Missing Drawers
by
Carolyn
+28
I found this old vanity in my attic and plan on giving it a much needed facelift with Annie Sloan Paris Grey chalk paint. Any ideas what I can do about the missing drawers and mirror?
26 answers
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The supports for the mirror may be removable. Could you shelf the drawer openings and add baskets of some sort?
Lori J
on Jan 29, 2014
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Since you are going to paint it, I would saw off the uprights just above the carvings...then sand them into an arch up from the carvings. For the missing shelves, you could make a square open cube to serve as a drawers, putting a beautiful pull on them....or decorate the fronts with lace or beautiful fabric or wall paper. Actually, a bit of a French accent on them would be adorable. Paint this in a cream with a dark wax and then accent with French accents.
Jeanette S
on Jan 29, 2014
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It may be that if you want a new mirror, you could add one. Either attached or not. If you are using it as a vanity, you might add an old frame with burlap and you could make a jewelry hanger, place to pin photos etc. As for the drawers, I think either turn them into shelves that you can use or the basket idea.
MM&D
on Jan 29, 2014
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As to the missing mirror-just cut off the little pin that held the original one and hang a mirror (or picture) between the uprights.
Terri Austill
on Jan 29, 2014
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Please don't cut off the 'uprights'! Take your time and research the options. Drawers can be made! It is unique and can be even more beautiful again. If you'll be placing against the wall, a mirror hanging on the wall will work too. Love this, can't wait to see what you do.
Nance Greenwell
on Jan 29, 2014
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P.S. Search that attic again, the drawers may be there.
Nance Greenwell
on Jan 29, 2014
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I would insert shelves in to the drawer openings to hold decorative baskets and then find a beautiful framed mirror to mount to the current existing mirror supports. It's beautiful!
Victoria Larsen Stencils
on Jan 29, 2014
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I agree with Nance Greenwell. To take the uprights away, you will be taking the character away, use a mirror that would go well with it, and just hang it on the wall, as suggested by someone else. Drawers can be made, without much fuss. Who knows, you may find a mirror on down the line that fits it.
Crafty2you
on Jan 29, 2014
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Talk about a small world....I am restoring a piece that is exactly the same. I have to fix the mirror frame and have already fixed the mirror attachment hardware, next is to clean up and refinish (as little as possible) to make it look nice but not take away the age. PLEASE restore and don't butcher it....after all it is mahogany! Like someone above said....you can make drawers for it.
Vintage Restorations.....Formerly Closet Furniture
on Jan 29, 2014
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Thank you for all the great responses. I will do my best to restore it to it's natural beauty and not chop anything off. I think finding a mirror to fit it will be easier than having drawers made, as the drawers do not have flat fronts. They are bowed. To Closet Furniture, I would love to see a picture of your vanity that is the same, especially with the mirror so I know what to look for. Even if it's not attached yet, a visual would help. Please post! Thanks!
Carolyn
on Jan 29, 2014
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Even if you DO cut it, it's still mahogany. :) No offense, Closet Furniture. I just said that because my husband didn't want me to paint our bathroom cabinets because they were cherry. I painted them & guess what? They're still cherry.
Lex263207
on Jan 29, 2014
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I have the same one. My mom gave it to me about five years ago.
Christine Vieau
on Jan 29, 2014
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I would remove the small drawer on the right. So all four drawer areas look the same, Put some hardboard down for support and insert beautiful decorate boxes that have a design that would go with your paint color. If you can't find the right boxes you might be able to find fabric you like and it could be used to cover plain cardboard boxes. Because I tend to be frugal I would check out second hand locations for a mirror that is the right vintage and size and place it on the wall behind the vanity. The uprights have great carving and would really make a great frame for a mirror. Good luck with your piece, can't wait to see your final results. I think it is going to look amazing!
Your Organized Friend
on Jan 30, 2014
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I have an old dresser that was my grandfather's. The mirror was missing and I just hunted the second hand shops and antique shops. I finally found almost the exact one to fit. It gives you a fun m ission to SHOP!!
Patty S
on Jan 30, 2014
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I've seen some darling "no drawer" pieces where they used a fabric ruffle to cover the drawer area. In your case you might not be able to use the drawers but they would look really cute!
White Oak Studio Designs
on Jan 30, 2014
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I would get the drawers made. There are companies that make the drawers in AZ. I'm sure that there are others around the country. And find a mirror and use it that way.
Marge
on Jan 30, 2014
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Maybe attach a dowel or even wire between the mirror supports to hang some pretty decorative towels on and put baskets where the drawers go...then you can use it in the kitchen or bath.
Andrea
on Jan 30, 2014
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Find some baskets to fit those drawer areas. If you are going to use this for a desk instead of a vanity, you can use a dowel or wire where the mirror would be to hang photos or other things from.
Diane Carlisle
on Jan 30, 2014
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Carolyn, that is a lovely piece of furniture. You can have a mirror cut and a good carpenter can probably make drawers. Please, please do not paint this; if you feel a need to paint it, call me I will buy it. I have seen too many nice furniture items on this forum ruined with that $@¥€ ASCP. Excuse the profanity.
WannaBGardener
on Jan 30, 2014
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Really attractive, unique piece - want
Lynne Peavy
on Jan 30, 2014
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Who paints such precious wood has never stripped a carved piece from paint!
Nicolette T
on Jan 31, 2014
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i say if it is missing all but one drawer then remove it...add wood inserts where those drawers were and use as shelves. I am a Shabby Sheik person so I would not bother with finding a mirror that goes physically on the vanity...I would put the vanity up against a wall and then use a very ornate framed art resembling that period or a mirror that is in a frame wall mounted that fits within the old brackets with very little space between the old brackets and new frame. It would look really good if the framed art or mirror was taller than those brackets. A frame within a frame you could say. I found a beautiful antique night stand Top drawer was missing....removed the track added a wood insert stained the cherry wood insert! Perfect place for a phone book or a goo book etc. It was perfect looked great but then my daughter came for a visit she fell in love with it and it now is in her house...a great find for $2. I know that could never happen again :) not for $2!
Jo Dee Bradley
on Jan 31, 2014
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This is so great . Clean the old gal up with murphys oil soap leave the old shabby finish then take all the drawers out and put mirrors on the floor of the drawer spaces, then fill it up with beautiful items you have . Hang a gorgeous round or square Painting or print framed in a color or GOLD frame inside the place where the old mirror is missing. You can also cover the top of the vanity with a mirror set with with a arrangement of your choice . or clear glass to fit , with an old crochet piece under it . No need to paint or redo the old wonderful wood.Would make a fabulous entry piece . or focal piece in the living room.(try this to clean up the scratches and chips in the finish ,wood finish formula ,3/4 cup of oil and 1/4 cup of vinegar , rub in and let dry)
Judy Adams
on Jan 31, 2014
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I like your Organized Friend ideas. You could also put decorative baskets where the drawers are missing and take out the top right hand one too. Hut for a complimentary mirror. Given the condition, I would paint.
Liliana Wells
on Jan 31, 2014
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This piece would make a beautiful personal desk. Remove the drawer on the side leaving only the center drawer. Place thin pieces of wood in each of the four slots to make them useable shelves. Then I would carefully cut and remove the two large pieces that hold the mirror and leave only the two small drawers on top with the molding. The two large pieces from the side of the mirrors I would use as large hooks on a side wall where only the decorative side showed. Maybe hanging a vintage sign from them. Or in the bathroom over your tub for decorative towels, etc....
Julie Ruch
on Jan 31, 2014
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agree w/ Julie,---but, I would leave the top supports and fit in a pin board for notes or photos this is perfect for a pc, or writing desk
Lorraine depaolo st.george
on Dec 24, 2014
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