Finally today I can say, ‘Ta-dah!’ and reveal how a beat-up old chest of drawers that was rescued from a skip can be given a new lease of life with some chalk paint, wax and a couple of new knobs.
This was it before, looking sad and unloved …
…and here it is now, in all its new madeover glory
Because two of the original drawer knobs were missing, I was really wondering what to replace them with, but I think the pretty pair of Anthropologie drawer knobs I found on Ebay really work:
I lined the drawers with some designer wallpaper that we had left over from our bedroom feature wall. It is by Kelly Hoppen and I think the natural/silver colours complement the ‘French Linen’ shade of Annie Sloan chalk paint quite nicely. The geometric design is a little ‘Art Deco’ in style, which I think more or less suits the era of the chest.
I used two coats of paint on the chest and a couple of coats (3 on top) of wax to protect and finish the piece. After that, I did a little distressing with a sanding sponge around the edges, but I didn’t go crazy. I’m really happy with how it turned out, it was not too difficult – just took a little time and care, like most worthwhile projects. I definitely think the vintage chest of drawers was worth saving from that skip, don’t you?
If you enjoyed this makeover you can check out my next project here, which was to give an orange blanket box/toy chest a new look.
© Copyright 2012 Antonia, All rights Reserved. Written For: Tidylife
Stunning transformation! I think the two knobs missing worked out well in the end, because somehow the two different but complimentary knobs you chose make it look so much more chic.
Thanks, Angela. I’ve seen quite a few mismatched drawer pulls on other pieces of furniture and do agree they can enhance the finished look x
Beautiful makeover! I love those Anthro knobs.
Thanks! Me too 🙂
That is a darling makeover!! Love the mix of hardware. I did that on an armoire and it made all the difference 🙂
Thanks, Shannon. Mix and match definitely does it for me!
Thanks for visiting my blog Antonia, I’m delighted to find yours as your projects are right up my street and I’m looking forward to seeing more from you. I haven’t used AS paint yet but will splash out on a tin for my next makeover, it gives fantastic results from what I’ve seen. The chest of drawers looks fabulous, I can’t believe what people throw out, I’m sure if they saw what you’ve done with it they’d welcome it back into their home! Nice to “meet” you. Gill x
sorry left the wrong address for my blog! (it’s new so still getting used to it)
Aww, thank you Gill for your lovely comment. I’m new to all this – both the furniture re-do’s and blogging, so it’s good to get some feedback. I look forward to seeing your future projects, too 🙂
Great job…but wonder how you repaired the missing wood from the right side of that second drawer down? Did you sand it down?
Hi Margy, thanks for your question. That was the drawer where I ended up chipping all the veneer off, as I thought it would be easier (it wasn’t!) and because I wasn’t sure if I could repair the gap. However, with the other two drawers I flaked away any loose veneer and used wood filler in the gaps, sanding it all smooth, which was easier and quicker, and I think gave a better surface for painting. Oh well, you live and learn! x
must have been quite a project! Well worth it, looks lovely!
This is beautiful!!
Why, thank you arzea x
Hi I love the revamped drawers you did a fab job. I love to do big projects like that myself but never sure were to start. The new handle work well.
Thank you Tanya, yes I too am a bit hesitant about starting some of those bigger projects. You just have to take the plunge and it usually works out in the end! 🙂