Do you ever find a piece of furniture that you would love to have at a flea market, thrift store or garage sale, but it’s missing something? I mean like you find a desk, but want a vanity, or a vanity without a chair? Don’t let that stop you because I’m going to give you some tips on how to make your very own custom furniture by mixing and matching. Ooh…let the fun begin!
For instance, I had a client, Shelly, contact me who had always wanted a trifold dressing table like this one I did a year or so ago for my online shop. You wouldn’t know that the bench wasn’t original to it, but I found them on different occasions. (story HERE)
As I began my search for a dressing table like this one, I always find dressing tables (or vanities) without a chair or bench. Here is the one I found and she liked.
The vanity had some missing veneer, and had some chemical and highlighter stains, but was solid as a rock, not to mention that gorgeous mirror!
Notice there is no bench or chair, but that’s okay. I begin my search in thrift stores, Craigslist, etc. and know that something will pop up. Although I had hoped to find a Queen Anne style chair like the vanity legs, there was none to be found. However, I did find an antique chair that had legs and back spindles that would compliment the style.
A HISTORY
This is no different that this desk I paired with a curbside chair,
or this desk I did as a Blogiversary giveaway (yes, I actually gave this set away!),
and this farmhouse style set matched together,
or this gorgeous desk my son refinished.
I could show you more examples, but you get the idea. There may also be times you want a vanity, but not sure how to find the right one. In this instance I found a vanity base and needed a mirror, so I added one, and even found a chair. My ugly duckling vanity.
There’s also this vanity that was missing drawers and had no mirror, so we built them. This I called my Rustic Chic finish.
My whole point in sharing these ideas and examples of custom furniture is to help you think outside of what you see while out thrifting and fleatiquing.
DIY TIME
Now, what happened to the vanity I was working on for my client? I took out back old-school style and gave it a fresh coat with my sprayer, just like the credenza I recently finished.
Once all was painted and cured, I added some gilding to bring it all together and add a touch of glam. To top it all off I used my handmade furniture wax to give an aged appeal.
Upholstery can also make a huge improvement on making a set jive together. Shelly had fallen in love with the upholstery I used on my curbside settee and I had just enough left to cover the chair.
THE REVEAL
Ready for the reveal? I am!
I must admit, I think the vanity should have stayed in my bedroom. One day I will have one!
Finally, the gilding give it that extra soft touch. And, I even added it to the chair spindles and legs to tie it all in.
I hope that you’ve not only enjoyed this makeover, but also found that you can make yourself your own very unique home. Searching and finding ways to blend the pieces you find all together makes it fun! It’s all about creating a style that suits you. Thank you, Shelly, for giving me the honor of working on your vanity set.
In addition, pin and share to inspire others to do take on something new! ♥
Up next, it’s Trash to Treasure time and I can’t wait to show you what I do with these. eep! Come on and see HERE.
While you’re at it, here’s more of my custom furniture:
That is beautiful. Great job.
Thank you so much, Kim! 🙂
Such a beautiful job. I love how you give old things new life. I also enjoy the way you involve your children and know they will have precious memories of working with mom. You are a blessing to your family and to me!
Very, very nice. I think half the fun is finding the piece to go with whatever it is you are working on. The thrill of the hunt.
I love mixing and matching stuff! The hunt is half the fun, and the other half is painting and remaking it to match!
Beautiful! I loved seeing the results of your previous projects as well.
Thank you! I really wish I could share them all, but they are too numerous to put into one post. I have fun!
I’m glad to hear everyone is well! Stomach bugs are not fun but to multiply it many times over…no thanks! 🙂
The vanity turned out beautifully. I love how you encourage us to think outside the box with all your examples of mixing and matching! Amazing how paint can unify separate pieces! Have a wonderful rest of the week!
Ah yessssss…been battling Mt. Washmore and think I have finally caught up. Kiddos are back to fighting so I know we’re all good. Thanks for lovin’ on my work!
You do such beautiful work!!!
awww…thank you, Naomi! 🙂
You deserve a smooch! 😀
Outstanding! Doesn’t even need color!
Woot! I love the softness it has and truly will be a timeless piece. Thank you, Ellen!
It is so elegant. I would be so thrilled to have this piece. You are just amazing.
You, my friend, just made my day. Thank you!
Love what you did! How did you do in the contest for best painted piece………..ADORED your VW Bus dresser!!!
Thanks for all your wonderful posts!
Thank you, Logan! 😀 I won the first time around but came in second on the next voting. Thanks for asking!
I just love it and the material on the chair is so pretty.
I am seriously in love with that upholstery. 🙂 Thanks so much, Bonnie.
Love this!! I don’t know how you do all this with trying to raise a family:) You do such beautiful work! I love the material on the chair seat too~
It is always crazy busy here, Melinda, but I love being surrounded by those I love doing the thing I love. Thank you!
You did a terrific job. You are so talent
Thank you, Ivory! 😀
Oh how your creativity and talent shines with every piece you do. This vanity is just beautiful, you did a wonderful job and I wish I was the lucky person getting this jewel.
Thank you so much, Patty! One day I will have to do one for me or my daughters. 😉
Love how you pieced them together. The design on the vanity is beautiful . And the fabric is just the right addition. I love all of your sets.
Thank you, Mary. I always wonder what was the fate of all those missing parts, but at least it’s fun to make them new. 🙂
Beautiful
Thank you
Thank you, Nancy. 🙂
It’s beautiful, as usual, Larissa! I must admit I get excited every time I see the hyperlink to “my handmade furniture wax” thinking you are about to share how to make or buy it. However, it always takes me to the same article that says you make it with beeswax and a few other (secret?) ingredients. When are you going to divulge?! ;o)
I know, I know…I am doing a post tomorrow using it and explain it will stay mine as I am working on future plans. Thanks for the love, Kimberly!