Before & After: Battered Dresser Goes from Drab to Fab

The tagline for Julia’s blog and furniture design business is “from ugly ducklings to beautiful swans”, an accurate description for the transformation she achieved with this battered Craigslist find. Purchased from a family that just didn’t have the space to hang onto grandma’s dresser any longer, this piece was crying out for a little TLC. Julia could tell the sellers were reluctant to see this sentimental item go, especially given their relief when she indicated she did not intend to paint it.

Instead, Julia decided to create a striking ombre effect using wood stain. The beautiful lines of the wood grain shine through this new treatment, while the ombre effect pulls this vintage dresser into the modern age. Julia sold this piece to another family rather than keeping it for her home, but not before sending a picture of her work to the seller who was delighted to see an updated treatment that she believed her eclectic grandma would have enjoyed.

This use of wood stain to create an ombre effect is a great option for DIYers looking to spice up an old wooden piece without sacrificing the wood tones that they love. For more pictures of this transformation, check out 551 East Furniture Design: Ombre Stained Dresser.

Images: Julia of 551 East Furniture Design.