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Custom Furniture by Mixing & Matching

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)

An Antique Vanity Transformation by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

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.

Vintage Queen Anne Trifold Vanity Before Makeover | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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!

Side of Vintage Vanity | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

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.

Antique Chair Paired with Vintage Vanity | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

A HISTORY

This is no different that this desk I paired with a curbside chair,

Antique Desk Gets Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

or this desk I did as a Blogiversary giveaway (yes, I actually gave this set away!),

Whitewashed Desk and Coordinating Chair by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

and this farmhouse style set matched together,

Rustic Red Farmhouse Desk with Woodburned Top by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

or this gorgeous desk my son refinished.

Vintage Desk Restored by Teen Boy Featured by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

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.

Blue & White Antique Vanity Set Matched with a Rustic Style by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

There’s also this vanity that was missing drawers and had no mirror, so we built them. This I called my Rustic Chic finish.

Rustic Chic Finish by Prodigal Pieces - You can create this look with paint and stain | www.prodigalpieces.com

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.

Spray Painting Vanity for Custom Furniture Finish | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

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.

Adding Gilded Touches to Custom Furniture | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

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!

Vintage Bedroom Vanity Set Made Custom Furniture by Mix & Match | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

I must admit, I think the vanity should have stayed in my bedroom. One day I will have one!

Trifold Dressing Table Refinished as Custom Furniture by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Top View of Custom Vanity by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

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.

Dressing Table Drawers Gilded and Soft by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Antique Chair Paired with Queen Anne Dressing Table for Custom Furniture Finish by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Upholstered Vanity Chair to Coordinate Custom Furniture by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

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! ♥

How to Create Your Own Custom Furniture by Mixing and Matching to Make Your Own Personal Style by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

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.

Salvaged Door Before (AKA Trashure) | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

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While you’re at it, here’s more of my custom furniture:

Vintage Buffet Gets Night and Day Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Vintage Waterfall Dresser Gets Volkswagen Bus Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Comments

  1. kim says

    That is beautiful. Great job.

  2. Sandra says

    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!

  3. Debrashoppeno5 says

    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.

  4. Esther says

    I love mixing and matching stuff! The hunt is half the fun, and the other half is painting and remaking it to match!

  5. Sandi Jones says

    Beautiful! I loved seeing the results of your previous projects as well.

    • Larissa says

      Thank you! I really wish I could share them all, but they are too numerous to put into one post. I have fun!

  6. Cecilia says

    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!

    • Larissa says

      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!

  7. Naomi says

    You do such beautiful work!!!

  8. Ellen Braunberger says

    Outstanding! Doesn’t even need color!

    • Larissa says

      Woot! I love the softness it has and truly will be a timeless piece. Thank you, Ellen!

  9. Jolinda says

    It is so elegant. I would be so thrilled to have this piece. You are just amazing.

  10. Logan Wilhelm says

    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!

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Logan! 😀 I won the first time around but came in second on the next voting. Thanks for asking!

  11. Bonnie says

    I just love it and the material on the chair is so pretty.

    • Larissa says

      I am seriously in love with that upholstery. 🙂 Thanks so much, Bonnie.

  12. melinda says

    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~

    • Larissa says

      It is always crazy busy here, Melinda, but I love being surrounded by those I love doing the thing I love. Thank you!

  13. Patty says

    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.

    • Larissa says

      Thank you so much, Patty! One day I will have to do one for me or my daughters. 😉

  14. Mary-the boondocks blog says

    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.

    • Larissa says

      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. 🙂

  15. Kimberly says

    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)

    • Larissa says

      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!

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Client Love

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.

~ Laurel

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

~ Laurel

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.

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

~ Stephanie

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:39:34-04:00

~ Stephanie

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

~ Mikki

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:43:16-04:00

~ Mikki

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

~ Sharon

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:45:37-04:00

~ Sharon

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!

~ Deanna

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:52:00-04:00

~ Deanna

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!
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