Favorite Find Monday – American Empire Chest of Drawers

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Jane contacted me last week with a very enticing project.  She and her husband are in the midst of a huge home renovation that includes a new front door and entryway.  It is going to be fantastic with large windows on either side that will let even more light into their lovely, warm and inviting home.

Marty had purchased this great American empire chest of drawers decades ago.  He told me it originally had dark brown paint on it and he stripped it back to its original wood finish.  After all of that work, he is taking a leap of faith and having me repaint it to give it new life.  It is going to be placed in their new entryway against the foyer wall.  It will look gorgeous!

Here is the chest – told you it is lovely!  However the top has some damage, as does the bottom.  One drawer also needs to be rebuilt.Empire Chest

Here are the curtains that Jane is keeping and we are coordinating with.  Just gorgeous.DrapesWe are going totally out of Jane’s comfort zone on this one and have chosen a deep red for the piece.   I really am so excited to get started!

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  2. I have had the exact same chest for years. Fortunately it has its original stain. It’s been in a breakfast room, game room and is now in the grandkids guest room. It’s one piece I’ve never thought about painting but who knows. I’ll look forward to see what you do with it.

  4. Such a beauitufl piece Suzanne… and red will be spectacular!!
    I’ve only ever done one here in Southern Ontario…. I have a hard time finding them and when I do they are really expensive.
    Can’t wait to see it!!
    Maxine

    • I can’t wait to get started! They are hard to find here now as well. I once saw one at auction but it was bid up too high and I had to pass. So happy to get a chance to work on this one 🙂

  5. We have one almost exactly the same, only the wide drawer is on the bottom, and the doors have slight curves at edges. Ours is in great condition in our dining room. Love the empire style. Also have dresser and chest in this style.

  6. I have the same one. Mine is the original stain as well, and I bounce around the idea of doing it partially in white. I can never decide. I’m in Northern Ontario! Excited to see this one done.

    • Lucky duck! Wish I could say the same 🙂 I am sure there are many Pinterest pics to peruse and get ideas for yours although it likely is lovely as-is!

  7. A beautiful piece,I think red will look great. I never cared for red until I used it for one piece , now I can’t get enough of it. Can’t wait to see it finished.

    • I know how that can happen as I never cared for black before and now can’t get enough of it! It’s always good to open our minds and grow lol!

  8. we’ve always called this piece a side board. What’s the difference between a side board and an empire chest. We have one in it’s original condition. Afraid to paint it . . .

    • Hi Debra, Typically a sideboard is used in a dining area or a room for entertaining. They have cabinet doors underneath that swing open for storing dishes, large items, etc. The chest of drawers is for bedroom storage and has drawers. However, I have noticed that more and more older chests are being used as sideboards. It is a great use for them as they still have storage and can be so gorgeous in a room. I really don’t think that it matters any longer as long as the piece fits your needs in the room 🙂

    • Hi Debbie, yes I think the red is going to look amazing! It honestly is not a color I use a lot as it takes just the right piece and this one definitely is it 🙂

  12. I am sure you will make a fantastic job of this – I can just see it now in the red and perhaps you might stain the top? 😉 Can’t wait – you had better get ‘cracking’ 🙂

  13. when I saw it I said “red” to myself. it will look great.
    I have a dressing table that is very dark, I am thinking of painting it, what color do you think, sorry I have know idea how to put a pic on the internet. but it is just two draws across the top,and a tri-mirror, sure you’ve seen one before or have done one, thanks