Bedroom Dresser

Bedroom Dresser

I have a passion for old houses and old furniture. They possess a certain character and have many stories of the years gone by. When taken care of, they have a certain quality that makes you feel warm and cozy.

Just like old houses, vintage or antique furniture becomes worn, but gains character over the years. I like character, but not tired and dried out, the thirsty for a new finish look.

That sums up the look of a bedroom dresser I gave some subtle changes to. It all started with a few headboard ideas and a salvaged bed frame. You know how that works, one thing leads to another and than another......

The antique dresser is about 80 years old. Greg's mother gave it to us, it's been a family hand-me-down through the years. In my opinion, family history makes old furniture even more interesting. I love the simplicity, and the boxed shape of the dresser.

The dresser needed to be brought back to life, no drastic changes, just subtle changes. The old finish was similar to the cherry bed frame we just salvaged. I didn't want a lot of dark wood in the bedroom, therefore, the bottom was lightened and the top remained dark cherry.

I didn't want to strip the dresser, just clean it up. I wanted the character to remain, but get rid of the old finish. The glass knobs are the original, so they're definitely a keeper.

Materials Needed;

• Medium Grit Sandpaper
• Sedona Red and Red Mahogany Wood Stain
• Yellow Ochre Paint
• Polyurethane
• Steel Wool

How to;

Remove hardware. Use drop cloth, sanding is messy. Sand all of dresser, wash with water after sanding. Sand any area again that may need it. Make sure to wash all sand away.

For top of dresser, one coat of Sedona red wood stain, let dry, ( follow manufactures instructions) One coat of mahogany red wood stain, this will tone down the redness, let dry.

For bottom of the dresser, wash with yellow ochre paint. Now when I say wash, I don't mean a white washing effect. I worked the paint, washing over the dresser until I achieved my desired color and the two colors, cherry and yellow ochre blended together. The cherry of the wood and all the character still shines though the paint. The yellow ochre lightened the bottom of the dresser for just enough contrast. I used a small bottle of acrylic paint found in craft stores. Let dry.

Three coats of polyurethane on top of the dresser and two coats on the bottom. Use steel wool over the dresser between coats of polyurethane.

Note; Sanding is important to remove old finish and for new finish to adhere. Patience is required for drying in between staining, painting and polyurethane. If steps are not followed properly, the finish will not dry, the furniture will remain tacky, and cause more work in the long run.

For information about the following home accessories you see in the photos click candle holder centerpieces. For information about the painted picture frames click unique wall art. For information about the lamp and mirror click mercury glass lamp.