Asked on May 21, 2014

Curb side find! What would you do?

I found this in the curb this morning on my way to work. Needless to say I'm late :) does anyone know anything about this piece? What would you do with it? Paint? Restore/Refinish? Thanks!
Love the hardware!
Beveled mirror sites on top, in excellent shape!
  201 answers
  • Pepsigirl13 Pepsigirl13 on May 21, 2014
    love the hardware. i think it is mid-century, at least based on top section & hardware. I think it would be great painted, with the same hardware painted in a contrasting color. i'm looking for something similar size with drawers to use as a sideboard in my dining room. what a great score!
    • Alicia Gillentine Carr Alicia Gillentine Carr on May 21, 2014
      Thanks Jeanne! I scanned it quickly for a stamp or label of some sort, but I didn't find anything. I'd live to know the manufacturer. The veneer is in pretty good shape, but I'm thinking paint...Thanks for your input!
  • Meena M Meena M on May 21, 2014
    Restore I would say
  • Arkie Arkie on May 21, 2014
    Check on the bottom of the drawers, sometime there is a stamp or name.
  • Cathy Burns Cathy Burns on May 21, 2014
    restore...paint no...let the beauty of this show through
  • Leta R Leta R on May 21, 2014
    Had one just like it in Ne!! Sold it to repurpose!
  • Karen Rocher Karen Rocher on May 21, 2014
    Yes, I agree. It is blonde and probably from around 1960 earlier/later.
  • Mary Carper Mary Carper on May 21, 2014
    Love this, paint her in a vivid color to show off her hardware after shining it up...great find!
  • Jacque D Jacque D on May 21, 2014
    Restore! Please don't paint this beautiful piece of furniture especially if the veneer is in good shape.
  • Pam Lange Pam Lange on May 21, 2014
    I would paint it. The hardware is awesome. It reminds me of car ornaments.
  • Theresa Theresa on May 21, 2014
    painting sounds like a good option and maybe framing the mirror to use else where
  • Stephanie Thompson Stephanie Thompson on May 21, 2014
    I say paint! Love the transformation thst paint can bring.
  • Jacqueline W Jacqueline W on May 21, 2014
    PAINT!
  • Robin Smith Robin Smith on May 21, 2014
    Where are you going to put it? Bedroom, dining room? I'm more into country, so I'd paint it black and change the hardware. But that's just my style. Oh, I'd stain the top, too.
    • Alicia Gillentine Carr Alicia Gillentine Carr on May 22, 2014
      @Robin Smith I'm actually thinking about making it a kitchen piece, or keeping it as a dresser for my son's bedroom. Right now, I'm just eyeballing it a lot :)
  • Linda Stroney Linda Stroney on May 21, 2014
    Yes I would paint it a great color, maybe dark so the hardware will show up good, that kind of furniture will last for another 50 years.
  • LaVonne LaVonne on May 21, 2014
    It looks like a piece from the early 60's. The hardware dates it. Definitely not worth anything or worth restoring. Paint it. It would be a great improvement. LOL
  • Marsha J Marsha J on May 21, 2014
    i say paint...i don't know why the veneer would come back to life....
  • Paulette Paulette on May 21, 2014
    Blonde wood 50's early 60's...my parents had blonde wood furniture. If it was me I would restore.
  • Shirley P Shirley P on May 21, 2014
    paint
  • Michelle Hamill Michelle Hamill on May 21, 2014
    I love the hardware too! I think painting vs. restoring is totally up to you and your style. Can't wait to see the finished product! :)
  • Linda J Linda J on May 21, 2014
    Hardware is so cool. I would paint it.
  • Diana S Diana S on May 21, 2014
    Restore!
  • Lynn Lynn on May 21, 2014
    Late 1950,early 60s my great grandmother had one similar to it! It to had the unique hardware! Also in the blonde color!
  • Donna Donna on May 21, 2014
    a new look would be PAINT~ give it some life
  • Donna Jones-Years Donna Jones-Years on May 21, 2014
    1950's-1960's restore it
  • Jo Ossiginac Emerson Jo Ossiginac Emerson on May 21, 2014
    I'm pretty sure it's from the 50's since my parents had a blonde set and I was little. Blonde is so ugly definitely paint it
  • Vickie Hartlaub Vickie Hartlaub on May 21, 2014
    Paint love the hardware
  • Sheila Haines Sheila Haines on May 21, 2014
    It's definitely from the late 60's! It' MCM which is very hot and expensive now! Lucky find! Restore top and sides with med. Stain and paint the fronts. Restore original finish on handles if you can, those are priceless!! Or clean up and spray paint close to color. I would LOVE to have found this!
  • Maria DiTondo Maria DiTondo on May 21, 2014
    I'd paint in a high gloss. Handles are cool and kinda futuristic. I painted my grandparents blonde wood bedroom set. Looks great
  • Jessica Phibbons Jessica Phibbons on May 21, 2014
    Restore....Please.... it's gorgeous!
  • Lily White Lily White on May 21, 2014
    what a stunning piece.....I would absolutely restore it. Please! Paint? noooooo
  • Jeanette Navarro Jeanette Navarro on May 21, 2014
    Paint or restore is really all about your preference. I would probably paint it with Rustoleum transformations Espresso (it would look stained but very dark). Also, I would use it as a tv stand in the living room and hang the mirror on a big wall. Whatever you do with it, I can't wait to see the results and am sure it will be absolutely gorgeous! I also love the hardware.
  • Patricia McJimsey Patricia McJimsey on May 21, 2014
    Stain a warm oak and finish.
  • Kathryn Fogarty Kathryn Fogarty on May 21, 2014
    restore it the bassett furniture co made those bed sets in the later 50s
  • Wanda Wanda on May 21, 2014
    Restore.
  • Sherry Eason Sherry Eason on May 21, 2014
    leave it on the curb.. dont waste your money
  • Laurie Meier Laurie Meier on May 21, 2014
    i would paint and i love your shoes!!!
  • Sherry. JUNKIN Sherry. JUNKIN on May 21, 2014
    Interesting hardware
    • Sharon Sharon on Mar 08, 2021

      That would be atomic hardware design based on the atomic bomb testing that was incorporated into mid-century fabric and hardware designs.

  • Lorri Piotrowski Kelley Lorri Piotrowski Kelley on May 21, 2014
    milk paint it!
  • Wendy G Wendy G on May 21, 2014
    Restore. So love the era
  • Rosemary Norton Rosemary Norton on May 21, 2014
    Check inside the drawers for a manufacturer. If it is there you can often find like pieces on the internet. Blond was popular in the 50/60 and often the wood is solid and the piece heavy.
  • Matty watts Matty watts on May 21, 2014
    Beveled mirrors are high end . Your one lucky person .
  • Linda Maglio Linda Maglio on May 21, 2014
    Would it work as a big Screen tv stand?
  • Rose Rose on May 21, 2014
    I found one similar to yours. I sanded and stained the top and drawer fronts dark painted the dividing wood satin black. Used the old hardware also painted satin black. It is very masculine, my husband loves it.
  • Nancy Nancy on May 21, 2014
    DO NOT leave it on the curb. That is solid furniture. Some restore Mid Century and others redesign it. European paint finishes blog does a lot of this lately if you want to see what they do.
  • Anna B Anna B on May 21, 2014
    restore and update it just a bit.
  • Salie Belue Salie Belue on May 21, 2014
    Restore...thinking it's maybe art nouveau?
    • Diane A Diane A on May 21, 2014
      Not even close. This piece is more mid-century than turn-of-the-century.
  • Christine W Christine W on May 21, 2014
    Can't wait to see what you decide to to to it.
  • L.Bird L.Bird on May 21, 2014
    This piece is exactly like the two blonde bedroom suites my grandparents bought new in the mid 1950's. The hardware is great, it's so retro and this could be very neat restored or painted. I would definitely keep the hardware, you might have to use some fine steel wool on it but they don't make it like this anymore!
  • Marty Burke Marty Burke on May 21, 2014
    paint change hardware..
  • Ann Leone Ann Leone on May 21, 2014
    Clean it up and leave it in original color if possible. Otherwise paint.
  • Michelle Holt McIntyre Michelle Holt McIntyre on May 21, 2014
    I had a whole bedroom set just like that, 60"s veneer I think. Sand it lightly take top 4 drawers out put shelves in with glass doors... Oh yea paint desired color use the handles from the drawers on glass doors and use in a room
  • Cyndy B Cyndy B on May 21, 2014
    Wow what a score! My oldest sister had an entire bedroom "suite" of that blonde furniture back in the early 60s...tres chic! I'm thinking a chalk paint/wax combo to really make the drawers and hardware pop. Please share photos when you finish it!
  • Karen Webster Karen Webster on May 21, 2014
    Great find! I think anything you do to it could be wonderful. Maybe just stain and keep all hardware.
  • Cindiwithaneye Cindiwithaneye on May 21, 2014
    Definitely mid century, most likely 1950's. We had a similar set from my mom. Research "blonde mid century bedroom furniture". Drexel is often a mfg. P.S. - I painted our set, but keeping it original is the currently the popular thing to do.
  • Michele Hendricks Michele Hendricks on May 21, 2014
    It is mid century, don't change the knobs, these are very hot right now, because of The TV show Mad Men
  • Den326765 Den326765 on May 21, 2014
    I would say that is from the 1950's
  • A.E. Zaring A.E. Zaring on May 21, 2014
    I would reframe the beleved mirror and hang it on a wall~I would do the dresser in two tone stains or paint~beautiful pieces you found~
  • Accentuations! Accentuations! on May 21, 2014
    A wonderful mid-century piece...known as "blond" furniture at the time. I love the hardware...very spacey! I say...RESTORE THE PIECE! PLEASE--no chalk paint!! This would make a wonderful entertainment/big screen/storage piece!
  • Marsha Jackson Marsha Jackson on May 21, 2014
    I am not usually for painting wood, but this one is screaming for a neat paint job!
  • Diane Ceccarelli Diane Ceccarelli on May 21, 2014
    Diffentllly 50"s keep the hardward, maybe tourquise blue, black trim
  • Nell Nell on May 21, 2014
    Check for manufacture inside drawers. Looks like a great piece. Love the knobs also.
  • Dana Rohde Dana Rohde on May 21, 2014
    The hardware is so awesome! I'd love to see the painted an awesome color... A bright blue or lime green!
  • Shellee Porter Mellor Shellee Porter Mellor on May 21, 2014
    Media Cabinet!!! Repaint, move those awesome knobs to some other piece of furniture, remove the top drawers to make cubbies. Love this!
  • Irene Irene on May 21, 2014
    I think it is called Blond , My mom had a whole bedroom set like this and it was vaneer. Not sure that is what you found but sure looks like it ! I painted it a cream color and I made the mistake of using a clear coat but it did yellow over time.
  • Barbara williams Barbara williams on May 21, 2014
    Spend time on Home talk and Pinterse great ideas are born daily...I usually put the piece I am going to work on where I can just study it for awhile and then look at different furniture sites to see what people do...if your not worried about restoring back to original state which I wouldn't especially if your kinda edgy...I love the shabby but I like putting a unique spin too...good luck
  • Josette-Marie Puch Josette-Marie Puch on May 21, 2014
    I would strip it and refinish it in shiny "bleach oak" keep the hardware but not use the mirror. It's nice and very chic!
  • Greta Swanson Greta Swanson on May 21, 2014
    I would just strip and re stain. I have the same mirror in a darker stain. Nice piece.
  • Jeani Jeani on May 21, 2014
    Glass hardware. Dark stain.
  • Sharon Jessamine Sharon Jessamine on May 21, 2014
    Our suite was in a color called driftwood gray. Definitely early '60's. You might consider that color for a change in the look. The grooves in the drawers were black. I would do it in the gray with new Formica top in a speckled or "boomerang" print.
  • Sheila Pfarr Sheila Pfarr on May 21, 2014
    The reason you stoped , is because it is old and different I would just clean it and restore
  • Kristy Mansfield Kristy Mansfield on May 21, 2014
    If you want to "restore" it... Keep it natural and refinish or stain a blond stain. You could paint it a glossy black or turquoise to "update" a mid-century modern look. BUT NO CHALK PAINT! The mid century does not lend itself to distressed shabby paint applications ( in my humble opinion :)
  • Patricia Brining Patricia Brining on May 21, 2014
    This would be great for a double sink=It can be framed to keep the drawer fronts and frame the mirror with a matching beveled frame! It would make a gorgeous media center in colors to suit you= I would keep the pulls authentic! Look on hometalk and on pinterest for ideas before you start to save yourself redo time! Study your home to see what moves you! Have fun!
  • Roy346555 Roy346555 on May 21, 2014
    I have a dresser almost like this, I love it just as it is, just clean it up & use as is, the knobs on yours is nicer than mine. I love yours . my mirror was broke when my son moved.Wish i could find another for it. It's called blond.
  • Susan Velon Susan Velon on May 21, 2014
    I'd use chalkpaint on it. Painted furniture is the rage now and takes less time than restoration. Definitely paint it. Chalkpaint doesn't mean the piece is distressed. I have chalkpainted many pieces of furniture and haven't distressed any of them. It can be a real accent piece in a room. Glad you came to the rescue!
  • Darlene Carson Darlene Carson on May 21, 2014
    Beautiful...I would have stopped for it, I'd go gloss black drawers the rest turquoise and spray the hardware bright silver...great find can't wait to see it!
  • Susan Haynes Susan Haynes on May 21, 2014
    How Lucky for you!I can't wait to see what you do!
  • Teri Teri on May 21, 2014
    No question in my mind it's mid-century. Love Love LOVE the hardware and the detailing! Why can't I find something like that at the curb?? You have a GREAT find there. My first choice would be to stain it a light stain and put on a sealer if the veneer is in good enough shape for that. If not, then shiny paint, turquoise, rusty orange, red, lime or avocado green would be period appropriate color choices, black with a bright trim color would also look great. Very cool piece you've found. Would love to see it again when you're done with it!
  • Laurie Laurie on May 21, 2014
    The drawer pulls remind me of 50's era car emblems.
  • Anenna Enborg Anenna Enborg on May 21, 2014
    Oh yes. Paint it.
  • Cheryl C Cheryl C on May 21, 2014
    I love this! Yes, paint for sure. The knobs are "outer space" looking.... Oh the possibilities!
  • Merry_sherri Merry_sherri on May 21, 2014
    I have a similar bedroom set. It was from Kent Coffey, very popular designer at the time. If you look inside one of the drawers you might be able to find his name and the name of the style. Curious to see what you do with this, I've been thinking of stripping mine and staining it a dark color to match our bed (without the mirror).
    • Sharon Sharon on Mar 08, 2021

      Heywood Wakefield is one of the most sought after manufacturers of the mid-century blond furniture.

  • Jo Anne Johns Jo Anne Johns on May 21, 2014
    Terrific find..lucky you !! Agree, take your time and get the right feel for what you think best..Pinterest and Home talk are great starting places for ideas..please keep us in the loop when you decide and finish it . You might check out some of the MCM web sites and see if you can find a similar piece..most are highly collectible these days and go for some hefty dollars..MCM purists would probably shriek if you painted it. Keep it original especially if you might sell it later ?
  • Jack Day Jack Day on May 21, 2014
    Regardless of the paint, KEEP THOSE DRAWER HANDLES! They are a perfect sign of the times when it was made- so awesome!
  • Nancy Nancy on May 21, 2014
    What a great find!! Oh the possibilities. Jealous !!
  • Jessica Artz Jessica Artz on May 21, 2014
    Sand and stain would keep the look better than paint.
  • Susan S Susan S on May 21, 2014
    would make a great bathroom vanity, and I'd probably, restore it, with a nice blond stain
  • Helene Talbot Helene Talbot on May 21, 2014
    You don't see many drawers so deep anymore. I'd keep it as a dresser and just paint it. Hardware is crazy nostalgic. Love it.
  • Sandy Sandy on May 21, 2014
    My parents had a dresser like this when I was a little girl! I was born in the 60's shhh
  • Betty  Rueber Betty Rueber on May 22, 2014
    New knobs and handles, strip and stain mini wax poly, it will be beautiful
  • Lynn Lockard Lynn Lockard on May 22, 2014
    looks like mid century...do NOT paint...use tung oil to bring out grain
  • Lona Roper Lona Roper on May 22, 2014
    I think the furniture style is called Danish Modern. They just don't make them as well as they used to.
  • Kelli Blanton Kelli Blanton on May 22, 2014
    1960's
  • Sheri C Sheri C on May 22, 2014
    Open the drawers and check for a plate, stamp or wood burned marking of the company name or logo, then you should be able to research on the internet and learn more sbout this great piece.
    • Alicia Gillentine Carr Alicia Gillentine Carr on May 22, 2014
      @Sheri C I have searched it high and low, bottom and top, inside and out. It has no stamp of marks to identify at all :(
  • Debbie Dean Debbie Dean on May 22, 2014
    Also check for bed bugs
    • Tracy Jo Tracy Jo on May 22, 2014
      @Debbie Dean I would never have thought of that. Yikes, now I'll be creeped out buying old pieces. Do they really live in dressers too? I'm going to have to look into that.
  • Looks heavy!! Sand and light stain!!
  • Kathryn Kibat Kathryn Kibat on May 22, 2014
    first thing I would do is get rid of the knobs. OMG, I can't even believe them. Then sand and stain.
  • Aragorn Aragorn on May 22, 2014
    I would do a dark cherry or red mahogany stain(minwax)!!
  • Desiree Ladd Desiree Ladd on May 22, 2014
    Don't to a thing! It's amazing just the way it is. Just clean & refresh. What an amazing find!!!
  • Sandra Raburn Sandra Raburn on May 22, 2014
    I had one exactly like that. Sprayed it a metallic silver. Looks great!
  • Kelsie Baxter Kelsie Baxter on May 22, 2014
    My parents had this dresser, bought in '62 when they built their house, I would keep the handles and paint a larger matte paint, depending on what is under the veneer, might just stain the top only, have fun
  • Carol Carol on May 22, 2014
    Stain it a beautiful darkest red color. Keep handles. Love it.
  • Sandi Sandi on May 22, 2014
    Mid century modern. These are big bucks on Ebay! Keep original at all costs!
  • Rit337361 Rit337361 on May 22, 2014
    Don't get rid of the drawer pulls just clean them up they are so cool
  • GR GR on May 22, 2014
    This looks to be a mid century piece, I LOVE the handles and blonde wood. As others have said this furniture is very much in fashion, but loses value if it has been 'modified'. I refinish furniture for a living and usually end up painting most of it but I would do my best to restore this one. Having said that it's often hard to tell from a photo just how damaged a piece is and at the end of the day it's YOUR find and if you intend to keep it, it needs to compliment YOUR decor. Don't forget value is in the eye of the beholder and it's previous owner left it on the curb!
  • 169756 169756 on May 22, 2014
    Best part ARE the knobs :) Different strokes for different folks.
  • Mary Cundy Mary Cundy on May 22, 2014
    I think it has a veneer on it. I would sand lightly and paint. I am doing that now to another 1950 piece and they have veneers on them also.
  • Anthony Irvin Anthony Irvin on May 22, 2014
    My parents hand the whole bedroom suit. My aunt gave it to them in the mid 70's
  • Ruth K Ruth K on May 22, 2014
    I was going to say late 50's. Keep the handles...do the color to match where you want it. It is a beautiful piece. Good Find.!!
  • Zippy Zippy on May 22, 2014
    if you dont need it as a dresser, paint it something poppy in color, if you have room in your kitchen, put wheels on it, and use it as a rolling work island/storage. maybe either tile the top, or lay copper. its so pretty!
  • Wendy Johnson Wendy Johnson on May 22, 2014
    Great find. Look forward to seeing what you decide.Curious what do you think of the pulls? since people either loved or hated them..
    • Alicia Gillentine Carr Alicia Gillentine Carr on May 22, 2014
      @Wendy Johnson I love the pulls! They are my favorite part of the piece. In fact if I decide to sell it I'm keeping them! :)
  • Karin From B'ham Karin From B'ham on May 22, 2014
    The pulls are very "Sput-nik-y" and are indicative of the culture during the great moon race. Keep them with this piece at all costs! If you are a purist, keep the blond Danish Modern finish.....but I could see it painted lacquer black or one of the cool grays that are popular now. This makes me wish SO BAD that I hadn't ditched the early 60s Danish Modern bedroom suite I inherited from my parents!!
  • Charliee Stockton Charliee Stockton on May 22, 2014
    I adore the drawer pulls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • Lynn Donovan Lynn Donovan on May 22, 2014
    Cant wait to see what you do. I would paint. Clean and refinish the pulls.
  • Elise Carow Elise Carow on May 22, 2014
    Love the knobs, the mirror and a silver finish on the body would be fantastic.
  • Nora Q Nora Q on May 22, 2014
    go crazy and paint it, but study it and decide what it wants to become...a dresser...sideboard...?
  • Sally De La Rosa Sally De La Rosa on May 22, 2014
    I agree with Nora. Be daring and paint it . Make it a fabulous piece.
  • Lou Crabtree Lou Crabtree on May 22, 2014
    I personally would paint it black and leave the handles as is would use as console or buffet type table in hall, dining area, living room, bedroom w/o mirror. If mirror wanted would use a different one . If hi end piece I might sell and make some money on it
  • Lisa Morales Lisa Morales on May 22, 2014
    I agree with Karin. The handles should be kept. I see it painted a nice dark gray and used in a boys room.
  • Julie Julie on May 22, 2014
    It looks like something from 60's or 70's judging by the hardware. That is my least favorite furniture period because I thought all the blond oak stuff was really ugly. My parents had tons of it!! The hardware looks like it is something that should be on an old car. It looks like the top is veneered, not solid. I hope you are able to turn it into something you love! The mirror is great!!
  • Margaret Mielko Margaret Mielko on May 22, 2014
    I would definitely restore it. It is a really nice piece
  • Andrea Andrea on May 22, 2014
    the blond 50's finish is "in" right now. when my in-laws went into assisted living, my 20something kids fought over the spare bedroom suite. This piece needs more work so painting would not be a problem. but DEFINITELY keep the hardware!!!!
  • Liliana Wells Liliana Wells on May 22, 2014
    There are lots of great ideas on Hometalk. Search for dressers. Keep the hardware. If you don't want to use it as a dresser, you can use the mirrow elsewhere in the house. Please post when you decide what you decide.
  • Liz Takacs Liz Takacs on May 22, 2014
    so nice piece keep everything that you can have it yes, and creativity will give you an idea of how you want it to look and that goes by what you have in your house right now so stared at it a little bit the answer will come
  • JEWRLYMAKER JEWRLYMAKER on May 22, 2014
    I WOULD JUST PAINT AND MAYBE PUT SOME DIFFERENT HANDLES ON IT
  • Beth Ann Robinson Beth Ann Robinson on May 22, 2014
    I just want to know where you're driving? I live Uptown NOLA and I have never seen any curbside "treasures"
    • Alicia Gillentine Carr Alicia Gillentine Carr on May 22, 2014
      @Beth Ann Robinson Old Jefferson :) I actually picked a headboard up at this same house last weekend. I went back there yesterday and asked if they were planning to get rid of anymore. Apparently I missed another treasure before this dresser, they had put out an antique cedar wardrobe with a mirrored door :( I nearly cried.
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on May 22, 2014
    This is a fantastic piece. Clean it well and then decide if you want to keep the style or paint it. This is one of those pieces that if it is in good shape, it is amazing with the color it is! If it has to be painted, I agree the black would be great, if you work and don't want to see dust on it all the time, go with flat black! It would be stunning!
  • Alicia Gillentine Carr Alicia Gillentine Carr on May 22, 2014
    Wow! Thanks to everyone for responding. I've got a lot of ideas flowing now. I'm going to let it sit a bit while I wait for the right ideas and inspiration. Can't wait to see what it becomes! Thanks again everyone!
  • Ruth Ruth on May 22, 2014
    I have three similar pieces in my bedroom and am wondering what to do with them! They have really yellowed over the years and need some kind of redo.
  • M Ronsman M Ronsman on May 22, 2014
    I just was given a large cabinet & small "play" cabinet from a friend, those are also the blonde wood. The small cabinet is being transformed with red and teal chalk paint, and they (the grands) want some polka dots stenciled on it. The big piece has 2 sliding doors with 3 shelves inside and 5 drawers underneath. That will become a quilting cabinet and is almost filled full with fabrics. It will be painted some combination of white, grey and black, new hardware will be put on also. Just waiting for the right inspiration to start that one. Alicia, please post pics when you're done......I can't wait to see it!!
  • Suz240846 Suz240846 on May 22, 2014
    I would paint it depending where you are going to use it as to what color. Oh, I love the handles!
  • Shannon Provence Shannon Provence on May 22, 2014
    it looks like one of the 1950's Lane dressers. Possibly Broyhill or Stanley. Does it have a manufactures mark? i would find out what company made it before doing anything to it. There are some pieces from this time period that are worth restoring.
  • Cindy Rhodes Cindy Rhodes on May 22, 2014
    I would definitely part this piece. .do some sanding and stenciling...
  • Linda G Linda G on May 22, 2014
    Its mahogany. Wow! What a find. I would steel wool it and put tung oil on it and it's good to go.
  • Leslie Long Leslie Long on May 22, 2014
    My how lucky you are! The hardware alone is a great find but having it intact, on the original dresser! Wow! If it were me, I would sand and stain it if there isn't any major damage to it. I would only paint it with chalk paint to cover up any defects. Maybe paint the top only....or the reverse....paint the dresser and stain the top. Let us know what you end up doing--would love to see the finished piece! :)
  • Michaela Edwards Michaela Edwards on May 22, 2014
    Restore, I always like the original, and there are some really nice painted pieces out there. What ever you do it will be great.
  • Deb Meadows Deb Meadows on May 22, 2014
    That looks like the old "Frank Lloyd Wright" furnature from the 50's - 60's......It is all wood and now all wood replications cost.....just for a dresser sell for about $6,000.00.....Refinish it. It is worth a lot.....
  • Linda Santschi Linda Santschi on May 22, 2014
    late 1950`s Blonde with "outer space style" handles. Everything including car styles were influenced by the Space Race. This is a veneer piece, so be careful.
  • Sandi Gavlak Plotner Sandi Gavlak Plotner on May 22, 2014
    Mid 1950's dresser. Likely had/has shiny veneere (still have mine). Great storage!!! Paint and enjoy!
  • Chris Teague Chris Teague on May 22, 2014
    The possibilities are endless! Can't wait to see what you decide on!
  • Briana McKinnon Briana McKinnon on May 22, 2014
    this is funny...i bought a dresser/mirror combo at the thrift store last week that looks almost identical to this. :) I am thinking I am going to paint it with chalk paint in a cream color and then age it with dark wax. I thought Id figure out how to make the hardware look dark and aged. Wasnt sure how to do that yet.
  • Chris T Chris T on May 22, 2014
    This one I think I would paint.......unless the wood is an expensive type of wood then I would just refinish it to its original charm
  • Penny Penny on May 22, 2014
    I was born in 1961 and my parents had a bedroom suit like this
  • Julie Anderson Julie Anderson on May 22, 2014
    I just repainted a period dresser also with the veneer finish on the top. I sanded it to remove all the shiny with 220 grit and a hand sanding block. Fill in any gaps or holes, then 2-3 coats of chalk paint and it adheres very well. After waxing, add some poly to coat the top for added protection if it will be in a kids room.
  • Jackie Prim Jackie Prim on May 22, 2014
    My parents also had this style bedroom suit. The hardware is great. What ever you decide please post. Im sure it will be lovely!
  • Lillian Mccormick Lillian Mccormick on May 22, 2014
    My Mom had one of these it was a blond color very old
  • Christine Christine on May 22, 2014
    Mid Century Modern aka Eisenhower. Whatever you call it, it is fabulous!! The hardware makes the piece. Be sure to find out as many details about it as you can before you decide what you'll do with it.
  • Diana Lafavor Diana Lafavor on May 22, 2014
    Paint a very sexy shiny red with that chrome hardware it will be quite racy
  • Bella B Bella B on May 22, 2014
    Restore/refinish. You have quite a find.
  • Shari Veater Shari Veater on May 22, 2014
    Restore it! You got quite a find :)
  • Lynn Schwarzkopf Lynn Schwarzkopf on May 22, 2014
    Looks like mid century modern...maybe. Paint it with Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan.
  • Jill DeVore McMahon Jill DeVore McMahon on May 22, 2014
    From the 1960's for sure! Great find no matter what you do. I would refinish, just preference though.
  • Wendi Beck Wendi Beck on May 22, 2014
    Can't wait to see what you do with this beautiful piece. LOVE the hardware and I kinda like Diana Lafavor's idea of painting it red
  • Lynn Lawson Lynn Lawson on May 22, 2014
    50's and it's a great find! I would keep the hardware for sure and paint the dresser a shiny black. Would look great in a dining room as a side buffet. I'd frame out the mirror in a matching black and hang over the piece. What a find!
  • Meliss Etner Meliss Etner on May 23, 2014
    Must Love The Handles!!!!!!!!!!! Whatever you do keep the handles please! It's a light and bright shade of wood so going natural would be fine. But in what space do you plan to show it? Are the colors of that space already in place? If so, how do you see it complimenting the room? Blend in or stand out? The choice is obviously yours. For me, I love it when i can make any special piece stand out. If so, placement is also key. With this in mind walk into that space and visualize how it will show to anyone else that walks into the room. I got my first roadside gem just months after we bought our home. Do to lack of space I thought of giving it up, but had a change of heart. The finish, in this case, is too good to paint. And it is compartment heaven beyond it's double doors. Will post it on my blog...barefoot junker...check it out when you have the time. Great find! Hold on to it!
  • Janet Buechler Janet Buechler on May 23, 2014
    This would make a great entertainment center
  • Srs262418 Srs262418 on May 23, 2014
    Hmmm what a great find. well done. Great handles.. 50's??? pastels??? 60??? a little bit more funky??? Looking forward to seeing what you choose. (I think black may be a bit stark because it has such a great shape to it, which might dissapear with black...just my 2 cents worth.) have fun
  • Carol Tomlin Carol Tomlin on May 23, 2014
    I like the shiny red with the hardware.
  • Angel w/ Attitude Angel w/ Attitude on May 24, 2014
    The only thing stopping you is your imagination! If you really want direction, tell us what you want to do with the piece. Bedroom, dining, laundry room? The list is endless...
  • Chilly Cee Cee Chilly Cee Cee on May 25, 2014
    Let your creativeness do its thing!!! Enjoy & Have Fun Creating......
  • Kate Chatterton Kate Chatterton on May 26, 2014
    I agree with Lynn Lawson. Shiny black (or another dark color) so the hardware is highlighted. If it can work with the rest of your decor use it as a dinning room buffet, possibly with a sunburst mirror above it. It is spectacular enough to be the inspiration for an entire decorating scheme.
  • Karin From B'ham Karin From B'ham on May 26, 2014
    @Kate Chatterton has a great idea! Sunburst mirrors are everywhere these days. One over this piece in the color you choose to re-do it in, or a chrome-like finish to go with the hardware would be stunning!!
  • Cyndie McCarthy Cyndie McCarthy on May 26, 2014
    I would take the top drawer out, stand it on the top of the dresser, put a shelf or two in it and turn it into a nice china cupboard/bookcase and storage bin below. Maybe even attach some molding around the top edges then paint the whole piece maybe an antique white. Oh and the mirror would be great in a kthen or living room to reflect more light where you need it. Not good fung shui to use in a bedroom.
  • Pauliegirl1 Pauliegirl1 on May 26, 2014
    So much you can do....and it all depends on where you are going to use it? WHAT I DO... look for other hardware for the BOTTOM drawers....I have those same knobs...they look like they were replaced....you may have to look and look and look some more, but you will find something in that era that will pop like the top ones do!! Use what is there until you come across some 50's, 60's, even 70's knobs!!! Cant wait to see what u do!! good luck!!
  • Starr Durrant Starr Durrant on Sep 13, 2014
    Great find! I would go with a glossy black paint so those retro awesome handles pop. Cant wait to see what you do!
  • Jerry Busbee Jerry Busbee on Dec 12, 2014
    kick it to da curb. lol jk
  • Lola Lola on Dec 13, 2014
    Paint it lime green or royal blue in lacquer finish
  • Maryfrancessandyplavidal Maryfrancessandyplavidal on Dec 13, 2014
    nope, but it would be a great find and would be welcomed into my home..after checking over for rodents etc... beautiful and what ever you do, great, hope people keep puting out those peices so we junk hunters can keep busy and energetic...
  • Eroque022810 Eroque022810 on Feb 01, 2017

    Restore

  • Loretta Loretta on Feb 01, 2017

    All depends what you could use or what you are willing to do. One woman is making one into an apothecary cabinet and using it in the bathroom for the vanity. Gorgeous. You could remake it for your bathroom if you can use it. You could make it into a really nice bench with drawers under it at the entryway for shoes. Or baskets instead of drawers. You could make it as a buffet for the dining room, or entryway. Really so much you can do, just depends if you can use it or want to sell it. If selling, I say go for entry way type piece or the bathroom vanity and refinish luxuriously. Just my opinion. Please post finished pics!! Good luck


  • Chorr4475 Chorr4475 on Feb 02, 2017

    This looks like blond, mid-century modern! What is finish like? If in good shape, or CAREFULLY refinished, could be worth big bucks. I have sm night stand I'm gonna redo, and its worth $100, easily!

  • Julie M. Julie M. on Feb 02, 2017

    This is a beautiful mid century piece.

  • Ltt834476 Ltt834476 on Feb 03, 2017

    Refurbish to its natural style. Just by looking at the knobs, it's late 50's. Nice fine.....

  • Charl Charl on Feb 03, 2017

    Wow...lucky you!! I would paint it with chalk paint and lightly distress...simple but beautiful. Love the hardware! I would just clean it up.

  • Lisa Petersen Lisa Petersen on Feb 07, 2017

    Mid-Century Modern, which is really popular now. If you paint it, you will immediately lose any value, as with any antique piece. I recommend restoration/cleaning only, as necessary - the less you change, the greater the value. I do see damage to the top, which might require some research, depending on what it was originally. Of course, if the top was/is linoleum, it will be hard to replace, but there are some great sites online.... I have a Drexel Heritage mcm hutch, found on CL, bargained it down to $300, it is worth over a grand only because it is original finish. Please, please please don't paint it! If you hate it as is, clean and restore it and sell it to a mcm aficionado - almost-free money! Good luck!

  • Charl Charl on Feb 08, 2017

    if u care about the value leave it as is...just clean it up. ...but is that the look u want to live with? ...or do something with it that you will love to look at everyday and not worry about its value down the line.


  • Angela Vestal Angela Vestal on Feb 09, 2017

    I woould definitely chalk paint it. Have you seen where they do each drawer a different color? I would do that on the bottom part and distress all of it of course. LOVE THIS!!!!!!

  • Charl Charl on Feb 10, 2017

    I agree...I m loving chalk paint! BTW, the homemade recipe using Plaster of Paris works great! ....so cheap and u can do any color...not limited to certain colors.

  • Chilly Cee Cee Chilly Cee Cee on Feb 10, 2017

    I miss my curb finds. Not having my own space or car any longer...I am not able to turn ***Trash into Treasures***...I miss it soooo much!!! Enjoy & Have Fun...

  • Robin Arredondo Robin Arredondo on Feb 13, 2017

    Chalk paint it and use as a Kitchin Island. I would change knobs and put a piece of granite or butcher block on top!

  • Zest it Up Zest it Up on Feb 16, 2017

    I love this piece!! Good find! I've redone some of my finds! Check them out here :)

    I hope these inspire you!! Can't wait to see what you do!

  • Darlene Ernst Darlene Ernst on Jul 09, 2017

    I come from the same era.....1950s ...and am impressed at how well this dresser has held up. When I got old enough to realize that, someday, that cheap, ugly,blonde, veneer furniture would be "antique", I thought, "No way!" Of course, very few pieces survived so it is now considered quite valuable and artistic. I'd suggest restoring it to retain it's value even though I would love to see it painted in a bold color.

  • Mary Mary on Jul 09, 2017

    I'm no expert but I love wood and therefore would restore and refinish it to its original glory. Nice find!


  • Barb Barb on Jul 09, 2017

    What I great find and worth being late. I would paint it and change the handles and this is a hot piece it could pass as a console or buffet apothecary, ditch the mirror. Here's a picture of what I was explaining

  • Sharon Sharon on Jul 14, 2017

    I would restore since its already stripped it looks like. I would do it in deep cherry. It will lose it value as a mid-century piece if you paint it.

  • 17335038 17335038 on Aug 08, 2018

    Your curbside find is a piece of furniture, in the dated style called blonde wood, that was hugely popular the mid-1950's. The upper handles on the dresser are consistent with the designs that also appeared on other domestic items, such as fridges, during this time. As the bottom knobs have since been replace, this detracts from the vintage value of the piece.

  • Cindy greene Cindy greene on Sep 03, 2018

    Leave. The color as or restra

  • Jlnatty Jlnatty on Sep 03, 2018

    Well, it looks either mid-century modern or early 1970s, which is sort of a take-off on the design styles of mid-century mod. I LOVE that hardware. Have you checked inside of all the drawers and on the back (if it's not a finished back but only has pressboard backing on it) to see if there is a manufacturer name stamped somewhere - check on drawer bottoms underneath as well. Look for clues as to whether it is solid wood, a wood veneer, or a later brand manufactured "wood" product (like plywood, etc. - in which case it might not be mid-century modern or early 1970s). Are there dovetail joints, for instance? Are there metal runners for the drawers (expensive furniture), or wood slats with plastic slides to run on (cheap furniture)? The drawer tops on the top level have a slight arch to them - very cool and a great design detail. I'm no expert at all, but to my eye at least this indicates a higher design level than cheapo furniture.


    I would clean it all up first and then re-evaluate. I am not a fan of painting furniture although I have seen some beautiful pieces featured online over the years. If it's a good solid wood dresser I would be totally against painting it. I would sand it, prep it and restain it to highlight the beauty of the wood. Hard to tell from the photo, but overall it looks to be in good shape.


    Great find!

  • Bshane Bshane on Oct 06, 2019

    The hardware is the bomb. Choose an approach that plays it up,

  • Cha Cha on Mar 07, 2020

    love the bottom piece... I would make that into a seating bench with a long cushion on top and gorgeous throw pillows to pop room colors.

  • Rita Rita on Feb 28, 2021

    Looks like 1960’s Blonde wood, with “space” inspired hardware...I would sand it down, paint it white, except for flat panel on drawers, where knobs are, paint that black. Then, spray knobs bright silver.

    For a bold look, substitute the white paint for teal.

  • Holly Lengner - Lost Mom Holly Lengner - Lost Mom on Apr 18, 2021

    This is really old, but I'm just seeing this. Totally reminds me of The Jetsons.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jun 10, 2021

    Hello, Could be 1950's Might even have been in a Retail Shop as a Counter with Storage.

    Stain it - Paint it - Decoupage it or even all three. It depends on what it is to be used for in the end!

  • Casee Casee on Oct 30, 2021

    If you had a baby, you could turn it into a changing table with drawers.

  • Cathy moore Cathy moore on Jan 12, 2022

    You tube transcend furniture gallery. She does lots of pieces like this one and they are always gorgeous

  • Susan Prendergast Susan Prendergast on Jan 12, 2022

    Lucky you! I think YouTube is the way to go . Try Transcend Gallery...she does a lot of painting on those tricky midmod plastic finishes, Good luck!

  • Libbie B Libbie B on Jan 20, 2022

    What a gorgeous score! So many great ideas here. Post a pic when you are finished!

  • Pat60026371 Pat60026371 on Mar 29, 2022

    Can you make a side table with it for your dining area or a TV stand for all your components. With A blacktop or all black. Nice piece.

  • I would cleanup/restore the wood and that's it. The hardware is gorgeous!

  • Robin Robin on Jan 28, 2023

    The top links like a plastic. If u go on line and check out others who have the same mid century dresser, you will find some great ideas

  • Deb K Deb K on Oct 06, 2023

    Hi Alicia, I would chalk paint it and keep the existing hardware, you could even spray the hardware a nice color