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French Country Vintage Dressing Table Makeover

There’s no mistaking that I am drawn to dressing tables and vanities. They’re so unique and full of elegance, especially the French country ones. At some point they have fallen to the wayside as far as being a piece of furniture on demand, but they are quickly making a come-back as a much-desired addition to the bedroom decor. I can see why. They’re functional as a desk, mirror for morning makeovers, and a fun place for a lady to call her own.

Not too long ago that I acquire this vintage dressing table off of Craigslist. It actually ends up being sold by a friend and neighbor from just around the block. Although it may look like an antique, it’s really a Mid Century Modern piece made to look as if it is has been around for ages. Quality made with dove-tailed drawers and gorgeous veneer, this dark beauty was in great shape for the most part but did have some wear and missing parts.

Vintage Dressing Table Gets a French Country Makeover by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Vintage Dressing Table Gets a French Country Makeover by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

READY, SET, REFINISH

The overall finish had held up well on top, but what really struck me was that the pulls were plastic. Really? Did they have to go there on this beautiful piece? Some are broken, of course, and I knew that this girl needs some new jewelry (aka. hardware)

The front carvings were missing some trim pieces, but that’s nothing that a little makeover couldn’t fix.

Vintage Dressing Table Gets a French Country Makeover by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

That blue upholstery is what caught my attention and made up my mind as to which way to go with the color of this makeover. The whole set keeps calling to have a French country feel. I mean, just look at that fretwork. It’s aching for highlighting, right? So regal and stately….swoon…

Vintage Dressing Table Gets a French Country Makeover by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

So with a little bit of help of some wood putty, I filled the drawer holes, took off mismatched and broken trim, then set to work on creating a new look.

Vintage Dressing Table Gets a French Country Makeover by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

After I light sanding, enough to give it “teeth”, I began my painting. For the base cabinet color, I used my favorite color, Antique White by Behr. I went with a country blue for the drawer fronts that was actually a seconds paint at Home Depot. Gotta love those mistake paints (they’re not mistakes in my book, but meant for me. hee hee hee.)

With a little bit of detailing in some Warm Silver by Modern Masters (one of my faves!) those intricate carvings, they really are taking center stage.

Vintage Dressing Table Gets a French Country Makeover by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Even my sweet little girl wanted in on the action. She loves to watch Mama paint. Vintage Dressing Table Gets a French Country Makeover by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Once all the handwork is complete, all she needs is the new pulls, which are actually antique porcelain knobs sourced locally.

ALL DRESSED UP

Ready for the debut? Say hello to this French country gal…

Vintage Dressing Table Gets a French Country Makeover by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

For me, the after is refreshing and draws out those intricate details hiding in that dark stain. It’s not that I don’t like dark stain, mind you.

Vintage Dressing Table Gets a French Country Makeover by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Vintage Dressing Table Gets a French Country Makeover by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

The vintage upholstery I receive by a wonderful reader. It’s perfect for the occasion…so beautifully blue.

Vintage Dressing Table Gets a French Country Makeover by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Now that fretwork really has a chance to shine and get the attention it deserves with gilded accents. It looks as if it’s wearing a cameo style brooch.

Vintage Dressing Table Gets a French Country Makeover by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

What do you think? Dark beauty or French country?

Vintage Dressing Table Gets a French Country Makeover by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpiecesVintage Dressing Table Gets a French Country Makeover by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Vintage Dressing Table Gets a French Country Makeover by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Vintage Dressing Table Gets a French Country Makeover by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

I like both, but my heart draws to that blue every time. You can find this set available for purchase in my online store.

Shop Prodigal Pieces | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

If you enjoyed this makeover, do share so others can too!

Vintage Dressing Table Gets a French Country Makeover by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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While you’re at it here is more French country eye-candy for you:

An Antique Vanity Transformation by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpiecesRestoration of an Antique Side Table by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

 

Comments

  1. kim says

    That turned out wonderful. I noticed the shiny “before” finish. Did you sand the piece down before you painted?

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Kim. Yes, a light sanding just enough to give it “teeth”. 🙂

  2. Heather C says

    you really made the vanity look great, very creative

  3. Ellen Braunberger says

    Blue is perfect! What a jewel this piece is!

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Ellen! This is exactly why I wish I had a room to keep everyting in (or at least until I tire of it and find something new). 😉

  4. Sweet Auburn Life says

    Stunning, the blue and cream were the perfect choice. The fabric matches beautifully and the ‘cameo’ is the icing on the cake.

    • Larissa says

      Thank you so much! I know I’m stuck on blue, but the table just begged to have that makeover done. 😉

  5. Kelly Jane Kovar says

    What finish of paint did you use in the the Behr Antique white? Satin, or Semi-gloss?

  6. Teresa Ann Jeter says

    What a beautiful transformation!!!! I would love to have a house full of your pieces. 🙂

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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

~ Laurel

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2020-03-21T21:39:34-04:00

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2020-03-21T21:43:16-04:00

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2020-03-21T21:45:37-04:00

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2020-03-21T21:52:00-04:00

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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!
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