Do you know what time it is? It’s Furniture Fixer Uppers time! What fun it is to not only get to work on another project for you, but to be able to do it alongside some of the most awesome DIY gals I know. This vintage Art Deco buffet is my subject for this month’s fun. You’ll see the rest of the awesome projects in a bit.
The functional use of a buffet can’t be denied. They fit easily into almost any room of your home as either a server as intended, or entertainment center, or even retrofitted into a bathroom vanity. This particular one appealed to me for the simple lines it showcased.
However, like all my projects, it needed some TLC. It has a few large damaged spots to the top, deep gouges, and missing veneer.
In addition, the doors and drawers had their own issues as I couldn’t get some of them open. Nothing I couldn’t remedy with elbow grease. Take a close look at those center doors…the veneer is waving hello to you. tee hee.
DIY TIME
With all that in mind, I have my work cut out for me, so I dive right in. First, I took off those warped doors and used wood glue to tack down all the warping hoping it would take.
Then, while the glue was curing, I had at the entire piece with my orbital sander and Corner Cat. My hope was to salvage as much of the wood as possible. In order to get a good feel for it, I needed to see it in the raw.
Even though t took me a few hours to get most of it done, it really did help me with my vision.
Disappointing to see that the gouges went all the way through the veneer and that the center doors weren’t going to pass muster. BUT…there’s still plenty of wood on this piece. Once I finished up sanding, it was time to bring on the paint.
TIME FOR PAINT
Yes, not only paint on some parts because of the damage, but also because I counted over 5 different types of wood and wanted to bring a cohesive feel to it.
First, before I even begin to paint, I add a clear coat to the pieces I want to have wood showing. Why? Because I can’t tell you how many times I accidentally dripped paint on my raw wood only having to sand it all over again. No fun.
Next, I use my Kilz primer to not only prep the raw wood, but also block out any stains and bleed through. Notice I’m using the same brush I just used to apply the clear coat. The interior was worn and needed a refresh. Last, I did one coat of primer and two topcoats allowing two hours cure time in between to get the finished look I was after.
THE REVEAL
Are you ready to see this vintage Art Deco buffet made new? I am!
This piece is now updated and looks brand new. Without a doubt, my favorite is how the wood grain came to life with just a clear coat – no stain needed. Plus the flat black bar pulls really updated the entire feel of it. Likewise, the original pulls weren’t brass or anything fancy, except the Bakelite, and they will find new life soon.
Half the fun was being able to bring in so many goodies from my shop to stage it. Also, most everything you see here is available, including the shadow boxes that can be custom finished. Stop by to see!
Oh, and we can’t forget the interior. For a pop of fun, I decided to add a bit of color. Isn’t this soft gray/green pretty? It’s also a seconds paint that I have used on a few projects and love to see it inside this space.
In addition, the drawers got a refresh too. Don’t you just love all the little surprises you can add to a worn out piece of furniture? Makes what I do fun!
Finally, there you have it, a refreshed vintage Art Deco buffet with a whole lot more to offer for many years to come. If you’d like to own this buffet, it’s available for purchase too – HEAD HERE.
Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130
SHARE
In addition, pin and share this vintage Art Deco buffet makeover. I’m sure there are many out there ready to give up on a piece because of damage and need inspired to keep going. Plus, it’s fun to share!
Up next, my dad brought me this falling apart shelf to see if I wanted to tackle it. Needless to say, I felt sorry for it and wanted to see it made new. Stay tuned!
To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Now it’s time to see what my Furniture Fixer Upper girls have for you! See below…
MORE FUN
Additionally, Let’s check out what the Furniture Fixer Upper ladies have for you!
- Just the Woods
- Girl in the Garage
- Confessions of a Serial DIYer
- Interior Frugalista
- Petticoat Junktion
Also, more projects like this vintage Art Deco buffet:
Love your tutorials and the helpful tips, especially about how the Zibra brushes make painting easier. Keep up the good work!
Thank you, Gail. 🙂
I love the transformation!
Thanks so much, Michele! 😀
Wow, you outdid yourself on this piece! I love it!
It was much work, but worth it. Thanks, Janice!
I have to tell you, that of ALL the blog post I get in my email box, yours is my FAVORITE read!
You just made my day, Mary! Thank you, thank you. 😉
Absolutely breathtaking! It is so stunning now! You crack me up with the waving doors. Thanks for the giveaway and the inspiration!
tee hee! Had to wave back at it, right? Thanks so much for the giggle, Debra.
It always makes me cringe to see beautiful old pieces painted, but I can’t imagine a better result given what you started with. Great job!
Me too, honestly, but damage does it’s thing. Thanks, Shelly!
Just lovely!
Thanks, Deb. 😀
I love the combination of painting and leaving some of the natural wood…brightens it up, but retains the warmth of the piece.
That’s what I was after. Thank you for getting why I do what I do, Elaine.
I read many blogs, yours is my favorite. I look foreword to hearing from you everyday.
How absolutely wonderful to hear, Judy. Thank you!
I love all of your pieces but I think this is my favorite so far. I love what you did with the wood and the inside of the drawers. I need to do something with my bedroom set, it is antique or vintage (how old for antique?) french provincial. The drawers are all groove and tongue and the runners are wood. I love the lines but hate the blonde color. I think I want to paint it but stain some of the wood darker like you did here. The drawers stick during the hotter months and I am hoping a layer of wax will help.
How sweet is that?! You just made my day, Melissa. Thank you. If it’s older than 1920 currently, it’s antique. Sounds like it might be a Mid Century set. Feel free to email me pics. As for the sticking drawers, the wax temporarily helps, but sanding is the long-term answer.
I love these old pieces Larissa. Lots of storage and can be updated in so many ways. Perfect!
Definitely awesome storage. Thanks so much, Kathy!
What a gorgeous piece this is now, Larissa! Love the stain/paint combination! XO
Kind of a long journey to get there, but glad I did it. Thanks, Christy!
I would paint a dresser for my daughter’s room.
Larissa, you always inspire! My waterfall dressing table is almost finished! It too is a stain/paint combination.
So excited for you and can’t wait to see!
Lovely! I would never have thought to leave those drawers unpainted, but, of course, it looks great! BTW, what do you use as a brush cleaner? I’m just getting started and unsure what product to use, if any. TIA.
Thanks! I usually just clean up with warm water as soon as I’m done, and occasionally a mild soap.
Another great rescue! Some Zibra brushes would be helpful with painting a sad 60’s dresser that’s lost it’s groove.
Thanks! Love your comment. haha!
Always love your furniture redo’s!!
That means so much, Kathy. Thank you!
Lovely buffet makeover. I like the trend of mixing wood with paint. It adds a lot of character to the piece.
Thanks for the giveaway. i would love to have a set of the Zibra brushes!
It’s one of my favorite ways to finish a piece that has damage. Thanks!
Im so curious to try these brushes. Happy summer!
I always enjoy your makeovers, Larissa and learn something new each time. My first project would be to makeover some old picture frames from the 90’s. Happy Anniversary to you and your sweetie!
That’s wonderful to hear. Thank you for the well-wishes!
Love the paint and stain. Brought the piece back to life. Would love the brushes.
Thank you, Frances.
Beautiful and i love the color on the inside!
It’s a fun surprise. Thank you, Lori. 😀
Very nice piece and I like that you left some of the wood grain that wasn’t damaged. Very pretty piece and quality job! PS; I don’t like Facebook anymore. Any chance that liking on Instagram would be available for some of your giveaways?
That’s how I like to save a bit of pieces too far gone. Fun to do! There are many ways to enter besides Facebook, but not on Instagram yet.
It’s beautiful, Larissa! Wow, did the wood grain ever pop after just a clear coat finish. I love how you staged this piece too.
I was oohing over that walnut wood. Wow! Thanks, Marie.
I love the simplicity of the final product and how you kept something that had been damaged from being discarded.
Thank you for getting why I do what I do, Kimberly. Means much to me.
Great job! I have an antique washstand that I want to paint, leaving the top the natural wood finish. Inspired by your work!
Sounds like fun!
I’d paint some unfinished side tables.
Stunning! I actually checked out the dimensions in your shop, but it was too big for what I had in mind ;-(
Absolutely LUV all of your pieces; you are truly gifted!
You’re so sweet, Fran. Thank you!
I love your blog and have learned so much from you. Great Job.
It’s wonderful to read your words. Thank you!
what a huge transformation! Love the new look – its so clean and fresh now!
It was so much work, but I had to see what I could do with it. Thank you, Kandice!
Love the mix of wood and paint and the ‘secret’ green inside. This would make for some awesome storage in my craft room!
P.S. Such a sweet wedding picture of you and hubby. You all are too cute!
Wish I had a craft room! haha… Thanks so much, Michele!
I love a good buffet! Seems as if no matter how much storage room one has, there’s not enough! I have so many things waiting to be painted, but I really need to paint a new set of dining room chairs – someone (ok, my brothers and dad, all former foot ball players) broke one or two from my old set which I laboriously painted!
I couldn’t agree more. tee hee!
As always… excellent work! I would use some new Zibra brushes on the old jewelry boxes I love to re-do.
Thank you, Tammy. 😀
I’d paint the end tables I just bought at an auction.
Love the stain/paint combo, I am planning on doing that with my living room end table. As always thank you for sharing your talent as it gives me so much inspiration!
Sounds like fun! Thank you for the smile, Lisa. 😀
Love your website and the inspiration it provides! I would give a record cabinet bookcase a refresh.
Thank you, Sara. 🙂
WOW, so much better. Great job!
Yay!! I’m so happy to hear it. Thanks!
What a beautiful makeover! I really enjoy getting your emails.
Thank you, Danelle. I’m happy to hear it. 😀
Thank you for the tutorials! I’m loving these Zibra Brushes. So happy I found your site!
My pleasure. It’s fun to share and inspire. I’m glad you’re here too!
Wow, what a mess this was to start with! My favorite is the UNstained doors! What beautiful color! I need to help my girls repaint their drawer units in their bedroom as soon as this heat wave ends. I’m going to have to remember how lovely drawer liners are!
It was a challenge and took much work to get it all repaired, but glad I tried. Sounds like you have some fun on the way!
Larissa you know what a fondness I have for these old pieces. You have done it justice. I think I would have given up after looking at that veneer!
You’re a fun gal, Mary! I honestly wasn’t looking forward to working on it, but wanted to take it on and get it done. Thanks for the love!
Larissa, Another gorgeous makeover, love the combination of paint colors and the natural wood tones too!!
Fantastic to hear, Kaycee. Thank you so much!
Very Nice !!!
Thank you, Charlene. 🙂
Wow, what a transformation! Very different and interesting! I could definitely benefit from the Zibra brushes!
Great save for that sad buffet Larissa! Beautiful!
Thanks so much, Jen! 😀