Made of mixed woods with a veneer-type top and sides, and also has oak drawer fronts and face. However, this is certainly a solid piece, BUT... it has the look of "update me please!!"
What made me pay attention to this particular piece was the drawer fronts (not those medieval bull ring pulls). The drawers looked like crates to me. Don't you think?
First, I was so super-excited because just a few days ago we were covered in snow, but the day I started to work on this dresser, it was a whopping 72 degrees in the first week of March in Ohio. YIPPEE!!
DIY TIME
So, of course, what do you do when it's unseasonably warm? You work on furniture. tsk. First, I grab my favorite sander and gave the cabinet of the dresser some tooth and took the drawer fronts down to bare wood.
After they were sanded down, I fill the original drawer pull holes with dowel. Then, drilled new holes for the pulls I chose to use to take this dresser to a whole new level. Aren't they gorgeous iron bin pulls?
NEXT STEPS
Next, I decided to use one of my go-to stains, Early American Varathane by Rustoleum. I've used in it countless projects like my master bedroom makeover, my bathroom vanity, and my Pottery Barn Knock-Off. It's a rich nutty brown that has a timeless feel.
Now for the cabinet. I chose a smoky gray color. Likewise, I knew it would be perfect to contrast those wood-stained drawer fronts and tie in those iron bin pulls.
Also, to add a bit of industrial flair to this vintage dresser, I decided to use my DecoArt Old World Numbers stencil that I used on my son's clock face table and my DIY faux shipping crate table.
Finally, once the cabinet and numbers on the drawers cured, I lightly distressed the paint and added a poly topcoat for extra protection to the entire piece.
THE REVEAL
Are you ready for the reveal? I am!
Finally, the colors came out exactly as I had envisioned it and the pulls really made this vintage dresser go to a whole new level. I.LOVE.IT.
I think this piece has so many possibilities as a dresser (of course), but also an entertainment console, a buffet, an entry credenza...I could go on. Likewise, if you think this dresser is something that you would love to add to your home, you can find it in my online store.
My desire is to inspire you to see past the obvious and look for what something could be. Yes, this vintage dresser was in need of some love, but it really came to life with vision.
In addition, do pin and share to inspire others too! ♥
Also, check out these projects like my vintage dresser:
