How do you update blonde furniture?

Colleen
by Colleen

I have a complete bedroom set in this blonde color. I cannot part with this furniture because it is built so well. I think I want to paint it but am not sure. What products would you use to paint or stain? Any links to updating this type of furniture? Thanks!

  16 answers
  • Florida Beachpotato Florida Beachpotato on Feb 13, 2019

    With those beautiful curves, think about chalk paint color of your choice, I would go lite blue....

  • Craft Invaders Craft Invaders on Feb 13, 2019

    I think I'd paint it with Chalk paint too - it'll look so pretty :)

  • Gk Gk on Feb 13, 2019

    You can paint this kind of furniture if you lightly sand it and prime it first. Chalk paint would be a option and then finish with a wax or poly finish. I would still prime this even if I was using chalk paint. Normally you don't have to prime if you use chalk paint but with this kind of furniture I would. The paint will adhere better. I am a bit concerned about the narrow little front section right above the top drawer. Looks like that is some kind of veneer that's peeling. You might be able to carefully get that piece off and just paint the wood underneath or buy a piece of trim to replace it. It's hard to tell when you can't see it in person.

  • Mr ATC Mr ATC on Feb 13, 2019

    First sand it as much as possible then you can use some browning wax to give it a rustic look. U I am personally using the wax from the brand Frenchic UK

  • Oliva Oliva on Feb 13, 2019

    I'd probably sand, tack cloth, prime, and paint. I'd change the drawer pulls to sleek looking wide, thin handles, to give it a more contemporary look. They could be satin nickel, wood, or bronze.

    If you want to keep the mid century modern look, re-stain the same color, which is quite popular in Scandanavian countries.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Feb 14, 2019

    Hi Colleen,


    Your piece of furniture looks to be in good condition.

    From what my imagination is telling me is to light sand and stain to a color you would like. For the inset area on the front 2 drawers I would consider Mod Podging fabric to it. Then change out the drawer pulls to something to complement it.

    I really love to see the natural grain of wood in furniture so I would oppose painting, this is just my personal opinion. Some do really like the effect they can achieve with paint and they gave you some good suggestions on the "how to".

  • Ama Ama on Feb 14, 2019

    The furniture design is wonderful. This color/style furniture were part of my childhood. I'm still fond of it. It might just be my personal preference but if you really want to change the look why not leave some of the original color? I live in CA and this color/design in furniture are still in high demand. It works very well with bright/bold color accessories. Please post pictures when you complete your project. Good luck!

  • Heje Heje on Feb 14, 2019

    This style of furniture is a staple. I love it for its little details and the pulls. The pulls could be spray painted for a fresh look. The drawers could be left after being deglossed and the frame of the piece painted in a beautiful coordinating or white/ivory color. Good luck on your beautiful pieces.

  • Shannon Shannon on Feb 16, 2019

    I just painted my daughters dressers for her room with furniture paint. Furniture is more smooth looking or chalk paint has more of a rustic flair to it. Either would work great just depends on what look you’re going for. I would definitely sand and add primer first. You could add add stencils it turns out beautiful when done.

    • Colleen Colleen on Feb 17, 2019

      Is there a brand of paint made specifically for furniture? I am leaning toward regular paint, not chalk paint. I keep staring at the furniture, want to do something but am afraid i will regret it! I want them cleaner looking, in an ivory/off white color. thanks!

  • Dee Dee on Feb 16, 2019

    I would not use chalk paint, I think that would ruin the look. I would lightly sand and get either General Finishes stain with wipe on poly or Rustoleum stain. Minwax would be my last choice.

    Here is directions.

    https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/make-and-decorate/decorating/how-to-stain-wood-furniture

  • Katie Katie on Feb 17, 2019

    First off love the blonde wood! Sand dresser and don't paint . Chalk paint can be a disaster. I had a friend who did a cool chalk paint table for kitchen area. The table did not wear well due to moisture in air. I would mod podge fabric on face of drawers.Here is s fun picture I found online. Happy creating!

  • Colleen Colleen on Feb 17, 2019

    Wow! Thanks to everyone for such great advice/tips!

  • Dee Dee on Feb 17, 2019

    First, the end table style is beautiful and you'll never find something like that quality again. If it's the blonde you like for sentimental reasons, I'd consult with a furniture expert to see if you can keep, but improve the blond look. I have my mother's dressers and end pieces - in perfect condition - and I too could never part with them. Good luck and enjoy what you have; it is a treasure.

  • Edward J Hefner Edward J Hefner on Feb 17, 2019

    Use zinzer primer it’s latex based and will do a great job Menards has it then get a good paint for wood cabinets it will look great

  • Colleen Colleen on Feb 18, 2019

    First go round...before painting I thought I would try whitewashing it. I wanted the grain to come through so I did 1 part paint 2 part water. I’m not done with whitewashing it, but I do like that the yellow tint on the furniture is gone not sure if I should continue whitewashing ?