Asked on Sep 01, 2013
How to Update Large Heirloom Quality Triple Dresser
by
Lisa Angel
+18
Looking for some ideas to update this dresser plus I have a very large mirror that matches. I got it as a wedding present years ago from my then Husbands aunt who had it from the day it was made. She got it in High Point North Carolina in 1947. The date is stamped on the back. So, I don't want to ruin it but it is just so outdated and doesn't match my decor. Any suggestions? #'Furniture Revivals
Very heavy large triple dresser & matching mirror
16 answers
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Paint it all a solid matte colour that you like, then do a contrasting high gloss colour along the bottom, small pieces n between the drawers and on the top. Spray paint all hardware with a high gloss accent colour. You can make it look elegant by using cream and brown tones, you can also make it wild with neon colours, etc.
Robyn Ledoux
on Sep 02, 2013
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A nice embossed wallpaper on the front of the drawers would be nice too.
Robyn Ledoux
on Sep 02, 2013
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Hi @Lisa Since it's your piece and you are using it, yet not happy with its original finish, you can paint it literally any colour that fits into your decor. If you would like to keep the "theme" of this frenchy, you can narrow down the wide gold bands after giving it a fresh coat. Have a peek at the picture. The pic has where it originated, it is not mine. xox
Sia@South 47th
on Sep 02, 2013
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Hmm, I'm not sure of the overall color scheme that you have but you could just freshen up the colors, or go with the suggestions here in one solid color. I was even thinking similarly to @Sia@South 47th . :) Whatever you decide, please keep us updated with the results! :)
April
on Sep 02, 2013
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I think the drawer pulls keep it in the French provincial look and if that's not the look you like,maybe first step would be to look for new pulls that would go with your decorating scheme. From there you may be inspired on how to proceed. Do you want to keep it light or go with a different color/look? I think it would look fabulous done in a pewter color with brushed pewter/silver pulls if your décor would look good with that color. What color is speaking to you?
Mary Insana
on Sep 02, 2013
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@Lisa Angel not sure what your style is. What other types of furniture do you have in the room. You could think about stripping it down and doing a stain that matches your decor. New pulls will help a lot as well. As @Sia@South 47th indicates, if you want to update the provincial look, perhaps follow her suggestions. It may help to visit some furniture stores to see what the current provincial look is. Another suggestion would be to try the shabby chic look - lots of examples on here.
Gail Salminen
on Sep 02, 2013
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Thanks for the answers so far. I agree, it does look very French and that is not what I want anymore. I am trying to go more for a Moroccan feel in my bedroom. I just love the colors and patterns.
Lisa Angel
on Sep 03, 2013
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I would paint it in a color of your choice, then in the gold places, I believe I'd paint it an accent color or rub to bring out the tone. Then I'd paint the hardware. Or buy new drawer pulls instead if you want a slightly different look.
Brenda @ Cozy Little House
on Sep 03, 2013
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If you like Moroccan style why not paint it using the colors and patterns that appeal to you? I would use matte paint, and do the drawers in that lovely rusty red, and use a deep blue for everything that is currently gold, and do the top in green. I think the hardware will look great on another color. What makes it "French" is the gold over white color scheme, and that is easy enough to change. The great thing about paint is if you don't like it you just paint over it! Be sure to let us know what you decide to do (and post pictures)!
Annie Fitt
on Sep 04, 2013
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@Lisa Angel Oh Moroccan! Wow you could easily paint the chest in a base colour that fits your decor, either a bright and bold, or a rich and deep, or even a metallic. Then you can use a stencil, over it in a contrasting colour. The pic below is not mine, nor does it use a stencil, however the design is Moroccan and the stencils are readily available for this design.
Sia@South 47th
on Sep 04, 2013
- See 1 previous
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Well why didn't you say Moroccan ! lol you have so many options now. You can use a dark brown chalk paint and paint the whole thing then do a cool stencil with white then clear wax. I'd also paint the inside the drawers a nice red and use matte spray poly to seal. The second picture has a similar bowed front. I love the drawer pulls on the chest with the colorful drawers. Have fun with this piece. You won't recognize her when shes done !
Mary Insana
on Sep 04, 2013
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Love the moroccan style! It will be a big undertaking so I imagine that will be a winter project for me. I love the curved brown one in the above pic, butt that is alot of detail that I am not sure I could do and make it look that good but I would consider the style with the different color fronts, I like that one alot as well. Thanks so much for the help, if anyone else has some designs in mind, please post them. I am open to all suggestions at this point.
Lisa Angel
on Sep 04, 2013
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I'd do white without question :) all that lovely serpentine detail would be brilliantly highlighted in white.
Stephen Andrew
on Sep 04, 2013
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@Lisa Angel The curved brown one is done with stencils. Try practice stencils on a piece a cardboard until you feel confident to do the dresser. You wouldn't have to do as much of a design as in the picture. Do what is pleasing to your eye.
Mary Insana
on Sep 04, 2013
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Thanks Mary. I have done stencils many many times and have a drawer full of them. I am just not sure if I could do as good a job as in the picture and not sure if I want to try to get that intricate.
Lisa Angel
on Sep 05, 2013
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T thought this was very lovely!
Liz
on Sep 07, 2013
- See 1 previous
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