Help! Amateur needs advice on how to update a very old washstand!

What is your decorating style and how much effort do you want to put in the piece?Staining-painting-stripping?

It's adorable with the lil old fashioned casters on it! Have you thought about sanding it, painting it something bright, polishing up the handles and adding a piece of marble/granite for the top? There are less $$ tiles, formica that look like stone, too. Your piece isn't that big, you might even be able to get a spare piece leftover from a bigger job. It depends on what style you're trying for. My daughter and I pained an old desk a very bright pink (I was doubtful) and bright white with some gold accents - it's very over-the-top, but becoz' it's such a small piece and the rest of the room is fairly neutral, it looks very special and "authentic". I looked into getting a piece of glass cut for the top but she didn't want that. I may glue down some leather for a writing pad area. What ideas have you had? Do you ever do rough sketches?

Although the old handles are charming. I think if you paint it in a color you love that would work with your kitchen, some more modern looking handles would bring up to date for sure. You can look on line for drawers handles--there are so many choices. I am a semi retired designer and think just paint and new handles would look great. Goog luck with your project.

I WOULD JUST USE A SMALL HAND PALM SANDER AND SAND OFF ALL THE OLD FINISH DOWN TO THE BEAR WOOD. THEN STAIN IT A COLOR OF YOUR CHOICE WITH.....OR PAINT IT WHITE, THEN STAIN WITH A COLOR WOOD STAIN LIKE A BLUE, OR RED STAIN THE MAY BE OTHER COLORS. I DID A BLUE STAIN ON WHITE PAINT ON A TABLE. MY OPINION

I would say, if you want to paint, use chalk paint. You can skip the sanding and priming

Click on the MinWax site and look at the various color stains. From the pic, your chest door appears to be a different wood than the rest of the chest. A darker stain would unite the woods and make them look the same. Just lightly sand over the piece and then wipe off any wood dust before staining. Look at the metallic spray paints at a local store, find one you like and spray paint your existing hardware. It's such a quaint, unique little wash stand!

Last year I re-did this commode, (you'll need to copy and paste this link in your browser, the links aren't working on Hometalk currently) simpledecoratingtips.com/2016/04/25/antique-dry-sink-re-do

I also have links on that post on how to restore the stone top and how to restore the rusty old hardware! :)

Chalk paint is easy to use and requires no sanding. I watched a couple YouTube videos on instruction, searched Pinterest for colors I liked and had such a great experience with it I ended up painting 5 pieces of furniture (first time attempting) in a 2 week period! I'm so pleased with the outcomes I can't wait for more projects. I'm looking around the house for more things to paint! I enjoyed the color used with the clear wax and dark wax to give it an aged appearance. We also live in an old house and have lots of random furniture. This ties them in nicely to various rooms in the house. It made old stuff look shabby chic and added character and everyone comments on the pieces. It's an enjoyable process you might look into. I tried antique white, napoleonic blue, teal, gray, and I used Annie Sloan wax and blue- the others I got from Home Depot and target. All worked great!

Here's my first chalk paint project and it only took about 3 hours or so. It was very satisfying to take an old plain dresser and turn it into a pretty buffet!

Omigosh, I love it! Looks so regal!

I would stain the piece in a rich black and change the handles to make it look more contemporary. Min Wax has there own website for color exploring.

There are some really upscale looks with the chalk paint as well. If you only use the clear wax over chalk paint, for example, it gives a beautiful patina. There are metallic colors you can incorporate as well. One I did off white with clear wax and I stained the top in dark coffee and it looked very nice. I'll post a similar photo to mine (it was my inspiration piece I found).

Just want to say you all have been super helpful and I have drawn up a plan. Thank you and we'll have to have coffee soon ...kidding!😀

Me neither! The contrasting stained top gives it such a classy look, doesn't it? Glad you like it. Hope it helps!

Chalk paint and wax. I did an old oak cupboard.

Did you distress it? You must love it!😊

Have you seen the lady who uses Easy Off oven cleaner to remove a finish? I'm going to try it for sure. Her style is raw wood and she has a very elegant home with lots of it. She sprays the piece, then hoses it off with water. Her page is "My Vintage Porch" and she's also here on HomeTalk.