skip to main content

Home Decorating Furniture Design Dilemma

Potential for this antique dresser?

2 years ago

I came across an antique wooden dresser with a marble top. See the attached picture. Do you think it has potential as an entryway console/sideboard with a little clean-up and tlc? For reference, our house is colonial and we like a transitional style with a touch of rustic. My style leans more towards timeless vs. trendy. Does this piece have potential?

Inspiration Pic:

Hamptons, NY I · More Info

Actual Photo:

Comments (11)

PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
2 years ago
I like the height of yours better than the inspo pic but if it has a mirror attached I would remove that to keep it from looking too much like it belongs in a bedroom. It also would be nice to see a bit of your space.
Katie F thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
Tara
2 years ago
It's totally doable...
Artist's Bungalow · More Info

Jenkins Baer Associates · More Info

Plandome Dutch Colonial · More Info

Dressers · More Info

Ombre Blue Hutch · More Info
Katie F thanked Tara
Related Discussions
Antique mirror, chairs, dresser, etc. etc. (several photos)...
Q
Comments (6)
We have quite a few Federal styled pieces, it seems. DH's favorite piece is a really nice Federal style couch. The clock has a label marking it as a Waterbury Clock "Independence Hall." Assuming that's what's painted on the front (or used to be painted on the front. That mirror is, as far as I can tell, in impeccable condition but is definitely quite old. I'm going to have to get it back out to see the quality of the carving. The picture doesn't show it very well, and now I'm curious. Plus I don't think I ever looked for a label on the darn thing! $2.50? That's a heck of a good buy! We're still finding things when we open previously unopened dresser drawers, looking in boxes, etc. Some of the latest: a great book of B&W prints from the 1893 Columbian Exposition (stamped with a store's name on the back--was used as advertising, similar to the advertising cards but much more substantial) more Heisey glass than you can shake a stick at :) several old dolls in varying states of condition several antique frames, also (sadly) in varying states of condition boxes and boxes of old buttons and costume jewelry old books like you wouldn't believe (I know these don't necessarily have much value, but it's fun to read about what they knew, or didn't know, about the world/science/etc. during that time two very strange looking porcelain figurines...matching...boots, and one has a boy clinging to it while the other has a girl clinging to it some Victorian-era painted pottery, porcelain, china, or whatever it is (I guess it used to be fashionable for ladies to buy the white pottery then paint it? a chamber pot set with a few other matching pieces for some unknown purpose, all with a little note that identifies it as a wedding gift for "Maggie" (the first owner of the house, circa 1885-1890) It's a little overwhelming but I can't imagine it being more fun! :) I'll keep putting up pictures as we take them. This forum is a great site to at least get an idea of what some of this stuff is, and how old it is (or is not).
...See More
Antique Highboy Dresser value?
Q
Comments (9)
Photos of inside drawers, sides of drawers, bottom of the outside of the drawers, and inside of chest without the drawers would be helpful. please include side and back view of body of the dresser as well, if you can. Has it been stripped and re finished at some point? It is difficult to tell what kind of wood it is from the photo. On the underside of the body or the back, or on any of the drawers are there any markings? My first impression is that it is not super old, but photos can be very misleading. What do you know of its history?
...See More
How to organize very deep drawers on antique dressers?
Q
Comments (4)
I immediately thought of the false-bottom approach too. You might find that you only want to "lose" about 2 to 4 inches of your drawer, and so bins might be too deep. But even a shallower space could be useful storage for stuff you don't often need. (Or, you can ignore that space completely, if you want.) I made a false bottom for a too-deep drawer in my nightstand. I cut foam board (foam-core board) to fit. I cut legs for it out of a strip of foam board, and placed them at the corners. (Instead of finger holes, I put a ribbon loop on it; maybe I should have done the holes.) And now I can put stuff underneath. It's a pain to get stuff out, so it only holds things like old eyeglasses and some cash. You could use blocks or boxes, or even just some stirps of cardboard folded into triangles to create temporary legs, to help you figure out how high you want to raise the bottom of those drawers.
...See More
Antique dresser --- what do you think?
Q
Comments (11)
I'm not sure what is being discussed in terms of color but the original design absolutely INTENDED there to be blonde wood and dark wood as the dark and light wood are part of the design. I have a MCM Danish Modern occasional table which I let bake in the direct sun for many years and THAT has portions of the top bleached blonde so that one can tell exactly where "stuff" was during that period as those covered portions retained their original color. In terms of price, one can always negotiate nicely. I used to hit flea markets, antique shows, estate sales etc. and I would always be very polite in terms of my negotiations - Is that the best you can do? - said in a sweet (not hostile voice) is the least aggressive. Or if one actually does have an amount one wants to pay, ask if they would be willing to accept $X. I was unpacking and organizing my place after my remodel and I have had the discussion of how difficult it is to get rid of most items of furniture because there is simply no market for stuff unless it is of a period that is popular like MCM. There is literally no market for the items Boomers have in their homes for the most part - or the stuff that Boomers inherited from their parents or grandparents.
...See More
tfitz1006
2 years ago
Lovely piece. Yes to removing the mirror if there is one. You could change out the pulls if you want to contemporize it a bit.
Katie F thanked tfitz1006
Katie F
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you all for your input! Yes, there is currently a mirror, but it is easily removed by unscrewing just a few screws. Attached is a pic of the space I'd be looking to put it in. Mirror, lamps, and other accessories would need to be swapped out, but they have felt "off" for awhile so this might be a fresh, new start. I appreciate you giving me the confidence to go with this piece. It just feels like it has a story and I love that!

@Tara, thank you for those other inspiration pics! They all feel so timeless which is just what I am going for!
loobab
2 years ago
Hi- Good luck with refinishing this piece.

I think what you ultimately do with it depends on what it looks like when you are done refinishing it.

If you uncover quality wood with beautiful grain, then please put it in a place where the piece will be looked at head-on for a length of time, such as a living room or dining room.

If it does not re-finish to a beautiful grain (such as in your inspiration photo) then you might rather place it where it is used as a landing and one passes by it, such as an entryway, and you can decide whether or not you want to paint it.

If it has an attachable mirror I would detach it, that makes it look too bedroom-ish.

In some cases depending on the condition of the mirror you might be able to use the mirror elsewhere, either repainted or not.
Katie F thanked loobab
KATHY
2 years ago
My favorite piece of furniture is a small white 3 drawer dresser, i have it in my den with a lamp and a couple of plants on it
Katie F thanked KATHY
ptreckel
2 years ago
Yes, with some TLC, this will make a lovely dresser at your entry. The middle strips of each drawer appear to have a burl veneer on them. Treat that gently as you clean the piece. You could touch up the dark stain and add period appropriate knobs that match. Check out www.antiquehardware.com for period appropriate hardware. And a wonderful group of advisors who can steer you in the direction of period appropriate knobs.
Katie F thanked ptreckel
elcieg
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
You have a marble top, Eastlake ,19th century three drawer bureau, walnut, and original pulls replaced. You could have it refinished or you could paint it.

Google Eastlake and see what price one, in great condition is valued. It may change your mind about painting it. You would have to replace the hardware with original, but it may be worth it.
Katie F thanked elcieg
Tootsie
2 years ago
This is the small washstand that I inherited. It had a mirror and/or a bar at one time. You can still see the holes in the marble top. It looks like yours has a mirror or bar attached. Be prepared to have holes. It’s a really cute piece that deserves some attention!
Katie F thanked Tootsie
decoenthusiaste
2 years ago
I'm guessing it will be too short to have the impact you're seeking! I don't believe it is as large as the one in your inspopic. Use blue painter's tape and tape out the size/shape on the wall. That should tell the tale. It might work as a bedside table if it reaches the mattress top in one of your bedrooms. Could also make a coffee station tucked somewhere near the kitchen.
Katie F thanked decoenthusiaste
Katie F
Original Author
2 years ago
I just picked it up and I'm in love with it! The marble is in great condition - a few minor scratches, but no stains (yay!). The wood is in pretty decent condition with the exception of just very few scratches and knicks where the original finish has worn. Oh, if this piece could talk and tell stories!

I am thinking I want to leave it that original dark walnut color as it goes with the stained doors in our house. After a good scrubbing, do you have any suggestions on what to use to help touch up some of the knicks and scratches? Is Restore-A-Finish a good product for this application?

Thank you all for your help with this project! I'll be sure to post before/after pictures.

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

DECORATING GUIDES Decorating With Antiques: Chests, Dressers and Buffets

By Mike Dietrich

Pretty, practical and versatile, antique chests add history and character along with storage

FURNITURE Smart Shopper: How to Judge Antique Furniture Quality

Pick the treasures from the trash without expert experience by learning how to evaluate antiques and what questions to ask

ANTIQUES Inherited an Antique? Here’s How to Work It Into Your Home

By Becky Clarke

Find out how to make that beloved vintage piece fit in with your decor

FURNITURE 6 Great New Uses for a Vintage Dresser

By Jen L'Italien

See how to use a traditional low dresser as a changing table, vanity, sideboard, bar and more

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Urns Hold Huge Potential for Garden Decorating

By Becky Harris

Classic urns have uses far beyond holding olive oil and flowers. See how to use them as unexpected sculpture and more in the landscape

LIFE Reluctant DIYer’s Diary of a Dresser Makeover

By Becky Harris

Weekend project: Glossy new black-and-white dresser, hold the sandpaper

TRADITIONAL STYLE Decorating With Antiques: The Magic of Ceramics

By Mike Dietrich

Bring charm and beauty to a room with collected ceramics — used as intended or entirely reinvented

DECORATING GUIDES Uncover Your Junk's Hidden Decorating Potential — Scads of DIY Ideas

By Samantha Schoech

Release your typewriter's inner planter or a drum set's coffee table. These creative ideas will have you seeing the possibilities

TRADITIONAL STYLE Decorating With Antiques: Luxurious Linens

By Mike Dietrich

Bring quality, comfort and a sense of old-world romance to your rooms with vintage tablecloths, sheets, napkins and more

DECORATING GUIDES Decorating With Antiques: Armoires, the Versatile Beauties

By Mike Dietrich

Give any room more character and function with an armoire — this queen of antiques is also a storage workhorse

Sponsored

More Discussions

Living Room and Dining Room Decor Ideas

1

Inside Floral and Event Designer Lewis Miller's West Palm Beach Home

10

decorating ideas

5

two planters in either side of front door or one?

13

Area Rug placement in living room

1