Broyhill Two-Tone Tall Chest

The New England weather has been cooperating with temperatures above normal up until yesterday. So on New Year’s Eve morning I decided to visit the thrift store to see if perhaps I could pick up a dresser and satisfy my urge to paint something.

Even thrift stores run sales and being the last day of the year, they were offering all furniture at 60% off. I actually found three dressers I wanted to take home that day, but knew I could only work on just one at a time in the winter months. So I decided on the most versatile piece….

a mid-century modern tall chest made by Broyhill.

Here’s how the chest looked when I found it hidden in the back of the thrift store.

Like all of my furniture makeovers, this one began with a good sanding with a rotary palm sander. The surface was in perfect condition, so I had only planned on giving it a light sanding. That is, until I saw the solid wood underneath.

I ended up sanding the finish completely off the top surface and then the drawer fronts in or order so stain them with a custom mix (dark walnut with a touch of ebony).

To apply stain, brush it on with a foam pad, let sit for a few minutes, then wipe the excess away with a clean, lint-free towel. Apply a second coat if necessary.

Once the two coats of stain dried thoroughly, two coats of clear matte polyacrylic were applied, lightly rubbing with steel wool between coats to smooth the finish. The result…

The drawer fronts were also stained. I love how the darker black tones show through.

The brass handles are original. I simply brought them back to life with a vinegar and baking soda wash.

The body and cabinet doors were primed and painted with premium Benjamin Moore low lustre black paint.

One of the things that drew me to this chest, was that it had two doors on top instead of a drawer. The cabinet doors make this chest ten times more versatile.