Old Dresser turned Console Table
Repurpose a dresser as a TV console!
Fifty years ago, back in 1964...a handsome guy named Lynn married a spunky redhead named Joan. They bought a new set of furniture for their bedroom and it lasted them well for many, many years.
Three kids were born to Lynn and Joan, those kids grew up and moved away and eventually got married themselves.
Lynn and Joan decided it was time for new bedroom furniture...
...and passed their beloved set on to their son and his diy-crazy wife (me!)
I think I have almost everything from that original set but the bed and one nightstand! This furniture has made the rounds in my house, often serving unusual purposes (for instance, the nightstand is in my craft space and holds my paint supplies). The sturdiness has allowed it to be very functional and I just can't bear to part with any of it. Dove-tailed drawers, solid wood...you can't find furniture like this anymore!
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(this post contains affiliate links(*); read my full disclosure policy here)
This long dresser has been our TV console for several years now. It's deep drawers are perfect for DVD's and videos (yes, we still have VHS!), as well as games and cords. The smaller drawers hold extra remotes, and a whole bunch of other stuff we want to hide :)
The dresser had received numerous scratches, gouges and dings from its long life and many moves. I know (for a fact) that this dresser has lived in Illinois, North Carolina, Saskatchewan Canada, New Jersey and California (did I miss any, mom?).
It was time for a bit of freshening up.
Now, you know what happened when I decided to refinish my dining table and didn't have any muscle to help me, right? You can read all about that fiasco here. I ended up sanding it in my kitchen (don't do that!).
What I really wanted to do with this console was sand the top down and refinish it, then paint the bottom, similar to my thrifted entry table.
However, I took this project on one morning, quite impulsively...while my kids were away at camp and Mr DIY was at work. I was on my own...so moving the beast wasn't an option.
I decided to paint the whole thing in place...those deep scratches actually don't look bad when they have a couple coats of white paint on them!
The most difficult part was single-handedly moving our enormous flat screen TV*...those things weigh a ton! I'm still not quite sure how I did it; I am one determined woman, lol!!
After a good dusting and removing the drawers and all the hardware, I painted the dresser with my homemade chalk paint in creamy white. I like the farmhouse-type feel that evokes (like it's been around for ever and the paint has started to wear off).
Everything was sanded, lightly distressed around the edges with a fine/medium grit sanding sponge* and then waxed with clear furniture paste* and buffed with a soft rag.
I wanted to update the hardware and change out the old pulls so I headed to Hobby Lobby to search for new knobs and pulls and found two sets that I liked...
Option 1 was a traditional style hammered bronze that would have looked nice but they were quite similar to what had been on the dresser originally. Option 2 was a black cup handle in a fun, modern shape and I found coordinating knobs that I thought looked great with it. I put the question out on FB "Which One Should I Buy?" and every single comment came back, "get the black". I love when your gut instinct is confirmed so soundly!!!
Once I got home, I needed to drill* all new holes in my drawers to accommodate the different size of the pulls. I found the easiest way to make sure all the holes would line up evenly was to make a paper template. Sorry for the blurry picture, but you can see what I mean.
I cut the paper to the same size as my drawer front, and marked where the holes needed to be. Then I was able to lay the paper on each drawer and drill the new holes (right through the paper!).
The pulls that I bought didn't come with any screws (and the original ones had too big of a head on them and they didn't fit with the new handles). I had to buy new screws (gotta love when you can send your teenage son to Home Depot for you!!). They were silver, but not to worry. A little black acrylic paint dabbed on after they were attached fixed that right up!
I also spray painted my hinges with Satin Black* by Rustoleum and they turned out perfect!
I attached all the new hardware, stepped back to look at it and smiled...
It looks so fresh and bright! I love the country farmhouse look that my painted console has now! The knobs are the perfect complement and I love that they're a little unusual...while still maintaining that farmhouse charm!
Do you remember how it used to look?
It definitely looks more like a console than a dresser now! I can't wait to hear what the 'original owners' think of it, lol!
Update: we're still using this dresser as a TV console table in our Texas farmhouse!
What a beautiful update and great save Cindy! Love the way the hardware pops. Dressers make the best TV consoles.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sharon :) I agree..you just cannot find the same quality anymore. These old ones were built to last!
DeleteLove, love, love it! Dark pine was "in" back then. Your update makes such a difference and makes my heart happy to know it's functionality goes on and on. Love your creativity and you. MOM
ReplyDeleteYAY, so glad you love it Mom!! Mr DIY might take a little convincing yet...he was really fond of the dark.
DeleteWhoa! Awesome save, Cindy! Pinning!
ReplyDelete~ Ashley
Thanks so much Ashley! I think the hardware is what sets it apart from the rest :)
DeleteVery nice. I've been contemplating painting an old set I have from my mom. I might just bite the bullet and try Annie Sloan's. I'd like to use it just once so I could compare it and review it.
ReplyDeleteYour choice of color and hardware is excellent - thanks for sharing your project.
You should go for it Val! It's so fun to have a "new" cabinet! Thanks for the sweet comment.
DeleteAbsolutely beautiful! I love the black hardware on the white chest. You will really enjoy this piece of furniture and it also has sentimental value.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! You're right...the sentimental value is what makes it extra special!
DeleteThis turned out great! I can't believe how many states that dresser has been in, haha!
ReplyDeleteI know, right? It's been around the block a few times, lol! Thanks so much for stopping by to comment! Have a great day Julie!
DeleteWow this is a great piece! Gorgeous! Thanks for sharing on DIY Sunday Showcase! I'm pinning this to our talent board.
ReplyDeleteShelly
minettesmaze.blogspot.com
Thanks for the sweet comments and the Pin, Shelly!!
DeleteCindy,
ReplyDeleteThis piece looks outstanding and it will be featured at my party on Monday. Thanks so much for linking it up to my Show and Share Party.
Blessings,
Linda
I have an old dresser we bought about 25 years ago that we are using as a console too! it's brown and I've been trying to decide what to paint it. I *love* this diy! you said you used creamy white, what brand or does that matter? Also, did you distress the edges or just not really paint to give them that worn look? Thanks for inspiring me and for answering :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Lisa! At the time, I was mixing up my own chalky type paint using Behr's Swan Wing. However, DecoArt makes a great creamy white that I now use for everything. It's called Everlasting. I did distress the edges before waxing bc with an old piece, it enhances the age and makes it perfectly suited to farmhouse or cottage style! I'm happy to have inspired you, good luck painting yours!!
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