Who’s up for another edition of Furniture Fixer Uppers?? Beautiful friends, it seems like it gets here faster and faster every month! My contribution for this round is a vintage gentleman’s chest makeover. My friends have furniture makeovers of their own for you today, so be sure to look for links to their projects at the bottom!
Ok, let’s dive in! I found this piece at the thrift store for the amazing price of only $24.99:
I was pretty much done finding all the furniture I needed for my current haul when I happened upon this unique piece. For that price, I had to grab this too!
This piece wasn’t in the best shape on the outside:
That would need to be sanded down.
It had lots of bumps and bruises from getting banged around over the years…
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
Sand
I started with a good sanding first using my orbital sander and 100 grit sandpaper…
I then followed up with 220 grit sandpaper for the smoothest surface possible.
I ended up sanding a good bit of it…
Clean
Once I cleaned up all the dust with my shop vac, I gave everything a good cleaning with White Lightning. It’s so easy to use just mixing one TBSP into a half gallon of warm water. These terry cloth pads are ideal for this:
I got quite a bit of color in my water and on my pad:
I don’t know if that is dirt or stain, but there are some red tones on some parts.
Bonding Boss
Because I did get some color while cleaning, I decided to apply a coat of Bonding BOSS in the clear formula just to be safe:
It is recommended to apply two coats, but I rarely have needed two. I do ONE coat and let it dry for a full 24 hours. Adequate dry time is the key!
Can I tell you how giddy I was when I walked out to my newly organized workspace the next morning?
I was SO ready to get to work!
If you missed the HUGE clean out and purge of my creative workspace, you can see that HERE!
Paint
I knew I wanted a timeless look for this classic piece, so I went with In the Navy:
I applied it using my favorite brush, the Mini Angle from Dixie Belle:
I get a super smooth application when using this brush.
Everything got two coats, and once the second coat went on, I removed all the tape I had added to help keep this makeover classy!
Sand to smooth
Next, I sanded all over to smooth using a fine grit sanding sponge:
This will make your dark surfaces look terrible, but sealing them will bring them right back and make them beautiful again. (Notice I was wearing flip flops the day before? March is cray cray!)
Seal
After cleaning up any sanding dust, I sealed all over using Clear Coat in Satin. Because this was a dark surface, I added just a drop or two of paint to my sealer:
Then, I applied the sealer using the blue applicator sponge:
I gave everything two coats, and that was it!
Vintage Gentelman’s Chest makeover reveal
Here is how this classic piece looks now!
This is such a unique piece that I wanted a look that would last.
I fell in love with the original pulls and knew I wanted to keep them. After cleaning them with Bar Keeper’s Friend, they still needed some help, so I gave them some help with Antique Gold Gilding Wax:
If you want some sheen, let them sit for about 24 hours and then you can buff them to a nice sheen with a soft cloth:
I love the gold with the navy blue:
I hit up the hinges with the gilding wax also:
The Inside
The inside was made of cedar, and it would have been a shame to paint it, so I left it as is:
Plus, it was in excellent condition…
Why mess with perfection?
The drawers were the same…made of cedar and in excellent condition:
Surprise!
Ready for a fun surprise?
The top opens to reveal more storage!
How cool is that??
Here it is before on top:
I had asked y’all about this on FB when I found it, and some of you identified it as a gentleman’s chest. Those tags read “Shirts” and “Sundries” so that makes sense!
I painted the top in In the Navy also except for the bottom. I painted that in Fluff:
(You can see I removed the top to make everything easier.)
The white gave me a nice, bright surface as a background for this gorgeous Cerulean Blooms decoupage paper:
The colors pop so nicely against a lighter color.
After using my iron on the lowest setting to remove the folds, I used my cutting mat and rotary cutter set to cut the pieces to fit the top:
I originally thought the dividers came out and this would be super easy, but nope!
To add this pretty paper to the top, I applied a coat of Redesign’s Decoupage Gel in the matte finish using a 2″ Foam Brush first, and then laid down the paper.
Using a piece of saran wrap to smooth out the paper will prevent any friction that can cause pilling with these more fabric-like papers.
Once I had the paper in place, I sealed using Clear Coat in Satin using a brush to apply it:
I usually apply another coat of the decoupage gel over the top first, but I went straight to the clear coat since I had to seal the rest of the top anyway.
What a pretty addition it is to the top of this piece!
It might be a gentleman’s chest, but I couldn’t resist adding a little pretty!
What a treat it was to work on such a unique piece!
My friends still have four more Furniture Fixer Uppers for you today!
1. My Repurposed Life
2. A Ray of Sunlight
3. Petticoat Junktion
4. Salvaged Inspirations
That’s one more done!!
I’ll be back on Tuesday with this set of mirrors I found for a steal:
See ya then!
UPDATE: These mirrors got a quickie redo that you can see HERE now!
XOXO,
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Mary Kaiser says
I love it! It is so beautiful in that navy blue! The paper you used in the secret top matches so well! That is such a great price you got that piece for, Amazing! It is so nice working in an organized space. I am working on my craft room right now, and I can’t wait to get it done and work in that space!
Christy says
Thank you, my friend! I sell a lot of this paper, so I was excited to use it on something myself. And yes…I couldn’t believe the price, and it was SO nice working out there with all that space!! Happy organizing!! XOXO
Janice Redden says
Christy, Out of the park!! This one is stunning, simple elegance. Definitely one — of so, so many –of my favorites. Loved the surprise top and added touch of the beautiful decoupage.
On that, can you clarify the difference between the decoupage “tissue papers”? Some are like the usual gift-bag “tissue” paper, some are like rice paper – a little thicker but still a paper feel; and then those that are almost a cloth feel — but they are all identified as decoupage “tissue paper.”
Christy says
Oh I’m so glad you love it, Janice, thank you!! I know the descriptions are confusing for sure for the papers. All of the Redesign brand papers have more of that cloth feel which I find very easy to work with. The Belles and Whistles papers from Dixie Belle have more of a traditional rice paper feel to them. I hope that helps! XOXO
Jackie C says
absolutely gorgeous!
Christy says
Thanks so much, my friend! XOXO
Maureen Hrehocik says
If this dresser could talk it would thank you for making it such a handsome gentleman again! Lovely piece and color selection.
Christy says
Aww thank you, Maureen! It was a real treat to bring this handsome piece back to life! XOXO
josee says
Wow, it looks really classy!
Christy says
Thank you, Josee! XOXO
Vicki says
Love, Love, Love it!! So classy! What an awesome piece! Wish I lived closer, I would definitely buy this!
Christy says
Thank you, Vicki! I imagine it won’t last long…wish you were closer too! XOXO
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
So pretty, Christy! I love the color and those pulls make it!! xoxo
Christy says
Thank you, Nancy! The pulls make it for sure…vintage goodness right there! XOXO
Janet says
This is my favorite redesign you’ve done! So classic and the touch of masculinity makes it a safe choice for primary or guest rooms. Well done!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Janet! I’m so glad you love this one! And yes, the navy is very versatile! XOXO
Cecilia says
Oh my goodness! I love the navy and gold combination! Stunning. It’s cool the top opens but then I think, “so much for putting anything on top of the chest”, lol. And who would want to as handsome as he is now? The paper is a great match and jazzes up the inside perfectly. I love how this one turned out!
And hasn’t the weather been crazy? Way too warm for March here except for a few days of cold!
😊Cecilia
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cecilia! I never thought of that, but you’re right…it would be a bummer to have to remove decor every time you wanted to open the top. Maybe just use it for secret stuff you only need once in a while ha ha! The weather has been wild! XOXO
Leslie Mack says
This turned out so beautiful. The price for piece was a steal. I wanted to thank you though for showing us your work space. It inspired me to clean up the area I have everything laying around in. Bought a dresser/armoire and cleaned everything. Hubby loves it and actually hung up pegboard for me. Thank you!
Christy says
Thank you, Leslie! I couldn’t believe the price when I saw it. And you are so welcome…I love that you were inspired to organize! It feels so good, right?! XOXO
Nana Diana says
That turned out to be a beautiful piece. My husband’s grandfather had one just like that along with the pivot mirror that went on top and a companion piece. It went to a relative and I’m sure it is long gone.
You did a great job! Diana
Christy says
Thank you, Diana! I never realized they made special pieces just for the fellas! I bet your husband’s grandfather’s set was awesome! XOXO
Linda says
That hardware certainly makes the piece, what a save!! Absolutely love it!!! And the unique top storage. Sure you won’t want to keep this treasure? I’d have to. 🤣
Christy says
Thank you so much, Linda! Those vintage pulls are so cool that I just had to keep them. There are lots of pieces that I’m tempted to keep, and the uniqueness of this one definitely makes me want to keep this one too! XOXO.
Denise - Salvaged Inspirations says
I’m in love with this one, Christy! 💙💙💙 The dark blue with the gold hardware – regal and classy! Pinned XOXO
Christy says
Aww thank you, my friend! It was such a cool piece to work on! XOXO
Fran Blunt says
This is the best! I’m so partial to blues and so glad you reused the pulls. They stood out and I immediately said to myself I hope she reuses them. Yes, it definitely was a steal – a moth into a butterfly! It will disappear in your shop!
Christy says
Aww yay! So glad you enjoy this one, Fran! The pulls were so vintage chic that I just had to reuse them! I agree that it probably won’t last long in my shop! Take care, my friend! XOXO
Gail says
Fabulous transformation! I have to say it’s at the top of my very long list of favorites. Inspires me when planning a similar project of my own…..love everything about this special piece!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Gail! This is going on my favorites list too! It’s just such a unique piece! XOXO.
Gail Wilson says
Twenty Five Dollars?! Wow, that’s a great deal, especially now that it looks like a million bucks!
You make everything look so easy, Christy. I love your tips for painting and sealing.
I’m in love with that paper you used, and it was perfect for this not-so-manly gentleman’s dresser!
Pinned!
gail
Christy says
Right? It was such a steal that there is no way I was passing it up! I appreciate that so much, my friend, and yes that paper is so pretty! It’s a great seller, so I was excited to finally use it on something myself! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
That was such a great buy, no wonder you brought it home with you, Christy. And what a gem it turned out to be! Although it probably will end up in a bedroom, I think it would be fabulous in an entry – you can take a quick look at yourself before you leave the house and there’s a place to drop keys, purse, phone when you come home. Plus storage for winter hats and gloves, lunch bags, water bottles, whatever you need to grab on your way out. Deep navy is perfect for a classic piece and now that the pulls are gold, you can really appreciate their shape. It truly is exquisite now!
Christy says
Thank you, my friend! It was such a deal for sure and so unique! I completely agree that it would be perfect in an entryway for all the reasons you listed. Plus, you could even use the cabinet for shoes if you have a no-shoes home. XOXO
Kathy Owen says
in the Navy! I love it and the surprise when you open the top, Wow. Pinning, Kathy!
Christy says
Thank you, Kathy! Gotta love a surprise lol! XOXO
Tina Batori says
It would have been worth the price if only for the fabulous hardware! Never seen anything that gorgeous. I love a good gentleman’s dresser; they can be used in so many applications. Good job.
Christy says
Thank you, Tina! This definitely would have been worth that price if only for hardware for sure! This is the first piece like this I have come across, and it really is so versatile! XOXO
Anita says
My new favourite piece, Christy! I love absolutely everything about it. You added just the right amount of everything to make it shine so handsomely again. I feel like this little chest is beaming, saying, “Look at me everyone! Aren’t I beautiful?!” Someone (I wish it could be me) is going to treasure this lovely piece.
Christy says
Oh yay! I’m so glad you love it, Anita, thank you! It is so happy now! XOXO
Natalie says
Okay wait… this turned out SO good. I would’ve walked right past the before piece 😅
Christy says
Thank you, Natalie! It is such a cool piece! XOXO
Lizzy says
Very pretty!
Christy says
Thank you, Lizzy! XOXO
Andrea says
Wow beautiful!!
Christy says
Thank you, Andrea! XOXO
Joanne says
WOW! Just beautiful! Might be my favorite.
Christy says
Aww thank you, Joanne! I’m so glad you love it! XOXO
Kimberly Haynes-Peterson says
Those “old” pulls look outstanding against the navy blue with the gold gilding. You REALLY elevated this piece!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Kimberly! I really enjoyed bringing this one back to life! XOXO
Barri Simpson says
OH my gosh, that is the best, most unique piece of furniture I have seen in a long time…I would have snatched that up too no matter the price. I wish I lived closer to you, I would RUN to your booth to get it…the navy and those amazing pulls in gold are the best! Curious how much you asked for it? I absolutely LOVE it! Crushed that it will go home with someone else…ha ha
Christy says
Thank you so much, Barri! I was so tickled when I found it because it was just so unique! I haven’t taken it to my booth yet, so I am not sure of the price just yet. Wish you were closer! XOXO
Sue Cox says
That’s a beautiful remake. A beautiful piece to begin with–love the hardware–but the tiny addition you made of the golden hinges adds an extra hint of elegance and it makes a difference way out of proportion to their size! Well done all around.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sue! The hardware is the star of this one for sure! XOXO
Karen says
Blue is my favorite color and the gold hardware puts this piece over the top! Decoupage paper is exquisite. Another hit! A real classic look. You probably know this already….A light sanding of the cedar lining will refresh the lovely scent.
Christy says
I’m so glad you love how this one turned out, Karen, thank you! And I’m happy I kept it simple and classic! Yes…that’s how I confirmed it was cedar, but I do appreciate you sharing anyway! XOXO
Janice Black says
Beautiful! So glad there is no distressing!
Christy says
Thank you, Janice! Distressing would have been all wrong for this one for sure! XOXO
Cyndel says
Let me join the “This-is-gorgeous-and-WOW-that hardware!” chorus. A perfect treatment, Christy.
Christy says
Ha ha thank you, Cyndel! I appreciate that so much! XOXO
Michele M. says
Oh Christy! This is a stunner. Wow – and GOOD move on letting the cedar be natural – what a classic piece. I absolutely love it and love the color and the hardware. Really well done and that is going to FLY out of your shop! And yes to weird weather. Today was 78 degrees and tomorrow is supposed to get down to 26 degrees with possible snow. What the heck.
Christy says
Thank you, Michele! This piece was such a treat to work on! It was 78 here today as well and I just looked at the temp outside and it’s 61 and dropping!! March this year has been so weird! XOXO
Caye says
Christy, you made the old gentleman look positively regal! What a great color you chose.
I love the secret space, and your treatment of it is just superb! GREAT JOB!
Christy says
Aww thank you, my friend! I am so pleased with the outcome…it didn’t need much at all! XOXO
Charleen says
I think everyone has said everything I wanted to say but, it’s GORGEOUS!!! Great color,handsome hardware. I wish I was closer,that would go hme with me in a heart beat!!! Take care,God Bless.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Charleen! I think this one will find a hame really quickly! Have a great weekend! XOXO
Rose Lefebvre says
I love this piece. So grand and humble at the same time.
Christy says
Thank you, Rose! That’s a great description! XOXO
Elena says
Hi Christy,
I have no words! I always find a surprise in my email from you!
I really like how you transformed this piece.
Very, very beautiful!
Xoxo,
Christy says
Aww you are so sweet! Thank you, Elena! This was a really special find! XOXO