Is there a name for this dresser and should I replace the side panel?

Question

I'm pretty new to refinishing furniture and I'm wondering if I should replace the side panel of this road side rescued dresser? Both side panels have some pretty heavy water damage and I'm not sure if I should sand the panels or replace them. Can the panels be replaced? Will sanding work?

Lynn · Answer

Looks like a shift robe, maybe 30's ...on one side people would hang their clothes on one side. Great find.

Dee Mock · Answer

I think Lynn is correct. It looks like a chifferobe! Great score!

117135 · Answer

Its very hard to tell from the photos to the amount of water damage? Does it go through to the inside? If the water damage does not go all the way through, and you are painting the piece, you maybe able to go without replacing and just sanding and removing the top layers of damage. There are so many ways you can cover up the damage with paint techniques. You could decoupage the sides, use fabric or embossing to start with. Google those ideas and you will see great ways to help with this piece.

Becky · Answer

What a great find! Can't wait to see what you do with it! Good luck ;)

Lori Jackson · Answer

Delightful piece...can't wait to see what you do with it.

Jeanette S · Answer

Save as much as you can of the original...i,e., wooden knobs, etc. You have to do what you have to do to make this sturdy and worth fixing! A good sanding is probably needed before you can do anything. I would leave the shelves because it would be more serviceable!

Kelly · Answer

I think it is a waterfall chifferobe due to the curved top of the piece. There's SO many things you can do with this! Please post 'after' pictures when you do figure out what to do.

Anita K · Answer

Beautiful piece! I'd sand it down to see how deep the damage goes through the wood. Consider Kilz for blocking any mildew from seeping through your paint, to protect any clothing you might put inside. Then, paint it a color you like. Keep us posted - this is wonderful find!

Kelly · Answer

Thanks everyone! I'm going to start this project next week...if it ever stops raining! I'll post 'after' pictures soon.

Charlene · Answer

It looks like a hand-made piece to me....great score! I think if you just sanded it down and maybe poly or paint it....depending on the look your going for. I had nod similar when my kids were babies...used as a children's closet.

Leesa Osborne · Answer

omg beautiful piece, I wonder if wood filler would help and make it sturdy where the water ruined it? I have a piece with ruined sides I've been hanging onto not knowing how to fix it.

Sharon · Answer

Nice score! I would paint that baby with milk paint true to the 30s. If the veneer is loose on the sides, you maybe able to have new pieces cut for the sides, and to put a back on it. It was obviously a built-in.

Is there a name for this dresser and should I replace the side panel?

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Is there a name for this dresser and should I replace the side panel?

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