TRASHURE
Needless to say, I quickly
Ummm....yeah...that would be a GORGEOUS ANTIQUE VANITY!! I stuffed that baby into the back of my suburban with it hanging out over my tailgate. It's all good since I didn't have far to go, but one things for sure, I wasn't leaving it there.
Now, here's where the fun begins. Yes, this once-beauty was in rough shape, missing veneer, trim, and a seat - not to mention the top had been damaged by chemicals. All workable problems, right?
MIX IT UP
Since I've had a couple of months to piece together this set, here is what I've come up with:1. A vanity mirror given to me from a friend. (they sweetly gave us another child's vanity - project coming soon).
2. A seat. I originally intended to use this antique caned chair, but just the other day I found the vanity bench while thrifting.
The store associate let me have it for half off, and I thought the legs matched the vanity better. Having a low-profile seat really opens up the front.
See those feet peeking out from the bottom? I had to have my daughter help me hold up the mirror because it wasn't meant to be attached in that manner. I knew it would be interesting how I could get it mounted to the top.
Take a closer look at that top surface....bleck. It's sticky and just plain sad.
There were a couple of original pulls that I took off before I took pictures (I got antsy to start!), and the drawers were missing some detail trim and veneer.
DIY TIME
To get started, I was generously offered to get some help from my sidekick to sand down the top to remove all that gunk.
Since the trim was only missing from the bottom four drawers, I decided to remove it all to make them match. I make sure to save those trim pieces because I can use them to repair future projects. Much easier than using my polymer clay method.
Wood filler was my best friend for the bottom front skirts for this antique vanity. After the filler dried and was sanded, I stained it to match the original color so that when I distressed the paint the dark stain would peek through.
NEXT STEPS
Much better, isn't it?
I wanted to brighten this lady up and decided to go with my favorite antique white as a base coat. It's such a lovely rich white...so creamy. I've used it on another vanity makeover and a gorgeous chest of drawers.
After a couple of coats of paint, it's time to add some dimension to those intricate carvings with a mix of colors.
Once the painting was done, I tackled the upholstery. The current fabric was so beautiful. Unfortunately, it was damaged and wouldn't match the color scheme I was after. So off it goes!
My kids and I think it's fun to see how many layers we find after ripping off the outer layer. I think the record is 7 different fabrics on a vanity seat in the past. Thankfully, this time I only had to remove two.
Now, to really make this piece unique, I decided to add a French flair using a stencil, called French Love Letters Furniture Stencil. I envisioned a young maiden perching herself upon the bench and composing a sweet love letter to her beau.
FINE DETAILS
This isn't my first time stenciling, but it is my first-time stenciling furniture. I was so excited that I forgot to use the stencil brushes I got to complete this project. {head-smack} Instead, I grabbed my go-to foam brush. I aim to use this stencil again but am itching to give those brushes a try. Remember my life's lesson? "Haste makes waste." yup.
Actually, the foam brush did fine, but now I'm curious if I would have had a different turnout if I had remembered to use the stenciling brushes. Ah well. It's all good.
The finishing touch were the pulls. I yanked the antique knobs off of this Art Deco Waterfall chest that I received for free. I knew they would add that bling I was looking for. There weren't enough for all the drawers, so I supplemented with store-bought replacements for the rest. You can see how the makeover of this chest HERE.
Well...are you ready to see this antique vanity go from trash to treasure? eep! I'm so excited to show you!!
THE REVEAL
Here she is...
I admit, I think this one has stolen my heart. ♥
The script just makes it complete, and I love the soft greens and pinks too.
How about those pulls? BLING!
To say I'm pleased is an understatement. I think my girls are in love with it too. I see them run their hands over the words and trace the lines. French script that reads:
I adore you my darling, my heart I love you very much My angel, you are my love You are the love of my life Love
The upholstery was what made me decide on the color scheme. Additionally, I had it in my stash from a custom order for a client, and it suited this piece well.
Not bad for a piece of trash, eh?
This lovely antique vanity has sold from my online store, but I am always working on something new. Funny, I keep promising myself that one day I will have a vanity of my very own, but now my home is filled with the things I love...my family.
Likewise, I'd love it if you would pin and share this fun makeover!
While you're at it, here are more makeovers like my antique vanity:
