There are times in life you make a no-brainer decision. Today is one of them for me. If you were offered this vintage Bassett buffet, would you turn it down? If you did, I’d happily jump in and take it off your hands! haha!
Thankfully, my friend knows me well and knows I adore pieces like this. They are primarily designed to be buffets (or sideboards). However, they also serve well as entertainment centers, dressers, and even a changing station for baby. Take a peek at all the past buffets that have been redone HERE.
At first glance, it seems to be in great shape, and it is. All original pulls, no broken doors or drawers, and it sits square. However, there is surface wear that is pretty heavy . For instance, it’s like someone either put duct tape across the top and left it for ages, or left fabric soaking with a chemical. Plus, it also has missing veneer and gouges, which is certainly normal for a piece like this.
While all that is definitely repairable, the worst part about it is the scent it emits. I’m happy to say it doesn’t reek of cigarettes or moth balls, but whew! Someone definitely dumped some sort of potpourri oil or something because cinnamon is the name of the game.
DIY TIME
First, I wanted to see how the top would fair with a good sanding. I used my orbital sander to take of the finish and stain. Unfortunately, the veneer on top was so thin in spots due to that damage that it was wearing through. That meant no staining for the top.
It’s just as well so I could seal up the scent with a Zinsser B-I-N Primer, the same one I used to seal in cigarette smoke in this entertainment center I upcycled. Just FYI…normally baking pieces in the sun will remove most odors, and I tried that with this one. It relieved some of it, but not all.
PAINTING
So, after I repair damage and prime it’s time to get some paint on this vintage Bassett buffet. First, I begin with the interior of the cabinets.
I wanted the interior to have a contrast to the exterior color I am using. This will lighten and brighten the interior as well. Meanwhile, the outside will be getting my favorite color, Slate Green using my Angled Brush.
In the past, I’ve used this color on my kitchen cabinets, my interior trim, and even this secretary and upcycled gun cabinet.
Next, I wanted to add dimension. While adding the second coat of paint, I used the layering technique to blend in a darker gray to the outer edges.
You can see how I’ve used this technique before on this antique dresser.
Last, but not least, I wanted to take the two silverware drawers and remove the felt lining. It is in good shape but holds an odor as well.
I had to remove the staples that held the sections in at the back, then pop them out. That allowed me to add a liner to update it and refresh it.
THE REVEAL
Here is this vintage Bassett buffet in its new form. Whew!
I’m smitten! The color is, as I mentioned, one of my favorites. Its soft and the accents add depth to the design, don’t you think?
In addition to the exterior color, I adore the sort of gentle peek inside the two side cabinets.
And true to his doting nature, my old buddy, Teddy, is here to give his two paws up for my work. Also, notice his ears…he knows he’s not supposed to be there. hahaha.
If you’d like to add this vintage Bassett buffet to your home decor, you can find it available in my online shop.
SHARE
Additionally, do pin and share this makeover to inspire others. Furniture is a great asset to the home and can bring such joy when made your own.
Up next, this little gem will be receiving some TLC too. Head here to see!
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Also, more furniture makeovers like this vintage Bassett buffet:
Oh, I would love to find a piece like this to redo. You did a fantastic job. You have the talent, but the products you use help make the work go well. Thanks for all the giveaways!
They are such wonderful gems, for sure. Thanks so much for the smiles. 😀
This is one of my favorite make overs. Great job!!
That’s music to my ears, Alexis. Thank you!
Wow, new paint brushes, everyone needs this giveaway. Thanks!!
Agreed. I hope you enjoyed my work today too. 🙂
Gorgeous!!! The color is perfect for this piece and your shadowing technique really makes it sing. Another home run!! ⚾️ ?
haha! Thanks so much, Rebecca. These pieces are always fun.
The paint has such a lovely color interplay! How satisfying to see the transformation, and I appreciate the tips for tackling something with odor considerations. I usually just pass by anything with a strong smell and am glad to know that it’s fixable. Thank you for the giveaway!
Thank you. You are most welcome. I used to too…so many things can be saved with this type of treatment.
Love this color! Well done!
Thanks! It’s truly one of my favorites. It’s a soothing color to me.
Great job and I love the color as well!!
Thank you bunches, Lori! 😀 So fun for me.
Thank you for this opportunity to win Zibra brushes. The first thing that I would paint is a shelf that has been waiting for an update for a long time 🙂
Good morning Larissa, What a wonderful friend For always keeping you in mind with this “pieces of potential”. As usual you did her justice and made her smell good and look beautiful again. Two thumbs up for Zibra paint brushes, that make painting so much better!
Good morning!! Thanks so much, Kaycee. It was my pleasure to give it new life.
I absolutely love what you did with the buffet. I looked at it after you had put your creative touch to it and thought, “I would love to have that.” I even figured out where I would put it.
That means so much, Becky. Thank you! It sure was a fun piece to rework. I can’t wait to see who ends up with it.
That slate green is what turned me into a repeat visitor to your site, so naturally, I love that buffet! 🙂
I’ve not commented before, but I really want to try those brushes. I’ve heard so many good things about them, and seen them at my local Woodcraft store, so it’s about time. Once I’ve done a bit of repair work to it, I have a beautiful old serpentine vanity/dresser to paint. The kind with all the panels down the sides, so those brushes should work a treat. Fingers crossed, and thank you for the opportunity.
That’s awesome, Claire! Thank you for that. You will definitely fall in love with these brushes as I have. 😀
Nice job Larissa. Wish you had been around when I was newly married and painting hand-me-downs back in the 60’s. But now I’m with my daughter & her family and recently decided to redo some of my old pieces. Happy to have your inspiration and helpful tips now. Thanks. And I would love some new brushes too! LOL
Thank you, Connie. Aww…that would be so fun! 😀 And you will love the Zibra brushes. 😀
Love this color!
Thanks so much!! 😀
I love so much that you do! Your also a great source for learning to try new things. Thanks for the inspirations and today, thank you for the great giveaway! I have two projects waiting in the wings. A coffee table and a dresser.
I like using the grey shading technique! Thank you for the “baking it in the sun” idea for eliminating odors!
Me too! It adds such depth when you can use layers. You are most welcome, Kathleen.
Perfect!! I love it! Thank you for your inspiration. What did you use to line the drawers?
You are most welcome. 🙂 Thank you, Sheri! It is a basic drawer liner paper.
I love this color! The difference you made is amazing. Great job. 🙂
Wonderful! You made my day, Fiona. 🙂
Beautiful, you are so talented. I love the dresser!!
Thanks so much, Terri!
Great shading on this piece! I adore working on wood furniture. Although I love real wood, I’m sometimes secretly happy when the finish is damaged because it gives me “permission” to refresh the piece with paint. No remorse or guilt about painting wood- and no anxiety for my husband! Lol!
bwahahaha!! I totally get it! My husband doesn’t say anything, not even about anything …which I take it and run. 😀
What a lovely color and wonderful transformation.
Great job.
I picked up a rather large glass – heart shaped shadow box but haven’t decided it on what I’m going to do with it; on color of paint to paint it or not.
Thank You for this wonderful giveaway opportunity.
Take care, stay safe & stay healthy.
Having thunderstorms here so it has been raining since yesterday. Actually started Sunday. Got a break on Monday but then the skies opened up yesterday & will continue through the week.
Thank you, Colleen. That sounds like a fun project to work on. Smalls are one of those things you can go crazy on. 😀 You are most welcome. I know you’ll love them! Funny…we have had weeks without rain, then had one storm, and back to no rain.
The buffet came out beautiful, This gives me inspiration on the one I own. It sure needs one and the brushes would help. Thank you
That makes me smile, Joann! Thanks so much.
I have the same antique buffet! It was in too bad a shape to re-stain, so I painted it as well. I love it! Love the color you chose, it’s beautiful!
Awesome! You have a gem right there. 😀 Thank you!
Nicely done!
Thank you, Patti. 🙂
It looks great.. Very well done 🙂
Thank you. I’m excited to have it done.
I appreciate your website so very much. I have learned a lot about the different ways to fix the wood, and how to appreciate it. I’m dying to try the Zibra brushes. Thank You for all the wonderful ideas…especially because they are recycled!
That just made my day, Amy. Thank you so much. You will fall in love with them! 😀
WOW! Another beautiful transformation.
You are awesome to say so, Anne. Thank you!
What a great friend to offer you such a beautiful buffet! I love the slate green color!
Yes! I bought it off of her for the ministry she runs, but it was worth it. 😀
I have the triangle brush and would love to try the others. I have a couple of furniture pieces and I’m currently painting some older resin garden ornaments.
That’s a great brush. I hope you enjoyed my work 🙂
Beautiful Makeover……Love the colors
Thank you, Lynn.
What a beautiful transformation, Larissa! Great job as always!
You’re so sweet, Diana. Thank you!
Love the color!!!
Thanks so much, Maria. 🙂
Beautiful buffet, now that it got your magic touch! I have several pieces ready to be painted, starting with a vintage child’s roll top desk.
Thank you for saying so, Doreen. I’m delighted with it.
I have a ton of projects just waiting for me. I think I will start with a cute little desk, since it’s back to school time.
It’s beautiful! Just like everything you do! I love the grays and your dog’s fur color compliments it perfectly! 😉
haha…Teddy knew he did. Thanks!
I wish I could find sideboards like this in my area, they are hard to come by. Another gorgeous furniture makeover, Larissa, and I love the color combination. I bet it won’t be in your shop long!
They are true treasure for sure. So many uses for them. Thanks for the love, Marie. 😀
Hi, I love what you did with the buffet! My family actually has the exact same one that my dad inherited from an uncle. We are trying to refresh the house and my mom wants a beachy look. I’d like to refinish it instead of sticking it in the shed. Do you think this piece would respond well to stripping and bleaching?
Thanks!! Yes, I think it would if the veneer is in great shape. It can be hard on the wood, so just keep that in mind.