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Antique Dresser Revival

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.

Antique Furniture Before Makeovers | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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.

Damaged Dresser Before Revival | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Antique Dresser Top | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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.

Damaged Veneer before Antique Dresser Revival | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

In addition, the top is missing the mirror and harp which leaves a gap at the back of the top.

Antique Dresser Top Gap | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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.

Junk in Top Drawer of Dresser | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Lanterns in Dresser Drawer | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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)

Ornate Vintage Knob on Dresser | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Thankfully, I have this set from a previous project that will complete this dresser and keep to the era.

Salvaged Antique Hardware for Dresser Revival | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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!

Worm Holes in Drawers of Antique Dresser Revival | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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.

Damaged Dresser Drawers Before Sanding | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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.

Grapeseed Oil for Interior Dresser Drawers | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Oiled Drawer Comparison | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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!

Loula Watching Oiling Drawer | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Then, once I have them set, I add painted details with custom colors I mix up from my stash.

Painting Drawer Front | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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}}

Cutting Dresser Back Element | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

After that, I drill holes and attach before staining with reactive stain to get it ready for paint.

Replaced Dresser Back | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

REVIVAL

Finally, this antique dresser revival is complete.

Farmhouse Style Antique Dresser Revival by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Blue & White Dresser by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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.

Simple Style of Antique Farmhouse Decor | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Top View of Antique Dresser Revival by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

That burled wood needs to shine, so I oiled it and waxed to give it more years of life.

1920's Dresser Makeover with Antique Style by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Side View Blue Antique Dresser Revival by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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.

Shop Prodigal Pieces Furniture, Vintage Finds, Handmade Goods, & Supplies for your home | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

SHARE

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.

Antique Dresser Revival with DIY fun by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodgialpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Before you go, be sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter to see what becomes is this thrifted find.

Thrifted Cats Meow Shelf Before | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Until next time!
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While you’re at it, check out these other projects like this antique dresser revival:

Larissa of Prodigal Pieces builds this storage chest out of Reclaimed Pallet Wood | See it at prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #furniture #woodworking #upcycled #reclaimed #farmhouse Don't toss those old jeans! Instead create a DIY denim bag in hobo style by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #bag #diy #sewing #refashion #fashion

Comments

  1. Hélène says

    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 !

    • Larissa says

      That is such a joy to hear, Helene. Thank you so much for taking the time to bring joy.

  2. JANET SCHEN says

    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!

    • Larissa says

      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.

  3. Niki says

    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!

    • Larissa says

      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.

  4. Mary Loveland says

    Great save Larissa on all 3 dressers. You have given them a new beautiful life and kept them out of the landfill!

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Mary. Each piece is unique when it came to me and I tried to do them justice.

  5. Marjorie Hatton says

    Larissa,
    You did it again!
    I can’t wait to see what project you’re going to work on next! You’re my inspiration!!! Thanks!
    Marjorie

    • Larissa says

      tee hee! Thank you so much, Marjorie. I sure have fun sharing and especially hearing from those I write for.

  6. Christina Hicks says

    OK!, I’m not much of a commenter! but all I can say is WOW, you are amazing!!!!! Thank you, you bring me much joy! In Christ, Christina

    • Larissa says

      And you to me! Your comment just made my whole day, Christina. Thank you so much for taking the time.

  7. Stephanie Harris says

    You did good!

  8. Joanne H. says

    It’s been fun watching the three transitions. I think this is my favorite but it’s a close call. Beautiful revival.
    Thanks for sharing your hard work.

  9. Trudy Eby says

    I love that you saved the wood on the top drawers and highlighted the details on the others. I hate when people fill them in, leave the character! Why grapeseed oil vs. linseed or any of the other products meant for furniture? Like Howard’s Feed n Wax for example?

    Thank you!

    • Larissa says

      I know what you mean, Trudy. Honestly, this is a light oil that works well for this where your clothes are going (or other possible fabrics like tablecloths, etc). I mentioned I’ve used tung, boiled linseed, hemp and others in my post as well.

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