I bought this vintage buffet with folding sides this spring at a yard sale… I almost passed it up but I’m glad I didn’t! It’s a very solid (heavy) piece and well made. However it had the typical scratches, a few dings, and filthy handles that you would expect of an old piece that had probably been collecting dust in someone’s garage for twenty years or more. I gave you a sneak peek of the buffet HERE – as a reminder, here’s what it looked like when I bought it:
It also has a plaque in the drawer: Lewisburg Chair and Furniture Co. A bit of research shows this to be from the mid-1900s.
I sanded the buffet well and chose a paint color that would lighten it up – Valspar’s Sunset Nude (it looks a little white in the pics but it’s really a light cream). Here it is after the first coat of paint:
I think I applied about 3 coats total, because I wanted a crisp color. Then I distressed very lightly on some of the edges.
The handles were disgusting.
My mom always seems to have the right thing that I need… she pulled this cleaner out of a cabinet and after lots of scrubbing and rubbing – we found gold! SOOO much prettier. You can purchase Revere cleaner HERE
. I always try to keep the original hardware on a vintage piece if I can get it cleaned up nicely.
I finished the piece with a few coats of matte poly. I didn’t need to paint the insides of the drawers this time because the interior wood was in really good shape.
Who’s ready for a party?! 😉
This piece is currently for sale… although I think it looks really good in my dining area!
Jen
Miss any of my recent posts? Catch up here:
Making Crepes at Flip Crepes in Chicago
A Love Story: 7 Year Anniversary
14 Creative Crafts to Try This Summer
Susan says
I’m so intimidated by furniture projects. You did a lovely job bringing this old buffet back to life! I’d love if you’d come and share at Inspire Us Thursday at Organized 31. http://organized31.blogspot.com/2013/06/inspire-us-thursday-link-party-4.html
Susan says
I loved the table. It turned out fantastic! I wish I had a place for it
Jen says
Thank you so much Susan! There’s no reason to be intimidated – just start on a small piece and have fun with it. 🙂
Karie says
Beautiful buffet. I have one that is very similar. You did a beautiful job. Thanks for sharing. Karie
Krista @thehappyhousie says
I love this makeover, what an amazing transformation!! So glad I found your blog through Give Me the Goods…need to explore a little now!
Kirsten @ One Tough Mother says
This is beautiful! I wish I had time to go thrift store shopping and yard sale shopping. My house is a little unfinished at the moment (we moved in a year ago) because I’m waiting to find those perfect pieces to finish each room. Working full-time sucks! LOL! Love the color you chose – and I’ll have to remember that cleaner when I finally do have a piece to refinish!
Denyse @ Glitter, Glue & Paint says
Jen, this turned out really cute! You did a great job giving it a much needed face lift.
xoxo
Denyse
Jen says
Thank you Krista, so glad to have you here!
Jen says
Thank you Kirsten! I know how you feel… we’ve been here two years now and many rooms still aren’t how I want them! (Including no landscaping outside… I wish I had a green thumb.) We can only do so much at a time. Good luck finding the right pieces for your home!
Therena says
I love how this turned out!! I’m a sucker for white! Great job!
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
That is beautiful Jen! And oh wow, I’ve got to get my hands on some of that cleaner! Awesome!! Thanks so much for sharing on Project Inspire{d}! Pinned!!
Nancy
Lauren says
I am featuring your midcentury buffet on my blog today. Thanks for linking it up.
http://www.ifitsnotbaroquedesignblog.blogspot.com/
Jen says
Thanks so much Lauren, that’s great!