Monday, March 3, 2014

Updating 1990s Furniture

So, when my husband and I first got married we bought pretty much all new furniture. And we loved it and definitely got our money's worth. But, slowly, over the last couple of years we have replaced nearly each piece with mostly vintage and antique furniture that I have hunted down and refurbished.
 


 
After a good year (or more) of trying to find the perfect nightstand for my husband's side of the bed (and believe me, I have tried a ton of options) we concluded that the perfect piece was actually the nightstand we bought 16 years ago. (Go figure...)
 
But, the finish was sort of just meh.  It was a tad beat up, although not horribly, but the real problem I've found is the color of the stain has changed over time from a deep brown to more of an orange cast. Not my thing.
 
 
 
What had me a bit freaked out though, and you all know I paint a ton of furniture, was that the nightstand had sort of a factory finish type of paint. I really don't know how to describe it otherwise. It is all real wood and real stain, but just has a perfectly applied and smooth finish that doesn't seem authentic.
 
 
 
 
Keeping all that in mind, I decided to use chalk paint on this project and since I've worked with DecoArt quite a bit lately, they were nice enough to send me over some of their Americana Chalky Finish Paint in Carbon. I did literally no prep other than to clean the piece. Also, (and this was a huge bonus) I used hardly any paint, as the coverage was wonderful.  Once I had done a couple of coats, I let the nightstand thoroughly dry and then used their Clear Crème Wax to protect the piece. I was so worried about painting this, but I am thrilled with the results and durability.
 
 
 
And, I completely cannot leave without talking about the fab hardware. I love black and brass and was looking for something to modernize the piece and this definitely has. D. Lawless Hardware was nice enough to send over their Antique Brass Rockefeller Knobs for this nightstand. I absolute love the brushed look of this hardware And, I was taken aback by how heavy they were. The quality is fantastic! (And the prices are so reasonable...seriously, go check them out!)
 
 
 
Anyway, I'm calling this little painting/updating experiment a success. What do you all think? Have you tackled any furniture from this era yet?


*I was compensated for this post, however all content, thoughts and opinions are my own.
 


27 comments:

  1. It turned out beautiful - love that end table - especially that it has a pull out shelf - I need one of those :)
    Beautiful transformation!
    xxx

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  2. really cute Angela and those knobs are perfect with it! By the way, I'm lovin that rug too!

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  3. I love it Angela! The color, the knobs, the styling...everything!!! :)

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  4. Well done! I had a 90s highboy that we sold about 7 years ago. I wish I still had it because it would look fabulous painted. I thought about painting it black at one time but I was worried about the odd factory finish. We got rid of it instead. Oh well.
    So happy you had the perfect night stand all along.

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  5. A success for sure lady! And I so hear you on pieces bought from the past! When we got married we actually bought a bedroom "set" which years later I sold off and replaced with individual pieces. Your nightstand does not even look like the same piece of furniture! Isn't it funny how sometimes things are right under our noses!?!? And I too love black and brass...gonna check out that link! Happy week to you and a job well done friend! Nicole xoxo

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  6. Ooh it's so pretty! I can't wait to try out DecoArt's chalk paint! Thanks so much for sharing!

    ~Abby =)

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  7. I love how subtle it is and it's the perfect combination of paint and hardware to add some great style.

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  8. That looks nice and I have been trying to replace the newer store bought pieces, too. I also painted a few.

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  9. looks great Angela! I have yet to try chalk paint..might pick some up later this month when we are in the States...I have a few pieces I would love to tackle...the hard part will be talking the hubby into painting the wood...

    Cheryl @ The Creative Me and My McG

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  10. I love black and brass! The nightstand looks fab! Your projects are always a great source of inspiration!

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  11. Very pretty Angela! The paint color is gorgeous and the hardware is the perfect compliment to the color!
    XO Barbara

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  12. it looks perfect in that spot!

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  13. Love it, it's perfect in that colour in your room. The brass knobs are the perfect finishing touch.

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  14. Very Nice! Thank you for sharing!

    I have never been brave enough yet to try to "update" any large pieces of furniture (although Lord knows my dresser in my bedroom DEFINITELY could use a pick-me-up). I guess I'm nervous that I will somehow ruin it or at least make it look worse than it already does. Do you have any tips for a first timer?

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  15. Angela this piece turned out perfect. I never tried this brand. How does it compare to ASCP???

    Cynthia

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  16. Kind of a modern feel. Very my style. I would love for you to share on my Chic By You Link Party @ http://chicbytab.blogspot.ca/2014/03/chic-by-you-wednesday-link-party-2.html. Hope to see you there!

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  17. Don't you love being able to shop in your own home? Love the transformation!!

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  18. Simple, black, and classic! It's lovely...

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  19. Your nightstand looks great! I haven't tried any of that paint yet, I'll need to give it a go! Life to the full! Melissa @ DaisyMaeBelle

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  20. Wow testimony to paint! You have transformed this piece!
    Great job...and nice to have the memory of all those years!

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  21. I was so thrilled to read this post. I too purchased a matched bedroom suite of furniture in the 90's. I have replaced both nightstands with mismatched painted vintage pieces, but I still have the sleigh bed and a matching armoire. Both are fab pieces that would be amazing painted, but I have been afraid to paint them because they have this same smooth factory finish that you speak of. Your success inspires me to just go for it! Thanks.

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  22. I was so thrilled to read this post. I too purchased a matched bedroom suite of furniture in the 90's. I have replaced both nightstands with mismatched painted vintage pieces, but I still have the sleigh bed and a matching armoire. Both are fab pieces that would be amazing painted, but I have been afraid to paint them because they have this same smooth factory finish that you speak of. Your success inspires me to just go for it! Thanks.

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Thank you so much for stopping by Number Fifty-Three! I look forward to your comments.