Help! Old time dresser and end tables? What to do?
by
Bernice H
+15
I need ideas for this dresser and 2 end tables. I am not sure if the face is veneer or not. I hate the color and I hate all the ornate work on the face . The other problem is, to open any drawers except for the ones with handles I have to grab onto the scroll work ,no handles to grab with. Even the big bottom drawer or top drawers. Same with the end tables. I can use some ideas,folks. I need handles but I don't like the scroll work as is,can it be removed? It looks, feels, sounds, almost like plastic,as does the mirror. But the top is solid wood as are the sides. Must be from the 50's? I just saw a dresser on HT redone,with a lot of "ornate"facing. I really don't want to do that much work either. Yes, lazy older, not much stamina! But this came with the house,and the bedroom is big enough to handle it. Most of my house has teal,aqua red,and white accents. Help? Thanks .
10 answers
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Hi Bernice. I tend to agree there is scroll work and then there is SCROLL work. I am just guessing, so wait for someone smart but I bet you that plastic scroll stuff is glued on to flat drawers and if it were mine I'd maybe start with one of the end tables ( the one for the "other side" of the bed and try removing a bottom corner of a bottom drawer. Hair dryer and a putty knife is what I'd use to try. If this even worked you are going to end up with goudges and things but you can at least fill and sand them, paint, get new modern handles etc. Now bare in mind this advice is coming from a disaster DIYer. :)
Lori
on May 22, 2016
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No one is going to argue that this furniture is ornate, but paint can really help diminish the appearance of the busyness. Spray paint or chalk paint will be the easiest. Use liquid sandpaper and a bonding primer and then any paint of your choice. The darker the color, the more you will diminish the look of the scroll work. But even if you choose to go white or light, you will still be amazed at what a solid color instead of the brown two tone will do. I have included a few photos of a credenza that I did for my dining area. Hopefully this might give you some ideas.
Debi53
on May 22, 2016
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I think I know exactly the type of material it is constructed with because I painted a china cabinet from the same era (photos below). If it's the same then it's a solid piece but has a plastic feel to it. You probably won't be able to remove the scroll work without damaging it. You should be able to drill through the drawers and add some coordinating knobs to the center of the top and bottom drawers on the dresser. The same with the nightstand, but there's not a good center, so instead maybe 4 simple knobs going across each drawer. Chalk paint in a neutral color would totally transform the look. You could leave the top in the wood finish and paint the base in Old Ochre (Annie Sloan Chalk Paint). Best of luck with whatever you decide for your project!
Patricia
on May 23, 2016
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My sister made absolutely beautiful bathroom vanities out of old dressers. Stained them, or painted and distressed, I can't remember, added a granite top, put "bowl" type sinks on top. Drawers are mostly still functional, except the middle, where the plumbing is. GORGEOUS!
Sandy
on May 23, 2016
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Maybe u can get lucky n find different drawers that fit. It could happen. Or make drawers. Take the front off n make the front like u really want it then varnish or paint.
Janet Nieves
on May 23, 2016
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Very ornate piece. I'd paint the entire center section with the scroll work exactly the same color (to blend with existing decor) but keep the top and the base a wood tone. The ornate section will recede as others have commented. It's a large dresser, so I'd avoid 'prominent colors' like red, black, white and the current fad 'aqua'. Maybe a softer grey or even greyish-blue. It's atough piece to come up with ideas unless the scroll parts can be removed without significant damage to the front. Also, see what type of sliders are on the drawers and interior. If it's wood on wood, you might be able to hand wax (not the spray on stuff) them for easier movement. Good luck!
Barbara
on May 23, 2016
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Try using chalk paint. You have to do very little prep work. The paint is pricey but results are wonderful. Plan to do to a buffet I have. I hate sanding!!!! Gives more of a shabby chic look or farmhouse feel. Very popular right now. Could do in a fun color like teal or stay with neutrals if you prefer
Diane Coffey Dean
on May 24, 2016
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To anyone following this post....we are almost done! The scroll work came off very easily....no damage....I will post lots of pictures on another post when all is said and done. There are a couple of oops...moments too!
Bernice H
on May 29, 2016
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Scroll work! Yeaaaayyyy... Hubs said it was sort of challenging...but not too bad to take off ,no real damage to the wood. New post coming on finished product.....wait for it...waaaaittt for it! Just about done!
Bernice H
on May 29, 2016
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We are done ,check new post!
Bernice H
on Jun 05, 2016
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