| Journal | Painted Vintage Dresser
Cozy & Calming— Painted Vintage Dresser
A painted vintage dresser is one of those projects that instantly stops me in my tracks. When my girl asked if I had any dressers kickin’ around for her new bedroom space, I made selecting and painting one for her a priority. Our Jenn recently moved from a one-bedroom dwelling to a two-bedroom with a dear friend, and she ideally needed a small lowboy dresser to place her TV on and for extra clothing storage. I had the perfect little vintage dresser in mind—and got straight to work.
Painted Vintage Dresser
There’s quite the story behind this little dresser! I actually transformed it once before (a few years back)— back when I was still experimenting with different types of furniture paint. I had it in our living room for a while, and then ended up storing it in our shop when we had to do some shuffling around in our home. This vintage dresser has been in my family for 50-some years! AND I’ve been “told” to never sell it or else! It started off as my brothers’ dresser in their bedroom on the farm! I have memories of dinky cars lined up on top of it! I may be a little partial, but I like to think my decor is far more pleasing on the eye than dinky cars!
Where do the years go?! 50-some years ago this charming little vintage dresser adorned my brothers’ room on the farm. Between then and now, it has functioned in many spaces within my family. Today it’s offering the most perfect use for our daughter, and I couldn’t be happier that she wanted it for her space. Built to stand the test of time! Everything was built stronger and better back in the day, including furniture! A little bit of drawer mending, painted in a cozy & calming farmhouse white, with exposed stained wood for that extra little touch. Enjoy my girl— I’m so happy I could hand this heirloom down to you, and know that you too will keep it in our family for many more years to come! ~ Love, Mom
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.
Fusion Mineral 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 original hardware— hard to believe that after so many years, it’s still all in place
- Lightly sanded down body and drawers, and heavily sanded down top and front legs— In preparation for a two-toned transformation
- Mended bottom drawer— the inside bottom and back was no longer in place, thus required replacement
- Vacuumed and washed— necessary preparation for proper product application
- Applied 2 coats of Fusion Mineral Paint in the colour Chateau to the body and drawers— a grounding neutral inspired by enchanting castle walls; this shade reflects light beautifully and creates an instant feeling of cozy sophistication; brush application
- Applied Minwax conditioning, stain, and poly products in the colour Provincial to the top and front legs— For a two-toned exposed wood transformation; lint-free rag application
- Reinstalled original hardware— opted not to polish, as I personally loved the contrast as-is
- Applied some furniture wax to the drawer glides— so they’d glide like butter for my girl
- Loaded it up into the back of my Venza— and delivered to our girl at her dwelling in the city, and enjoyed every second of choosing the perfect spot for it with her in her space
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
I’ve come to appreciate how some pieces carry a lifetime of stories—and this painted vintage dresser is no exception. From its early days in my brothers’ farm bedroom to its transformation into a charming addition for my daughter’s new space, it’s a reminder of the beauty in reimagining what we already have. The process of repairing and painting this piece in cozy farmhouse white wasn’t just about the work—it was about preserving the memories it holds and ensuring it remains part of our family’s story for years to come.
If you have a piece tucked away that’s been in your family or caught your eye at a thrift shop, take the leap to make it your own. With some care, creativity, and a little elbow grease, you can create something meaningful and truly one-of-a-kind.
Thanks for following along on this dresser’s journey—it’s proof that the old can be made new again, and there’s always more inspiration to come!
Faye Caroline
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