Ideas on what to do with this piece, paint, stain, etc

Question

I got this piece for free from a craigslist, I was thinking of painting it and putting pulls I the drawers but I've never redone anything before and was wondering what other ideas are floating out there. I'm trying to make the room modern so I don't want to antique it, I would like something bright and airy ..suggestions? Thanks

JeDonne M · Answer

A black lacquer or pleasing shade of white would look great and clean. Plain pulls or no pulls would keep it looking modern. However, painting it a bright pop of color would be bold and add energy to the room. The lovely thing about paint is that you can always paint over it if you don't like what you have. Go to a big box store, get a few samples of paint colors you think you might like, then paint a small area to decide. They mix any color you want.

Michelle Kolbenstetter · Answer

It has a midcentury modern look to it. Keep most of the wood for that modern Danish look. Paint only the top white (or a color that compliments your decorating scheme) Attach modern looking silver bar shaped pulls on the drawers. If you're on a budget, only the top two and middle two . Stencil or free hand some midcentury designs on the top - (type 'midcentury clip art' on google images for inspiration) to add some more color and interest. Maybe on a random drawer or two but don't overdo - less is more. You scored a cute piece with lots of potential - good luck and don't forget to show us what you eventually do with it!

Diane Woods · Answer

I would definitely take advantage of the fully flat surface you have. It's unusual to have that on a piece so big and wide. For that reason I would do a large stencil / mural on the front. Paint the rest of it one color and accent a picture on the fronts - one big landscape picture divided into 4. Good find!

Jennifer G · Answer

I would add some legs to get it up off the floor a bit (you can find pre made legs and hardware to attach them at Lowes, Home Depot and most smaller hardware chains). 
 
Then paint or stain to match or coordinate with your decor. Walk through the room it is going to be in and see what colors you have going on, then grab some paint swatches to take home and see what works.

With that style, any of the bright colors that are so popular right now would look nice (yellow, teal, lime, orange) or go more neutral with taupe, grey or soft white. A darker stain would also look lovely - the mid-tone color it is now is somewhat dated, but a darker stain (like Java or Expresso) would 'update' it's look and still show off the wood grain. 
Finish with some nice hardware and enjoy! Please post photos!

Chris aka monkey · Answer

@Tracey Andino wow what a score ...if it was me i would add casters so it can be moved easily...then paint one of your favorite colors...plain pulls so they don't distract from it just enjoy and have fun with it xx

Anastasia Howard Peterke · Answer

Industrial castors to get it off the floor. If you don't like the wood, use chalk paints and layer greys to achieve a metal look. Finish with a metallic in your wax. It would be gorgeous!

Crystal @My Blissful Space · Answer

I would paint it a fun color and add legs (or castors) of some type...handles and knobs would be great, too! So many possibilities!

Peggy Ann Hoyt @ Bungalows Best · Answer

I agree that it needs to come up off the floor. It would look good with peg legs or round. Don't think you would enjoy sanding it, so don't! A solid enamel gloss would give it a modern look with knobs and handles. Depending upon the colors of your room, you can make this your focal point with strong color and accents of it around the room. Traditional and classic colors if you want a more monochromatic look which can still be modern of course! Enjoy your project and post after pics.... btw, that was a good find!

Chantelle Joy · Answer

I would start with what do you want to use it for? Then pick the colors for that room or purpose.  Then decide if it comes up of the floor or do you take off a door...or two. Repurpose is freedom to make it what you need! Most of all have fun.😊

Erin Brady · Answer

I have different taste, I would personally antique it with an off white chalk paint and seal with light wax and remove the center doors to expose shelves and place vintage wire baskets, I do agree about adding feet!

Rob F · Answer

I would paint it silver metallic and then stencil. Also remove the middle doors and add shelves whereby you could put anything you wish to display. Use crystal pull knobs and you will have a beautiful piece. There are free downloads of stencils available also to make it even more affordable. Don't forget to fill in holes where doors were removed!

Carol King-ricca · Answer

With beach coastal colors go with a stencil that would go with the theme of the room. White or Coral coloring with a coral reef shape to it would be lovely over white or a blue gray color for the base color.. Coastal cottage is very popular. You possibilities are endless. Nice piece.

Autumn · Answer

This piece would be great painted with pops of stenciled or wallpapered geometric pattern on the doors to coordinate with your room. I would do a wall collage of art or framed prints surrounding the tv to make the tv blend in and use the length of the cabinet to do an artful display if objects, perhaps offset with the tv. Good luck!

Nivasi Frankly-Speaks · Answer

Depends on your decor' / Theme..
Country/Beach: white wash,
 Modern: a lacquer, 
Antique: stain-might consider some glass knobs- Mirror squares, add some legs?

Carmen · Answer

I really like it as it is and would not paint it. I’ve a similar BESTA piece from IKEA in same color though smaller (alsocomes in different colors, get ideas from there website). If you keep the current color maybe add aglass top, or one that matches the legs.
 
As far as hardware, IKEA sells a mechanism that when youpush a drawer of cabinet door will pop open. I love the sleek design look thisgives furniture. I would only add legs,may round metallic looking legs.

Anita W · Answer

I would leave it alone except for cleaning/reviving the wood and adding something to raise it off the ground. If it doesn't have a hard finish on it, like shelac or poly, use teak oil. Brushed chrome/nickle splayed legs would give it a real mid-century look. If you want handles, perhaps long round bars (think Ikea cupboard and drawer pulls) to match the finish on the legs. Simple, sleek, mid-century!

Suzi Cranford · Answer

I would also leave it alone.  It is glorious!

Karin From B'ham · Answer

I googled 'upcycle Danish Modern credenza' and there are fabulous images for inspiration that keep the mid-century character but give some oomph. Adding legs is a great start. Solid wood means that nothing you do to it has to be forever. Have fun!

Zdenka Muzik · Answer

Get it up off the floor and do not paint this beautiful teak wood

Kim Dagenais · Answer

I bought this used teak wood unit/mini armoire type unit to put my clothes in about five years ago or more for $75. The unit was in excellent condition and actually looked pretty new. I thought at first it was veneer, and then found out that the unit is solid teak wood. I guess that is why it is so heavy. Anyway the bottom part of the unit had no legs, but a rectangular base in another cheap wood. I hated the base and I my husband promised to buy me the legs I wanted for my armoire. I too wanted a more modern look to it, so I picked out these beautiful modern stainless steel legs. Wow, what a difference. I might change all the handles for the two doors, and two drawers one day to match the legs, but right now they work for me.

My husband also has a solid wood dresser of his own in our bedroom. I love teak wood. So I would not paint your unit, just buy something like orange oil etc to keep the wood conditioned. Since your unit is pretty long, I would purchase at least six stainless legs, and very small pulls that match the same silver tone as the legs. I would not buy fancy pulls with any detail, as it would take away from the legs and the unit as a whole.

I checked Home Depot and Rona Depot where I live online and found some pulls, legs and casters to give you an idea. The legs I bought are stainless steel, but I could only find them in wood. I hope you post before and after pics of your unit after it is finished.

Centrd · Answer

If you're looking for a wow factor, check out Furniture Overlays for all kinds of possibilities: http://www.pinterest.com/overlays/panel-pattern-inspirations/ Some examples below using overlays. Totally depends on what you like because the sky's the limit. Painting, stenciling, upcyling, so many cool things you can do.

Pat Dollar · Answer

I agree with @Centrd the WOW factor would certainly be there with the addition of some of these overlays. You must check out the link she provided. Paint color would be something that would most coordinate with your room. If you continue to use this for your TV, I would remove a couple of the drawers to house your components and make them easily accessible for using your remotes. You might also be able to keep the drawers by removing the drawer fronts then placing them back with hidden hinges and closers so it appears like they have never been removed when the TV is not in use.

Mae Jean Metz Keener · Answer

It is nice, but not very current. I see you have dark gray carpet. I have seen on Pinterest where they have used aluninum foil and glazes to make a beautiful finish. You do need to get it off the floor. Check around till yoe see something you like. They sell all kinds of legs, and they are easy to install. I don't know what the rest of your room looks like, but legs, handles, and the silver and black glaze, would make it look spectacular, in my estimation.

Kim Dagenais · Answer

Yes and I'm sure it is strong enough to support your unit.

Carol Tomlin · Answer

I sense you are the modern smooth clean lines type. I think you could go with satin red. It would look nice with black TV and grey carpet. Play with some different knobs and pulls. See what happens and then decide if it needs to come off the floor.

Wanda sinnema · Answer

smooth black with modern silver door pulls. you could also take out the top 2 drawers (save them `you may want them in a couple of years if you redo it again) on each side. Use the bottom ones for storage for game console stuff. Other option black with, nickel pulls, remove the center doors for DVD-game console stuff..co-worker had one alot like this decades ago....dark mahogany,,,, so dark looked like ebony..You cold raise it off the floor by wood slats about 2X4 size. front to back.. sanded and painted to match the rest of it if you choose black..because of the size I'd put one on each end and 2 more,,, where the door hinges are..

Denise · Answer

I would paint it a color depending upon your décor, add legs of your choice, and wallpaper the fronts of the doors and drawers with a modern, cheerful design. Then I would apply a cover coat to protect the paint and paper beneath. I think this could be a real focal point in a room if it had some 'ZING' to it. Have fun choosing your paint, paper, and pulls ... and be sure to let us see your finished product. :)

Jeanette S · Answer

Don't touch it! just wrap it up and send it to me, I am absolutely drooling over this!

Leslie Long · Answer

I have a teak one that is almost identical. I would not think of painting it. Perhaps just oil it (really brings out the grain because teak is a thirsty wood that is supposed to be oiled once a year) and add some decorative feet of some kind. It's a beauty.

Mary T · Answer

NO PAINT. Take advantage of that glorious wood. Oil it to bring out the definition of the grain. Maybe add feet or rollers so it can be moved easily.

Ideas on what to do with this piece, paint, stain, etc

Suggested Project Book

Pull Drawers Out of Your Dressers for These 13 Brilliant Ideas

Other

More

Ideas on what to do with this piece, paint, stain, etc

Suggested Project Book