DIY French Dresser
Today I am trying to maintain my composure as I am working on my site to make it better. Seriously, I am screaming inside and about ready to pull the hair out of my head. So instead of physically doing that to myself I am going to write, which is something I enjoy doing. Hopefully this will help to lower my blood pressure and refrain from throwing my computer across the room. Yes, I sound like I am having a temper tantrum, don’t I? Maybe I should hire a web designer – dream…
I recently showed you how to get organized before you paint a dresser or large piece. You can read all about it here. I bet you would like to see the finished piece.
Here is the after…
I fell in love with this Craigslist find immediately. The lines and detailing were so beautiful. I envisioned grey with accents of white on this piece to create a feminine, yet glamorous look. I wanted to create a piece that could compliment a sheepskin fuzzy white throw, crystal chandelier, silver accessories, and a bed draped in white linens.
This called for Annie Sloan paint!
After prepping and cleaning the surface, I dove right in. Luckily, at the Haven Conference, I won a can of Annie Sloan, French Linen Paint. I know! I was super lucky at the Wheel of Fortune game. The thing is, I am not the luckiest when it comes to winning anything.
First, I painted the top with Annie Sloan, Pure White.
The white took a few coats to achieve the desired look. Above you see the first coat.
Next, the body was painted with French Linen and the lines painted with Pure White.
I used a small brush to get into the grooves, trying to be neat, but not focused on being super neat. I knew I was going to distress this area and it would give the look I wanted to achieve.
You can see the messy lines from my “not so steady” hands.
I know, I know… not so neat, right? Not to worry…
This is where I got out the handy, dandy sandpaper…
and lightly sanded.
You can see where all of the edges of the dresser were sanded
creating lightly distressed areas.
You may ask why I chose not to paint the inside groove of the drawers. I wanted this dresser to have clean lines and felt painting the grooves white would be too busy and take away from the simplicity of the dresser.
After painting, a clear coat of Annie Sloan wax was applied.
Here she is…
What do you think?
Can you envision this piece with a sheepskin fuzzy white throw, crystal chandelier, silver accessories, and a bed draped in white linens?
Thanks for stopping by!
Enjoy!
Angie
Angie , this is a lovely piece of furniture! You made it absolutely gorgeous! You are such a talented painter!
Thank you so very much Betsy!
I love this style furniture. Have several french provincial dressers in my house and my old bedroom suite is french provincial. I have actually seen this exact dresser for sale several times but had to resist buying it cause I am out of space 🙂 LOVE how you painted it – the 2 toned look is subtle but beautiful!
I hear you! I love the French Provincial look too! My garage is plum full of unfinished furniture with no room in my house any more. 🙂
Wow! beautiful! I’m enjoying looking through your blog. Everything is so beautiful.- Kimberly
I love how your dresser turned out. Very classy indeed. The two tone paints add a subtle touch I find. I will be starting to work on a dresser like the one shown. What kind of treatment did you apply to the handles?
Thank you Anita! I didn’t apply any paint or treatment to them. I thought they worked in their natural color. I gave them a good cleaning though. 🙂
Looks so great, Angie!
Thank you! 🙂
I saw where you used body putty to fill damaged veneer dresser, great idea, then I thought ok how you going to make this look like the original veneer? Well now I see you paint it, loosing the wood effect. Im a woodworker, and like seeing Oak and cherry and other woods pop when finished, but wow I liked what you did with the paint. Im going to follow you and try your stuff. Thank you and glad I found you. Garver, Chetek WI,
Thank you so much Garver!