Rustic Charmer: From Dresser to Entryway Table

My entryway needed a major update. Major. I had painted the wall that followed into the kitchen an avocado green when we moved in, and I painted all our furniture (shiny!) black. It was dark and dreary and time for some help. So, I painted our wall gray to match the rest of the living room. I also got rid of our little black entryway table, and opted for something with more storage; an antique dresser!
I only paid $30 for it, but It was NOT pretty when I got it. It was painted black and chipping badly in places and the drawers were falling apart on top. Here's a "before" of the dresser:
Though hard to tell from the picture, the dresser has pretty curves and nice side paneling. So much character! I wanted to restore the wood on top and stain it a dark walnut, while brightening up the rest of the dresser with white chalk paint.
This is just the surface of paint; there were at LEAST 6 or 7 coats of different colored paint. I ended up using Citristrip to strip the paint from the top. It literally required 6 applications of it, and took several days (and hours!) to strip. I almost gave up, but saw hope when bare wood was showing through.
When completely stripped, the wood was damaged on top and discolored, but I was determined not to give up. I sanded and sanded for a long time until it was a little better, then I just decided to stain. I used Americana gel stain in Walnut, and it turned out beautiful. The rest I painted in Americana Chalky Finish paint in Everlasting. I distressed it as well, and added a couple baskets to the top since the drawers were broken.
It was completely transformed! It's the perfect addition to my entryway, and makes it look so much brighter in the room. If you want to see the (ugly) before pictures of my entryway, visit my blog!
We are totally in love!
Amanda @ Dwelling In Happiness
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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  • Joanie Joanie on Jun 26, 2017

    Are those baskets in the top, where the drawers were? Since you have a basket on top, I was wondering?

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  • Joanie Joanie on Aug 15, 2017

    I love the way you have decorated EVERYTHING, but I have a tiny tip, walnut stain on the knobs for your dresser, instead of the blue......I don't understand.

  • Linda Abate Linda Abate on Aug 15, 2017

    I am envious of people that have an entry way large enough to accommodate an old dresser or a bench/coat rack. I think these items really add to the decor and make a welcoming statement. Like the way you repurposed this old dresser.

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