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Art Deco Sewing Desk Update & Makeover

Having friends & family that get you is the best thing! They know your way of thinking, your quirks, and what floats your boat. Then, when they see something they know would make you smile and they grab it for you. Or, as in this case, give you a cherished item they have taken care of for years. Isn’t this Art Deco sewing desk set adorable?

Art Deco Sewing Desk Before Makeover | prodigalpieces.comMy friend has used this vintage beauty for many years enjoying it for the obvious use…a sewing desk. Thankfully, it’s in great shape with the typical wear for a piece of this age.

Art Deco Sewing Desk Damaged Top | prodigalpieces.com

Inside the sewing desk, you can see how it all sets up. Plus, inside the drawers you can find some original pieces and secrets I’ll share in a bit.

Inside Art Deco Sewing Desk | prodigalpieces.com

DIY TIME

It’s time to get this party started. If you’re new to my Art Deco jaunts, you can see how I enjoy making them over in these posts. First, I take assess what needs to be done. There’s surface wear and small bits of missing veneer. However, all the original pulls, and everything is functional. Then, I use wood filler to tackle all the bits on the veneer surfaces that need fixin’.

Wood Filler on Sewing Desk Surfaces | prodigalpieces.com

Next, my handy sander comes out to help me tackle the finishing work. Gotta love them tools, eh? Now that the refinish is underway, I’m able to decide how to run with this project. After really deliberating over what way to go with this, I finally decide on adding some drama. First, I use a charcoal reactive stain that works with the tannins in the wood to naturally age it. In addition, you can see how I’ve used these stains in my past projects HERE.

Using Charcoal Reactive Stain to Finish Art Deco Sewing Desk | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

I’m choosing the charcoal because I aim to make this set reminiscent of an antique sewing machine. Sounds fun, right? Then, after I stain the surfaces, I could keep wood grain showing, I paint the surfaces that have been repaired. And, true to myself, I also want to add typography and some fine details with hand-painting.

Hand-Painting Details on Antique Sewing Desk Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Finally, I dress up the original pulls by giving them a polishing using Bar Keepers Friend (my favorite go-to cleaning agent). Amazing what a little elbow grease can do.

Polished Brass Pull on Vintage Sewing Desk Polished | prodigalpieces.com

THE REVEAL

Here is this Art Deco sewing desk in it’s new look ready to go for many more years.

Antique Art Deco Sewing Desk Makeover by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #antique #sewing #furniture #home

Vintage Sewing Desk with Hand-Painted Details by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #furntirue #sewing

My goal was to give a nod to days gone by with respect to the era. Essentially, I hope you see what I was after in making the set really take shape while repairing and refinishing. Likewise, the best part is the inside with all these original parts. First, check out this sweet accessories’ drawer with original ink well.

Antique Ink Well in Art Deco Sewing Desk by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #artdeco #vintage #home #furniture

Sewing Notion Drawer with Removeable Tote in Art Deco Sewing Desk by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #antique #home #diy

eep! And then the little tote is removable! I just love finding novel ideas like this. Don’t you? Even better is the bench having a built-in bookshelf for added storage of books and patterns.

Antique Sewing Notion Tote in Art Deco Sewing Desk | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #sewing #antique #home

Hand-Painted Art Deco Sewing Desk with Design by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #home #homedecor #sewing

Last, you know I had to add some typography. What can I say…I’m addicted! tee hee!

A Stitch in Time Saves Nine Art Deco Sewing Desk by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #home #homedecor #diy #furniture #antique

However, while I had a blast making over this desk set, I’m also excited to say you can make it a part of your home story. You can find it available in my online shop.

Shop Prodigal Pieces | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Antique Art Deco Sewing Desk with Typography by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #furniture #home #homedecor

SHARE

In addition, if this inspires you, do pin and share so others can get the inspiration too! You know there are more out there waiting revival.

Art Deco Sewing Desk Gets New Life by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #furniture #home #homedecor #diy #vintage

To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!

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Also, more furniture makeovers like this Art Deco sewing desk:

Wow! This worn out vintage Art Deco Buffet got a new life with a Modern Farmhouse Flair by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | Get the DIY details at prodigalpieces.com | #prodigalpieces #farmhouse #furniture #homedecor #shopping #diyOh my! This sad looking Art Deco vanity got a new lease on life with TLC by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces. Boho Chic is the new style and looks oh so good. DIY details at Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

 

Comments

  1. Rebecca - NC says

    If this won’t inspire would be seamstresses, I don’t think anything will! Your artwork is stunning!! Another amazing retro update! ?

    • Larissa says

      I literally LOVE sewing, so I sure hope so! Plus, this kinda thing is fun for me. Thanks so much, Rebecca.

  2. Nancy F Lambert says

    Larissa,
    The sewing desk is absolutely Beautiful.

  3. Sarah Evert says

    That is so beautiful!! I love it. What an amazing improvement. I love to sew too. I have several old sewing machines, they are the best. I think that is the nicest redo I have ever seen.

    • Larissa says

      How wonderful to hear, Sarah! Thank you. Sewing is one of my favorite pastimes. Very therapeutic and fun! Thank you for the love.

  4. Judy Burnside says

    Wow! I opened up your email newsletter and went “Oh, my goodness, I have one just like that waiting to be redone. Let’s see what Larissa did with it!” I LOVE how you changed up the look by hinting to the lovely scrollwork on the old machine. My father used this cabinet for years, but with a different sewing machine. He was an upholsterer/cabinet maker and filled the drawers with spools of upholstery thread, cording, the large t-pins, and other notions he needed. He must have acquired the cabinet without the stool. I now have the cabinet in my sewing room, awaiting a revival! Thanks once again for your vision and inspiration! Hugs!

    • Larissa says

      Awesome!! That is such a wonderful memory. My uncle was quite the well-known upholsterer. My grandpa would help him. Oh to be a chick under his wing. I hope you have fun with it!

  5. Sigrid Buchanan says

    Hi Larissa, I love this cabinet- and I don’t even sew! The lettering makes it so special. FYI you disappeared from my email and Instagram. I had to refollow on both. I didn’t want you to think I dumped you ?

    • Larissa says

      awww…I’m so glad you are hanging with me. I’m not on Instagram any more after they allowed my account to be hacked and stolen. I’m focusing my attention here. Thanks!

  6. Marietta R Walker says

    Oh my WOWZA! Larissa, you have outdone yourself on this one! It is beyond beautiful and your love for your friend and for the piece come shining through.

    • Larissa says

      How wonderful to hear, Marietta. It took me forever to hand-paint, but it’s so fun for me. Thank you!

  7. Michele M. says

    WOW!!! What an amazing transformation! Some lucky person will be so glad to have that beautifully re-done sewing desk!
    And you are so right about the drawers – sure wish they made things as they once did – very cleverly designed, wasn’t it?

    Well done. Just love it – so unique!

    • Larissa says

      I’m delighted to hear it, Michele. It truly is fun to do what I do and share it with you. Yes, they don’t make them like this anymore. So much spunk in this little desk!

  8. Kim Banko says

    What great bones to work with! The transformation is stunning Larissa!

  9. Miranda says

    Oh my, this is just stunning! This is your best update yet, IMHO. Someone gave me a cheap little desk that I’m using in my sewing space and I am so inspired to dress it up now!

    • Larissa says

      How fun to hear, Miranda! I do hope you dress it up. It makes sitting at it so much more fun! 😀

  10. Marie - Interior Frugalista says

    I love what you did with this sewing table, Larissa, especially the inside of the arm. Love how you echoed the detail on the old Singer onto the table. So so pretty! These old sewing machines tug at my heartstrings as my Mamare had one and many a garment AND even shoes were made on that machine.

    • Larissa says

      It makes my heart happy to know such memories are cherished. I also have a soft spot for them…such a workhorse and a staple for many families. Thanks, Marie!

  11. Terri Hughes says

    WOW, the sewing desk is absolutely beautiful. You do such good work!!!!

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

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I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

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