Asked on Nov 19, 2013

DRESSER BEFORE AND AFTER: KEEP OR LOSE THE BACKBOARD?

Porta Verde Studio
by Porta Verde Studio
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Opinions Please! I got this very plain damaged dresser and was at a loss to what to do with it. I was inspired to glam it up. The top is stained and the finish is a black oil paint with metallic bronze silkscreen. The only question is whether I should keep the black backboard and, if so, should I also put a small bit of the bronze design on it. I have included pics of it with and without the black backboard at the top. Thanks so much for your input.
#painted furniture #silkscreen #hometalktuesday #shabbychic #painteddresser
#blackdresser
dresser before and after keep or lose the backboard
dresser before and after keep or lose the backboard
dresser before and after keep or lose the backboard
dresser before and after keep or lose the backboard
dresser before and after keep or lose the backboard
250 of 254 answers
  • Sherrie Sherrie on Nov 19, 2013
    it turned out stunning! You have a gift at this!
  • Porta Verde Studio Porta Verde Studio on Nov 19, 2013
    Thanks Sherrie! Would you keep the small black board at the top or no?
  • Jamala W Jamala W on Nov 19, 2013
    That looks fab.. love the stencil
    • Porta Verde Studio Porta Verde Studio on Nov 19, 2013
      @Jamala W Hi Jamala, it's actually silk screening which allows for more "connected" images on the piece.
  • Carole Carole on Nov 19, 2013
    That looks great. I think I quite like it with the backboard, although without is fine too. Depends what you are going to use it for. If you were using it with a mirror over it say for example in a bedroom, then I think I would keep the backboard. A backboard is also handy to stop anything small from slipping down the back of the cupboard!
  • Terra Gazelle Terra Gazelle on Nov 20, 2013
    I like the look with the back board. I have an old dresser I am going to redo..it has a little lip on the back..it is antique and all of it is original..so I am leaving it. . You chest came out amazing. It is really beautiful.
  • Tracy Gilmore Tracy Gilmore on Nov 20, 2013
    its a wowser, i like the backboard on x
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on Nov 20, 2013
    Keep the backboard. It gives it a look that says it is more than just an ordinary piece...more than just a piece you can get at any "unpainted furniture store"!
  • Pam Perkins Zirbel Pam Perkins Zirbel on Nov 20, 2013
    @Porta Verde Studio ...great job!! I would definately keep the backboard! Just adds a little extra and helps it, for me, to not look boxy!! Love the knobs too!!! Keep it!! You can always cover it up with a lace doily topper or lamps or something on top to minimize it to the eye!! Thanks for sharing this!
  • Waysouth Waysouth on Nov 20, 2013
    keep it,
  • Miriam Illions Miriam Illions on Nov 20, 2013
    I vote yes. It adds tremendous character.
  • Bobbi Parker Bobbi Parker on Nov 20, 2013
    I like the back board, gives it a little more character.
  • Fanetta Keener Fanetta Keener on Nov 20, 2013
    I say keep the back board.
  • Debora Brown Debora Brown on Nov 20, 2013
    keep the backboard...adds more style and glam
  • Susan Hollon Susan Hollon on Nov 20, 2013
    I like the clean look it has without the backboard.
  • Brenda A Brenda A on Nov 20, 2013
    I love what you've done with the dresser. The stenciling is beautiful..... a very elegant piece. I vote to lose the backboard. I think it detracts from the elegance of the piece.
  • Margaret LaRose Margaret LaRose on Nov 20, 2013
    That is gorgeous, and I would keep the back board.
  • Deb Cinnamon Deb Cinnamon on Nov 20, 2013
    love it, Looks so much like a jewelry box I got from my fiance in Vietnam in 1971; the only difference was there was mother of pearl accents along with the gold ones and it opened up to reveal 5 drawers. Even the handles are similar
  • Deb M Deb M on Nov 20, 2013
    yes, keep it. It gives it more of a classic style. I have 2 dressers with back splashes, and love them both. Nice work!
  • N J Gross N J Gross on Nov 20, 2013
    Like it either way! Looks great.
  • Kathy O Kathy O on Nov 20, 2013
    I say keep it, so that things dont slide off the back, plus it adds character. You did a beautiful job!!
  • Donna Donna on Nov 20, 2013
    I like the backboard-gives a little extra punch. It is really beautiful with or without but I like the backboard!
  • Kat midkiff Kat midkiff on Nov 20, 2013
    back boards are not common anymore, keep the back board, makes it unique!
  • Cynthia Womack Cynthia Womack on Nov 20, 2013
    I lose stuff off the back of my dresser so keep the backboard! LOL. :)
  • Jean Marie Jean Marie on Nov 20, 2013
    Keep the backboard... more interest!
  • Joyce Battle Joyce Battle on Nov 20, 2013
    keep the back board use same design that's on the dresser or solid color
  • Renee Renee on Nov 20, 2013
    Keep and use it for a bar
  • Patti S Patti S on Nov 20, 2013
    Where do you get the silkscreens? Beautiful!!! and I would keep the backboard! Also, I love those knobs!
  • Renee Sanofsky Renee Sanofsky on Nov 20, 2013
    Remove the back board. Takes away from the smooth lines.
  • Lyn185733 Lyn185733 on Nov 20, 2013
    Keep the backboard...it's different...it's gorgeous! It looks very Asian.
  • Yuwadee Ruangpanit Yuwadee Ruangpanit on Nov 20, 2013
    So beautiful ..keep the backboard,please.
  • Nancy Sportello Nancy Sportello on Nov 20, 2013
    I would keep it on....beautiful piece!!!
  • Carol Zamorano Carol Zamorano on Nov 20, 2013
    Keep the backboard. Give it character and looks great!
  • Teri Teri on Nov 20, 2013
    I love that! It's beautiful, and my opinion, keep the back board, it's a nice touch.
  • Torre McGregor Frasier Torre McGregor Frasier on Nov 20, 2013
    Very beautiful, but I think the backboard takes away from it. What talent you have!! I think the backboard takes away from the classiness of the piece!!
  • Zola Kirk Zola Kirk on Nov 20, 2013
    It looks good either way. The backboard is functional, keeping things from sliding off the back. I like beauty with function. It's your piece so do what ever calls to you.
  • Lis LeRoy Smul Lis LeRoy Smul on Nov 20, 2013
    Keep the backboard!
  • Michelle Yaples Kee Michelle Yaples Kee on Nov 20, 2013
    Remove the backboard. Makes it look more like an Oriental piece without it.
  • Margaret Manning Margaret Manning on Nov 20, 2013
    The chest is beautiful....great job. The backboard is unique. Keep it.
  • Cookie Corrie Cookie Corrie on Nov 20, 2013
    Yes keep it,because you don't see them that often,gives it a different character, and you did a great job, looks just beautiful..
  • Dianna Hawn Dianna Hawn on Nov 20, 2013
    I liked the original better and for the back board I guess I would keep it
  • Robyn Robyn on Nov 20, 2013
    original wood looked to be a burl wood.. not sure but i thought very pretty,was it a veneer?... the paint job you gave it was very pretty, good job.
  • Angie W Angie W on Nov 20, 2013
    I too had a dresser about this size with a "backboard"....I took the backboard off, mislaid it somewhere, was told by an antiques dealer, my piece was now worth a lot less...As we were packing to move to a new house, I found the backboard but had already given the dresser away.....Please do not take off the backboard....You will regret it later...
    • Porta Verde Studio Porta Verde Studio on Nov 24, 2013
      @Angie W Any antique value would have been destroyed by painting it over. It was missing the veneer on boths sides anyway. Another person had taken it off and then gave it to me to paint.
  • Becky Haapala Becky Haapala on Nov 20, 2013
    beautiful work! I vote NO to the backboard :-)
  • Karyl Conard Karyl Conard on Nov 20, 2013
    keep
  • Terris Wooler Terris Wooler on Nov 20, 2013
    Love it with the backboard!
  • Marilyn Marilyn on Nov 20, 2013
    I like the original look better, sorry. But the back board is better on.
  • Yvette Gerace Yvette Gerace on Nov 20, 2013
    Absolutely keep it on! Adds to the design and makes it look so much more stylish. Maybe paint just the top of it, (not the whole thing), gold like the patterns.
  • JoAnn Elmore JoAnn Elmore on Nov 20, 2013
    I would remove the backboard. I gives a cleaner look and keeps the focus on the stenciling.
    • Aubrey L Aubrey L on Nov 20, 2013
      @JoAnn Elmore I agree, JoAnn, I would remove the backboard. The backboard serves no purpose and gives a bit of a strange appearance to the piece.
  • Mary Triplett Mary Triplett on Nov 20, 2013
    keep the back board it ties the piece together! I love the paint job! Excellent!
  • Susan Johnston Susan Johnston on Nov 20, 2013
    I would take the backboard off. You did such a great job on it I would have a piece of glass cut to fit the top to protect it. It shouldn't cost too much.. I had one cut at an auto glass shop for $32.00. They sanded and finished all edges and it looks beautiful
  • Victoria Victoria on Nov 20, 2013
    Great job. I love the new back one with the blackboard or not, Looks good both ways. Love the detailing.
  • Shary Shary on Nov 20, 2013
    Keep it. looks better with it on. Just a little of bronze would be wonderful
  • Sharon K. Shetley Sharon K. Shetley on Nov 20, 2013
    beautiful job and I love the backboard on it. Looks like a very expensive piece of furniture.
  • Pat Dareneau Pat Dareneau on Nov 20, 2013
    keep it. It's beautiful. So elegant
  • Helen Helen on Nov 20, 2013
    Keep the backboard. The stenciling is amazing, great job on the changes.
  • Twila Tiroch Twila Tiroch on Nov 20, 2013
    Keep it. Looks great.
  • Laura Huckaba Laura Huckaba on Nov 20, 2013
    keep the backboard.
  • Joni Yuhas Fecher Joni Yuhas Fecher on Nov 20, 2013
    keep
  • Vickiebabbitt Vickiebabbitt on Nov 20, 2013
    first off what is the wood grain? tiger, and sometimes it is better to keep brown light or clear and accent that
  • Julia Douglas Julia Douglas on Nov 20, 2013
    I like the idea of putting a piece of glass on top. Having that backboard on would keep the glass in it's place. Now I am wondering where you plan to put it? I think that beautiful paint job should be out where everyone sees it......not stuck in a bedroom. I would put it in the Dining room to store china, or table linens. Or you could just put it in MY dining room...lol
  • Chris B Chris B on Nov 20, 2013
    You did a great job! I like it with the back board!
  • Chris Knutson Chris Knutson on Nov 20, 2013
    Oddly I like it WITH the backboard.
  • SandyG SandyG on Nov 20, 2013
    I like it without, seems to add to linear, clean look without it. JMHO. Either way, very nice.
  • Catherine Miller Catherine Miller on Nov 20, 2013
    I would remove the backboard. It looks more like an asian piece without it.
  • Sandie Lori Sandie Lori on Nov 20, 2013
    it's not the backboard that's the problem with me...it's the mistake which POPS right out that takes away from such a beautiful paint job...I'm sure the owner knows exactly what I'm talking about too!
  • Shirley Batik Shirley Batik on Nov 20, 2013
    Definitely keep the backboard.....brings it all together, perfectly!
  • Barb Seil Barb Seil on Nov 20, 2013
    Iv would remove it- only reason is it looks like there was something else that went on top but a excellent job on the refinish love the black and gold
  • Diana S Diana S on Nov 20, 2013
    It looks more finished with the black backboard at the top. Unless you need it to be gone, I would keep it.
  • Patricia S Patricia S on Nov 20, 2013
    Wow... You have done a beautiful job refinishing this dresser. It's a toss up as to whether to keep or lose it... It looks very classy with it on...or off. It does raise the question...was there ever a MIRROR attached. If you can tell if it is a bracket, or just a trim, that might help you in your decision. If it is a bracket, I would either take it off, or add the mirror...if not, leave it! It is beautiful either way!
  • Jeanette Jeanette on Nov 20, 2013
    I think if you were to use it in the dinning room, keep the back board, if not take it off. Either way you choose to use it, it is gorgeous. You did a great job! oh and yes on the bronzing if it is small and tastefully done. You don't want to take away from the simple beauty of the piece.
  • Dixie Benezue Stine Dixie Benezue Stine on Nov 21, 2013
    I love the Asian look, but I would change the knobs to black lacquer. You did an amazing job on the painting. I would remove the backboard and paint the top the same black as the rest. I wouldn't add glass to the top. :)
  • Susan A Susan A on Nov 21, 2013
    Awesome job! Keep that backboard, adds unusual character to the piece. WTG!
  • Peggy Vance Peggy Vance on Nov 21, 2013
    Personally, I would have painted the top black...keep the back board and maybe add the glass to the top like someone else suggested. It looks beautiful though...I just think it would look complete with the top black.
  • Kathy Reed Kathy Reed on Nov 21, 2013
    That is an amazing transformation. Just a beautiful job! I think no matter what room you put it in the backboard makes it so unique.
  • Melissa McClintock Melissa McClintock on Nov 21, 2013
    1st Idk what the heck someone is talking about re: "an obvious mistake". 2nd If you want it to look like an asian piece then remove the backboard. If i did that I wouldn't use glass b/c how many genuine asian pieces have glass on top? I think that is an american thing. 3rd. I like it with the backboard, b/c its unusual and gives it a diversity depending on what room it is in, and what you place on top etc. It can STILL be an asian piece if you put a piece of asian design silk over it for example, or it could be totally something more eclectic. I LIKE the gold knobs, I think they bring out the gold in the motif. But i can see replacing them w/black if you remove the backboard. I love everyone's ideas here actually. I think you did a great job, regardless!!! tis beautiful!
  • Eileen Shultis Eileen Shultis on Nov 21, 2013
    I like it with the backboard
  • Esther McRae Esther McRae on Nov 21, 2013
    I too like it with the backboard it gives it a finished look. I generally like wood, but this is beautiful. Good job !
  • Rhonda L Rhonda L on Nov 21, 2013
    I like it better without the backboard.
  • Robin Huston Robin Huston on Nov 21, 2013
    I happen to love the backboard painted just black. It makes it a little more unique. Not crazy about the gold, just my personal taste. Good Luck with it. Good job.
  • AmericanWoman AmericanWoman on Nov 21, 2013
    I would keep the backboard and I agree the knobs would look better in black lacquer. You did a terrific job.
  • Coleen Newman Coleen Newman on Nov 21, 2013
    Keep it.
  • Ann Brownlee Ann Brownlee on Nov 21, 2013
    I like the backboard attached. Love the job you did on this item. It is beautiful! I would not add the design.
  • LaTaine Mullins LaTaine Mullins on Nov 21, 2013
    trash it. Looks better w/o it. You did a great refinishing job, boy it was fugly before.
  • Barbara R Barbara R on Nov 21, 2013
    The backboard makes it unique...without it, just another dresser. Keep it, definitely!
  • Judy Lynn Brown Judy Lynn Brown on Nov 21, 2013
    keep the backboard just as it is.. it is gorgeous.. i always like the asian look.. beautiful job..
  • Holly Clark Holly Clark on Nov 21, 2013
    the job you did on this is wonderful. Greet job on the painting for sure! Keep the backboard, it actually,looks like,it belongs there. It will be great if you put decor on the dresser top which doesn't need to be painted. I also love the gold knobs, it matches the gold paint you did. I think black knobs old be too much for,this,since the top is remaining the old color. Great job!
  • Sue Fike Howell Sue Fike Howell on Nov 21, 2013
    Contrary to u n others, I have to say I think original had character too. The matching veneer is lovely and not really available anymore. I understand this space is about rehabbing n transforming, but some pieces are nice just varnished n polished. I would much rather have seen an old poplar r pine chest used. But I know the trend is to paint things now, esp chalk paint. Ur changes are nice and I am very fond of Asian influences in decor. The escutcheons are distinctive n add to the overall shine n polish of it. I just believe with appropriate lighting n accents the first could b elegant too. Altho the bottom n feet do bother me a bit! Lol. But hey, it takes all kinds! To the point- it turned out great n gold effect flows gracefully. N u should DEFINITELY lose the "backboard" , makes it much more modern n contrasts with your work. As to glass, matter of choice n protecting the finish from damage, however u might consider a mirror treatment on top,since the piece has such a dark background. It would bring in light r 'water effect' and add to the Asian r 'nature' aspect. IMHO. Thanks for the pics!
  • Kathleen M Kathleen M on Nov 21, 2013
    I don't often like black lacquer furniture but I think you did a magnificent job with this dresser! I love it and would be proud to have it in my home. I like your choice of black paint and bronze design. I think the stained top is a perfect complement.and love the added escutcheons. I would keep the backboard but would not add a design to it. I think the backboard adds to the elegance of the piece and sets it apart from and ordinary dresser. Beautiful job!
  • Sue Geney Bynum Sue Geney Bynum on Nov 21, 2013
    Asthetically I think it looks nicer without the backboard. It makes it look cleaner and draws the eyes directly to the design on the dresser. At first glance, without contemplating my answer, my gut says go without. No gold no matter what you decide. Knobs could be toned down. Not sure black is the answer but at least a duller finish gold. These look too new. Something more antique gold would blend into the scrollwork better. I love what you've done no matter what you decide...very attractive and well done.
  • Mary Medrano Mary Medrano on Nov 21, 2013
    Its a keeper!
  • Kat Kat on Nov 21, 2013
    It's beautiful either way...I do like it though with the backboard, gives it more of a finished look!
  • Julie J C Julie J C on Nov 21, 2013
    If you have concerns about stuff falling behind it, then use the backboard. Like if you have a cat who will push things overboard. Otherwise, I'd go without.
  • Catherine Smith Catherine Smith on Nov 21, 2013
    You did a beautiful job. I'd leave the backboard on it, I have one that's similar and you'd be surprise how much stuff keeps trying to sneak off the back. LOL
  • Bernie Maughan Bernie Maughan on Nov 21, 2013
    Keep the backboard. It does make it look more finished.
  • Carol C Carol C on Nov 21, 2013
    This looks stunning. Either way it's a winner. What an awesome job!
  • Donna Schubeck Donna Schubeck on Nov 21, 2013
    Keep it -- beautiful!!
  • Rae Rae on Nov 21, 2013
    do away with the drawers and make it into a dresser with shelves to display things in your living room
  • Kathy Kathy on Nov 21, 2013
    The back piece was part of it when it was done back in the '30s. However, with the new paint job (which, by the way, is perfect!) you could do away with it. Either way, you have a very beautiful piece.
  • Nancy Nancy on Nov 21, 2013
    I'd say keep it, it sets it apart from just another piece of furniture. Great job!
  • Laura Fenley Laura Fenley on Nov 21, 2013
    Don't change a thing!
  • Smi249845 Smi249845 on Nov 21, 2013
    Beautiful
  • Peggy Felix Peggy Felix on Nov 21, 2013
    I wouldn't change a thing, it is beautiful !!!!
  • Rebecca W Rebecca W on Nov 21, 2013
    I like the back board, plus it is practical (stuff won't slide off so easy). Leave it plain. Great job, I love it!
  • Beth Wiltgen Beth Wiltgen on Nov 21, 2013
    Absolutely gorgeous! The backboard gives it a little extra pop! Great job!
  • Nance Anderson Nance Anderson on Nov 21, 2013
    Absolutely gorgeous!! Love the changes - also like the backboard, as well as like it without. You did such a great job. I love it!!
  • Mella J Mella J on Nov 21, 2013
    It has a little Oriental feel to it and I think the backboard helps to enhance that. I like it!
  • Hope Urbanikmcgraw Hope Urbanikmcgraw on Nov 21, 2013
    I say keep the backboard - it sets it apart along with that gorgeous paint job you did.
  • Ginni Cronin Ginni Cronin on Nov 21, 2013
    Wow! You are amazing! Keep the backboard --- you can always remove it later if it bugs you but hang on to it so it can be replaced if needed.
  • Barbara Straczynski Barbara Straczynski on Nov 21, 2013
    It looks GREAT!!!!!! I think you should leave it as is, it's beautiful!!!!!!!
  • Rose Marie S Rose Marie S on Nov 21, 2013
    Fantastic job. Perfect the way it is, backboard and all, then nothing can slip off. How long it it take you to do all the gold work? Looks like it consumed a lot of man hours
  • Sandi Maurer Sandi Maurer on Nov 21, 2013
    Keep it beautiful job well done and tasteful !!!!
  • Amber Z Amber Z on Nov 21, 2013
    Wow! Gorgeous! I like it with--more interesting but it'll be beautiful either way.
  • Debbie Debbie on Nov 21, 2013
    either way it looks fabulous!!!!!!!!!
  • Lisa Davis Lisa Davis on Nov 21, 2013
    just beautiful ! Great job! Keep the backboard!
  • Regina Regina on Nov 21, 2013
    Beautiful re-do. I think the after has an oriental flair and more so without the back piece. To me, the back piece looks fuddy-duddy and inconsistent with the "flavor" of the new paint job and knobs.
  • Nina Nina on Nov 21, 2013
    where do you get your stencils, LOVE them
  • Deborah Toth Deborah Toth on Nov 21, 2013
    GORGEOUS leave it , it adds character that sets it apart from the rest.
  • Penny Peterson Penny Peterson on Nov 21, 2013
    Classy! I like the backboard. It still gives the classical old look and is practical for keeping items placed near it from falling off. Love the design!! Great job!
  • Toni Toni on Nov 21, 2013
    beautiful!!
  • Bonnie Lee Bonnie Lee on Nov 21, 2013
    Beautiful!! With or without the backboard.
  • Mary Scott Mary Scott on Nov 21, 2013
    I prefer the backboard...it adds some class to it. I love the Oriental feel of the piece...very nice job. How do you put the silk screen on?
    • Porta Verde Studio Porta Verde Studio on Nov 24, 2013
      @Mary Scott I used metallic powder mixed with gel medium and paint and them rubbed it in with a brush because it was such a small area.
  • April April on Nov 21, 2013
    What a lovely piece! I like the bronze accents. I'd say keep the backboard. It adds definition to the piece, IMO. :)
  • Geraldine Vigus Geraldine Vigus on Nov 21, 2013
    I would keep it, it just adds something special to this piece, and wow this is very beautiful
  • Teri Herzog Teri Herzog on Nov 21, 2013
    This is the first most improved.beautiful.
  • Helen Brown Helen Brown on Nov 21, 2013
    I guess I'm the lone ranger when I say that I think it looks better without the backboard. I love the way you refinished the dresser. It's so very beautiful and a definate work of art!
  • Mbl235451 Mbl235451 on Nov 21, 2013
    Keep it! Beautiful job!
  • Dorene H Dorene H on Nov 21, 2013
    That is soooooooo beautiful !!!!!!
  • Minuet Stephens Minuet Stephens on Nov 21, 2013
    Looks great, I like the cleaner lines without the backboard.
  • Marilyn Marilyn on Nov 21, 2013
    I like the backboard. It looks like it took a lot of guts to put a paint brush to this piece. The wood pattern on the front is gorgeous in the before pictures.
  • Pat Pat on Nov 21, 2013
    I have oriental furnishings and love the backboard look.
  • Lynda McKenna Lynda McKenna on Nov 21, 2013
    This is so hard to decide because it looks great either way. I think the back piece gives an antique look, where as without it, the oriental flare is played up. So it is all in what you are striving for.....
  • Laurie Baines Laurie Baines on Nov 21, 2013
    Absolutely Beautiful. Great job!! I like the backboard!
  • Marsha High Marsha High on Nov 21, 2013
    love it with the backboard.
  • Michelle Templin Michelle Templin on Nov 21, 2013
    lovely job
  • Barbara McNamer Barbara McNamer on Nov 21, 2013
    with or without it is a beautiful piece.
  • Abbe K Abbe K on Nov 21, 2013
    To me the backboard takes away from the elegance of the renovated dresser. Beautiful job by the way!
  • Tamili Smith Tamili Smith on Nov 21, 2013
    keep the backboard
  • Louise Louise on Nov 21, 2013
    keep...by the way...you get a big A+ on this project...wish I was brave enough to tackle the stenciling ♥
  • Ethel Edwards Ethel Edwards on Nov 21, 2013
    I'm with Helen. With makes me think of a baby diaper changing unit. But either way it is beautiful.
  • Nancy Nancy on Nov 21, 2013
    It kind of reminded me of a diaper changing table with the backboard on too. But you did a great job. So, I'll say I like it better without the backboard (although it was difficult for me to make a decision). Good work!
  • Nena D Nena D on Nov 21, 2013
    Don't change a thing ! Its gorgeous just like it is !
  • Ma Perkins Ma Perkins on Nov 21, 2013
    keep it - not many have one
  • Carolyn Doherty Carolyn Doherty on Nov 21, 2013
    It's beautiful either way. You did a fabulous job!
  • Therese C Therese C on Nov 21, 2013
    Personally I love it without the backboard, but I would hang an antique oval/plaster framed mirror in bronze with black glazing over it. Or...you could just ship it to me and save yourself the worries..;)
  • Benjie Young Benjie Young on Nov 21, 2013
    You did an absolutely beautiful job on this piece of furniture. Love it. I vote you keep it like it is.
  • Karen Karen on Nov 21, 2013
    Great job....leave it as is ....beautiful!
  • Lorie Wilmes Lorie Wilmes on Nov 21, 2013
    It looks like a more detailed and expensive piece WITH the backboard. Good job!
  • Linda Donaldson Linda Donaldson on Nov 21, 2013
    My 1st thought was *with*, but either way like everyone has already said beautiful job!!
  • Debbie Debbie on Nov 21, 2013
    I would so keep the backboard. The unit is small on the top area, if you plan on putting items of small to med. size on it, you would want the backboard. And when you finish decorating you won't see the backboard to much anyway. Very beautiful work!
  • Jody Huntsman Jody Huntsman on Nov 21, 2013
    Keep! You did a great job!
  • Donna Yates Donna Yates on Nov 21, 2013
    Beautiful both ways but keep the back board to have the character.
  • Theresa Theresa on Nov 21, 2013
    Wow! You did an amazing job giving that dresser new life. If it were me, I'd get rid of the backboard and paint the top the same gold as your stencil!
  • Jan M Jan M on Nov 21, 2013
    I like it without the backboard.
  • Brenda Pardi Brenda Pardi on Nov 21, 2013
    i love it with the backboard. Fantastic job. It came out gorgeous.
  • Pat Croley Pat Croley on Nov 21, 2013
    I love the whole piece and feel the backboard is very good looking as well as useful. Great job overall.
  • Diana W Diana W on Nov 21, 2013
    Keep the backboard. It'll keep things from falling behind the dresser.
  • Brenda Wahlig Brenda Wahlig on Nov 21, 2013
    Keep it. It adds character.
  • Jody Jody on Nov 21, 2013
    I like it with it. Gives it a fancier look.And keep top like it is Great job! love it you go girl.
  • Marjorie Brown Marjorie Brown on Nov 21, 2013
    I like it as it is!!
  • Jeri Munoz Jeri Munoz on Nov 21, 2013
    I'm in favor of keeping the back board. It compliments the piece and makes it look richer.
  • Sherry Perleth Sherry Perleth on Nov 21, 2013
    I say keep it, it just give it that kick!!! Looks great!!!!
  • Kitty Johnson Kitty Johnson on Nov 21, 2013
    I would keep it. It glams it up even more :)
  • Candace B Candace B on Nov 21, 2013
    Love it! Ditto to Diane W. Backboard will keep things from falling behind the dresser.
  • Georgeanne I Georgeanne I on Nov 21, 2013
    Not much difference. A lovely and very different kind of piece.
  • JhanJan Marie JhanJan Marie on Nov 21, 2013
    I agree with Jeri...keep the backboard it adds a richness to the piece and depth.
  • Norma R Norma R on Nov 21, 2013
    I say keep it. I have one on my dresser. It keeps things from rolling off the back.
  • Shelly Shelly on Nov 21, 2013
    IT'S BEAUTIFUL EITHER WAY, I LOVE IT! I'M MAKING 1 OF MY GUESS BEDROOMS A ORIENTAL THEME AND THAT PEICE WOULD BE PERFECT.
  • Jcu257232 Jcu257232 on Nov 21, 2013
    The antique gold stencil on the black and then having the shinny gold draw pulls, is not the best look. If you had used silver against the black, or even white it would have shown better. The back board does prevent things from slipping from the top to behind the furniture.
    • Porta Verde Studio Porta Verde Studio on Nov 24, 2013
      @Jcun The knobs and back plates are also brass, the reflection is just showed them as shiney in the photo.
  • Linda Linda on Nov 21, 2013
    With the top stained, I like it without the backboard, but if the top was also black it would looks great, with a bit of bronzing on backboard and edge. Or top as is, I would like it better without the backboard. Already looks complete w/o it. You did a beautiful job!
  • Clair Schuman Clair Schuman on Nov 21, 2013
    Keep it. Looks good and is functional.
  • Linda J S Linda J S on Nov 21, 2013
    I would keep it and paint pinstripe!
  • Holly Markwart Swehla Holly Markwart Swehla on Nov 21, 2013
    keep it like all (well, most) of the comments already posted, keeps stuff from "falling" off !! beautiful job, btw
  • Beverley Leonie Beverley Leonie on Nov 21, 2013
    Oooo la, la...what a great makeover! Definitely keep the backboard! Nice, nice job!
  • Lorraine D Lorraine D on Nov 21, 2013
    Great transformation! Keep it. It looks fabulous as is!
  • Tina Schuman Tina Schuman on Nov 21, 2013
    keep the backboard,this looks great
  • Gene Gene on Nov 21, 2013
    Keep the back board.
  • Lori Lori on Nov 21, 2013
    if it was me I would take it back to the original wood. That was beautiful wood! Sorry, I just love the wood look. Don't get me wrong , you did a really nice job! And I think I would take that piece of wood off.
  • Tegma Tegma on Nov 21, 2013
    I think you did a fantastic job and all I can say is, "Gimme!" It's beautiful! Did you use a stencil, or are those decals? I love it and especially with the backboard. It gives it more character! I would leave it just as it is!!
  • Jill Jill on Nov 21, 2013
    I like it both ways. Is the top of the backboard able to accept paint treatment? Maybe you could edge it in the same gold color? My sister would flip over this dresser.
  • FLE254457 FLE254457 on Nov 21, 2013
    I SUGGEST KEEPING IT. GIVES IT THAT "ONE OF A KIND" CLASSY LOOK
  • Ken C Ken C on Nov 21, 2013
    You had a dresser with bookmatched burl fronts on it and you painted it black. If you went someplace and tried to buy burled veneer like that it would cost you a couple hundred bucks. You can probably sell this to some New Orleans brothel that has flocked wallpaper.
    • See 1 previous
    • Porta Verde Studio Porta Verde Studio on Nov 24, 2013
      @Ken C What you don't know Ken, is that by the time I got this dresser, the veneer had been completely stripped off both sides by the previous furniture painter. He then gave it to me as he didn't want to work on it anymore. I completely refinish the wood on many pieces we get (pic below) but I'm in the business of making money. This was not a valuable piece of furniture and I would not have made any money repairing and refinishing it. I understand many people love wood but really, hateful comments, aren't helpful.
  • Unfinishedwoodco Unfinishedwoodco on Nov 21, 2013
    Wow, beautiful. It is hard to believe it is the same dresser. I personally like it without the backboard.
  • Clare Clare on Nov 21, 2013
    Looks great keep it, it adds to the character of the piece.
  • Cyndy Cook Cyndy Cook on Nov 21, 2013
    I personally like it with the black backboard on. It just adds that little bit of contrast on the top. Beautiful job!
  • Connie Wiesniak Connie Wiesniak on Nov 21, 2013
    You did a great job. Beautiful. I personally like the look without the back board.
  • Louise C Louise C on Nov 21, 2013
    WITHOUT
  • Karen M Karen M on Nov 21, 2013
    I would love to know what the wood was in the before photos- I think it may have been valuable- did any one look at it for you? Much of yesterdays junk is today's antiques. Love what you did to it too - not my style as I have Victorian antiques- but it looks like you did a really precise job.
    • See 2 previous
    • Porta Verde Studio Porta Verde Studio on Nov 24, 2013
      @Karen M Thanks so much. I refinish as well as paint so I always try to preserve the wood if it makes sense for the piece and I can recoup my labour and materials. I actually don't do many "fancy" finishes but it gets boring painting/refinishing and this was a fun project. It did sell within a couple of days so I'm happy about that!
  • Leslie Werner Leslie Werner on Nov 21, 2013
    Karen M. I have antiques, too, and this would blend right in! For the wood lovers, and I am one of you, I think this looks better than wood. You did a great job and made a very classy piece of furniture that would look great in all decors minus cottage or country! Love it!
    • Porta Verde Studio Porta Verde Studio on Nov 24, 2013
      @Leslie Werner Thanks Leslie. I love wood also but all wood is not beautiful and all wood is not valuable.
  • Terese T Terese T on Nov 21, 2013
    I would keep the backboard -- it's different!