Monday, January 21, 2013

Black Empire Dresser

Right after Christmas, I had the opportunity to take a day with my husband to find some furniture projects for my booth at SuzAnna's.  I just love days like that... just my husband and I picking through some old barns.  I'm not sure what other couples do when their kids are away for the day, but our "days off" over the years have usually consisted of some major house project or something that's not easy to do or safe with the kids around.  Anyway, I found a few projects pieces that day including this beautiful Empire dresser.

It wasn't in terrible condition when I found it, but definitely needed some love.  One of the feet had been cracked and there were large areas that needed some wood filler on the frame of dresser.  After getting these fixed up the best I could, I knew that the frame would needed to be painted and I decided to go with General Finish's Lamp Black for this one because of the heavy stain on the wood.  If you are ever looking for a true black performance paint, this is the way to go!  I know several other bloggers that have used this paint and loved it as well...very, very durable.
Even though the wood on the drawers is far from perfect, I decided to keep them unpainted as the wood grain is so beautiful and I have a "thing" with two-toned furniture right now.  I cleaned them up and waxed them with MMS Furniture Wax to help revive the old wood.  I completely lucked out and scored this dresser with the original glass knobs!  They are in great condition...no cracks or chips.
I wish I came upon more of these Empire-style dressers!  I just love the lines on them.  This one will be heading up to SuzAnna's in a couple of weeks when I expand the booth...
I completed several other tables and projects last week and I'll share those soon.

Kristen

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20 comments:

Cassie Bustamante said...

so chic! love the look and LOVE those knobs!

Art and Sand said...

Your redo is wonderful. I wouldn't know where to go out hunting in my area. I think I need to find out.

Our Pinteresting Family said...

That is so beautiful, Kristen.

Robin said...

I wish you were local. I've been looking for a piece like this for my master bedroom. Looks beautiful! Robin

YONKS said...

I love it Kristen. Beautiful job!
Thanks for the idea :-)
Di
X

Blondie's Journal said...

This is just beautiful, Kristen! You did a wonderful transformation. I didn't know you had a booth at SuzAnna's. A good blogger friend of mine, Mary Sullivan, had a booth there with her friend Vanessa, I think it was called Two Old Birds. She's from Raleigh, too, and I had the fun of meeting her last year in Asheville. I'd love to get out that way again and visit, maybe stopping in at SuzAnna's!

XO,
Jane

Stacey said...

Pretty pretty! Love the knobs.

Unknown said...

What a wonderful piece-but my oh my I love those knobs!
Such perfect condition.

PJH Designs said...

Love the way you left the wood-grain on the drawers and the knobs. Lovely job. You should share at Transformed Tuesday this week. http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com. Hugs Peggy

Debbie said...

I love it! What an amazing piece!
Debbie

Pamela said...

Kristin it turned out great! So beautiful.

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

Love the way it turned out and great that you kept some of that fabulous original wood grain....Can't wait to see your expanded new space...I know this piece won't be there long!!...Beautiful job as always Kristen!

Nutbird said...

This is great! I have an original Empire dresser that I bought years ago for my husband. The veneer is flaking off the frame, but the drawers are still good. It also has its original mirrored knobs. This is a good solution to the problem. The veneer repair would cost many hundreds of dollars, so I might as well paint it like you did here. Ann

Audrey said...

I'm your newest reader and follower, would love for you to do the same. Have a nice day.

chateau chic said...

Your dresser turned out great. I love the beautiful old glass knobs.
Mary Alice

Heather@http://southernabbey.com said...

This is absolutely beautiful. You were so lucky to get all the glass knobs in such good condition! Keeping the drawers wood was a great decision. Nice work.

Deb Hrabik said...

The Color is striking. Really caught my eye at Miss Mustard Seed Furniture Feature Friday,
Deb@LakeGirlPaints

Unknown said...

Holy awesomesauce! As I was at Miss Mustard Seed's place to link up my empire dresser makeover, I saw yours! It is gorgeous! Aren't those finds the best?

Dina said...

This is really beautiful and I love the knobs too. They're just perfect for this style. Great job!

House Crazy in Michigan! said...

I popped on over from MMM. There is just something about an Empire dresser that makes it stand out. And, what you did with this dresser makes it stand out even more. Love the black, with the natural wood and the shiny bling pulls. A MEGA success!

Small House / Big Sky Donna / White Oak Studio Designs / SW Michigan
Hand-Painted Vintage Furniture Transformations
Blog: http://smallhouseunderabigsky.wordpress.com
Facebook: donnaallgaierlamberti@facebook.com (for portfolio of chalk painted work)

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