3 Steps to an Updated Dresser

Have you ever been shopping at a thrift store or yard sale and passed by a piece of furniture that you loved because you assumed that it would take too much work to make it look shiny and new? Sometimes, it is too much work. If it has whole pieces of wood missing or is just plywood covered in cheap veneer, it might be time to say farewell. Other times, a piece of furniture just needs a few simple steps to make it something special.
Jeremy and I stumbled across a moving sale one day, and an arsenal of items we didn’t care about was sitting on top of a beautiful mid-century dresser without a price tag. The woman said she would love to sell it and that it belonged to her parents in the 1950s. I offered her $50. She took it! Compared to the $300-$500 price tags I have seen on mid-century dressers on Craigslist, I was pleased as punch to shell over 50 bucks.

I wish these photos could better show how dirty and gross it was. It had been stored in a garage and definitely had some water damage going on. In fact, we don’t use two of the drawers because they are hard to open since the water damage. But for $50, it was worth it.

Mittens loves this dresser…

If you pick up a dirty, old piece of wooden furniture, here are 3 quick steps to making it shiny and new. Assuming it is real wood and that you’re just dealing with dirt, grime and minor scratches, I guarantee a “wow” result.

1. Wipe everything down with soap and water

Give it a good, old fashioned cleaning. It’s amazing what dirt and grime can hide on wooden surfaces.

2. Use Mr. Clean’s Magic.
A Magic Eraser really is that. There were water rings on the top that I thought would never come off. Marks and stains magically lifted. It’s gross what is hiding!

Before on the left. After on the right.
3. Use Restor-a-finish

Restor-a-finish is like watered down stain. Not as difficult to use or messy as stain. It can be found at Home Depot (I haven’t found it at Lowes).

This is just a wipe-on product that helps to mask little imperfections in wood. I was shocked by what a difference it made!

Voila! 3 steps and done!

Styling is still underway, and I can’t wait to show you what this baby looks like in light of the whole room! Room reveal coming soon!