Before & After: A Yellow-Hued and Heavy Dresser Turns Two-Tone

updated May 4, 2019
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(Image credit: Allison Fretwell )

This heavy dresser found on Craigslist was sturdy, and Allison loved the clean lines and large, square drawer pulls. But she was not a fan of the yellow-ish finish (which she claims looked even worse in person). She hatched a plan to give this dresser a more modern, stylish look.

(Image credit: Allison Fretwell )

From Allison:

I was looking for a new (to me) dresser with clean lines when I came across this promising one on Craigslist. I love the simple design of the body and am especially drawn to the square wooden drawer pulls. That being said, I could do without the yellowed poly coating (not even done justice by the photo) and base.

I sanded the drawers down to the natural wood to get rid of the yellow and then stained the wood to give it a richer color.

The rest of the dresser body as well as behind the back side of the drawer pulls then got a couple layers of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Aubusson Blue. This was my first attempt at using chalk paint, and I have to say it was pretty great. I was able to paint right over the awful yellow poly and I didn’t have to go outside in the rain to do it!

Lastly, the solid heavy looking base came off and I replaced it with four legs purchased from a great Etsy shop for a more mid-century modern look.

I love the finished two-tone look and the subtle detail of the color behind the drawer pulls. I’m definitely happy with the transformation and can’t wait to move my old wardrobe out of my bedroom so I can move this in!

Thank you Allison!