Painted Vintage China Cabinet
This is a Depression Era china cabinet that had seen better days. It has gorgeous lines but with few exceptions the veneer and mouldings were in terrible condition.
Nevertheless, the structure itself was sound. It offers lots of storage inside the cabinet as well as a drawer.
I spotted the cabinet at a thrift store. I noticed other shoppers were drawn to it, but one by one they passed it by. I did, too! But I couldn't get it out of my mind, so I went back and made the purchase. It sat for over a year in my entryway while I decided what to do with it.
I finally decided on a color scheme of Napoleonic Blue with accents in Graphite. The interior is painted in Cream.
I made rough repairs, but left some of the imperfections as-is. I think the finished piece is regal but with a cottage charm.
I lightly distressed the details and added some subtle gold highlights to the decorative moulding and hardware.
There are still dings and dents, but the new finish will give this piece a second chance.
I painted the hardware in Graphite and applied two coats of wax. I then added gold highlights.
Just to give an idea of the amount of storage space, I was able to display a 12-piece china set inside of the cabinet for the photo shoot. The china is from the same era as the cabinet.
Additional storage is available in the drawer.
Additional photos are available on my blog. http://theblacksheepshoppe.blogspot.com/2015/02/depression-era-china-cabinet.html
Popular Project Book
Join the conversation
4 of 33 comments
- Katherineon Mar 1, 2016
I really love this color! I have a cherry china cabinet that my father-in-law made for me about 20 years ago and I'm going to paint it because it's become rather boring to me. The finish is perfect but no longer what I like. I think everyone should do what they want with their own furniture and I thank you for sharing what you've done with yours! Gorgeous!
- Marj MRC Creationson Oct 24, 2018
I realize this is an older project, but I have to say just how much I love what you did to it. It's gorgeous!
Have a question about this project?
I am painting a rocking chair and would like to kind of mimic the look you gave to this china cabinet, would you mind giving me some advice on how to do it and what materials i may need?
That sounds like a fun project Hannah! For this project I used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint: Napoleonic Blue, Cream & Graphite. Sandpaper for smoothing brush strokes and distressing. Annie Sloan Soft clear wax to seal the paint. I'd love to hear how your project turns out! The following link is for a blog post I did about the process . . . http://theblacksheepshoppe.blogspot.com/2016/09/how-to-get-professional-finish-with.html" target="_blank">http://theblacksheepshoppe.blogspot.com/2016/...