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Updated Furniture the Easy Way

It’s that time again! Time for my friends and I to share our makeovers for Furniture Fixer Uppers Day. This is always a blast for me because I love to share a new makeover and show you what my friends are up to as well. You’ll see theirs features in a bit. Today, this beautiful Lexington dresser is going to help me show you updated furniture can be super easy.

Vintage Lexington Dresser Before Updated Furniture Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

I will be perfectly honest that I really did NOT want to do anything to this piece since it’s beautiful as is. However, the fact that it had scratches and I had no interest in refinishing it since it is made of veneers and the stain color is so…orange, I had to do something.

In addition, I actually got an entertainment armóire with it as well that has its own issues. In a later post, I will show you what that becomes, see it OVER HERE.

Vintage Lexington Bedroom Set by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Not only is this set is huge, heavy, but it is also full of potential. Many of you ask me time and time again about pieces that you own and love, but aren’t happy with the current style it is. You are looking for a way to update without having to paint or refinish yourself. So, here is my goal: to take a perfectly fine piece in current condition that will not only create updated furniture, but make both those who love a new look and those who love wood happy. However, there’s no sanding involved, no removal of hardware or glass, all you need is the right tools. Stay with me here.

DIY TIME

Yes, this is paint and I intend to you use it. tsk. But, how I’m going to use it is key. With only one coat I will show you how to retain the wood presence but update it to a new look.

First, I begin by wiping everything down to get a clean surface to start on, then the fun begins! I tackle the mirror and all its ornate details. Why? This brush allows me to cut-in the mirror easy-peasy with no tape and fill in all those nooks and crannies.

Painting Mirror with Zibra Square Brush and Caviar Black by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Then, working in small batches, I brush on a light coat and wipe off excess with a soft cloth. This leaves behind the black to highlight the wood. Kinda like a glazing as I’ve shown in these posts, but with more of a presence.

Wiping Paint off of Ornate Mirror by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

UP NEXT

Next, you are going to continue this process over the entire piece.

Dresser Looks Like a Hot Mess, but is it? Updated Furniture the Easy Way | prodigalpieces.com

Looking like a hot mess, right? Stay with me… You don’t want to coat the entire surface, but just get enough paint on that you can work it around. Again, work in small batches. Wipe in direction of the grain and blend until it all flows together.

Now for the drawers. This set has a mix of acrylic and brass pulls and I leave them right where they are. Likewise, I tackle the drawer fronts. It allows me to catch the trim and fill in nicely around each pull. I work one drawer at a time, brushing paint on and then using the cloth to remove excess.

Updated Furniture Drawers Fronts | prodigalpieces.com

This all goes very quickly and I’m done in no-time. You could stop right there. However, if you prefer a topcoat like I did, you can use a black wax to seal it all in. Use either a soft cotton cloth to apply and remove excess with buffing. Finally, let cure and you’re done!

THE REVEAL

Finally, this piece now has a whole new vibe to it, doesn’t it? Besides, I didn’t have to do much to it at all.

Vintage Lexington Oak Triple Dresser Refinished with a New Look by Prodigal Pieces | Get the details at prodigalpieces.com

Black Washed Lexington Updated Dresser by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Open Dresser Drawer of Lexington Triple Drawer Updated Dresser by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

No sanding, no removing hardware, and no prep work. Could it be any easier? I think not. In addition, and equally important is that you could do this with any color of paint for a washed effect. Needless to say, the options are limitless.

Mirrored Lexington Dresser gets New Look to create Updated Furniture by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Carved Ornate Details of Lexington Updated Furniture Dresser Mirror | prodigalpieces.com

Consequently, JC even asked if we could keep it since he loves it that much. Well…that says enough in itself. As much as we’d like to, we don’t need this piece, so it’s yours for the taking in my online shop.

Shop Prodigal Pieces Furniture, Vintage Finds, Handmade Goods, & Supplies for your home | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Vintage Lexington Victorian Dresser Updated by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

SHARE

Additionally, pin and share this technique for those that want to learn how to easily get updated furniture.

Update your outdated furniture the easy way. No sanding, no prep work, just DIY! Get the details here at Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Up next, this plant stand deserves to get a fresh new look. See the after HERE in this post.

Vintage Plant Stand Before Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Stay tuned to see by signing up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Time to head below to see what my gal friends have for you!

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Furniture Fixer Uppers September 2017 | prodigalpieces.com

  1. The Interior Frugalista
  2. Petticoat Junktion
  3. Girl in the Garage
  4. Confessions of a Serial DIYer
  5. Just the Woods

Also, more DIY projects like my updated furniture tips:

How to Update an Outdated Dresser | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com1980's Orange Dresser Gets Prairie Charm Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Comments

  1. Karen R says

    What a great look. I love the dark “glazing effect” on the wood finish.

    • Larissa says

      Thanks, Karen. Using paint this way is so easy and effective.

  2. helen says

    Larissa, I love reading your messages as well as your super tips on how to get the best out of old/damaged furniture. I wish i could visit your shop BUT being in England that might be a little difficult. Anyhow I shall continue to read with interest and learn as I go.
    Thank you for helping all of us budding furniture-do-uppers.

    • Larissa says

      You can visit since I’m online only! 😉 We do ship to England too, just contact me with your postal address and items of interest for a quote. Thanks so much for the love!

  3. Jessica says

    I’d paint an end table. Actually, exactly like the Interior Frugalista is featuring so I’m going to click over there.

  4. Deb says

    This is such a beautiful redo! I just love it!

  5. Candy says

    Beautiful! I would do my china cabinet.

  6. Gina says

    Beautiful work, as usual!

  7. Rhonda says

    OMG! This is beautiful.

  8. Jewell says

    Love the update. Good work as always.

  9. Debra Wise says

    Who but you could take an ordinary orange piece of furniture and transform it to such a beautiful piece! It looks so natural. Love, love, love it. As always great job and thanks for being such an inspiration.

    • Larissa says

      Your words mean so much, Debra, as I truly try to honor each piece that crosses my path. Thank you!!

  10. Michele Branham says

    I love, love, love this! The paint really brought out the beauty in this piece.

    • Larissa says

      I had a vision and wasn’t sure it would come out the way I had it in my head, but when I started I felt a wave of relief. I really wanted this piece to shine. Thank you, Michele!!

  11. Lisa Viles says

    That is quite a transformation with so little effort! I love it! I will need to try this on a piece of my furniture that I love/hate!

    • Larissa says

      Thanks so much, Lisa! Surely do try and I’d love to hear from you. 🙂

  12. Holly says

    Yep- I gasped! This is gorgeous!

  13. Carole says

    I love this! Question?? Do you think I could do this on my lovely orange oak kitchen cabinets?

    • Larissa says

      Awesome! You sure could with the Dixie Belle paints. A basic latex would not adhere quite the same. You can even use a strong topcoat the offer as well – just depends on your finish preference.

  14. Claudine says

    I absolutely love this transformation! I really appreciate how you tell us which brush is best for which job, Larissa, thanks for sharing your knowledge! 🙂

    • Larissa says

      Yippee!! That is so good to hear, Claudine. Thank you! I love my Zibra brushes.

  15. Tonya K says

    Beautiful piece! If I won, I would use the brushes on an old display cabinet I have that needs some love.

  16. Elaine says

    Love it! It looks like a rich wood now! The ideas you come up with in your makeovers are amazing!

    • Larissa says

      You are a fun gal, Elaine! Thank you for making me giggle. 😀

  17. Kaycee F says

    Larissa, girl this is amazing, I like how the Dixie Bell paint applied in is manner still lets the beauty of the wood be the star! It looks easier to apply with the Zibra paint brushes, and not having to tape areas off is huge. Thank you for the opportunity to enter.

    • Larissa says

      Fist pump!! Thank you, Kaycee! I really didn’t want to hid that beautiful oak veneer and am so pleased with the outcome of this.

  18. Mary Kaiser says

    I Love how that turned out, it is amazing. Gotta love something that easy that turns out that beautiful!!

    • Larissa says

      Totally fun for me to see this vision come to life. Thanks, Mary!

  19. ColleenB.~Texas says

    WOW. That is Gorgeous! My kind of technique; quick and easy. :}
    Would love to win your brush set.
    The new brushes that hubby brought home for me, I just wasn’t satisfied with their performance; loosing bristles in my painted project :{ His idea of good brushes and my idea are a world apart. He hates painting so he has no clue when it comes to good – semi good brushes for painting or staining brushes.
    First thing I would paint is 4 chairs to go with my new painted table.
    Thank You for the wonderful giveaway opportunity.

  20. Patri says

    All of your work is great! But I have to admit, that turned out way better than I expected!

  21. Rebecca - Knoxville,TN says

    Nice update. Love how you can still see the grain and especially the carvings – beautiful! The next thing I plan to tackle is an old cedar chest 🙂

  22. Donna Gonzalez says

    Glad to see I’m not the only one that doesn’t like to wear gloves.

  23. susan martin says

    Wow! You’d never know it was that orangey stain before! Love it!

  24. Jolinda says

    I would have never thought of doing that. It is a new old piece and I love it.

    • Larissa says

      That’s what JC said. I was so surprised he got what I was after! haha…

  25. Brandi Bryant says

    I love this technique. Thanks for all of your inspiration and tips. I would paint a hutch my Aunt gave me. Thanks for the giveaway.

  26. Susan says

    I like that the orange got toned down, great technique to change that orange overload. What happens if you wax this, will it effect the paint?

    • Larissa says

      It sure made me feel better that it was hidden. 😉 I waxed this as I showed above, so it doesn’t change it, neither would a different topcoat. Perfect for those orange kitchen cabinets.

  27. Donna Marchlewski says

    Love the dresser!

  28. Marcie Lovett says

    Love the way the black paint “dirties” it up enough to add interest.

  29. Kelly Youngblood says

    Wow, I can’t believe how easy (as compared to completely sanding and refinishing wood) it was to get such a “rich”, antique look on this piece of furniture. While I’ve seen plenty of whitewashed pieces, I never thought of blackwashing to get an antiqued look. Thanks for always bringing something new to the table (or dresser — lol).

  30. joanne says

    Great job on the dresser. If won II’d dig out my stash of picture frames and get busy.

  31. Moonalisa Crabass says

    This turned out so beautiful! It gives me hope, for a very orangy China cabinet we have! Not to mention, all of those other project pieces, in the garage! So pick my name, already…I need those brushes! ?

  32. Toni says

    Oh my goodness, it is beautiful!!

  33. Jolinda says

    oops, I forgot to put that I would finally paint my coffee and end table.

  34. Maria says

    Love it!! I want to try this on my own dresser!!!!

  35. Shelly says

    Energy, imagiation, and enthusiasm are easy, but where do you find the time?!! Have used many of your ideas, styles, and methods and always look forward to learning more. Thanx!

    • Larissa says

      hee hee. I truly work nonstop on many things. I think I’m wired differently since my grandma was the same way. We called her the energizer bunny!

  36. Mary T says

    I just love reading your Blogs and seeing how you can bring life back into old furniture 🙂

  37. Beth says

    Larissa I love the result! That dresser really has a presence now. I’m going to try this on some of my oak shelves!!! Thanks so much for sharing!

  38. Linda Petteys says

    My dining room table needs a do-over and funny thing is I wanted this same look for that. thank you!

  39. Julie Britton says

    I have an entertainment center that I cannot stand that this would be perfect for.

  40. kimmylouwho says

    you are so creative and brave! I always worry that I will ruin something so it paralyzes me with my project. I would LOVE those brushes as I am going to paint a stained dresser for my guest room. I have had the dresser for 2 years and want to get it done before Christmas!!

  41. Joanne says

    Hi! Love your makeover! Love the fact it was SO easy. Have you tried turning an orangey wood piece to a lighter color like gray or white? Would love to do this to my bathroom vanity.
    Thanks!

  42. Cathy says

    Gorgeous! Gives me inspiration for my bedroom furniture

  43. Marie says

    Okay, I’m going to be totally honest here and say that I did utter, out loud, an expletive while reading this post. Are you (blank) kidding me! I can’t believe the difference a wash of black paint made on this fabulous but ugly orange dresser! I can’t wait to see what the Armoire is going to look like after you work your magic, Larissa.

    • Larissa says

      bwahahaha!! You are hilarious, Marie. I told you I was wearing a target! 😀 Soooo glad you like it!

  44. Sherry Fram says

    Love the makeover!! I would reprint my armoire in my bedroom. It needs it bad!!

  45. Susan B says

    What a beautiful transformation!

  46. Carolyn J Kiser says

    Love this; would never have thought of doing it. But I have a similar piece and that is probably what I would repaint first with my new brushes.

  47. Patti says

    My husband recently made a beautiful bench from a headboard that I found at Restore. It has yet to be painted, so I would use these to paint it!

  48. Mary Beth says

    You are amazing, Larissa! This turned out beautifully, as usual.

  49. Ann says

    The timing of this post is perfect! I just brought home an oak dresser, but wasn’t looking forward to spending a lot of time on it. Thank you for sharing your giftings and talent with us! Those brushes look wonderful.

  50. Gail Ebeling says

    Very clever and great for a quick instant pick my room up and instant gratification.

  51. Cindy says

    I absolutely love what you did with this dresser set Larissa…it’s both masculine and feminine all at the same time! I’ve been hearing so much about these brushes…excited to enter the giveaway!

    • Larissa says

      Thanks! I think that’s why JC liked it so. Hope you win!

  52. Cornelia L Short says

    Wow, I’m impressed and I don’t know if you remember but I left a comment about how I have a dresser very similar and I’ve been wanting too update mine.
    Thanks for sharIng this painting techniqu!
    Cornelia

  53. Linda says

    The dresser looks fabulous. I would like to see apiece completely covered though.

  54. Carol San Diego says

    I can’t believe the difference in that dresser. It’s absolutely gorgeous!

  55. Julie Briones says

    Nice transformation… So this paint works like a stain, as well. Interesting. 🙂

  56. Patty Soriano says

    Yay! another chance at these brushes! I would probably use them for a table, since I have so many of those. Love this piece you’ve done with the black. Never would have guessed how good it could look as more of a stain.

  57. Tori says

    I loved this post! The transformation was amazing!! I have some pieces I hate, but this just might “redeem” them for me!! Those would be the things I would paint firstborn if I won the brushes!! I’m addicted to your site and all the make-overs!!

    • Larissa says

      You’re in the right mindset! Woot! Thank you so much for the love. It means much!

  58. Maryann Smith says

    It’s so hard to decide whether to paint a beautiful piece like that or not. If it hadn’t been so orange, I would have voted no. Can’t wait to see the armoire makeover.

    • Larissa says

      Paint can be easily removed if anyone ever desires. Armoire coming soon!

  59. Debrashoppeno5 says

    I love the new look. The details really stand out now. I bought a couple of Zibra brushes at Home Depot because I had a gift certificate. They are the best brushes ever.

    • Larissa says

      Thanks, Debra! So happy to hear you love the brushes too.

  60. Terri Hughes says

    WOW……what a big difference. Beautiful!

  61. Kathy Owen says

    I would have never thought of that paint technique. The piece looks awesome now. Great job Larissa. Now I have a new technique to try!

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Kathy! I hope you do give it a try as I think you’ll rock it. 😀

  62. Brenda says

    Really like how this dresser turned out. I was skeptical when I first started going through the pictures but was pleasantly surprised. Thanks for sharing.

  63. Annette says

    The first thing I”d paint is a stand for my TV. I need something long, like a credenza, and have been keeping an eye out for a used one.

  64. September Whisenant says

    Amazing transformation especially for a veneered piece. I would use brushes on some cabinet doors that I’ve been planning on turning into chalkboardsTo give as gifts.

  65. Chanelle says

    I LOVE how this gives the look of a stain but is so simple to do. I am so curious to see how this technique would work with brightly colored paint!

    • Larissa says

      I’ve used this technique many times in many shades and love the ease of it. Try it out and see! 😀

  66. ColleenB.~Texas says

    Can’t wait to see the armóire once finished.
    Again; Thank U 4 this wonderful giveaway opportunity

  67. Dee Dee says

    Oh My Gosh! When I first began reading this post I thought, “How in this world is she going to improve on this dresser????”. WOW, I tell you this is one of my very favorite makeovers. You’ve always surprised me with your talent and creativity and I continue to be wowed. Thank you so much for sharing your brilliance with us!

    • Larissa says

      haha…I’m so glad it made you think otherwise. Dee Dee. My pleasure to share what I love.

  68. Terri Tervort says

    Just beautiful! The finish now looks amazing, I love the deep richness it gives to the wood and doesn’t look painted. I love visiting your site and seeing your makeovers. We are doing a fairly big, for us, is reno project. I would really love to receive the brushes, they would be very useful to us.

    • Larissa says

      Thank you for saying so, Terri. The brushes would be so handy.

  69. Kristina says

    It is amazing how the wood still shines through! I absolutely love this piece!

  70. Janie says

    Love this dresser, beautiful work

  71. Michelle J. says

    I’d paint Christmas gifts!

  72. Nancy "fangles" Brown says

    Oh my goodness, I cannot believe that is even the same piece! It had such good bones, but the chalk paint really makes them “POP”! I think I would have to find room to keep that piece! Thank you for sharing! If I won those brushes I think I would have to start out with something a little less intimidating, but would certainly plan on working my way up to some bigger projects.

    • Larissa says

      I seriously tried to keep it for my girls, but no go. At least someone will enjoy it. Thanks!

  73. Donna Thackston says

    I really enjoyed this “new” application.
    I would use these brushes to finally finish my kitchen cabinets!!! 🙂

  74. Karen Q says

    What a beautiful update!!! I have a cabinet in the bathroom that needs that same look. Thank you for this post and great ideas. Can’t wait to try this product and brushes!!!!

  75. Christy Frampton says

    I love this idea I could try on our 1990 oak bedroom furniture I am a little tired of. I didn’t see anything about the kind of paint to use though, besides the brand name. Can you explain more, thanks!

    • Larissa says

      Thanks, Christy! It’s just a flat latex paint. Hope that helps!

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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.

~ Laurel

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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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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!

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