I totally lucked into this dresser a couple of Sundays ago when I quickly ran out to Lowes to pick something up. I hardly ever go there because I always use Behr paint and there are two Home Depots each within a few miles of my home. But, I really needed a certain primer that was only at Lowes and it totally worked out awesome because I stumbled upon a yard sale right on the main road and out of the corner of my eye I spied an antique dresser. I love a quick and unexpected purchase like this! I offered $10 less than asking, it was immediately accepted and loaded into my SUV and within minutes I was on my way!
The dresser had layer after layer of paint that did not even seem to budge with the electric sander, so I decided to use my new best friend that has totally saved me on a couple of projects lately (Valspar Adhesion Primer). It really made all the difference in prepping this piece with that primer and it left it super simple to paint.
The dresser is really old and I wanted to preserve that chippy, aged feel as much as I could. After the adhesion primer had dried, I painted the entire dresser with a coat of black paint. I think that one of my favorite techniques when refurbishing furniture is to layer different colors. I especially love this look distressed as it gives even the most boring pieces loads of interest. You can see how the finished look of this dresser is really worn and imperfect.
It's so funny because I've been using more and more red on my furniture updates lately but have felt a little unsatisfied with my exact color choices. They were either too pink or had too much fuchsia; just not the perfect, pure red I was looking for. This red, though, I really love. And, it just so happens that it is the exact color of my front door (Behr Awning Red). It was right there in front of me the entire time. Sigh.
I have to share with you the before shot of this dresser. It was just beyond yuck. Believe me, I bought this completely for the shape and interesting details.
Way better after, right? And, I think the black and red are much more in keeping with the period of the piece. So, I have this for sale at Village Primitives in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. And after I lugged it there (and believe me this dresser is heavy), my Mom tells me that she wishes she had bought it from me because it would be perfect in her den.) So, now I'm on the lookout for another similar dresser to do custom for her!
Have a great Monday!
My boys are free from homeschooling today since Martino helped me out while I was making my furniture delivery on Saturday and did the entire weeks worth of math with the boys. This was the best thing ever! Math is just not...my thing. Now my boys can relax today and I have many projects to accomplish!
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LOVE this one! loved it on facebook and love it more now! and what a difference!
ReplyDeleteLove the fun colors you used, distressed just the right way too! Will propbably sell right away!
ReplyDeleteI love tall cottage dressers and this one is gorgeous in red! I almost always use Behr paint - must try Awning Red!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the wonderful find, your excellent color choice and the whole math thing. Gotta love math people who can take over those duties. I'm mathaphobic and was never of any help to my kids, so I can relate!
ReplyDeleteLiz
I loved it even before I saw what it was, but even better after seeing them! The red just seems so natural for that sweet thing. Nice job!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely love this tall dresser! Beautiful in red!
ReplyDeletelove this one. i love to layer paint too, it is a little extra work , but so worth it in the end.
ReplyDeletekeya
Oh I love it painted red, what a great piece and so much wonderful storage too. Thanks tons for joining Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteThe color is beautiful! It looks wonderful!
ReplyDeleteYour dresser is gorgeous! Love the color! I have a new weekly link party which is live now and I would love if you stop by and link up this wonderful post! Hope to see you there! http://mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.com/ Hugs, Maria
ReplyDeleteYou are right... it is the perfect red! Now I want to see your front door! I like to think I can see potential in things, but I have to admit I would have walked right by that dresser. EXCELLENT JOB! So glad you made that Lowes trip! :-)
ReplyDeleteJules from www.bles-id.blogspot.com
Great find!! I love the way this dresser turned out and the color choices are fabulous. Never pass up a spur of the moment find!
ReplyDeleteCynthia
Love, Love, Love the color! Red is such a fun color I think ~
ReplyDeletePatty from www.acreativechic.com
Popped over from Change. Love this little red dresser. So timely as I have been thinking about painting a dresser in red. You help me to make up my mind, thank you!
ReplyDeleteSmall House / Big Sky Donna
White Oak Studio Design / Hand-Painted Vintage Furniture Transformations
Blog://smallhouseunderabigsky.wordpress.com
I'm not usually a fan of red, but that dresser looks amazing, and perfect for the space! Love the pillow, too.
ReplyDeleteYou had me at RED! I love anything red, but the simple lines of the dresser are what make it. I hope this is going in your home to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteWay better after! This red piece is really a statement. Love it! Feel free to join my link party with this project.
ReplyDeleteGoedele
Wow! At the right place at the right time! LOVE this dresser in red! Beautifully done. I do appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
ReplyDeleteKathy