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Antique Oak Chest of Drawers

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.

Antique Furniture Before | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Antique Oak Chest Before Makeover | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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.

Junk in Drawers | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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.

Misfit Drawer Repair to Antique Chest of Drawers | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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…

Removing the Drawer Bottom | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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

Drippy Drawer Sides of Antique Chest of Drawers | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpices

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

New Drawer Bottom for Antique Oak Chest of Drawers | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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

Sawing Chest Drawer Knob | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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.

Paint in Grain on Antique Chest of Drawers | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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

Painting Antique Oak Chest of Drawers | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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.

Replacement Drawer Guides on Antique Oak Chest of Drawers | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

DRESSED UP

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

Oak and Blue Antique Chest of Drawers by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Simple Farmhouse Flower and Furniture by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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!

Blue and Oak Chest of Drawers Side View | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Open Drawers of Antique Oak Chest of Drawers by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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

Striped Daisy in Farmhouse Dough Bowl by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Summer Farmhouse Foral Vignette by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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!

Antique farmhouse Chest of Drawers by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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

Shop Prodigal Pieces | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

SHARE

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?

Antique Chest of Drawers Makeover by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Before you go, be sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter to see which piece I work on next out of that trio.

Which piece is next? | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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

An Antique Radio Upcycled into a Music Box Light by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #upcycled #artSet of Two Antique Child's Chairs in need of repair get TLC from Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Comments

  1. Denise says

    Just great, I love this!!!

  2. Caye says

    You did a great job, Larissa! Well done.

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Caye. 😀 I was warned it was a project piece, and they were so right. haha.

  3. Michelle H says

    Oooo, perfect. I love the natural and painted combo. And the colors. You saved it.

  4. p says

    Ohhhh You did way more than refresh this piece. Your woodworking skills are inspiring, And amazing.
    Now she’s an inspiring primitive piece again. 🙂

    • Larissa says

      That’s half the fun for me, P. Truly, I enjoy saving these and love to see them live again. Thank you!

  5. Stephanie Harris says

    I love it!!! I love the colors ! it is precious!

  6. Trudy Eby says

    Nice save! What a pretty blue 🙂

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Trudy. It really made this pop, but I love it more on my ceiling. 😀

  7. Mary Loveland says

    Hi Larissa, the dresser looks great in her new life. That looked like some good old oak so she is probably very sturdy and you have given her many more years! Go Girl!

    • Larissa says

      It was and sad it wasn’t taken care of. Now it will have a new home today. Yay! Thank you, Mary.

  8. susan says

    I’m so glad you took these on. I love the looks of the old dressers and this one turned out so pretty! Can’t wait to see what you do with the others!

    • Larissa says

      They’re helping me do what I need to do and I’m giving them new life at the same time. Thank you for the “hug”, Susan.

  9. Joanne H. says

    It’s beautiful! I love the two tone finish. Even the knobs get their turn to stand out. Someone will have a lovely piece to make their own.

    • Larissa says

      Thanks! Loads of elbow grease and patience for sure. I’m glad it found me.

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2020-03-21T21:34:13-04:00

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