Asked on Mar 17, 2015

Hmm, what to do with this Mid-Century Modern dresser?

Shane Mitchell / LearningInTheJourney™
by Shane Mitchell / LearningInTheJourney™
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Hey Hometalk fam... So, after posting this before and after (please click link for details http://www.hometalk.com/diy/bedroom/furniture/upcycled-drawer-chest-to-diy-faux-card-catalog-reveal-6685996), I received mixed reviews (of which I kindly appreciate all) across the various Hometalk social media sites.
What say you, what should I do with this Mid-Century Modern dresser? Sell it? Repurpose it? Send it to the 'Brady Bunch' museum? Let me know your thoughts, I'm simply #LearningInTheJourney. Thank you tons!
q hmm what to do with this mid century modern dresser, painted furniture, repurposing upcycling
q hmm what to do with this mid century modern dresser, painted furniture, repurposing upcycling
q hmm what to do with this mid century modern dresser, painted furniture, repurposing upcycling
  61 answers
  • Funnygirl Funnygirl on Mar 17, 2015
    Love it.Do not paint it.A true collect able!
  • Rhonda Rhonda on Mar 17, 2015
    I have one similar to that in my closet. It already had the legs removed when I got it (for $3) and it fit perfectly on the floor underneath my shirts, sweaters and shorter dresses that were hanging up. I added some knobs and keep things like scarves, swim suits, gloves, etc.
  • Robin @ Redo It Yourself Inspirations Robin @ Redo It Yourself Inspirations on Mar 18, 2015
    I have a very similar piece stored in my workshop right now. It's holding hardware items while I decide what to do with it. I considered turning it into a TV/media center. I can't wait to see what you do with yours.
  • Donna Donna on Mar 18, 2015
    Gosh, it's beautiful! Leave it as it is and love it!!
  • Marlene Marlene on Mar 18, 2015
    I agree with the rest. Clean it up and restain and varnish it with high gloss polyurethane. A great place to show off treasures and doilies.
  • 169756 169756 on Mar 18, 2015
    I am all about painting any thing, including wood. But this one is almost too pretty to change. I'd use it as an accent piece somewhere it would get a lot of notice. It's beautiful.
  • Liliana Wells Liliana Wells on Mar 18, 2015
    It's a beautiful piece. I have one similar, a whole set, but different stain, If it is in good condition, don't paint it. Just clean it up, use as dresser or side board in a dining room. I think it's a classic.
  • Love tiny spaces! Love tiny spaces! on Mar 18, 2015
    I grew up in the 50's and 60's and part of my life wouldn't give 2 cents for mid century. However I have come full circle, and agree, it's a classic! Hometalk users agree that coconut oil brings out the great wood luster. Great piece no matter what you do! Enjoy.
  • Hope Williams Hope Williams on Mar 18, 2015
    To me it just looks like naked veneer. No life, no personality. I say breathe some life into it, give it some personality! Apparently there are tons of these people have stored up not using. Just start CPR on this piece or else call the Brady Bunch cause they are missing all their furniture!
    • Shane Mitchell / LearningInTheJourney™ Shane Mitchell / LearningInTheJourney™ on Mar 18, 2015
      @Hope Williams, I feel ya. To me it's just 'Plain Jane'. However, I can appreciate the initial luster of the look, but then it quickly fades. I may have to get out the defibrillator and give it some life, we'll see. If not, for sure calling up the Brady Bunch. ...thanks for the feedback, and reppin' Georgia.
  • Shannon Shannon on Mar 18, 2015
    It looks beautiful. Probably just some Scott's liquid gold or other oil to restore the wood finish. Gorgeous contrasting wood....please don't paint this beauty. True mid century mod folks want the original look, not the painted one.
  • Brenda Allen Brenda Allen on Mar 18, 2015
    You should sell it to me
    • See 2 previous
    • Shane Mitchell / LearningInTheJourney™ Shane Mitchell / LearningInTheJourney™ on Mar 25, 2015
      @Brenda Allen, true, true on the shipping costs unfortunately. I do greatly appreciate the detailed feedback in regards to cleaning and dressing it up a bit. Thank you tons!
  • 169756 169756 on Mar 18, 2015
    Ok, then what about painting it and just leaving wood on the top of it. All the pieces I've seen on here that have done that are really pretty. BTW, I lived in Marietta 30 years prior to Chatt. And I really like less traffic :)
    • Shane Mitchell / LearningInTheJourney™ Shane Mitchell / LearningInTheJourney™ on Mar 18, 2015
      @Kathleen, IF I keep it, I would probably go that route. I have various other pieces that I've painted and distressed in that fashion. ...and yes ma'am, the ATL traffic is absolutely horrendous! Thanks again for the feedback.
  • Brenda Young Brenda Young on Mar 18, 2015
    These mid century pieces are all the rage with the hipster crowds, a fellow furniture painter works with these pretty much exclusively and does very well in the resale market, professionally repainting them flawlessly with a sprayer in fun bright colors, I would give it a modern do over and sell it for sure!
  • Hannah V Hannah V on Mar 18, 2015
    @The Weathered Door has quite a few of these she's redone and they're all gorgeous! This one is simple and keeps the integrity, but adds a nice fresh touch with the white top. http://www.hometalk.com/diy/bedroom/dressers/before-after-mid-century-modern-credenza-repainted-6157619 also, check out her reverse-dipped one! Also, I'm SUPER jealous of your find. I adore MCM.
    before after mid century modern credenza repainted, home decor, painted furniture, Mid Century Modern Credenza Refresh
    Before & After | Mid Century Modern Credenza Refresh
  • Sharon Connor Sharon Connor on Mar 18, 2015
    I would sand it then use chalk paint (awesome stuff) then "antique" it!!
    • See 2 previous
    • Shane Mitchell / LearningInTheJourney™ Shane Mitchell / LearningInTheJourney™ on Mar 19, 2015
      @Sharon Connor, awesome! Yes, I love the fact of no sanding, but you are correct, it is a lil' too pricy. I've been experimenting with other techniques using 'regular paint' and no sanding to get the same desired look. Again, thank you for your feedback. Here's to painting, distressing and chipping a way!
  • Donna Bavaro-Kennell Donna Bavaro-Kennell on Mar 18, 2015
    Deff a TV table, take the middle drawers out, make them into shelves for the DVD player, cable box etc, the other drawers could be used for DVD's.I wouldnt paint it, and I myself love painted wood..its always a great seller
  • Karen Hensley Karen Hensley on Mar 18, 2015
    I have that exact dresser in mint condition. I use it for all of my stationary/wrapping supplies/cards, etc....and small household tools.
  • Gatorfan Gatorfan on Mar 18, 2015
    Would look cool if you did a faux apothecary look to the front. I have one similar that I have an aquarium on top of and use the drawers for aquarium supplies and all of my candles & holders. The storage possibilities are endless. CD's and DVD's, craft supplies, gift boxes and wrapping supplies, in a bathroom for STUFF, in a kitchen for napkins, tablecloths and seasonal decorations, foot of your bed to hold a T.V. or decorations(may need to take the legs off if too tall)...ok, I'll stop now! If you can't use it, I am sure you can find it a happy home!
  • Cathie F Cathie F on Mar 18, 2015
    Please don't paint use some honey polish on it and brings natural beauty back
  • Corky Romano Corky Romano on Mar 18, 2015
    If this doesn't work for your decor...sell it and find something that does. This is a beautiful piece as is and very sought after by Urban mid-century collectors.
  • Nana101 Nana101 on Mar 18, 2015
    Maybe add some knobs...change the legs...both could be done without totally ruining the piece and would give it a whole new look.
  • Mary Mary on Mar 18, 2015
    Mid century modern (not my taste either) is making a comeback. Maybe a local designer would love to purchase this piece as is. It's going to be a treasured antique someday.
  • Kma1015346 Kma1015346 on Mar 18, 2015
    I think it would make a nice sideboard for a dining area. I wouldn't paint it. Maybe just a coat of wax.
  • Daniel Derrer Daniel Derrer on Mar 18, 2015
    Clean and Wax.
  • Kelly Young Kelly Young on Mar 18, 2015
    I think it's GORGEOUS just he way it is...I wouldn't do anything but strip, stain and varnish...so beautiful
  • Marzenna Tomczak Marzenna Tomczak on Mar 18, 2015
    Keep it and don't mess with it. It's perfect the way it is. Look at the beautiful wood grain, you have a real treasure there.
  • Fred LaPoint Fred LaPoint on Mar 18, 2015
    make a mini bar out of it...
  • Farmer's Wife Barntique Farmer's Wife Barntique on Mar 18, 2015
    The only thing to consider is maker's mark and condition. Ask an expert: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mid-Century-Modern/220591743457 Do your research, find examples and educate yourself about the piece it's potential value and make the best decision for you based on what you've learned. Paint it, refinish it, leave it, burn it....it's your piece and it's only valuable what ever way YOU choose to use it. Personally I think it's most valuable in it's original condition, a simple old fashioned cleaning and wood conditioning is all it needs.(hard to tell in a photo to be sure) But no matter what, sell or keep, you are the one dealing with it! Good luck!
    • Shane Mitchell / LearningInTheJourney™ Shane Mitchell / LearningInTheJourney™ on Mar 18, 2015
      @Farmer's Wife Barntique, thank you for the feedback. Unfortunately, there is no maker's mark to be found, and as for the condition it is gently used...meaning great condition for the era. I've done a general research per se, and I have a decent idea of what people are asking for similar pieces. I repurpose furniture, but out of respect for the MCM'ers out there I was looking for ideas in what to do with it. I personally won't keep it. After I refinish, repurpose or leave it as is I will sell it. If I can find the market value as it stands in it's original state, I will sell it as is. ...oh, and thank you much for the Facebook link, I appreciate that. Thanks again for the feedback.
  • Aprilmoon Aprilmoon on Mar 18, 2015
    There are plenty of mid-century modern collectors out there...find one and don't even get near it with chalk paint!
  • Yvonne Hoekstra Yvonne Hoekstra on Mar 18, 2015
    please send it to me!!! :-) Love it
  • Tina Simpson Tina Simpson on Mar 18, 2015
    I have one exactly like your I'm gonna repurpose mine so my vote is " repurpose yours"
  • Tammy Huskins Royal Tammy Huskins Royal on Mar 18, 2015
    repurpose beautiful piece
  • Kit389052 Kit389052 on Mar 18, 2015
    Never toss good furniture, repurpose, redesign, paint, or whatever you like. I kind of think it would make a nice bookcase.
  • Cclark Cclark on Mar 18, 2015
    Please don't paint! This is a really beautiful piece of Mid Century Modern! I will paint anything that will stand still (i love painted furniture) but i wouldn't touch this with a paintbrush!
  • Cindy Cindy on Mar 18, 2015
    Change the legs and clean her up a bit. No paint. I don't mind painted pieces but they are everywhere lately. Is it a fad or a lazy man's way??
    • Shane Mitchell / LearningInTheJourney™ Shane Mitchell / LearningInTheJourney™ on Mar 18, 2015
      @Cindy thank you for the feedback. I do believe the distressed, chippy, farm-style painting of furniture is in vogue. Like everything else, it comes and goes...and some people are lazy too. :)
  • Karen Korner Getz Karen Korner Getz on Mar 18, 2015
    Not knowing the maker puts us at a disadvantage here, but I do know there are modern pieces like this on the market for "big bucks", so I'd do a little research here before doing any physical changes to the piece.
  • Lisa Gayle Lisa Gayle on Mar 18, 2015
    It's beatiful !!!!!!!
  • Kat Kat on Mar 18, 2015
    DoNot PAINT or Change this beautiful pre-brady MIDCENTURY DRESSER/BUFFET WHY DO PEOPLE MESS WITH PERFECT ?ok just sell or redo all of your furniture to midcentury to accomodate this beauty!!!!!!check westelm/dot&bo.....
    • Shane Mitchell / LearningInTheJourney™ Shane Mitchell / LearningInTheJourney™ on Mar 19, 2015
      @Kat, pssst! *whispers* I can hear you loud and clear. :) I kid, I kid. ...perhaps everyone views perfection differently based on personal taste despite what the market value or society deems. Me personally, it's just 'ok' in looks, but I know it holds a value. What that value is shall be determined. The plan is to sell it, the question would be 'as-is' or repurposed. As for redoing all of my distressed, chippy paint, farm-style, cottage crib, vintage furniture to MCM, 'NO WAY JOSE!' ...thank you for the feedback, all in good fun! :)
  • Lynn Lynn on Mar 19, 2015
    What are you asking for it? I don't see a price or a link.
    • Shane Mitchell / LearningInTheJourney™ Shane Mitchell / LearningInTheJourney™ on Mar 19, 2015
      @Lynn, I don't have a price set, as I am in the midst of receiving feedback and researching. As in a link? There is no link, just the pictures provided. Upon completion of price determination I will provide you with further information and pictures. Thank you much for you feedback.
  • Michele Michele on Mar 19, 2015
    Don't touch it at all! It is beautiful just the way it is. There is nothing wrong with having a "gently used" piece of furniture in your house.
    • Shane Mitchell / LearningInTheJourney™ Shane Mitchell / LearningInTheJourney™ on Mar 19, 2015
      @Michele, I agree, I have various 'gently used' pieces of furniture throughout. However, the distressed, chippy paint, vintage farm-style décor doesn't flow with MCM. Looking to sell, the question is 'as-is' or repurposed? Thank you much for the feedback.
  • Becky Arneth Becky Arneth on Mar 19, 2015
    If it is not to your liking as it is, sell it!! It is so perfect as it is and someone out there will love getting and using it as it is ....
  • Tsb1319018 Tsb1319018 on Mar 19, 2015
    I love it just the way it is, its beautiful. It's too nice to paint over.
  • Judy Ellison Judy Ellison on Mar 19, 2015
    Sell it! To me!!!!!!
  • Nancy Northcutt Nancy Northcutt on Mar 19, 2015
    Go over the nicks with a little stain and give it nice waxing. If you paint anything just do the legs in a flat black or something or not. I'd use it for a buffet.
  • DEBBIEofPA DEBBIEofPA on Mar 19, 2015
    I have bedroom set like this, I wouldn't touch it either...sell it as is, Danish Modern is "in"!
  • Max Cady Max Cady on Mar 19, 2015
    Remove top drawers. Paint. Turn into entertainment center..nice 60" tv on top!!
  • Debbie Debbie on Mar 19, 2015
    Give it a good cleaning and use it in an entry way or dining room.
  • Linda Linda on Mar 19, 2015
    give it to me! lol
  • Moxie Moxie on Mar 19, 2015
    I would update this piece by giving her new feet! Bun feet perhaps..I like Max Cady idea alot.. but in lieu of straight paint I would lightly sand to open the wood back up, and do a great stencil on the top in glue and the apply darker stain.
  • Lori Hepp Lori Hepp on Mar 19, 2015
    If you don't want to keep it, I love this!! But I would sand, touch up, re-seal. The wood in this piece is beautiful!!!
    • See 3 previous
    • Shane Mitchell / LearningInTheJourney™ Shane Mitchell / LearningInTheJourney™ on Mar 23, 2015
      @Brenda Young, thank you much, I appreciate it! Ah shucks, so sorry I didn't get back earlier. I am still researching this piece, I have called and emailed around in hopes of being able to place a market value on it. I will be sure to notify you once I set a price. I do appreciate your interest and feedback. Thanks tons!
  • Alma Alma on Mar 19, 2015
    Oh my Dog! That piece is a **treasure**. It appears to be in excellent condition and completely original. Check online and with some local shops, especially those that specialize in MCM, set a price and sell it without a touch from your hand! Please ignore any advice to paint, change the legs (would ruin the piece) or anything else. Just sell it. Wish I were closer; I'd be a buyer.
  • Melinda Lee Melinda Lee on Mar 19, 2015
    Give it a good scrub with a 50/50 mixture of olive oil and vinegar. Use 0000 steel wool. It will look like new. Then if you don't need it in a bedroom, try it as a TV stand, buffet, or entry storage. Even a bathroom vanity if you seal the top well.
  • Gail Salminen Gail Salminen on Mar 19, 2015
    @Learning In The Journey™ I am a big fan of Scandinavian furniture and you have a great piece there, but I do agree it needs some TLC. It would make a great buffet or entertainment system as well. Could even be used in a large kitchen for extra storage. As for how to fix it is really dependent on where and who is going to use it. I do think that however it is done, some of the wood grain should be seen, I like the idea of leaving the drawers unpainted, but also like the idea of leaving the top wood and possibly the sides as well. I do hope you post your final decision and if you finish it would be great to see a pic. Thanks for posting.
  • Romalee Nelson Romalee Nelson on Mar 19, 2015
    That type of furniture is classic and somewhat retro--clean up an polish somewhere someone would pay a pretty penny for that beautiful wood credenza--there are plenty of pine furniture you could decorate-- that is truly a very lovely piece have never see any thing like it!
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Mar 20, 2015
    Have a thing about legs that look out of proportion to what they are supporting. LOL I had same set up on a dresser and removed the bottom legs and trim for a modern look. You could always save them in case you change your mind. Always meant to get a plain black base built for it but never got around to it. Sits flush on the floor and looks fine.
  • Lori Hepp Lori Hepp on Mar 20, 2015
    One idea if it is to plain for you but you also like the wood on it. Lighten up the wood on the handle pull pieces. Then darken the sides and the top and the legs of the piece but leave the draw wood the same!! It would keep the same type of look but change it up at the same time. Would also put a little bit of modern vibe of retro to it!!
  • Miriam Miriam on Mar 20, 2015
    Crazy idea here, but what the heck. How about painting each drawer one of three different colors in water-based paint so that the design of the wood would still show through. That way you have an updated look without losing the unique style.
  • Ansley Designs Ansley Designs on Mar 20, 2015
    @Learning In The Journey™ I pretty much paint everything, but the wood finish on this is beautiful...I'd say just paint the frame and leave the drawers, but even the grain on the sides is gorgeous! If you're selling, I say put in a little TLC and sell as is. Money for less work and materials.
  • CK CK on Mar 30, 2015
    I found one almost exactly like this for a client. Sadly the top and sides were in kind of bad shape and I didn't really have the time to refinish them to wood toned...not to mention matching it perfectly was probably not going to happen. I spray painted the top and sides in an oil rubbed bronze and left the drawer fronts & legs in their original finish. It looked really high end and she loves it because it looked like a mixture of midcentury + contemporary. Plus with a spray painted top (and spray paint is oil ya know) it was very durable for her use in the treatment room of her massage therapy business. She gets compliments on it all the time.
  • Emz Emz on May 21, 2015
    Such a gorgeous piece. Retain the gorgeousness of the wood just a spruce up and it will be either a hot piece to buy or to keep.
  • Terry Terry on May 22, 2015
    Leave it alone...these pieces in good shape ....and original are selling for good money.
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