Do you love white as much as I do? White completely transforms dull, dated furniture into modern masterpieces. The shape of this mid-century modern dresser also had something to do with the transformation. It’s very sleek with just a few understated lines. I’m absolutely in love with this long white MCM dresser.
If you walked into your local furniture store today, would you purchase this Dixie dresser?
You may if you have two things. First is the space to refinish a large piece of furniture. Second, and more importantly the ability to look past the brown stained finish and see only the shape.
And did you notice that hardware? The older furniture pieces have the most unique, hefty drawer hardware!
My original vision for this MCM dresser was a bright gloss white with matte black hardware.
Knowing this dresser would be painted a bright white, meant first priming with BIN primer. BIN is a shellac primer and is the best stain-blocking primer I’ve found. The problem is that it’s really smelly. You have to wear a heavy-duty vapor mask and paint with it only in a very well-ventilated area.
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If I had primed this dresser with a regular stain-blocking primer, I can almost guarantee the brown stain would eventually bleed through the white paint. I was not willing to take that chance with this one.
Having to use BIN primer increases the price of any furniture piece though. It’s sort of like a desk job vs. a steel worker on high-rise construction site. The risk is higher so too is the pay.
But the result is stunning…
I debated over the color of the hardware… gold, silver, black, or white? Each of them would give this MCM dresser its own unique look and be absolutely gorgeous; but in the end I opted for the the look of brushed nickel.
Silver seemed to allow the white and lines of the dresser to be the real showcase here. Plus, if a buyer decides they prefer the black hardware, it’s simple to go darker with a little black spray paint.
Then again, what’s not to love about the silver on white?
This long white 9-drawer MCM dresser is now for sale in Entri Ways’ online Shop.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to product I use myself.
What a great transformation. This piece was a goner until you breathed life back into it. Its beautiful now. I remember these huge cabinets from my childhood and they are solid wood and so well made, its nice to see them have purpose and beauty again.
Well done.
Thank you Leanna. It’s a great feeling knowing one more piece has been saved from the landfill and will serve another family for many more decades!
Oh yes, this is stunning! I also love B-I-N and unfortunately it took me too long to finally break down and use it. I will never try another primer 😉 Thank you so much for sharing this with us at Funtastic Friday! Pinned
I would love to find a piece like this for the living room, plus someone to do the work for me!
Thanks Sandra. If you’re in Massachusetts, I could help you with that.
I have this SAME dresser. What kind of brushes did you use? Was thinking of only painting the drawers and leaving the rest wood-
I always use these super trim Purdy paint brushes: https://amzn.to/3ImcRam
Nothing beats the craftsmanship of these old pieces, another wonderful makeover Vicki! Thanks for sharing your project at #FridaysFurnitureFix!
I agree Brenda. They’re so well made. Love joining in your link parties #FridaysFurnitureFix
WOW- love this makeover! You really did a great job on this piece. Love the silver hardware as well. Never tried BIN primer……I will have to now. Glad I Found your site through the funtastic friday link party. Hey what type of paint did you use…or is BIN primer a primer/paint in one?
Thank you Kathleen. The paint is Valspar Cabinet Enamel. It’s a high gloss white.
It is a great piece of furniture! This makeover gave the dresser all his lost glory!! Excellent work! Thank you for sharing at Sweet Inspiration Link Party 🙂
Hey! I am working on a similar dresser and was curious how you repaired the veneer?
Wood filler.