Does anyone have any idea how old this piece might be?
by
Cindy
+20
I picked up this piece at a Goodwill simply because I like the carved detail work and love the hardware. I think it was originally a vanity although it no longer has a mirror. I'm thinking of turning it into a desk. Any ideas?? Thanks.
16 answers
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This piece is styled in the Art Deco period, which was in the '20s and '30s. Characteristics of this period include precise geometic-like designs as is displayed by your piece. The "apron" spanning across the front between the top drawers is most likely veneer, but could also be faux graining. The top looks as though it might be mahogany. The top two drawer fronts could be birdseye maple, but I can't really tell from the photo. Portions of the drawer pulls also are very possibly something called bakelite, which was an early synthetic plastic. You can test to see if they are bakelite by rubbing the plastic-like parts very hard with your thumb until it feels slightly warm. Then, smell the area and/or your thumb. It will smell a bit like formaldehyde or carbolic acid. It is very distinctive and a smell that you won't mistake. The piece appears to be in pretty good shape and with some elbow grease and some fine steel wool and an application of a good furniture wax would make a beautiful desk. Go for it!
Swan Road Designs
on Mar 02, 2015
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It could also be used as an entertainment center. Use the top for your TV, game consoles, etc., & the drawers could be used to keep all the clutter of DVD's, games, etc.
Ramona McCaslin
on Mar 02, 2015
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Nice piece. Definitely Art Deco period. Love the birdy eye maple. This could also be used as a dressing table. A round mirror would top it off nicely.
GLHF
on Mar 02, 2015
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OOOO! Its beautiful! You could also use it as a catch all table by the front door.
Becky
on Mar 02, 2015
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...I see I was a bit late on this question..lol...; I had a friend who had a whole bedroom set of something almost identical, and its from the 20's and 30's....:)
Shelby @ The Weathered Barn Studio
on Mar 02, 2015
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With some modifications it could be converted to a small island utility cart. I would put it on wheels and use metal of some sort to make a bottom shelf. As another thought you can cut the desk and use as two slim night stands or end tables. Personally I would use a vibrant blue paint and make a very cool mobile island/utility cart and whatever type of things you use most, such as cutlery, compost bucket, I would use drawers for those ideas. I would also give thought to taking drawer fronts off and in it's place use metal to have the appearance of a wire basket. I also like Shelbybella's bathroom vanity idea. It could be refinished with GF Dark Mahogany, (which would solve the veneer issue) and mount a cool sink that sits on top. Well that's all I have on initial thought.
Cnt1376355
on Mar 03, 2015
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to overcome the damage on the top use milk paint in whatever colour dark or light wood you like. paint the bottom with a good chalk paint in grey or blue any colour in fact. I like the idea @Cnt_cu.
Limerickchairlady
on Mar 03, 2015
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....I think it should be used as a bedroom piece, or even in a living room, as stated by Becky.....its too pretty to ' disassemble " ...but thats just me. lol. I would milk paint this piece, and then stain the top a bit darker than it is at present. Would be striking. :) I have a similar waterfall desk, and kept the bakelite handles on it, as they are not easy to find.
Shelby @ The Weathered Barn Studio
on Mar 03, 2015
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Would make a great make up table, or as my husband callus it, the Chem Lab.
Susan Lewis
on Mar 03, 2015
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Lab
Susan Lewis
on Mar 03, 2015
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Don't think much would have to be done with it once it's been cleaned and steel wooled a bit. There don't appear to be any veneer "pops" and no gaps in the basic structure. I wouldn't do much more than spruce it up. I think it's dirty more than damaged.
Swan Road Designs
on Mar 03, 2015
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Great piece and looks to be in good condition, although it could use a good cleaning. I'm hoping the fad of painting furniture with chalk paint or milk paint is on it's way out, I've seen way too many quality pieces of furniture turned into shabby chic disasters.
M
on Mar 03, 2015
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That is a pretty piece of furniture! My grandmother had a vanity similar to it in her guest bedroom. I agree with Swan Road Designs to clean it up (and not paint it).
Pam Mariner Good
on Mar 04, 2015
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Are you looking to paint this piece, or would you like to restore it? The top looks like there may be some type of paper stuck to the old finish, along with some scratches. Any water/liquid marks?
GLHF
on Mar 04, 2015
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Painting would ruin the value but of course that is a personal choice. We have a good friend who is a cabinet maker that works for the white house, Christie's etc. He restored a rolltop desk for us that most people would probably thought was unsalvageable. It is stunning. There are resources that tell you how to clean the wood and restore or add new veneer to make it like new.
Connie
on Mar 05, 2015
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DON'T PAINT IT! It's just gorgeous and you would ruin it by painting it. I, for one, am very tired of all the look-alike paint jobs!
Gail Daigh
on Mar 16, 2015
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