| Journal | French Provincial— Lowboy Dresser
French Provincial— Furniture Transformation
Bowed drawers, serpentine lines, cabriole legs, ornate hardware—these are just a few characteristics that define French Provincial furniture. When Leah reached out about painting her French Provincial lowboy dresser in a moody charcoal grey, I was thrilled! The idea of transforming this piece into something that screams French country farmhouse was irresistible. The imitation pieces from the 60s, 70s, and 80s, like this one, are in my opinion, perfect candidates for a makeover, and I couldn’t wait to get started!
French Provincial Lowboy Dresser
Leah requested a charcoal grey finish with slight distressing, a stained top, and decoupaged drawer sides for her French Provincial lowboy dresser makeover.
French Provincial Lowboy Dresser here, folks! Leah entrusted me with this beauty, and I couldn’t wait to bring her vision to life. Now, in a rich charcoal grey with slight distressing, this piece perfectly embodies French country charm. Leah requested a stained top for warmth and decoupaged drawer sides for that little extra touch of pretty—because why not? With her classic cabriole legs and ornate hardware, she’s truly one of a kind. This dresser is sure to make a timeless and elegant statement in Leah’s modern home!
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 hardware— With anticipation of painting (I thought it was black, and knew that wouldn’t pair well with charcoal grey paint)
- Realized hardware wasn’t black— Thought it was, but NOPE it was just very very tarnished; thus I polished down and avoided having to paint it
- Stripped and sanded down veneer top— Ever so carefully with high hopes to re-stain
- Lightly sanded down body, drawers and mirror frame— To best aid with paint adhesion
- Vacuumed and washed— In preparation for product application
- Applied 2 coats of Country Chic Paint in the colour Rocky Mountain to the body, drawers and mirror frame— A perfect charcoal grey colour, that lends itself ideally to industrial, masculine-style decor; brush application
- Sanded down chalk paint— For a smooth and buttery farmhouse distressed finish
- Applied 3 coats of my go-to Varathane Diamond Wood Finish (water-based, satin polyurethane) to the body, drawers and mirror frame— To achieve a crystal clear, water-resistant, and highly durable finish; sponge application
- Applied Minwax conditioning, stain, and poly products in the colour Jacobean to the top— For a two-toned exposed wood transformation; lint-free rag application
- Decoupaged drawer sides with Re-Design with Prima’s Washed Damask Decoupage Tissue Paper ~ A charming pattern that I felt was a lovely pairing for this dresser transformation; also applied a coat of CCP in the colour Simplicity prior to decoupaging
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
Working on Leah’s French Provincial lowboy dresser felt like uncovering hidden potential. With its curvy cabriole legs and ornate details, this piece was destined for elegance. The stained top, charcoal grey finish, and decoupaged drawer sides turned her vision into reality and gave this dresser a fresh purpose.
If you have a piece waiting to shine, let it inspire you to think outside the box. The process isn’t just about the finish—it’s about finding beauty in the unexpected and bringing it to life.
Transforming furniture is more than a task—it’s an opportunity to create something meaningful and one of a kind. Each step brings its own joy.
Thanks for being part of this journey—there’s more creativity ahead, and I can’t wait to share it with you!
Faye Caroline
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