FFM: Fantastic Old Chest of Drawers!

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Look what I found the other day!  I was so happy to find it because I haven’t seen a truly old chest of drawers with the great vintage detail for a long time.  This one has the wheels on the feet and the drawers all work.  However, it is in really bad condition but hey, nothing that can’t be fixed!  It was only $12 and I grabbed it! Vintage Chest Vintage ChestVintage Chest Vintage Chest Vintage Chest

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  2. In your hands it will become gorgeous again!! can you please go into detail how to fill in those gouges? I was given a beautiful bow front dresser that has those same deep marks and I need help how to fill them in.

    • Hi Katherine, I like to use either ELmers or Minwax Wood Filler or plastic wood. Really press it into the gauges and let dry. Sand it back and repeat the step about two more times before painting. It has to be really smooth before you paint it. This will get rid of them!

  3. Suzanne, You’ve got your work cut out for you on this one… but I know it will be beautiful once you work your magic! Can’t wait to see the transformation!

  5. Can a piece of furniture that has water damage to the panels be repaired? I found a cool old desk I’m guessing is maybe 30’s or 04’s that had sat in a basement for years so the side panels are pretty rough. Drawers and top are fine (other than scratches). Can the sides be replaced or should I not even try? It seems such a shame to let it go to trash or burn pile.

    • Hi Pam, if the water damage has made the wood or the veneer wavy, then it can’t be repaired. If it is only discolored, then a good primer will work. This will seal it and get rid of any bad smell. I guess you can try and replace the sides but honestly, that is beyond my scope and I wouldn’t tackle it! Best of luck!

  6. Ooooo, I can’t wait to see how you transform this sweet but badly treated piece! Also, I can’t wait to learn how you fix the wood chips and gouges from the edges…

  8. I am working on a similar vintage dresser now. It was Placed on the curb by a young couple whose aunt handed it down. But Their lack of time and need for space made it mine! I Have sanded all over and filled gouges. I was planning to paint it creamy white all over, but The drawer fronts have a lovely, burled wood veneer. Now, I am thinking of painting top, sides and front frame and putting a transparent stain on the drawers. Any comments? Will wood filler show thru the stain?

    • Hi Linda! Sounds like you rescued an awesome find! Your idea sounds great and you can find some inspiration of Pinterest. Wood filler will show through stain, even if the filler is the same color as the wood. I suggest trying it and seeing how it looks. Hey, if you need to, you can always paint over! Good luck!

  9. I am so looking forward to how you are going to finish this bureau. I just finished a stand with a magazine rack that was a similar mess.

    Cynthia

    • Hi Cynthia! This one is definitely going to be a challenge! I bet the magazine rack was difficult with a lot of little nooks to get into!

  10. Wow! I would LOVE to find a chest like that for $12! That just does not happen in Southern California thrifting! Shout-out to any southern cal readers! Do you know of any thrifts that have pieces like this? 🙂

    • I was SO lucky to find it! It is getting so hard to find reasonably priced pieces lately! I can’t believe the prices that some of the thrift stores are charging – it’s not just in CA 🙂

  11. Great find…..can’t wait to see your restoration. It will be worth all the time and effort. Good luck