July 31, 2012

Empire Dresser Before and After

I have been wanting to work on an Empire Dresser for a while now and I was lucky enough to find one. The lady I bought this dresser from had it sitting in her carport and it had a lot of damage to it. The veneer was peeling off of the legs and it was pretty unloved. Helen to the rescue!

BEFORE


I mixed a custom sea green color and painted with homemade chalk paint and sealed with a coat of rub-on polyurethane. I get a lot of emails with questions about chalk paint, waxing, and distressing. I am planning on doing a post to answer all of these questions. If you guys have any other questions please let me know and I will answer those too!

AFTER






 I lined all of the drawers with a textured grey suede fabric. The fabric replicates the texture that the distressing shows on the top of the dresser. It was a nice coincidence.
I love those brass key holes.

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83 comments:

  1. Our Pinteresting FamilyJuly 31, 2012 at 2:50 PM

    This is absolutely stunning! I love everything about it...color, finish, shape..etc. Amazing job. Megan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HelenJuly 31, 2012 at 3:23 PM

      Thank you Megan! I think this might be one of my favorite pieces I've done.

      Delete
  2. Cassie BustamanteJuly 31, 2012 at 3:20 PM

    WOW! this is gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous! i love the color, shape, hardware--- all of it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HelenJuly 31, 2012 at 3:23 PM

      Thank you Cassie. It means the world coming from you : )

      Delete
  3. MalloreyJuly 31, 2012 at 3:50 PM

    Love this! Want to come help me with a buffet....hutch....desk....dresser....etc :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. BetseyJuly 31, 2012 at 5:52 PM

    Really beautiful! Just curious- did you do anything about the missing veneer, or leave it as it was? I look forward to your future posts answering all the "how to" questions!

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousJuly 31, 2012 at 6:33 PM

    Great job! Helen

    ReplyDelete
  6. ChrissieJuly 31, 2012 at 9:33 PM

    This piece is amazing! I just love. I have only recently started using chalk paint and will be excited to see your post. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  7. DeniseJuly 31, 2012 at 9:56 PM

    How can somebody keep this beauty in a carport? You did such a good job, color is stunning, distressing is perfect and the knobs…awesome..so glad you rescued it...

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousJuly 31, 2012 at 9:59 PM

    This is awesome! I love that color! I'm looking forward to your how-to post!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Kathryn Ferguson GriffinJuly 31, 2012 at 10:02 PM

    Just gorgeous! Lovely color as well. Thank you for sharing. Visiting from POPP. Would love it if you would share this at my Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2012/07/make-it-pretty-monday-week-8.html Hope to see you at the bash! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

    ReplyDelete
  10. UnknownAugust 1, 2012 at 12:06 AM

    it turned out beautiful! i love the color!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Stacey@Rendition RoadAugust 1, 2012 at 2:47 AM

    The keyholes.....the color....the texture in the finish & distressing....all beautiful. I love this piece!

    ReplyDelete
  12. MLourdesAugust 1, 2012 at 8:15 AM

    Love this dresser makeover. What a difference. The color is cool. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  13. cathy@my1929charmerAugust 1, 2012 at 8:44 PM

    Wow, you sure find the best pieces. This one is gorgeous too. Love the color, keyholes and distressing. Great job! So glad you shared your creative inspiration with Sunday’s Best – your creativity helped make the party a success!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Kathy aka PieAugust 2, 2012 at 8:30 AM

    WOW love the dresser! Looking forward to your Q&A post especially since I have just recently become obessed with wanting to chalk paint everything I see. Haven't done any yet, will be starting this fall when it's not 105 outside. Thanks for sharing your projects with us.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Jane B.August 2, 2012 at 1:00 PM

    Hi there, Love your painted dresser! I hope you can link up to our link party Frugalicious Friday next time! You can find it on Fridays...here - www.findingfabulousblog.com

    Jane
    FF

    ReplyDelete
  16. Carlene @ Organized ClutterAugust 2, 2012 at 2:33 PM

    Great piece, great redo!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HelenAugust 5, 2012 at 6:08 PM

      Thank you Carlene and thanks for visiting : )

      Delete
  17. Simply SimplisticatedAugust 2, 2012 at 7:00 PM

    just a stunner girly! You rocked it! Gorgeous color beautiful detailing ta boot:) JEALOUS!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Laurel@ChippingwithCharmAugust 2, 2012 at 9:19 PM

    Love this...you picked the perfect color and finish! Laurel

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HelenAugust 5, 2012 at 6:05 PM

      Thanks Laurel! I got super lucky with the way the custom color came out. I should start writing down my recipes when I make custom colors :)
      Thanks for visiting and your sweet words!

      Delete
  19. UnknownAugust 2, 2012 at 10:27 PM

    Love this dresser! It has great lines and a beautiful color! AWESOME!
    Rachel @ Remastered relics

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HelenAugust 5, 2012 at 6:04 PM

      Hi Rachel. Thanks for visting my blog. I love, love, love these old empire dressers. It was my lucky day when I found this one! Thanks for your kind words.

      Delete
  20. Allison {A Glimpse Inside}August 2, 2012 at 10:59 PM

    SOO Pretty! Love the color with the new knobs! Great job!
    Thanks for linking up to this week's Catch a Glimpse party! I'll be featuring this tomorrow!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Elizabeth @ Lizzis CreationsAugust 3, 2012 at 6:20 AM

    That is beautiful! Great transformation, and I absolutely love the color!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HelenAugust 5, 2012 at 6:02 PM

      Thank you so much and for your sweet words. I got lucky with the way the custom mixed color came out.

      Delete
  22. Between Blue and YellowAugust 3, 2012 at 8:02 AM

    Beautiful color! Would love to know your chalk paint recipe, mine isn't working out so well anymore. Love the piece great work!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownAugust 3, 2012 at 10:59 AM

      I tested three different chalk paint recipes & recently reviewed them on my blog. You might be interested in what I found worked the very best. www.patricia-krank.blogspot.com

      By the way, I love your blog! Patti

      Delete
  23. UnknownAugust 3, 2012 at 11:05 AM

    I'm so happy that I came across your blog through LizMarie's Linky Party. I love what you've done with this dresser and will look forward to following ALL your work. Restoring old furniture through paint is what I love to do as well. It's so much fun to be a new blogger sharing with others of like passion. Patti www.patricia-krank.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HelenAugust 5, 2012 at 6:01 PM

      Hi Patricia! I agree, it is a lot of fun being a new blogger and meeting others. Thanks for following along : )

      Delete
  24. melissa @ daisymaebelle.comAugust 3, 2012 at 1:58 PM

    Popping over from Liz Marie's party. Love this dresser! The color is amazing! The shape of the piece is so beautiful! Nice job!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HelenAugust 5, 2012 at 6:00 PM

      Thanks for taking the time to visit my blog and for your sweet words!

      Delete
  25. Honey at 2805August 3, 2012 at 8:27 PM

    Stunning piece and great color! Thank you for sharing your wonderful project at Potpourri Friday!

    ReplyDelete
  26. KathyAugust 4, 2012 at 4:18 PM

    What a beautiful job!! Love this color! I'm sure looking forward to your upcoming post with all the "how-to" answers!! Your newest follower...Blessings!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HelenAugust 5, 2012 at 5:59 PM

      Hi Kathy, thank you for taking the time to follow my blog and for your sweet words! My husband is trying to convince me I should do a video tutorial/how-to...yikes! Once I decide which way I wanna go I will have those how-to's up!

      Delete
  27. Kathy Owen, Petticoat JunktionAugust 4, 2012 at 5:50 PM

    Hi Helen, I love this color and the finish is awesome. I am looking forward to your post on painting techniques. Kathy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HelenAugust 5, 2012 at 5:57 PM

      Kathy, thanks for taking the time to stop by. Congrats on the feature over at Primitive and Proper!!

      Delete
  28. I Play Outside The BoxAugust 7, 2012 at 9:58 PM

    Stunning!!!

    ReplyDelete
  29. LindaCAugust 13, 2012 at 7:07 PM

    I was concerned that you might be ill or have a situation since you haven't posted lately....just checking on you.

    I enjoy looking at your creations! Thanks for sharing. LC

    ReplyDelete
  30. micheleAugust 17, 2012 at 12:41 PM

    such a serene and tranquil color!

    looks fabulous. found you via MMS's party where i'm partying too. would love to have you as a follower.

    smiles and happy weekend.

    michele

    ReplyDelete
  31. BlissAugust 18, 2012 at 6:42 PM

    Helen....... this is beautiful! I love it. Pinning it.

    ~Bliss~

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HelenAugust 20, 2012 at 9:46 PM

      THANK YOU!!! I found another empire dresser that is in the works!

      Delete
  32. andrea@townandprairieAugust 18, 2012 at 7:19 PM

    Hi, thanks for visiting my blog! Your empire dresser came out really cute! I like the color selection.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Sarah @ Imperfect PatinaAugust 20, 2012 at 10:48 PM

    I LOVE everything about this dresser!!! Fantastic job! Now following along : ). Can't wait to see more!!

    ReplyDelete
  34. BettySeptember 22, 2012 at 3:54 PM

    What a stunning piece! I am new to your blog and am just beginning to *look* for pieces to restore and refinish....I found a chest quite similar to this one but I am curious about the price...obviously cheap is good


    What do you think is a fair price for a piece like this? They were asking $500 for the one I found (which seems pricey)...also besides Craigslist do you have any tips on where to find these pieces??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HelenSeptember 22, 2012 at 6:48 PM

      Hi Betty!

      It depends on the condition of the piece and what you are wanting to do with it. The piece you saw for $500....was it painted, was it natural wood, was it in decent condition....?

      I paid $130 for this dresser and I found it on CL. It needed a lot of work. Empire dressers can sell for $1000 (give or take) in some cases but that is usually if they are in perfect condition and they are refinished (not painted).

      I find a few things at garage sales, estate sales (usually on the last day), at resale shops and Goodwill. I love GW but it is hit or miss sometimes!

      Good luck and if you have any other questions let me know: pickedandpainted@yahoo.com

      Delete
  35. AnonymousNovember 7, 2017 at 4:30 PM

    Do you have a date on this piece. We just aquired one that was done in the old "blood" stain (2 parts jacobeen and 1 part red mahogany to reproduce) but don't have a date on it. It looks almost the same as yours except the top drawer rounds out, not in, and the glove and cravat drawers are on each side of the top with about 12 inches between them. Im looking for an estimated date, or range. Please let me know at kmschod@aol.com. Thank you.
    Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  36. UnknownNovember 11, 2017 at 11:47 AM

    I just bought the exact same piece and I'm missing a knob. would you have 1 I can buy?
    Winters19@outlook.com

    ReplyDelete
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    Well, now that you ruined THAT piece...

    ReplyDelete
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