Have you ever taken an old piece of furniture (with a story) and given it new life to make it beautiful again? It’s one of my favorite kind of projects to do. You might remember seeing these before pics of my chest of drawers from my grandparent’s auction.
I loved the drawers and saw potential in this piece right away! My cousin grabbed the second one, and I love how he remade his set chest of drawers to turn it into an end table! I quickly redid that little chair (in the above pic) for my bedroom makeover, but the drawers have set in my car port since the beginning of this summer!?
They looked so sad and forgotten in the middle of all kinds of other projects. I finally set out to tackle the transformation a little before Thanksgiving, and this is how I did it.
I gave the metal drawer slides a quick coat of silver spray paint to cover up the rust and grim. I then gave the drawers a really good sanding. This was the most labor intensive part of this project.
Once the drawers were sanded, I used a gray stain that I received at the Country Living Fair to cover the drawers and the chest itself. I knew the stain would settle different on the chest (since that was just pure wood) than on the drawers (which were painted white). I was excited that the drawers and chest would have the same finish, but (since the original base was different) the drawers would stand out a little.
I loved the result. My son said it looks dirty, just like he said about my Rope Balls’ Planter.
Next, I gave the drawer handles a coat of a bright blue spray paint, and I then gave them a light sanding so they too looked more rustic. I wanted to add some color to my piece, but let it be pretty timeless as well. I think I accomplished that.
I decided that this chest of drawers would be a perfect addition to my craft table/area. My hope was that it would help keep this area organized, so it didn’t always look such a mess.
Once it was set up in my house, I was so excited about it! I quickly snapped this picture with my iPhone and sent it to a friend.
The desire to have a neat free craft area is good, but it probably isn’t practical, right!? This is my area now…
It is complete with Legos and toys all over the floor. Watch your step around here!
Although the table is a mess once again, the drawers have been super helpful, and I love all the drawers and dividers that help keep my favorite craft stuff organized.
I love the way this chest of drawers turned out, but what I love the most is that it use to be my grandpa’s. I love the story that comes with it. My grandpa has always been super handy and built amazing toys, clocks, and lamps. I was just talking to my mom last weekend about how he made the most intricate doll house with furniture for my sister. It is gorgeous. With his auction this summer he sold most of his tools, since he is getting older, but I got this drawer set where he used to store his bolts and screws and used it everyday. It is so special that I now can use it everyday to help my craft.
Do you have a piece of furniture in your home that has a special story? Thank you so much for stopping by!
Heidi @ Decor & More says
What a fun and meaningful transformation, Erica! Your grandad would love that you’ve repurposed this piece for your everyday. Kudos! Merry Christmas to you and yours… xo Heidi
ericadeuel says
Thank you so much Heidi!! I need to print a picture out and mail it to him, so he can see the transformation! They live all the way in Ohio. :/