| Journal | Antique Empire Buffet
Grand Farmhouse— Antique Empire Buffet
Just when I think I’ve found the perfect colour and most amazing piece to restore, another treasure proves me wrong. This time, it’s an antique empire buffet—an exceptional, grand beauty that stole my heart at first glance. It took two trips to the city to bring it home (we had to strap the main piece down because the hatch wouldn’t close!), but my word, was it ever worth the effort! And my darn good husband—my forever sweetheart—was surprisingly patient as we lifted this incredibly solid, heavy piece: “We can do this, Faye. Bend your knees!”
Antique Empire Buffet
There’s a first time for everything, right?! Well—when it came to this antique empire buffet, I had two firsts. First, it was the only piece that wouldn’t fit in the back of my Toyota Venza. And second, it was the first piece I literally couldn’t lift on my own. My Venza’s cargo space is pretty remarkable—every other piece you see on my website (except this one) has fit in my crossover. As for my strength? Nothing to brag about, but I’m proud and grateful for how much I can lift when I need to. That is, until this antique empire buffet came along! My husband and I had to use lifting straps to move it—and even then, our shoulders ached for days. This is a VERY heavy piece! It took my two strong farm men to move it for me not once, but three times now. But what a challenge it was to restore this antique empire buffet—and I loved every minute of it!
Most certainly the grandest piece I’ve had opportunity to restore and transform to-date! An antique empire buffet that swoons magnificence from every angle and view. Extremely solid, sound and spectacular— transformed in a sophisticated, bold and dramatic almost black deep green— a shade that holds subtle bronze undertones for a confident, everlasting look. Dry brushed with Bronze Metallic for added depth and dimension, and sealed with Beeswax Finish for a soft satin protection. The top has been stained and sealed for a lovely two-toned wood exposure. I do indeed envision this notably striking antique in a charmingly grand home— a statement piece that will undoubtedly settle in the most perfect space impressively.
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.
Take a Closer Look
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 and filled holes with Bondo— with full intention of replacing with a far more charming set
- Removed damaged veneer from top — with all my blood, sweat and tears, and was led to believe that what I found underneath is BEECH wood
- Repaired damaged veneer to various parts of body — Bondo to my rescue
- Moulded a new claw foot for the left side — Previous owners shared that a doggie chewed it, that’s OK doggie; easily resolved with a Bondo mould
- Removed beaded border from all drawers/doors — Unfortunately a good portion of it was damaged/missing, thus it all had to go
- Lightly sanded down entire piece— to prepare for product application
Thoroughly vacuumed and washed— necessary preparation for proper product application - Applied 3 coats of Fusion Mineral Paint in the colour Wellington to the entire exterior and drawers— A sophisticated, bold and dramatic almost black deep green. This shade is perfectly balanced in green, black and subtle bronze undertones for a confident, everlasting look; brush application
- Applied 3 coats of Zinsser B-I-N Shellac to interior cupboards— to prevent highly anticipated bleed through, and boy was it needed!
- Applied 3 coats of Fusion Mineral Paint in the colour Chateau to the interior cupboards— 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 Jacobean to the top— For a two-toned exposed wood transformation; lint-free rag application
- Applied 1 coat of Fusion Mineral Paint ‘Metallics’ in the colour Bronze to the entire body exterior and drawers ~ for some swoony depth and dimension, and to accentuate the bronze pulls and Wellington undertones; chip brush application
- Applied 2 coats of Fusion Mineral Paint Beeswax Finish to the entire body exterior and drawers ~ for a soft satin finish that works wonderfully on dark colours; wax brush application, lint-free rag buff
- Applied Wise Owl Paint Furniture Salve in the scent Riotous Rain to the interior drawers and sides ~ for a much needed drink, and a delightful scent; lint free rag application
- Selected, purchased and installed new Chartres Cup Pulls & Knobs ~ from Lee Valley; a striking set that I stocked up when on sale earlier this year
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 learned that some pieces demand more from you—and that’s exactly what this antique empire buffet did. It challenged me in ways I hadn’t anticipated, from the moment it wouldn’t fit in my Venza to the final layers of wax. But those challenges? They make the transformation all the more rewarding. Seeing this grand, forgotten piece come back to life—sophisticated, bold, and ready to shine again—feels like a nod to the past, with a timeless twist.
There’s something truly magical about restoring an antique like this. It reminds me why I do what I do—to honor the stories these pieces carry and help them find their place in homes where they’ll be loved again.
So, if you’ve been eyeing an old piece, wondering if it’s worth the effort—this is your sign to go for it! The process might challenge you, but trust me, that’s where the magic happens. Patience, paint, and a little grit can turn something heavy (literally!) into something truly extraordinary.
Thanks for following along on this journey—there’s always more furniture waiting to be flipped, more stories waiting to be told, and more surprises just around the corner.
Faye Caroline
0 Comments