There's just something gratifying about rescuing a piece of furniture that was, perhaps, destined for a landfill. And while I'm aware it is just another piece of "painted" furniture, revamping it with a neutral paint job and snazzy hardware means it won't get carted away anytime soon.
For me, this Before & After was quite essential; while it's nothing fancy, it is a functional piece of furniture that I just can't bear to part with. At the same time, it was painted ages ago and sure didn't fit in our new home, so it was either adios or invest time giving it a face lift. Seeing its potential, I gathered almost all the tools and supplies from my storage room and went to work.
For the tools, I needed a paintbrush, screwdriver, and drill. I'd also like to add a word on paintbrushes. For those of you that only ever buy cheap, almost disposable brushes, I highly recommend investing in a quality one as they make all the difference. Mine is an angled brush by Purdy, it cost about $15, but I use it for everything and have had it for years now. If you've never used a good brush, you'll be amazed at the difference in your brushstrokes, getting in the hard-to-reach spots, and even clean-up. Worth the expense!
This project was done on the cheap, as I already had almost everything I needed. For supplies, I used a primer, a gray and white semi-gloss paint to give the finish a nice luster, 7 knobs, and 4 casters. The knobs were from Anthropologie — I fell in love with the coiled rope knob the moment I saw it, but didn't purchase the knobs until they went on sale. I had no idea where I was going to use them, but when the price dropped to $3, I couldn't pass it up. The only thing I went out to purchase were the casters, about $6 for 4.
Tips:
1) If it's a smooth wood surface, go over it lightly with fine sandpaper first, remove dust and then prime.
2) When it comes to painting wood furniture, I have found Sherwin Williams ProClassic semi-gloss enamel to be a great choice. It's non-yellowing, has an oil-like appearance, yet dries fast and without a sticky or tacky finish. I love it for furniture painting!
3) If you have to drill holes like I did for the hardware, pre-drill a small hole first and then go back with a larger drill bit if you need a fairly big hole. I find it to cause less splitting of the wood and the hole will be more accurate.
4) If you see something, love it, and the price is right — buy it! If you're the type where a new project is always waiting in the wings, it will usually come in hand.
I completed this project over a weekend, combined I probably spent about 7 hours working on it. I was very happy with the outcome so it was time well spent!
Images: Kimberly Watson
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Those pulls are way too big for the drawers. They look like clown noses.
So cute!!! Very creative :)
I agree with Polly about the pulls...
The new colour scheme is nice, but I agree that the scale of the new knobs is too large for the drawer size.
I like the knobs, their size! I think it works great!
I agree about the knobs. When I first looked at the B&A pics, I couldn't tell without reading which was before and which was after. Simply because the after knobs are huge. Color selection is great though.
I'm doing my own B&A project too repurposing a TV armoire into a Craft armoire. It's not finished. Still need knobs....go figure. I'm thinking of using crystal vintage knobs.
http://dosomethingcreativedaily.blogspot.com/2011/01/craft-armoireand-shelves-and-stuff-are.html
Wow - We have to save the money for the drawer pulls. Great sale buy!
I like it. I love the colors and I think the drawer pulls are a courageous choice.
The OP was one lucky duck to find such a interesting piece of furniture in excellent condition.
PS RE: Painted Furniture. My opinion is painted furniture is fine as long as it isn't used, at least not the top surfaces, unless one is willing to cover them with glass. While painted furniture is awful for a bedside table, IMHO, it's great for a chest such as this or a secretary with interior fold out surfaces that are more durable.
I like a much BIGGER KNOB than that.
I just wanted to write that on a blog where it would make since.
Th knobs are too big, but kind of charming. XD They would probably have looked better on the before, unfortunately, but yay, gray!
Wow, I don't really have a problem with the size of the knobs, so much as how they look.
The paint job is a def. improvement though!
I like the blue color in the before. I'd just paint the drawers white and change the knobs, but that's because then it'd match my decor. The after is nicely done though :)
The woven knobs add texture and earthiness. They are perhaps a little too large, but not fatally so.
I would love to see the new gray chest with vintage style small glass knobs.
I love it Kimber! And I agree with blandwagon about the knobs adding texture and earthiness. Great redo!
The knobs look bizarre, but nice paint job.
They do look like clown noses! I imagine a bunch of hipster, vegan clowns from Portland who must be walking around missing their nose.
@carlhag - haha
i think it looks cool...clown noses and all! ;)
Love the colors, hate the knobs.
wow, so much better ! i think the rope knobs are cool and like their large scale :)
This reminds me of clowns for some reason.