Top
Subscribe for free and never miss a post

Bedroom Set ~ A Vintage Reunion

Do you ever have one of those moments where your jaw drops and you are amazed how a certain event in life could have happened?  I mean, you think, “what are the chances…?” I had one of those in my past with a bedroom set that left me giddy.
Today, my Trash to Treasure girlfriends and I are digging into the archives for some makeover goodness for you. Check out the end of this post for their projects, and you can see last week’s makeover here.
Best of Trash to Treasure Transformations | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com
 
First, the story begins… A certain couple was selling off several pieces of furniture, 5 to be exact, for $20 a piece…a piece! One was a Broyhill Brasilia credenza, and a few other chests of drawers. You just can’t beat Craigslist for being able to peruse furniture & other goodies right in front of your eyes in the comfort of your own home.  I love finding a steal.  Let’s face it, it’s an online treasure hunt.
So, of course I bought them all. (ahem) However, I’m not exactly sure they were all a perfect fit, but most had awesome potential! Included in this lot was an antique cherry vanity that just needed a little love. Vintage Cherry Vanity Before | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com
My favorite feature is the mirror that is mounted on a rail that adjusts to suit your sitting height. This vanity sat in my garage for a couple of months until that jaw-dropping moment came.

REUNION

Initially, I stopped by a local garage sale on my way home with 5 kids in tow (see, I told you this was from the archives…I now have 6!) You know how it goes, I wasn’t really planning to stop, and there they were, a matching chest of drawers and dresser with mirror!!  EEK! I couldn’t believe my eyes and tried not to look too obvious, but they were for a ridiculous price and I quickly made the purchase before anyone could beat me.

Here they are reunited at last!Vintage Cherry Bedroom Set Reunited | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com
Seriously, you just don’t find solid, heavy, sets like this anymore.  Dove-tailed drawers, solid throughout, and nearly complete…only missing 1 pull. Missing the one pull drove me nuts because, well, it’s just one!! I scoured the internet and local stores trying to find a match, but to no avail. sigh.

All the original labels present, with coordinating stamps…aaah, the stories! I researched the manufacturer, Youngsville Star Mfg. Co., based in Pennsylvania. Their main choice of wood was cherry, and at one point even were requested to make a custom set for General MacArthur at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

Youngsville Star Mfg. Co. Bedroom Set | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

DIY TIME

This set was just asking to have that cherry surface refinished, so I grabbed my favorite sander and went to town.

Sanded Cherry Chest of Drawers | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.comIsn’t it gorgeous!?  Although I paint most of my pieces, I really am a sucker for wood.

Question: Why, oh why do people line drawers with contact paper?  I’ll never know. Check out the rockin’ polka dots.

Vintage Polka Dot Contact Paper for Drawer Lining | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Actually, the confetti print actually grew on me, but it had to go.  So, with the help of my little guy, who had a blast yanking it out, we brought the drawers back to normal. Seriously, my kids are gleaning so much from just helping with the smallest task.
Little Boy Helper with Bedroom Set | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com TIPIf you have sticky drawers after pulling out contact paper, just use household rubbing alcohol and wipe them down.  Done!
He even helped me remove the pulls, with a chubby screwdriver ALL BY HIMSELF!  Love that tow-head.
My Son Helping Remove Drawer Pulls | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

NEXT STEPS

I used a seconds paint that looks like a creamy buttery yellow.  Also, I really wanted to a primitive flair, so I added some hand-painted features, and distressed the whole set for a time-worn wear appeal.
Hand Painting Detail on Bedroom Set | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com
Here is the bedroom set all together again.
Vintage Bedroom Set with Primitive Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com
What better to compliment the buttery color than espresso, that deep, rich color that is so pleasing to look at.  I used an espresso stain on top, like I did on this Art Deco dressing table, and espresso paint on the pulls with some distressing, of course.
Espresso Stain on Bedroom Set Tops | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com
In addition, replacing that one missing pull with two antique glass pulls to add a touch more femininity was an easy fix.
Glass Pulls on Vintage Vanity | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com
I decided to pair the vanity with a Duncan Phyfe chair from my stash, and added a new upholstered seat.Upholstered Vintage Vanity Chair by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com
Hand Painted Details on Vintage Bedroom Set | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com
Finally, what a blast reuniting this bedroom set and am happy to say it is now living with the new owners that purchase it from my shop. (SOLD)
Shop Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com
A happy ending is always the best way to end, though my furniture adventures will continue. tee hee.
Vintage Cherry Bedroom Set Reunited at last by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

NEXT

Up next, this jewelry armoire gets new life with some TLC. Head HERE.
Vintage Jewelry Armoire Before Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!
blog signature

let's get socialMEWE  |  PINTEREST  |  GAB

Next, take a look at what these lovely ladies have pulled out the archives for you today:

Also, more makeovers for you like this bedroom set:

Acme Cedar Chest Gets Makeover with Vintage Typography by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.comGarage Sale Find Gets French Makeover by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com

Comments

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Christy! It makes the adventure all the more fun. 🙂

  1. Maruanna says

    HOLY COW!! That looks wonderful! And to think you got them at 2 different places! Great job!! PS I love your little helper, wanna hire him out??

    • Larissa says

      hahaha…thank you!! It was fun to revive them and see them all together.

  2. Jen @ Girl in the Garage says

    Ooooh, I don’t think I remember seeing this one! How lucky to find those pieces for a great deal- you really made them into a gorgeous set!

    • Larissa says

      Funny how things fly by over time. I could hardly remember it too! 😀

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Debra! It was fun to get this set back together and see it find a new home.

  3. Kathy S says

    FYI?..Gibert’s in Ashland, Ohio is stil in business!

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Nancy! She loves to help in even the smallest ways.

  4. Wanita says

    love your stuff. Just a little FYI its tow-head not toe head, has to do with the color of straw in old England. I was a blonde child and called tow headed all the time, I though people were saying I looked like a toe. When my son was born and someone called him towhead I googled it

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Wanita. I actually know that, but I think my computer auto-corrected it or something. My mother was born in England and used the term with us all the time. I didn’t even notice the typo. 😉

  5. Leisa says

    I love the primitive designs and distressing. It gives the pieces more depth.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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!
0
0
Prodigal Pieces