You can call me crazy or maybe infatuated, but I can’t resist a beautifully crafted piece of furniture. I’m especially drawn to pieces that have been left unloved or so loved that they need help. I call it passion, a true love in seeing restoration come to those who need it most – even people. When this antique dressing table set came up in an ad on my screen, I knew I had to give it some lovin’.
What struck me the most was the story behind it. I met with the two daughters who were cleaning out their mother’s estate. This set had been hers and she cherished it so. It broke their heart to part with it, but neither had the interest or the space to keep it and a few other pieces. I also purchased a desk too that I’ll show at a later time. I knew when I loaded the piece and they had tears in their eyes, I had to do something.
DEFINING MOMENT
So, for Donna and her daughters, I’m going to give this antique dressing table set my all and try to revive the beautiful style it once had. It’s solid as a rock, the caning in the seat is intact, and all hardware is present.
However, the mirror is mottled (adds character and charm), and the top is damaged and stained. I knew it would be a long shot to get that top to look new again, but I was gonna try!
I broke out my sander and had at it. However, after getting halfway across, the realization set in that the top couldn’t be saved. The stains were much too deep and there were more stains yet to be revealed.
As a result, that leaves me with the option to paint. It’s all good as I have a vision to the end result if things didn’t go as planned.
You see, Donna lived in simple country home out in the middle of our Ohio farmland. I wanted to give this dressing table a restored look that gave a nod to her life. I hear she pulled her kids through a window as their small home went up in flames. Wow.
DIY TIME
To begin, I used CitriStrip to take off the grime and chippy stain on the caned seat.
While the stripping gel worked its charm, I apply a coat of Kilz stain blocking primer. These brushes are by far my favorite for their ability to hold enough in the brush to prevent over-dipping, and no brush strokes, which is key for a base coat.
MORE STRIPPING
Next, while the primer cured, I went back to the caned seat with stripping gel. An old toothbrush helped me removed the build-up and get the caning ready for new stain.
Then, I brush on an antique white paint for the cabinet. Meanwhile, I also paint the mirror harp and seat. It is perfect for achieving excellent coverage on highly decorated carvings or turned parts.
While the paint was curing, I did a cleaning to the old hardware. The faux brass finish had long since worn off. It is time for a refresh with an Antique Brass Spray Paint.
Last, I apply a clear wax to all the surfaces.
THE REVEAL
Time to show you what this antique dressing table set looks like now. I’m so pleased with the outcome.
Now this lovely beauty is ready for many more years. I just had to leave those turned legs, caning and mirror in the natural state. However, I did touch them up with a Hickory Gel Stain. The parched wood soaked it right up.
I love how the mirror is still telling the story of days gone by. I like it when those features can remain. It’s kinda like how God uses our past trials to line our futures with feeling for those that may be facing the same circumstances.
My kids and I had fun diving into my vintage wallpaper sample stash to pick out paper that would complement the prairie feel I was after. Those are the kinds of touches that make a restored piece have a new story.
INSPIRING
Did I inspire you today? I sure hope so. My goal is to share my techniques and experiences so you can see past the obvious to the potential.
If you would like to own this antique dressing table set, you can find it available in my online shop. We do ship to your door and offer a discount to those that sign up for my newsletter. (details below)
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Additionally, pin and share this antique dressing table set and the DIY restoration. I’m sure there are many others looking for inspiration too.
Up next is Furniture Fixer Uppers and these two cuties are getting a much-needed makeover. See their new look HERE.
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Also, more furniture makeovers like this antique vanity dressing table set:
It turned out beautiful! I would of never thought to paint it like you did but I love the way it turned out. If I’m lucky enough to win I would use my new brush on my chest of drawers and dresser. They are not a set YET but I’m hoping to make them look like a set by using the same hardware and painting them alike. Thanks for a chance to win.
I’m so happy to hear you like it, Janis. Thank you. I love the kind of makeover you’re mentioning. So fun!
Awesome job! Incredible what paint can do to a piece of furniture. I have not tried redoing furniture yet but would love to try with this set of brushes.
I know, right?! Gotta love the power of paint (and some elbow grease 🙂 )
I am glad you restored the vanity to show its beauty. It looks beautiful.
Thank you for the sweet words, Debra.
Beautiful. Love how you painted the vanity and the mirror, along with the adorable little bench.
If I where to win them brushes (of which I have been wanting for a long time) I would probably paint my air compressor stand that my hubby is building for me or a book stand for our new upcoming great grand daughter which is to arrive in May.
Thank you for this wonderful giveaway opportunity
Enjoy your day & have a great week.
Thank you. It just suited the lifestyle Donna had and made me happy to work on it. Congrats on the new arrivals, especially the precious little one. 😀
Another beautiful piece of refinished furniture that tells a story. You are a wonder. I would love to win the fabulous brushes so we can start refinishing some vintage furniture. Thanks again for wowing us.
You sure have made my day, Della. Thank you so much.
Lovely old piece! I had a similar set when I was a kid and actually have one sitting in my garage waiting for a makeover for my granddaughter.
How fun! She will LOVE it 😀
Perfect! I would love to redo mine as well!
Thank you, Deb. Sounds like some DIY fun on the way! 😀
First thing I would paint would be by vanity!!!!❤️
Fun!
I know the girls you bought this from are so happy to see how lovely this turned out. You have given new life to a sweet dresser.
Thank you for saying so, Frances. 🙂
The antique dressing table looks amazing! Love the color! I would love to win these brushes to paint (with my kids help) some shelves in my kitchen that need a fresh look! Thank you for this great giveaway opportunity!
Thanks! You will love them for sure.
This set turned out so beautiful! I have some similar bedroom pieces and this has inspired me to get busy on them. If I win the paint brushes – it will definitely help!
I’m so glad you think so. Thank you. Sounds like fun!
It’s a shame you could not save the piece in it’s original state. Did you show the final finish to the family? Did they like it?
With the damage there was no way, and that’s why I purchase this kind of piece. I don’t like to paint good wood. 😉
I have a dresser that I would paint first!
Fun!
I am so into that color combination now days. Love!!!!!
Thank you, Grace. 😀
That looks amazing! The first thing I would paint would be my dresser that I have been wanting to makeover for months.
Sounds like a plan. 😉
I love this Larissa! The Lord has given you talent and vision for redeeming these old pieces and giving them new life, just as He does for us! Your blog and posts have inspired me to try some projects at my home. If I win the brushes, I will use them to give new life to my childhood bedroom furniture.
How absolutely wonderful to hear. Thank you for the encouragement and thoughtful words, Kimberly.
It turned out wonderful! Her daughters should be very pleased. I love the drawers inside also! Great job
Thank you. I’m happy it came out as it did.
As always you are amazing
You deserve a hug! 😀
It turned out great! I love the paint/stained leg combo.
Thanks so much, Michele. 🙂
I Love it! Turned out beautifully!
Yay! Happy dance over here. 😀
It turned out great! It’s sad it won’t stay in the Mother’s family, but how wonderful for someone else to enjoy!
Thanks! Yes, they didn’t have the room and I would love to keep it too!
I love to watch you transform something old and beaten up into a beauty! Upcycling is one of my favorite things to do! Who wants to buy new when you can save something from being thrown into a landfill somewhere? I would refinish my dining room table with new brushes!
awww…you just made my day, Karen. Thank you! You sound like a kindred spirit.
Great job. I have a desk that is in desperate need of a makeover. I use these brushes on it.
Thank you. I have one of those too…ahem. 😉
It turned out beautiful!
Thank you, Julie!
I have a couple of old inlaid wooden trays that need a makeover. Thanks for the inspiration and the chance to win the brushes.
Those sound like fun. Yay!
What a beautiful makeover! The story behind it is so sweet. I’m sure the daughters must be pleased with your work. Preserved some of the original yet gave it a fresh, new look. You’re so talented!
Such a treat for me to learn and have the blessing of working on a cherished piece. Thank you.
Great job Larissa! The colors are perfect. I really like the stool…Thank you for the opportunity to win the brushes. They have been at the top of my wish list! ?
Thank you, Dale. I hope you can win and I wish I had enough for all.
Another Gorgeous piece! Congrats! Just love your style and Zibra brushes are the best! xo
Sweet hugs to you, Alicia. Thank you.
Larissa, you create beautiful things out someones trash.
That’s so sweet of you to say. Thank you!
Hi Larissa,
Beautiful transformation on this antique vanity. If I had the room in my home, I’d put one of these in every room! I would love to use the Zibra brushes on a set of MCM nightstands that I bought recently.
You and me both! I just love dressing tables.
A lovely makeover and keeping the story behind the piece alive. Wonderful! I’m dreaming of painting kitchen cabinets…
It’s the heart of what I do. Thank you, Toia. You will love these brushes.
Larissa, I enjoyed reading about this piece, and I am certain that “Mom” smiled down from the heavens seeing how you loving restored her beautiful, well loved vanity. What a beautiful color combination, I love how the stained cane, legs and mirror really stand out.
It is such a joy to work on pieces with a story. Thank you, Kaycee.
The piece turned out beautifully. It’s too bad that stains run deep, but it’s great that there is paint to cover them up!
I have a shelving unit that needs to be painted. That’s what I’d use my brushes for!
sounds good! 😀
Yes, I was kinda heartbroken as I really hoped they would come out, otherwise I wouldn’t have spent the time sanding. At least some of it was kept original. 😉
I would use the paintbrushes for a very detailed hutch that needs a paint job
Sounds good.
Hi Larissa! You give me too many ideas…lol! I’d love to have more Zibra brushes-they are the best!
haha…I love it! 😀
I always love your projects. I would paint the desk in my craft room first. I’ve been putting it off for long enough.
That is WONDERFUL to hear. Thank you!
Beautiful! I’d love a set of brushes to help me. I have curb furniture that really need makeovers! I have a table that needs to be done first, because I started it,but never finished. Thank you for this giveaway!
You will love these for sure, Patty. My pleasure.
Turned out so pretty! The brushes look great!
Thank you so much, Cindy.
My son has an old dining room table that would look so good with a new makeover. You are so inspiring!
Thank you, Diane.
I love the tender care and thoughtfulness you give old pieces! You are truly an inspiration. Thank you!
I’m so glad you understand why I do what I do. Thank you!
What a gorgeous make over!
Thank you, Nancy.
Boy that sold fast!! It’s beautiful!
Before I even listed it. yay! Thank you.
This turned out beautifully! I just trash picked an old vanity; I hope to give it a makeover when it gets a bit warmer.
Thank you. Oh how fun to have a piece like that.
You honored Donna by this refinished vanity and stool! Another amazing makeover. I praise God for your vision and compassion. I hope the daughters see what a wonderful job you did. My bedroom furniture is old and needs some TLC to improve it. I could definitely use Zibra brushes for this job. Pinned this and thanks for your inspiration!!
I’m so glad you think so, Debra. I truly tried to capture her spirit. You will love the brushes! 😀
I really love the direction you took with this piece!?
Thank you, Michelle.
Always beautiful work. One of my favorite bloggers.
You are so sweet. Thank you, Anne.
beautiful!! I am a bit obssessed with old dressing tables and vanities. I would love the brushes but im not using social media anymore other than pinterest and email
You and me both Lori. You can pin daily and sign up for my newsletter for even more. You are wise to stay off. Wish I could! 😀
The first thing I’d paint with the brushes is an accent table my mom and I rescued from the dump at an apartment complex. My mother wants me to paint it for her and I’d love to use the Zibra brushes to do it! Gorgeous job on the dressing table, btw!
Sounds good. Thank you.
Classical beautiful. Great vision!
Sweet words to read. Thank you.
I’m working on a little medicine cabinet now; would love to use those detail brushes for it!
I have a couple sewing machine cabinets waiting to be refurbished.
As always, beautiful job!
I think if I won I’d paint two chairs I bought at a garage sale.
Thank you, Tracy.
This little dressing table is what I dream of having some day! I have a little table in need of alot of love that I have planned to make into a dressing table. I even found a little metal ice cream parlor chair that I plan to pair up with it. Seeing this makeover is so inspiring that I’m ready to go! I haven’t stripped it yet, but I hope the the top is worthy of that pretty hickory stain that you used; if not, I like how the paint looks too! The Zibra brushes would be handy for this project! Thank you for sharing your projects and your life with us.
Thank you, Paula. Me too! I have yet to be able to keep one.
I have a table and 4 chairs I bought at the thrift store to use on our deck waiting for a makeover!
I really do love the dressing table, you did a beautiful job as always. I picked up a little bookcase with some embellishments recently and I would paint that first with these brushes.
Such sweet words, Melissa. Thank you.
The vanity turned out beautiful! The story is very sweet and heartfelt. I would love to win the brushes. I am new at this and a nice set of brushes would help me get started. Thanks for the chance to win. I absolutely love what you do furniture and to items that would otherwise end up in the landfill. 😉
I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to work on it. Thank you, Janet.
I love what you did to this. I think it’s one of my favorites!
Awesome! Thank you, Kelly! 😀
It turned out so beautifully Larissa! I so appreciate what you did to it to transform it into a true work of beauty! The paint color you used is amazing, and the brushes seemed to really help facilitate a smooth and beautiful paint job. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you for the kind words, Dee.
Great outcome on the dressing table and bench.
Thank you, Janet. 🙂
Wow! It turned out great! I have a vanity I need to redo for my teenage daughter and I’ve been dragging my feet. I’ve never heard of Zibra brushes, they look great for furniture pieces! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you. I hadn’t either and when I did I was hooked as I had been looking for years for a replacement to the ones I loved and aren’t sold in the U.S. any longer.
Wonderful job! It is absolutely adorable! Any idea the age of the piece?
Thank you, Meghan! It’s roughly from the early 1920’s. 🙂