No. 317: Updating a Thrift Store Dresser

I think this project can best be described as a typical ho-hum dresser that can be found at many a thrift stores,

There's nothing wrong with the dresser, but it's plain and doesn't add much to the design of a bedroom.

MY STANDARD CLEANING PROCESS FOR USED FURNITURE:

I started the project with my standard cleaning process. First I wipe off and clean with soap and water prior to bringing used furniture into my home. (Depending on the condition I might use a disinfectant as well.) If I am using chalk paint, as is the case with this project, I skip the primer. But I now always use a deglosser (link to actual product I use). I've learned that the deglosser also acts as a degreaser and cleaner that helps remove additional grime that soap and water just doesn't touch. In the long run this helps with better paint adhesion.

I painted the bottom blue and the top white. But I just wasn't happy with the color combination. The colors looked too flat to me, and the blue looked too "baby blue".  Which is fine for a nursery, but I wanted this piece to appeal to a wider audience.

For the most part I try to let my photos tell the story, but the lighting conditions weren't too good, so I'll have to explain a little further. Below is a close up of the original color that I wasn't happy with.

I toned down the bright blue with a light wash of Bliss which is another blue, but it has a green undertone. Applying a paint was is fairly quick and easy. Basically it is brushing a quick coat of very diluted paint over the original surface.

AFTER:

The previous ho-hum thrift store dresser now has a beautiful color that will add something extra special to the design of a bedroom.

So you might be thinking that the dresser still looks blue in the "after" photos and wondering what happened to the paint wash I told you about. A lot of it really just depends on the lighting. I think you'll see the different undertones in the very last photo.

The new color on the dresser will work wonderfully for either a nursery or an adult space.

Using white for the top contrasts beautifully against the blue, and keeps the overall feeling light and airy. I painted the top drawer knobs in white for extra contrast. The bottom drawer pulls were painted to match the dresser so they wouldn't be as prominent.

There's not much detail to the dresser except for the curves on the top drawer. Adding color is an easy way to change a boring piece of furniture into something special.

I think this photo best captures the true color of the dresser. I love how simply adding color gives this thrift store dresser a whole new look.

Thank you for stopping by The Black Sheep Shoppe today. I hope you enjoyed the project.

Used furniture doesn't have to be boring!
See what a little color can do.