Who would leave this behind with price tag of $10 and also had a 35% off coupon burning a hole in their pocket? Not ME! tee hee!
This poor old gal really had been given a rotten treatment.
It looked as though she had been stuck in a basement or garage and been forgotten about. Her legs had slight signs of water damage, missing casters (all 8 of them), busted veneer, and then there's the top. Oy!
HOT MESS
Also, it looked as though someone had taped on a center panel to "protect" it or something. At any rate, it's a hot mess indeed. I know this is a dressing table because I've worked on many and this would have had a bench to go with it. Likewise, the mirror mount holes on the back are telling a story of what used to be. I wish I could see this antique dressing table in all its glory.
Time to make her shine again! I couldn't wait to see what was under that messed up finish. I share the complete makeover in a video below, so take a peek to see in a bit.
DIY TIME
First order of business was to break out my sander. I was a mite cold out there, but having fun too! This was one of those moments when you can't see your screen and you're trying to take a process pic, only to realize you took a selfie. ahem.
Let me just say, I had at that mess like nobody's business and this is the outcome. {{fist pump action!}}
You can bet I did a happy dance! It's not perfect as it still shows a little time-worn wear story. However, it's a far cry from what it was before, wouldn't you say?
I had so hoped to restore this piece to its antique dressing table, glory, but no such luck. I couldn't find a mirror for the life of me, though I had just passed several up. However, I did end up finding a chair that had nearly identical turned legs. Yay!
MAKEOVER
So, instead of a dressing table, I decided to keep it as a desk. And, since I wanted to restore as much as possible, I dug into my stash of casters to find 8 lovelies. It pays to have a stash. ahem.
I was even able to find some cool knob replacements as the one that were on it were nasty. This set came off of this antique desk that I did a few years ago. I love their embossed design and backplates too.
Next, I used vinegar to clean up the base cabinet to prep it for the following steps. For the top, I applied a gel stain in Hickory.
Also, I wanted to showcase those gorgeous legs. I refreshed them with the same stain I used on the top.
PAINT TIME
Once the stain cured, I added 3 coats of a matte poly using my stubby brush. Before each new layer was added I used my steel wool to knock down the lifted grain and promote adhesion. Next, I used a tack cloth to wipe it clean so another coat of poly can be applied. Last, but not least, the cabinet got two fresh coats of Bleached Linen, as well as the chair. The best brush to tackle spindles and turnings by far is the round brush. I forgot to take a before picture, but you can see it in my video below.
My little helper was begging to try, so you know I had to say yes.
UPHOLSTERY
While all the paint was curing, I set about to recover the seat and dress up the inside of the drawers. I wasn't kidding when I said it pays to have a stash. Cindy, a wonderful follower of mine, sent me a whole stash of gorgeous fabrics and trimmings. I chose to use this "Made in Italy 100% linen fabric" for my chair. My heart kept leaping for joy because...I LOVE LINEN!
I just also happened to have a sample of a soft grayish lavender color that would be perfect for my drawers. I'm naming it Lavender Mist.
Once all the paint had cured, I applied a bit of brown wax to highlight those beautifully carved designs.
Are you ready to see my antique dressing table desk complete? I am!
THE REVEAL
Take a peek at my video tutorial of my DIY fun.
Now I do believe this grand ol' lady is shining with pride again. You would never know the dilapidated state she was once in.
I will say that finding that chair was an added bonus for sure. Wouldn't you agree that it pairs beautifully?
The linen is full of soft tones and has that time-worn feel I was after.
TREASURES
My other favorite found treasures last week are this set of bust bookends. Aren't they cute? I also found the copper jardinares on the desk at the same time. Talk about drooling over the patina. Wow!
My favorite part of the whole package is how the legs of the desk match the legs of the chair. Even my littlest pointed it out. So fun, isn't it?
TIMELESS
It's funny to me that all it took to make this antique dressing table new was vision. How often to we look right past something because of what is visible? Looking deeper and savoring is what life is all about. Those glasses are my grandmother's pair that I cherish. I miss her blue eyes shining with wit and whimsy at me. How I wish I could go back in time and make time for so many things. My goal in my blog is to encourage and inspire you to make the most of life in any form. If you want something...work for it. God will hear your heart.
Happily, this desk has been donated to a local ministry to aid people who are leaving the Amish order - part of my Finding Home program.
[metaslider id=30251]
SHARE
Do pin and share this antique dressing table transformation to inspire others too. We all just need vision.
Up next, I'll have an 80's flashback series featuring these "heart" pieces I found while thrifting. Woot! See the first makeover HERE.
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!
More projects like my antique dressing table:
