It’s always fun to take a vintage piece of furniture that has seen better days and tweak it a bit by staying true to its era. That’s where this outdated dresser comes into play.
My oldest daughter was looking for a piece of furniture to work on and we found this sweet piece on Craigslist. Thankfully, it wasn’t too far away from us. Not only does it have great bones, but only has wear to the face and top.
I have taught my daughter how to prep a piece by making any repairs and sanding, as she did in her makeover I mentioned in this older post. I can’t tell you enough how rewarding to see my efforts pay off to her benefit.
When trying to decided what type of finish she would do, we knew it was going to be all about the knobs. The original ones were lacking character and this dresser needed something to make it pop.
NEXT STEPS
Next, enter in these fantastic pulls. They have the look of old enamel knobs, and will showcase the look we’re after wonderfully. I’ve used similar knobs before on my Prairie Dresser (a must see) and they’re wonderful!
To give a classic, but vintage appeal to it and accentuate those knobs, she decided to use a black chalky paint by DecoArt called Carbon. Every gal needs a little black dress, right?
THE REVEAL
Last, after two coats and some distressing fun, she applied a hand-rubbed wax topcoat with my furniture wax. Finally, here is the after of that Craigslist outdated dresser…
Isn’t it such a timeless look? Those knobs set the stage, and the black “dress” give that classic feel.
I think my daughter did a great job and totally gets mama’s thumbs up. Also, if you love this piece and would like it for your own, just head to my shop (SOLD).
Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130
In addition, we would both love it if you’d pin and share her outdated dresser makeover! ♥ Then, head below for some exciting news.
The subject of the excitement is this other Craigslist find…a waterfall chest of drawers. I’ll give you a hint…BEEP! Come see!!
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Also, more furniture eye-candy for you like my outdated dresser:
Wow…I think this is my favorite so far! Looooove the handles!! You do such awesome work!! What an inspiration you are!!
Thank you so much, Jamie! That’s awesome to hear.
It’s beautiful Larissa! I can tell that your sweet daughter has inherited your talents. I recently discovered Rustic Brands and their products are gorgeous!
Thank you from us both, Kimm! She is a good apprentice. 😉 Yes, Rustic Brands is a favorite of mine – such eye-candy!
This is really pretty. She did a great job on an old tired piece. Now it looks all ready to go out dancing! I love the distress that peeks through.
And dancing it shall! 😀 She had fun reworking it and I had fun watching.
Your daughter did a wonderful job. Mama taught her well.
Thank you so much, Kim!
Your daughter did such a great job on this dresser makeover, Larissa. You are giving your kids such valuable life skills that they can take into adulthood. I can only imagine how proud they must be of their pieces and to have them sell must be so rewarding for them. Kudos to you Mom! Pinned to share 🙂
You are the best in your support, Marie. Thank you for “getting” why I do what I do. My kids are my treasures and I want to wholly invest in them.
Your daughter did an awesome job! Love the color & the knobs! You’ve got to be one proud momma!
Oh yes! She works hard and takes advice well – that alone is a proud moment. 🙂 Thank you from us both!
When I saw this dresser, my heart skipped a beat. I am 65 years old and that is the same dresser I now have from when I was about 6 years old. It’s was in perfect condition until it was in storage and the veneer came off a drawer. I’m trying to talk myself into painting it, but I’ve had difficulty painting natural wood. But your daughters looks so nice I might break down and do it.
I can so understand your dilemma. Most of the pieces in my home are not painted because I like the time-worn look. However, you can’t deny the different feel you get with a painted piece. Either way, you have a treasure! 😀
She did a fantastic job! Love the knobs and the styling too 🙂
Thank you, Sue! 🙂
I wish I was closer.I would buy this.
awww…thanks! She was so happy to see it go home to a local lady who just loves it.
After following you for awhile ,What does wAxing do after painting? Does to protect the paint?
It not only adds an extra layer of protection, but adds a low lustre sheen that so many love.
She did good – it’s lovely and so happy for her to see that it’s already sold! Did you say BEEP – yay, I’m so excited!
Thanks, Marie!