rebecca. Thank you! Yes, garage sales, flea markets, etc. I also buy them in lots on eBay.
Yay, I’m glad you rescued her! Such a beautiful form that now shows off in her spiffy new color! Love it! The hydrangeas add the perfect lacy touch to the staging.
Hope you littles feel better soon!
How awesome to hear that feedback. Thank you!
I use the DecoArt line too and am a huge fan of the Vintage color you used. It looks so nice on that piece! Great job!!
Yes, been using it for years too and it is always a fave of mine. Thanks!
I follow you on Instagram and love seeing all the projects you complete.
Wow! That is one amazing makeover! Love the color you chose and those hydrangeas are beautiful!!
Thanks for coming over, Ester! I am so blessed to be able to share.
Another lovely rehab!
Thanks so much, Molly. It was a job, but somebody’s gotta do it, right? 😉
this came out so so pretty
Thanks, Kandice. 🙂
Only you could turn a beat up and broken chest into something this beautiful! Love that you saved some of the beautiful burled finish. The color is so pretty along with the glass knobs you paired it with. Pinned
Your words mean much, Marie. Thank you!
Gorgeous, Larissa! My dad used to refinish furniture, back when people wanted the unpainted antiques. Recently I was going through all his stashes and I found a lot of casters. Some the antique wooden wheels, others more modern. I want to keep them and add them to furniture I plan to refurnish. Could you do a post on how to add them to furniture which did not have casters to start with ? Or replace missing casters with a new wheel which might not be like the others ? It would be much appreciated. I’ve seen a lot of blogs with furniture re-do’s but haven’t seen a caster presentation. I think it would be helpful.
Sounds like a kindred spirit. It all depends on the legs and if they are stable enough to handle casters. If stout, then you need the proper hardware. I will consider your post idea, now I just need to have something to work on . Ha!
The chest came out beautifully, you are a MASTER!
You are so nice to make my day. Thank you!
Wow, that looks like a lot of work – but you made it beautiful again! <3
It sure was, but they always seem to beg me to do something. 😉 Thanks, Jen.
Larissa after one look at that I would have given up! But of course I’m not you am I. Thank goodness we have you to teach us the right way and to never give up!!
I was debating on it as I had one day to get it done. Woot! Thanks, Mary.
Beautiful. What a lovely piece; something you should be very proud of with all the work that you had to do. Great job.
Now, to get off track here I do have a ?.
You use a Dewalt sander and I’m in the process of getting me a sander just for me to use and not having to use my hubby’s. Was just wondering how well you like what you have andwhat your Pros and Cons with your Dewalt.
Thank you, Colleen. Honestly, I don’t have one negative thing to say about that sander. It does everything I need it to, plus I’m picky with these kind of tools because of the wear on my wrists and hands. This one is perfect. If it breaks, I will buy it again.
Thank You Larissa on your input. Much appreciate it.
Enjoy your weekend.
Wow, this chest is stunning now Larissa. I love that you left some of the natural finish and the blue is perfect!
Thanks, Kathy! I was glad to have given it a try.
I love that style of furniture – I have almost the same piece I am working on – I can’t find a good way to clean the marble though. It’s kind of “yellowing” in some spots!
I do too as I grew up with my grandparents set that I will inherit one day. I use Bar Keepers Friend to polish. Try that and see.