See how I restored and styled this beautiful antique oak dresser with mirror for our vintage attic bedroom using simple polish and timeless decorating touches.
This antique oak dresser with mirror was a thrifted gem I couldn’t resist—found at our local Habitat for Humanity and brought back to life with a simple polish and wax.
Now it’s a warm focal point in our cozy coastal Maine attic bedroom, styled with a few vintage touches and layered charm.
If you’ve ever wondered how to decorate or refinish an antique dresser with a mirror, I’ll walk you through how I did it here.
Oh friends, you know the thrill of spotting that just right piece—and this antique oak dresser with mirror was calling my name. I spotted it in a Facebook post from the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Kennebunk, Maine, and immediately pictured it warming up our upstairs attic guest bedroom. So off we went—yes, my husband came thrifting with me (and no, that wasn’t easy)!
Do you like thrifting with your partner—or are you more of a solo vintage treasure hunter like me?
The Kennebunk ReStore did not disappoint. It was one of the largest Habitat stores I’ve ever seen—warehouse-sized and filled with both new and donated vintage furniture. (Note: they’ve since moved just down the road—check their website for updated info.) Several friendly volunteers even offered to help load the dresser into our car—major bonus!
I’ve since added this spot to my favorite vintage shopping haunts. If you love secondhand shopping in Maine as much as I do, you’ll want to explore more in my New England vintage shopping guide⬇️
Thrifting New England Shopping Guide: Vintage Stores, Markets & Must-Visit Stops
Join me as I explore the best vintage and thrift stores from Maine to Vermont, and even Paris and Canada. It’s your go-to guide for planning your next treasure-hunting adventure.
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Restoring an Antique Oak Dresser with Mirror
This little antique oak dresser with mirror didn’t need much—just a little love and my go-to combo of Restor-A-Finish followed by a coat of Feed-N-Wax. I used the golden oak finish, which was the closest match for the warm tones of the dresser, and it instantly brought the wood back to life—buffing out years of wear and restoring its golden glow.
The two mismatched pine knobs blended beautifully after a quick coat, making them nearly indistinguishable from the original oak hardware. A layer of Feed-N-Wax added just the right amount of softness and sheen.
This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.”
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You may also enjoy the post How to Refinish a Wood Table Without Sanding: Easy Beginner’s Guide post.
I’m always amazed at what a little polish can do for vintage wood furniture—it’s one of the easiest ways to give a secondhand piece a fresh, finished look.
(P.S. The darker streaks you might notice in the photos are just tree shadows—I didn’t catch them while photographing in our Maine driveway!)
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You may also be inspired by the Antique Trunk Restoration Made Easy post.
Antique Oak Dresser in a Cozy Attic Bedroom
Once refinished, this antique oak dresser with mirror fit perfectly in our cozy attic guest bedroom—vaulted ceilings and all.
I styled it with a mix of vintage treasures: a silhouette from childhood (yes, that’s me—labeled “Griff69,” a nod to my middle name Griffith), a stack of old books, a thrifted alarm clock, and a cheerful yellow McCoy vase filled with blue hydrangeas from a recent antiquing trip, which you may see more of in this Gifts From Maine: A Day’s Jaunt Antiquing post.
This sweet setup adds the kind of layered charm I love most in a vintage bedroom.
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You may also enjoy this post, Vintage Dresser Refashioned | Something Old Something New.
We’ve recently been updating this space with wallpapered walls, coastal cottage bedding, and plenty of secondhand finds.
On the bed, I layered classic seersucker striped bedding from Schweitzer Linen over our trusty Beddy’s zip-up set (practical meets pretty!). Guests love the look—and the ease. A vintage blue and white attic-found quilt and a red and white eagle-pattern quilt, gifted to my mother years ago, bring texture and patriotic personality to the foot of the bed.
Explore Vintage Bedroom Decor Guide
Ready to give your bedroom timeless character and charm? Explore my Vintage Bedroom Décor Guide featuring 50+ cozy styling ideas using antique furniture, vintage linens, and heirloom accents—all inspired by our Vermont and Maine homes.
A little yellow vintage McCoy vase with a couple of blue hydrangeas from last week’s trip Antiquing Down East, A Day’s Jaunt. Wait until you see what I found there!
And can I tell you a secret? I didn’t remove the Beddy’s bedding—just layered the seersucker set right on top. That way, I get the look I want and still keep things functional for overnight guests.
If you find yourself one day at your local Habitat ReStore and spot a sweet little antique oak dresser, I hope you won’t leave it behind. Pieces like this can completely transform a space—and carry stories that make them even more meaningful.
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And you know what? I bet you would love this post, 3 Wallpaper Bedroom Designs Emblematic of a Cozy Vermont Inn!
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You may also find inspiration in this A Petite Antique Dresser in the Bathroom post.
Bringing this antique oak dresser with mirror back to life was such a simple and rewarding way to add warmth to our cozy vintage bedroom.
Whether you’re restoring a piece of your own or dreaming up ways to style a thrifted find, I hope this post inspired your next vintage makeover.
Have a vintage piece you’ve brought back to life? I’d love to hear about it—drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram to share your own antique furniture makeover!
Frequently Asked Questions About Antique Oak Dressers with Mirrors
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Your Guide to Embracing Eclectic Style, Vintage Finds, and Thrifted Home Inspiration~
Love decorating with vintage finds, thrifted treasures, and eclectic charm? I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below, share this post with a vintage-loving friend, or join our Reader’s Showcase Series — where we feature your favorite thrifted and antique finds. Email me at [email protected] to be part of it!
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This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.
You had me at Kennebunk!
That’s awesome!!
That dresser was meant to be in your beautiful home Ann. You restored it so beautifully. It looks so lovely in this space.
It looks so pretty there Ann! I love how you styled it and those DOG books. The silhouette of you and the story behind your middle name is so sweet!
Thanks so much Kristin 🫶🏻
The dresser is such a great find and love the mirror with it. I use those products on my oak pieces too, they do a great job. I love your whole house it’s so cozy.
Marlene the pricks it’s are my new obsession. They work so beautifully. Thanks as always for dropping by🤗
Hi! That is such a beautiful piece! You did a wonderful job cleaning it up! I have never used those products. Now, I will have to look for a piece to try them on. I follow Kennebunk Habitat for Humanity on Facebook too. They get some awesome pieces but it’s frustrating when I’m in New Jersey! Like the other lady only take the hubby when there’s lifting! My 21 year old son is my thrifting buddy, he has been going with me since he was a baby in a front pouch! When he is at UMaine or working – my 14 year old son has started going with me. They appreciate items from the past and their history! Have a wonderful weekend! Denise
That’s so nice Denise💗💗💗
I’m soooooo glad you didn’t paint it and instead brought it to it’s original beauty. I LOVE seeing the wood grain of wood and sometimes cringe when I see a beautiful piece of furniture covered up. Beautifully done!!!!
Thank you so much Ellen🫶🏻
Ellen, I so agree with you. I don’t at all understand the paint it and then scuff it up craze so that it looks like it needs to be painted. Oak has such beautiful grain. Love it!
Morning from hot Virginia! I have a dresser very similar to yours that I found while out antiquing ( my word for thrifting 😝 ) and I love it. But…the mirror continually leans forward. We have tried putting a small block of wood to stabilize it but that keeps popping out when it leans. Any ideas as to what else we could do? It isn’t really noticeable except to me! I do not like to take hubby along…he has no patience but I do “allow” him to come along when I need the truck or his muscle.🤣. Peace.
Oh I bet that mirror tilt is driving you crazy😂 it’s hard to say without seeing it. Maybe tighten up the screws somewhere? And me too on the husband front😉
I have a dresser like this one and the mirror tilting was not working for me too. So, I had husband screw behind mirror with a straight thin bracket to fit angle > Seems to be working better. I love looking at your site Ann .
Great idea Daisy and thank you so much for stopping by!
That little chest sure is cute and i wrote down the products that you used to refresh it. Do you wash it before you use them. I have several family pieces that couse use a refresh! That attic bedroom is so adorable! What a wonderful place to stay!
Hi Amy. I wipe them down but don’t necessarily wash them. I’m addicted to these products now. They pack a big punch and are so easy to use. I hope you enjoy them too🙌🏻