I need your help. For quite a long time now, I’ve been thinking about painting an antique dresser I have. Currently, he lives in a small room off of our bedroom, which we call the sun room but really functions as a dressing room and storage area.
Joe has never been a huge fan of this dresser (and it’s brother, which you’ll see in a second) because they are so traditional looking — and I have to admit, with all the furniture additions we’ve made in the last few years, he’s right. But I’m convinced that with a good (and creative) paint job, I could make them really fabulous.
And that’s where I’m stuck. Do I go simple, and paint it a glossy black? Bright turquoise for something more fun? Or maybe gray, with yellow accents?
Here are some detail shots of the dresser:
One minor problem: the hardware on this is quite old, so the round plates that you see below cannot be removed — only the pulls can. But I thought maybe I could spray paint them?
I’d be up for experimenting with different patterns with painter’s tape, but nothing TOO crazy — perhaps just some simple borders? Also, this dresser has a brother, a five six-drawer dresser that’s taller (obviously I need to learn how to count).
What do you think? For now, these dressers will live in the sunroom, but in the future, they could go elsewhere (at one point, I envisioned the low dresser being used as a buffet/bar stand!). I would love your ideas and input on this. Painting these would also be my first major DIY project, so any tips you have on that are much appreciated too.
Help!!!
I am sure they would look gorgeous if you painted them, but I do love antique wooden dressers like those. They’re not too formal, so I think they can easily fit into many different rooms as long as they’re not ultra modern. I am a fan!
Hmm, interesting. I guess that brings me to another question. Does the Internet think I’m crazy for wanting to paint these???
First of all, they’re beautiful!
You could do so many things to them:
1. Sand them down, re-stain them, and do a few coats of polyurethane so they have a glossy look.
2. I’m a BIG fan of painting though too. I’d go for a fun color. Maybe mustard yellow, hermes orange, raspberry, or turquoise.
3. I also like your idea of using tape to create a pattern. Chevron stripes on the side could be easy enough.
4. I love the hardware, and I think spray painting it is an excellent idea!
Wow, I think that’s the longest comment I’ve ever left on a blog! I just love painting furniture though! If you decide to do it and need suggestions/pointers let me know!!!
Kelly, I was so hoping you would comment since you have done so many painting rehabs! I’m kind of loving the idea of Hermes orange. Thanks for all your input! I will definitely shoot you a note once I make a decision so I can get your pointers on painting.
You might be a LITTLE crazy for wanting to paint – I think they look gorgeous how they are! Dressed up with a few colorful accessories or some bright lamps and they might look a little more modern.
That being said, I painted a similar dresser & desk, both a boring white, but added fun drawer pulls and they look a bajillion times better.
Wish I could remember where I saw it – but a blogger somewhere painted a chevron motif on the top of a dresser and it turned out great! Maybe you know what i’m talking about?
Okay, so the internet thinks I’m crazy. Maybe I should go Kelly’s route with just a little sanding, a darker stain, and some polyurethane!
I agree, Jessie, that maybe with some new trays and a new lamp (which I HAVE been meaning to get), I could spruce them up.
It’s very gratifying to hear you guys all say you like them! These are actually dressers that belonged to my great grandmother, which I inherited when I moved to California! Does that make painting them even more sacrilegious? Ehh…maybe.