In my last post I said my next project way going to be the empire dresser... but things have changed. I ended up starting other projects that were smaller/faster/easier. I plan on starting it this week and hopefully finishing it as well. Now that I have the paint and hardware for the drawers, I can get started.
I unexpectedly got a dresser from my uncle that her no longer wanted. He was moving and did not need it anymore. The fun part was it used to be my dad's before my parents were married, them they handed it down to my uncle, and now he gave it back to them... well, me :)
I did another modified mid-century dresser for part of my senior project, and this one turned out similar. I think if I get one again I will have to try something new. Or not. I like the contrast of dark and light as well as the sleek look. The difference between the two is the this one is a true mid century modern dresser, with no hardware. Like the first one I did, this dresser was in good condition, except the top was ruined.
The dresser does not look bad before, it just needed to be reinvented with some stain and paint. The legs were in the bottom drawer, but it does have legs! Five to be exact.
I sanded the whole dresser down, stained the sides, all 9 drawers and the top. The stain soaked in unevenly on the top because of some spot where things had been spilt, so it got primed and painted in a crisp white. I used polyurethane over the stain to seal it, then added the legs. I don't know why I did not add the fifth leg in the middle. It will probably get screwed on before I sell it. I think it would look great as a console. The top drawers can be converted into a place to home the TV components by taking out the drawers, drilling a hole behind each one, and finishing the edges.
That is one beautiful piece! What color stain did you use? Is it a walnut?
ReplyDeleteI used Rustoleum's Dark Walnut Stain. I like it because it is water based (so easy clean-up) and it is a great color. This piece only has one coat on it.If you use two or more it can get very dark and cover up the wood grain.
DeleteOoo, I have a mid-mod dresser that looks very similar and could use a facelift. Where did you find the hardware for yours?
ReplyDeleteThe dresser does not have any hardware, you pull out the drawers from the bottom (where the indent is).
DeleteGorgeous. Great job.
ReplyDeleteI have a six drawer version of this same dresser which I use as a console in my living room. It too needs some TLC. Thanks for the inspiration. Nicely done!
ReplyDeleteI love these as consoles! I'm glad you were inspired
DeleteWow . . . this is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteIf you're not so handy like myself, where would you take your old stuff for a fabulous makeover like yours?
ReplyDeleteI don't what area you are in, but I would recommend finding someone in your area who also re-does furniture. Try searching for painted pieces (like dressers) on craigslist. You can usually tell if someone does it for a hobby/living, then email them and ask if they would do custom work on the piece you have. Most people are willing to do it, and if you send them picture of your piece, measurement and then photos of how you want it to look/what you want done, they can give you a price quote. And you are supporting locals! Hope this helps!
DeleteWhere can I find those legs? Working on a similar project.
ReplyDelete(See above too). I have a very similar bureau, but it never had legs. I would love to put legs on the piece (though it is very heavy). Any ideas on where to find suitable legs and how to install?
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Love it!!!
ReplyDeleteQuestion: I have the same dresser and am in the process of refinishing it. The slats in between the drawers are a lighter wood. How did you get them to stain evenly and match with the other wood? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI only did one coat of the dark walnut stain on this dresser. The slats between the drawers on this one were the same color, so it took the stain evenly. I would say just go for it. Give everything one coat and see how it looks. Usually the unevenness goes away when the stain is applied. If not, you could try to do another coats on the slats and wipe it off till the color matches.
DeleteHope that helps! Good luck with your dresser!