restyled furniture + thrifty home decor

Saw Nail and Paint

Lovingly refinished furniture, vintage and thrifted home decor, urban farming and city chickens

Empire Style Dresser in “Pitch Black” Milk Paint

~

I have a soft spot for vintage empire style furniture.  When I see a piece that is reasonably priced, I usually buy it.  Earlier this fall, I was shopping at my local Goodwill and I spotted this guy.  It’s substantial and solid, but the finish was in really poor condition.  It looked like it was covered in water spots, but who knows.  It was also priced way over what I am able to pay.  A week later, I again spotted it and went over to to pay it a little visit and admire all its lovely curves. That’s totally normal, right?   I was thrilled to see that it had been marked down by about 90%.  You can bet I was all over that dresser like a cheap suit.

Disclosure:  I have received products for this post, but all opinions are entirely my own.  This post contains sponsored links from Old Fashioned Milk Paint Company.  For your convenience, this post also contains affiliate links.

The veneer on the lower three drawers was all intact, so I decided to strip them to see what I could uncover.  I applied a coat of  Citri-Strip and removed the old finish.  I could immediately see the gorgeous wood underneath, with its lovely brown and black tones.  I believe the veneer is flame mahogany, but if someone believes otherwise I would love to know.  Once dry, I lightly and carefully sanded the drawers.  I then stained the drawers with a dark walnut stain.  For the rest of the dresser, I cleaned and lightly sanded.   I decided this dresser would be a perfect candidate for a makeover with Old Fashioned Milk Paint.  It’s great to use for an authentic vintage look, and it’s a green product with no VOC’s.   Because of the black and brown tones in the veneer, I decided to use  Pitch Black  milk paint for the rest.   This is a true black with incredible coverage and I only needed one coat.  I also added Extra-Bond to assist with adhesion since I wasn’t going for the chippy look with this one.   I did want to have some wood tones showing through the paint in areas, so I lightly distressed the areas that would normally wear. I then applied two coats of  Hope’s 100% Tung Oil to seal the entire dresser.

I added new brass knobs to the top drawers, and black knobs to the lower drawers.

I bought a set of reproduction skeleton keys from House of Antique Hardware and found one that fits.  I have yet to find a dresser with its original keys still in place, but I thought it would be nice to at least have a reproduction. I think it’s a pretty touch.

 

 

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Susan

Linking with Up to Date Interiors

 

Related posts:

Key West Memories and a Key West Blue Dresser
White and Brass Vintage Dresser Makeover
Roadside Rescue Vintage Dresser Makeover

Lovely comments

  8. SUEANN KINGKADE says

    You, dear Susan, are my hero! Every time I check your web site I am rewarded by the gifts you share. Your work is always the standard to reach for. Well done!

  12. Betty @ K71ArtStudio says

    This piece is absolutely stunning! Fantastic color choice to fit any decor and way to enhance the beautiful flame mahogany drawers! Well done!

    • Susan says

      Thanks so much, Carol. I think it’s nice to keep a bit of natural wood when it is so pretty like this dresser. Susan

  18. Linda D. says

    Whenever I see a before photo of a beautiful antique piece, I always wish someone would try to reveal some of the grain. When I saw the piece you were about to restore, my first thought was, ‘Oh this would be perfect black with the drawers restored.” I click through to the post and lo and behold! Oc course, I think you did the perfect job. The piece is gorgeous. I have furniture envy. 😀

    • Susan says

      Oh thank you so much, Linda! When I discover really pretty wood on pieces, I do try and preserve some when I can (sometimes it’s just not possible or easily done). I’m so happy to hear you like the black with the mahogany and that you would have done the same. Great minds, haha!

  19. Marty says

    You may have painted a Thomas Daye dresser. His furniture produced in Milton NC during the mid 1800s has been displayed at the Smithsonian. I am a 35 year collector.

    • Susan says

      Hi Marty – Thanks so much for the info on the dresser. I really appreciate your expertise! Susan