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.
That is one beautiful piece! What color stain did you use? Is it a walnut?
I 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.
Ooo, I have a mid-mod dresser that looks very similar and could use a facelift. Where did you find the hardware for yours?
The dresser does not have any hardware, you pull out the drawers from the bottom (where the indent is).
Gorgeous. Great job.
I 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!
Wow . . . this is gorgeous!
If you're not so handy like myself, where would you take your old stuff for a fabulous makeover like yours?
I love these as consoles! I'm glad you were inspired
I 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!
Where can I find those legs? Working on a similar project.
(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?
Thank you.
Love it!!!
Question: 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!
I 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.
Hope that helps! Good luck with your dresser!
Love the look!
When you sand to stain a piece like this that is already finished, do you sand the finish completely off, down to the bare wood? I have a mid-mod dresser as well and the finish is great, but I'd like it a bit darker. I'm just scared to sand so much, but also scared that the stain won't take.
Love your color choice, It's perfect.online bed sale UK
That's lovey! You did a beautiful job. I have a similar piece I'm trying to refinish. I'm having trouble getting the heavy lacquer off. Please offer helpful hints.
I'm really sorry I did not see this before! I just responded to your other comment. On mid century pieces I have lucked out with getting them in good condition and I choose to stain the wood darker, so I lightly sand with 200-220 (sometimes I even start with a 150 grit) to get some of the finish off so the stain will take and soak in. You don't want to see any of the color that is already on the piece coming off. That would be sanding too much. If the piece is not in the best condition and already has areas where the previous stain is missing you would want to strip or sand it down to bare wood in order to get an even finish when staining.
You may need to strip the previous finish if it is lacquered, otherwise start with a 150 to try to get the top coat/finish off before staining. You want to remove it to let the stain soak into the wood instead of sit on top of the previous finish.
Wow! Hard to believe the before picture is the same dresser. Beautiful job! I am so jealous!
Wow…beautiful!! I'm refurbing one now…except I will have to paint due to a lot of chipped veneer (ugh!). I think I can pull off the drawers being stained, though.
I love refurbishing MCM pieces…I mean LOVE! In the past, most of my bases have been white, then I do something interesting to the drawer fronts (multi-colored stains, etc.). However, each time I have done the base white, when I go to poly it, every single time I get these little black particles of dust or whatever…and it drives me nuts!! Obviously since it's white it tends to stand out more…and it's impossible to pick out each and every piece (although I certainly try!). Do you run into this problem? I even bought a brand new can of poly and a brand new brush…still the same result! Maybe it's just because my garage is dusty with all the work I do in it?? I'm doing my newest base black to change things up, and am so excited that I will not have to deal with the particles!
If you have run into this issue, have you found a solution? I would be most grateful if you shared 😉
Thanks so much!
I know this is old as molasses, but are you or your hubby handy enough to make your own legs? Do a Google search and you will find a lady and her husband who made their own legs and I was simply in awe. I have saved her tutorial for when I find just the right piece 😉