Help- what era is this furniture from?

Question

These were my great-grandmothers then they were handed down to my grandfather next was my dad and now me. They are in desperate need of some TLC but I'm having trouble deciding what to do with them (refinishing). I think if I knew the era it may help with inspiration.

MN Mom · Answer

they look like 1920's. It would be easy to make a better guess if you look at the age of your Dad, then work back by generations to determine the basic time frame of who owned the pieces initially

Marion Lansford · Answer

Waterfall, 1920s. Handles, if original, are Bakelite. Very nice. Refinish with conservative attitude. Please, no chalk paint and crazy graphic!

Sheila · Answer

My Mother had a waterfall cedar chest she received for graduation in 1946.

Retta Robinson · Answer

My parents were given a slightly used bedroom set in this style when they married in 1938. The 'waterfall' refers to the rounded front of the top. This style is not rare, but many of the pieces have problems in the veneer now, so they often are patched and painted. Yours appears to be in good shape except for the surface. Don't paint it if you can save the veneer. Sand by hand; the veneer is thin.

The beauty of the piece is in the veneering which sometimes used rare or exotic woods. More often they had 'bookend' pieces of curly maple, walnut or other native woods which were stained in different colors. The blond look was popular too. Original lucite or bakelite handles increase the value. Google 'art deco furniture' and 'waterfall chests' for inspiration and to be awed by some of unusual examples.

Shari · Answer

While I can't positively answer your question of 'what era' (anytime between the 20s to 40s could be correct), my main purpose of commenting is to point out another post here on HomeTalk that you may, or may not, have seen on another waterfall style piece of furniture. I think it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful (non-painted) makeovers I've ever seen on this site and it may give you some ideas about what to do with your pieces. However, she did comment she put in over 100 hours on just that one piece (yikes!) so you may not have that kind of time or patience to devote to a similar makeover on two pieces! http://www.hometalk.com/diy/bathroom/vanities/staining-wood-vanity-vintage-renew-4191103?all_comments=true

Vic C. · Answer

Found a picture here: http://bit.ly/1Um6Gps which is more or less like yours, 1920's Waterfall. Thus, this should be the way to refurbish these precious furniture. :) Vic

Robyn B · Answer

My waterfall bedroom set is from 1937. I have the Head and footboards, 48' diameter mirrorer vanity, large highboy dresser, and vanity seat. I slept in that bed with my grandparents for just under 20 years. When they passed away, my mom got it. finally, it came to me. My most cherished possession. Enjoy yours!!

Beth H. Makemeprettyagain.blogspot · Answer

for sure the 1930's. Waterfall style. Art deco. Yours are very nice and look like walnut. They will refinish beautifully. I've redone about 5 waterfall pieces. (look under my name and check out my posts for a few them). refinishing them isn't difficult but if you've never done it before, please check out my blog with the how-to's. Don't just paint over that wood because it's easier! Yours are in great condition and will look really nice redone. At the very least, refinish the top. Heres what it will look like:

Elaine · Answer

My answer was going to be the same as the others here (sometime in the 20's or early 30's) but may I also add my two cents ... re painting or not.  Try and NOT paint these beautiful pieces - it may be hard work but you won't be sorry!

Johnchip · Answer

It is just waiting for a vintage 1930's Betty Boop doll to have displayed on it.

Cj Avery · Answer

They are from the 1930's and my buffet matches them it was my grandmothers she would be 120 ish today. Get a scratch polish restore they just need waxed it will bring the sheen back.

Christine · Answer

Thanks to those who commented.

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Help- what era is this furniture from?

Giving a 1942 Vanity Table a New Life

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