Welcome to Day 17 of my 31 Day Series, Building Character. One of the easiest ways to give a space a unique personality is by bringing in a unique piece of furniture.
Not only is thrifting an economical option for me but, it's the best way to find unique pieces. I found this dresser at the Goodwill for $12. The finish wasn't very attractive but I loved the shape of it and the feet. Here is what it looked like when I brought it home...
***Tip: Furniture that has feet or legs works the best in a small room. It takes up less visual space and makes the space to appear larger.***
$12 is an unbelievable buy even in a thrift shop. The drawers worked perfectly and aside from a few chips (which I like because it adds to the character) I could not figure out why this solid wood, vintage, brand name piece was so cheap.
Well, once I got it home and brought it inside my "furniture studio" I figured it out.
It smelled! It smelled like an old ashtray. I wasn't willing to give up on it. It was perfect for my dining room. So, I removed the drawers and sprayed the inside of the dresser and the insides of the drawers with spray primer. Not only did it completely eliminate the smell, but it looks great!
After I got rid of the smell, I gave it the Potterybarn Black Finish Treatment from my video tutorial.
If you haven't seen it, here it is:
(You can click on the frame to view it larger)
I went easy on the distressing on this piece. It was going into my formal dining room so I wanted it to look more formal than my usual pieces.
I use the drawers for business papers and supplies. This room is actually my double duty office space and formal dining room. You could use the drawers in your dining room for entertaining supplies, silverware, table linens and even plates or serving pieces. It never ceases to amaze me how bringing a dresser into any room amps up it's character.
Thanks for visiting! See you tomorrow!
To view the entire 31 Day Series, Click Here.
For information on my affordable online design services, Please click here.
Linked up to:
Posts
It is a gorgeous piece!
ReplyDeleteJenny
www.simcoestreet.blogspot.com
Just a quick question for you...I have recently redone the hutch in my kitchen black using your tutorial. So far we've done all the steps and we are just waiting to decide if we need one more coat of paint or not. However I have noticed that the top of my hutch has gotten what looks to be fingerprints and even a couple of spots of water on it (I have three young children who like to throw anything and everything up there).
ReplyDeleteSo I'm wondering if the wax that you use at the end will be sufficient protection for the piece or if I should use something else like water based polyurethane? I don't plan on letting the kids continue to pile stuff on the hutch a anymore but I'm still worried about it showing every little thing. Any suggestions? Thanks for such a great site I LOVE what you do!
Gorgeous ;)
ReplyDeleteMy Mom gave me a wonderful old trunk. I plan on re-doing it, but haven't been able to get rid of the stink! Not smoke, but just old nasty trunk. I am going to have to prime/paint it like you did. I hope it works for my piece too!
ReplyDeleteOzium in the car aisle at Walmart gets rid of about any smell
DeleteSo glad you posted this...I have a dresser in my foyer, that we painted on the outside and love it, but the inside smells like an old attic. I was wondering if spraying the inside would eliminate the smell, thanks Sarah!
ReplyDeleteDistressed black furniture is my favourite look. Your dresser looks perfect in your dining room- love a great remake.
ReplyDeleteLooks beautiful. Great tip on spraying the inside with primer to eliminate smells.
ReplyDeleteVisiting from Tutes and Tips and may stay a while. :-)
Amazing, I love it all, the rug, the dining room, the black, so chic. Great piece! And a terrific price too. I'm going to read more about your 31 Days series :-)
ReplyDeleteJami, please email me at theyellowcapecod@yahoo.com. We can talk about your hutch a little more. You should be able to wipe fingerprints away with a rag. As far as the water spots, I would not let anything wet sit directly on the piece. One thing you could do is put something on the top to protect it, like a table runner or placemat. Best regards, Sarah
ReplyDeleteGorgeous and perfect in your dining room/office. Excellent tip on getting rid of the funk :)
ReplyDeleteYour entire home oozes style and class and is one of my favourites. I've loved reading your entire 31 days series, I don't want it to end.
Thanks for linking to the party Sarah! Greatly appreciated.
Chic, modern and sophisticated and all for just $12! YOur newest follower
ReplyDeleteI love it!!! I recently just purchased a similar 9 drawer dresser....haven't done anything with it yet though. Such a great find and for $12, more than worth it!! Instant follower.
ReplyDeletexx Patience
http://whitelacquer.blogspot.com/
This is just what I've been looking for! love how it turned out and wow what a find!
ReplyDeletewhat is the color of your walls? I love it against the black!
ReplyDeleteCould you please let us know the paint color of the walls? I have been looking and looking for this and have not been able to find it. Is it a Benjamin Moore color? Thank you!
ReplyDeleteDeanna
Hi, love it! I'm also wondering about the color ob the walls!
ReplyDeleteI have this dresser! Bought it in 1990 from our neighbor. It belongs to my daughter now. I just suggested painting it black to her. Going for supplies tomorrow! Thanks for the post!
ReplyDelete