From bland to glam! This vintage dresser, something old, gets a fresh coat of paint with a little monetary farmhouse-cottage bling, something new. A quick and easy refashion that packs a charming decor punch!
A little vintage dresser that I discovered years back in my parent’s attic.
At that time it had been long forgotten for almost 30 years just waiting to be reinvented.
It was an antique dark blue, the knobs were heavenly, and who can turn down a good old antique dresser?
I would have one in every room of my house. Wait, I think I do…
Dressers are great for storage and of course their glaring homey charms.
Let me show you how I refashioned this vintage dresser with something old and something new!
What Can I Do With an Old Dresser
I brought this old dresser back to Vermont with us almost 10 years ago now, painting it an Acadia white to match our then-home’s trim. But today, 10 years later it looks so dingy and drab.
And with all the home improvements we recently had done this past winter, our new trim is now a brighter white, Chantilly Lace. Which we couldn’t love more. See more in the post, Pretty in Stardew Blue Paint | A Home Interior Makeover Before and After, and 3 Wallpaper Bedroom Designs Emblematic of a Cozy Vermont Inn.
This vintage dresser refashioned will be getting a new home in our smaller guest bedroom. The wallpaper in this bedroom is Karins by Wallpaper Direct. And has a nice cottage feel to it. So I want the furniture to match this cottage-style room’s vibe.
Since this vintage dresser already had two coats of paint on it, I wasn’t in the mood to strip it all down to its original wood. So I went with 2 new coats of Chantilly Lace paint, which beautified this old dresser right up in less than two hours’ time.
Handcarved Wooden Dresser Handles
I also knew the Chantilly Lace white would really make these old antique hand-carved knobs really pop on the dresser drawers.
I used my trusty Restor-A-Finish in Dark Walnut to clean and restore the dresser drawer’s wooden knobs.
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I’ve always loved this style of dresser handle. I see them a lot on vintage dressers at antique shops and thrift stores alike. They always grab my attention. So rustic, charming, and handsome.
You may also enjoy the post, A Petite Antique Dresser in the Bathroom with knobs like big old diamonds.
House Numbers Refashioned
But the dresser was still missing a little something.
I found a few old black wrought iron house numbers and thought they may add a little rustic farmhouse-cottage charm to these old dresser drawers.
With a quick coat of black spray paint, the wrought iron numbers looked brand new.
And I used a few black upholstery tacks to nail them onto each of the drawers.
The house numbers do not represent anything specific. Just a few house numbers that I found in our basement.
SHOP HOUSE NUMBERS
Vintage Dresser Refashioned
Here is this old vintage dresser refashioned.
I like how this vintage dresser now adds a bit of a decor punch to this small guest bedroom, which doesn’t fit much more than a bed, side table, and now this vintage dresser.
A Few Vintage Dresser Bedroom Adornments
- A bouquet of flowers in an antique pitcher.
- Vintage atomizer.
- Vintage perfume bottle ( My father bought this for me when I moved into my first apartment).
- A wire basket of vintage clock faces.
- A picture of me skiing as a little girl.
- Decorative scented soap.
This is a simple first decorating pass. I look forward to thrifting and antiquing to pull the rest of this little vintage dresser in our small guest bedroom back together.
And my little helper, Ella looks on in delight too…
Like this bedding? You can find it here at Schweitzer Linen. They have the most luxurious bedding. I can’t wait to show you what I currently have on order from them too very soon.
Watch it all on video:
I’m so glad you dropped by, and if you are new to my blog, welcome! I hope you enjoyed your visit with us here today at our Home in Vermont.
Be sure also to check out our Home in Coastal Maine where we spend summers and weekends when we are craving a walk on the beach or a visit with old friends.
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Hi Ann! Love how you left the wooden pulls natural wood! They really pop against the white! The wallpaper in this room is so pretty, and the bedding looks great with it!
Thank you Molly!
Those dresser pulls! ❤️ we’re they on it when you pulled out of your parents attic? maybe next you style this sweet little dresser try something wood and chunky on top to show the pulls off even more. Very sweet guest room, love the wallpaper and bedding.
Hi Pamela, yes they were. And I love the idea to add chunky woods on top. Thank you so much for that idea! My husband is preparing for shoulder surgery this month and I think this will be his recovery room, so it may have to wait just a bit. Thanks again!
Oh Ann
This room is BEAUTIFUL!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the wallpaper and bedding and the dresser is adorable!! You always have such wonderful ideas. Your parents are looking down on you with such delight and pride. It’s so respectful and loving to bring new life to many of their possessions. Ella loves it as well and if she likes it, you KNOW you are doing the right thing!!! Just perfect! Thank you for sharing!
Kathy you are the sweetest. Seriously such kind words, thank you dearly!
Ann,
You always share such lovely, creative ideas! I especially appreciate that many of your ideas incorporate family heirlooms in new and fresh ways for your home, and I love seeing your finished projects. I think that is the reason many of us follow your site: Your love for home, family, (and Ella!), and decorating in a way that makes your heart sing. Home should reflect the individuality in each of us, and yours is truly a beautiful reflection of you! Please continue sharing all that you find beautiful, useful , and unique!
One more thing: Thank you for the gracious way that you respond to comments, even when they are unkind or hurtful. Your beauty always shines through!
Lili, aren’t you just the sweetest? I appreciate your kind and thoughtful message so much. So does Ella, wink wink. We can’t always please everyone just ourselves, right? Thank you again and enjoy your day sweet friend.
The bedding is so pretty. There is one I really like, but since the dog sleeps with me probably not a good idea for now! Love the drawer pulls too, and as always love a pooch in the photos. So sweet. Aren’t we lucky to have such love bugs?
Oh yes, Schweitzer Linen has the most beautiful bedding I’ve ever had. And it’s funny I have nice bedding in all our rooms except where we sleep too because of Ella:)
I have a little oak dresser with 2 small top drawers and one larger one under these. I use it in our bedroom for sheets and pillow cases. I just love it and have never changed it but you have inspired me to get some new interesting drawer pulls for it. Guess I will have to go thrifting on the next rainy day when I can’t work in the garden!!?
Oh Kathy, yes that sounds so fun to go thrifting for new dresser knobs. Good luck my friend and most of all enjoy your time doing it! Best, Ann
Love the chest, paint color, hate the numbers. To me it’s a spoiler. Really nice wallpaper.
Thanks, Thomas. I’m happy you like the chest, so sorry you hate the numbers. I know they’re not for everyone but I’m enjoying them over here. Thanks for stopping by.