Reviving an Art Deco

Jamala W
by Jamala W
4 Materials
$80
8 Hours
Easy

I purchased a vintage art deco cabinet from a yard sale for $40.00. The cabinet had good bones but needed some TLC

The Before

The first thing to do was wash the cabinet. I used some warm water and murphy's oil soap. As I was washing, I realized the back of the inside was lined with a silk fabric. It was shredding off as I was washing.

After washing

After washing it, I used two (ebony and walnut) stains to restore the damaged wood area. I applied a couple of coats, letting each coat completely dry before applying another. The bottom had some scuffing and I just gave it a light sanding to smooth the area out. After the staining was done I applied two coats of Old English lemon oil to bring back the shine. The other dilemma was the interior. I ordered glass shelves from our local glass company and the cost was $30.00 (easy fix). To line the cabinet, instead of paint or stain, I wanted something that would really stand out and make it pop so I did some research for art deco wallpaper. I found a pattern I really liked and thought it would make a bold statement for the cabinet.

The after and new look

I used a stain pen on the glass inlays.

The cabinet has a much smoother and polished finish

I used a peel and stick wallpaper

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Jamala W
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  • Retta Robinson Retta Robinson on Dec 12, 2020

    What did you use the ebony stain on? I see only walnut. Where did you get the gorgeous wallpaper? I love the art deco design. So-o-o beautiful !

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  • David Potter David Potter on Oct 25, 2021

    Yes!! It’s so nice to see, someone who appreciates fine wood. So glad you did not pair this beautiful piece! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

    • Jamala W Jamala W on Oct 25, 2021

      Hi David! Yea.. i couldn't bare doing that. Im a wood lover. Thanks for viewing and your comment

  • Linda Sweeney Linda Sweeney on Nov 05, 2021

    ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!

    I LOVE IT!

    GREAT JOB AND AN AWESOME FIND!

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