Mid Century Modern Dresser Redo

Hey everyone! I have an absolutely beautiful piece of furniture to share with you today and I can’t wait to show you this mid century modern dresser redo. It’s my latest Craigslist find.

Mid-century modern dresser redo

Isn’t it wonderful?! The picture really doesn’t do this piece justice, it had some of the best craftsmanship on any dresser I’ve owned. The drawers had center slides (love how smooth they are), it was constructed with mostly real wood, some veneer, and it even had dovetail drawers. This dresser was expensive back in its day. What’s more, it even came with the original paperwork from Bassett and a lost bit of calendar from years past.

1990 Calendar

How cool is that!? I’m telling ya, I was geeking out over this thing. The more time I spend refinishing furniture in my life, the more I can appreciate a really well made piece. This was definitely mid century and totally my retro modern style. I STOLE it for $45 including the delivery to my house.

mid century modern furniture

I struggled internally for many days debating whether or not I could bring myself to paint this beauty. Honestly, the wood and finish was in great shape. I know that painting doesn’t last forever, and once you do put paint on a piece, it is a bear to revert back to a stain in the future. This dresser’s finish has held up some 60 years…could I really change it completely?

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Well, as you guessed, the answer is yes. The stain color didn’t match the espresso stains in my home, and I craved more contrast on this piece to show off the hardware and wood detailing on the drawers. I wanted it to show off its unique geometric lines with a clean color: crisp ivory.

mid century modern dresser how to redo

I got to work sanding the finish down.

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It was once so shiny, now so raw.

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After you sand, there’s no turning back. I felt a little sad about ruining the beautiful finish at this point, but I remembered that it will look amazing when done. Besides, furniture is just furniture. It doesn’t have feelings.

priming dresser drawers

Then I was on to priming. If you don’t know exactly how to paint furniture, learn to here!

Then after two coats of paint, three coats of poly, four days and finishing touches, I was done…

white mid century modern dresser redo

Amazing painted furniture transformation mid century modern dresser buffet

I told you it was amazing. The ivory looks so classy and clean. The dresser is modern and so unique!

close up mid century modern dresser paint

The unique wood work on the top three drawers was something I wanted to accent and help tie in the color of the hardware on the other six drawers. I came up with this idea to add stain in the crevices of the “x” design for a little bit of contrast. I like how this gives it just a little something else; other ideas I had to set apart this feature of the dresser all seemed like they would look too dark in comparison to all the white.

mid century modern dresser paint transformation

Check out this complete transformation.

Before and after furniture transformation of a mid century modern dresser buffet

The only sad part of this dresser’s story is although it’s new owner (me) loves it and spent a week giving it new life, I don’t have a place for it! It measures 64″ long and most every wall in my house is not long enough.

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None of them are long enough!

Right now, I’m rearranging my basement (I can’t wait to show you!) and I hope I’ll find a home for this beauty down there. Thank you for reading!!

white mid century modern dresser redo

This is my dresser styled for spring with lots of plants!

I hope you enjoyed this makeover!

Signature welcome to the woods
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8 Replies to “Mid Century Modern Dresser Redo”

  1. Beautiful, love it!!

    I have this exact dresser, and I also have the matching tall dresser and nightstand. Since it was in amazing shape, I decided to just paint the drawer fronts white (except for the drawers with the decorative pieces), and re-stain the rest in a dark java color. I removed all of the decorative pieces from each of those drawers and stained the drawers, then painted the decorative pieces white and put them back on… It really pops this way! I can’t wait to get this set done and posted!

    Maybe when I’m done with the set, you can go to my FB page, if it interests you, to see the set completed. πŸ˜‰ Mid century pieces are my fav to refurb! I have a few on my FB page πŸ˜‰

    https://www.facebook.com/RenewedTreasuresByCharlotte/?ref=bookmarks

    1. Oh my gosh! That sounds amazing! I love the look of stained wood mixed with paint on furniture. I will definitely be checking it out when you’re finished. Thank you for sharing πŸ™‚

    2. I have the same dresser and was looking for the photos. I’d love to see and know how you removed the decorative trim.

  2. I just bought this exact dresser for $35. However it’s missing the first drawer in the middle row. I can have a drawer made for it, but need vintage handles. Any suggestions?

    1. Kellie,
      Wow you got a steal of a deal on this beautiful piece of furniture! It is so frustrating when you’re looking to match vintage hardware, but I’ve had the best luck on Ebay. Otherwise, you might have to consider buying all new hardware…

      Best of luck to you!
      Melissa

  3. Oh m gosh, I did the exact same dresser! I love how we all create different looks with the same pieces of furniture. I adore what you did with yours!
    I don’t know how to post a picture of mine!

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