Hello my Friends,
As much as I love painted furniture, it’s just not right for every piece. Not at all.
I spotted this stunning antique oak chest of drawers while thrifting, and felt that it was perfect “as is.” I am fortunate to have a few really fantastic thrift stores in my area where I regularly find vintage furniture and collectibles. Most, however, are not as beautiful in their “as found” condition as this piece.
Neither paint nor any type of refinish would improve this handsome dresser. It had clearly been loved and well cared for. All it needed from me was a bit of cleaning. And flowers. We all look better with flowers, don’t we?
Time had not destroyed the finish, but created a beautifully aged patina.
The slightly mismatched pulls add charm and character.
The warm caramel and brown wood tones and the movement in the grain are perfection.
The original wood casters still remain. and roll with a slight squeak and creak.
Understated details like the curve of the bottom apron and the curve on the top are timeless.
Can you tell I’m smitten with this piece? As much as I love it, I’ll be finding it a new home. My hope is that someone will appreciate this beauty and lovingly care for it as it has been for so many years.
Thank you for reading and take care.
Good call 🙂
Thanks, Paige!
What a gorgeous dresser! I’m glad you decided to let it be. The wood is beautiful and it’s in such great condition. I’m with you. I love painted furniture (when it’s done well). But some pieces are best left for the wood in all it’s glory.
That is gorgeous! I have a couple of old dressers (similar to yours) with the old wheels and had never ever thought about them until you mentioned them. (The dressers I have have been in my family for as long as I can ever remember so I just took that part for granted), but now I wonder why back then they put wheels on things like that and why did they stop?
Hi Colleen – So many of these old dressers had wheels. I’m not sure why, but they are so charming, and really practical. I often find them with the wheels removed, and I usually replace them with reproduction wood casters. Susan
Susan,
What area are you in to have such great thrift stores ?
Mary
Hi Mary! I’m in Seattle, and yes, I am very fortunate to have great thrift shops in my area. Sometimes I feel like I am shopping in a discount antique shop when I see so many great vintage pieces!
Beautiful. I have a mix of painted and unpainted furniture finds in my home. I have a old pine dresser in my garage that I’m thinking about painting black and leaving the front wood with black scrolls painted on it. Or maybe I’ll just clean it up and enjoy the wood.
I love mixing painted with unpainted pieces, too. Adding just one natural wood piece to a room gives the space so much warmth and character. If you aren’t sure whether or not to paint your pine dresser, I would suggest bringing it in and just “living with it” for awhile. You can always add a bit of paint later, if you decide that is best. Susan
It’s beautiful just the way it is! Like you said not every piece need to be painted.
Thanks, Annie! I’ve seen many dressers in this style look gorgeous painted, but appreciating the original vintage wood is sometimes nice, too. Have a great weekend, friend. Susan
It is a lovely dresser and not all furniture is meant to be painted.
I agree! It’s beautiful as it is. Gorgeous!
Thanks so much, Desiree!