| Journal | Farmhouse White Dresser
Farmhouse White— Vanity Dresser
There’s something special about a farmhouse white dresser that brings warmth and character to any room. This vintage vanity dresser, with its elegant silhouette and rich wood tones, was full of potential but in need of a refresh. A creamy farmhouse white finish, paired with an aged patina and new hardware, gave this piece a whole new life—blending rustic charm with timeless sophistication.
Farmhouse White Dresser
Lori requested a farmhouse white, with an aged patina effect, stained top, and hardware replacement for her vintage vanity dresser makeover.
Lori’s vintage dresser had all the charm of a beloved heirloom, but it was ready for a refresh to suit her updated space. The original finish had dulled, the hardware felt dated, and the top veneer was badly damaged. After carefully removing the veneer to reveal stunning wood underneath, a warm farmhouse white finish with an aged patina brought new life to the piece. Updated hardware added just the right touch of elegance. Now, this beautifully refreshed dresser is ready to continue its story with Lori, blending timeless charm with a fresh, new look.
All products mentioned in this post—and every post I share—are ones I regularly reach for. They’ve earned a spot in my toolbox because they’re reliable and deliver results. Simply what I use, trust, and recommend, shared honestly with you. No affiliate links, no commissions—just straight talk from my whole heart.
Country Chic Paint
Featuring
These are the products that brought this transformation to life—ones I trust, recommend, and share honestly with you. Select any to explore other projects for inspiration and see where to buy.
My Step-by-Step Transformation
These are the steps that brought this transformation to life—shared to guide and inspire your own project. Learn better by talking it through? Let’s connect for a consultation to bring your vision to life.
- Removed mirror— Ever so carefully, for ease of product application
- Removed hardware— Not believed to be original, and customer wanted replaced with a new chosen set
- Filled hardware holes— In preparation for new chosen set
- Attempted to repair top veneer— Wth doubts for success, as the bubbling damage was extensive to various portions of the top
- Removed top veneer— Attempted repair wasn’t successful as I had highly anticipated
Crossed fingers ever so tightly while removing top veneer— In hopes that what I’d find underneath would be wood and not a faux or fibreboard material - Celebrated top veneer removal victory— A very labour intensive job that resulted in finding what one of my friendly wood sources believes to be a combination of maple and ambrosia wood
- Vacuumed and washed— In preparation for product application
- Performed a ‘bleed test’ as bleed-through was highly anticipated— A bleeder this piece was, thus sealed with one coat of shellac; chip brush application
- Applied 3 coats of Country Chic Paint chalk paint in the colour Vanilla Frosting to the body and mirror frame/harp— A light, creamy and warm farmhouse white; paint brush application
- Sanded down chalk paint— For a smooth and buttery farmhouse distressed finish
- Applied 1 coat of my go-to Varathane Diamond Wood Finish (water-based, satin polyurethane) to the body and mirror frame/harp— In preparation for glaze; sponge application
- Applied Country Chic Paint furniture glaze in the colour Smoky Quartz w/ sponge application and water mister— To achieve a farmhouse patina effect; sponge application
- Applied 2 more coats of my go-to Varathane Diamond Wood Finish (water-based, satin polyurethane) to the body and mirror frame/harp— To achieve a crystal clear, water-resistant, and highly durable finish; sponge application
- Applied Minwax conditioning, stain, and poly products in the colour Provincial— For a two-toned exposed wood transformation; lint-free rag application
- Selected, purchased and installed new Louis XVI Suite I hardware (stop handles and drop pulls) from Lee Valley— A collection that I felt was a lovely and fitting replacement for this vanity transformation
- Ever so carefully reinstalled mirror— Heavily secured with a clear caulk sealant
One-Hour / One-on-One / $80
Looking to achieve a similar look? Getting started with furniture transformations can feel overwhelming, but with hands-on experience since 2017, I’ve learned so much along the way. I’d love to share what I know and help guide you through the process.
Let’s work together! Whether it’s over the phone, via a screen-share session, or even over a coffee (or wine!), we’ll make a plan to bring your vision to life.
With all my heart and hands
Breathing new life into Lori’s vintage dresser was about more than just a fresh coat of paint—it was about honoring a piece that had been part of her home for years. Beneath the damaged veneer and worn hardware was timeless craftsmanship waiting to shine again. With careful attention to every detail, this dresser found a new purpose while keeping its original charm intact, proving that even the most weathered pieces can be beautifully revived.
If you have a treasured piece that feels a little worn, don’t overlook what it could become. With a creative touch, even the most familiar furniture can be transformed into something extraordinary, continuing its story in a whole new way.
Some pieces carry more than just their age—they hold stories close to our hearts. Bringing this dresser back to life wasn’t just about a new look, but about helping it feel at home in Lori’s new space. It’s a reminder that, even as we move forward, pieces from our past can still fit perfectly into the present.
Furniture has a way of connecting us to memories while making room for new ones. Whether you’re here for ideas or just love seeing transformations, I hope this inspires you to look at your own spaces in a new way. There’s always more to come, and I look forward to sharing it with you.
Faye Caroline
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