From Dated to Deco: A Vintage Dresser Makeover with Timeless Charm
Some furniture pieces just need a little vision—and a whole lot of love. When @brasswalnut came across this dated vintage dresser, she knew it had potential. With the right blend of technique, creativity, and a few of her favorite Amy Howard at Home products, she transformed it into a stunning art deco-inspired piece full of personality and charm.
Products Used:
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✔️ One Step Paint in Amour (paint wash)
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✔️ One Step Paint in Parisian Gray (stencil)
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✔️ Matte Sealer
Step 1: Strip, Sand & Reveal
The makeover began with fully stripping and sanding the dresser to remove the old finish and reveal the natural wood grain underneath. While the original wood tone was a bit too red and flat, it offered the perfect canvas for a custom finish.
Step 2: Create a Raw Wood Look with a Paint Wash
To soften the red tones and bring out a more neutral, weathered aesthetic, @brasswalnut used One Step Paint in Amour Gray to apply a light paint wash. This technique added subtle warmth while maintaining that raw wood feel—perfect for layering with additional design elements.
Step 3: Add Pattern with a Stencil
Next came a bold yet refined stencil design in One Step Paint in Parisian Gray. Instead of aiming for perfection, she dabbed on the paint in an intentionally uneven and imperfect way, then lightly sanded over the pattern once dry. The result? A beautifully worn-in effect that echoes the dresser’s vintage roots while adding an artistic, deco-inspired flair.
Step 4: Seal & Soften
To tone down and blend the stencil design seamlessly into the wood, she mixed a bit of her paint wash color into her Matte Sealer for the first layer. This created a subtle, cohesive finish that tied the entire piece together without overwhelming the natural texture of the wood.
Step 5: The Finishing Touches
No makeover is complete without attention to the little details. @brasswalnut replaced the original bulky handles with aged brass knobs to elevate the look, and she refreshed the inside of the drawers using Furniture Tonic—a go-to for nourishing wood and bringing life back to tired interiors.
This dresser makeover is a perfect example of how you can use simple techniques and quality products to completely reinvent a piece of furniture. Whether you're a seasoned refinisher or new to DIY, take a page from @brasswalnut’s book and try your hand at creating something uniquely yours.
Feeling inspired? Browse our collection of One Step Paints, stencils, and furniture refinishing tools to get started on your next transformation.