Refinished 1920s Dresser: Breathing New Life into Timeless Craftsmanship

That Flipping Studio is all about reviving old furniture with a unique and quality edge —without ever compromising on the craftsmanship that made it beautiful in the first place. My latest project? A stunning 1920s dresser that arrived as part of a set, its counterpart came complete with a detachable mirror.

This century-old chest of drawers came to me showing its age—finished in a dark stain, with wear and tear you’d expect from a piece that had served generations. But underneath the scuffs and dull tones, I saw something truly special: expert joinery, gorgeous grains, and those incredible signature stalk legs.

 A Thoughtful Approach to Restoration

I didn’t want to erase its history—I wanted to honour it while giving it a modernised refinish. My approach focused on highlighting the natural beauty of the wood grain, softening the dated appearance, and incorporating subtle contrast for a fresh, minimalist aesthetic.

Here’s how I flipped this refinished 1920s dresser:

• Stripping Away the Old Finish: The first step was removing the tired, dark stain. I did this using one of my go-to strippers, Paint Panther Paint and Varnish Stripper, and my trusty Carbide. Once that was stripped, I was able to see the true character of the wood beneath.

• Meticulous Sanding: Using a range of sanding grits starting at 120, I gradually refined the surface—finishing at a 240 grit to ensure a smooth, touchable texture without losing that vintage charm.

• White-Wash Finish: To lighten things up, I applied a delicate white-wash that I created with an 80/20 mix of water to paint. This technique created a bleached wood effect that accentuated the grain while lending a coastal, contemporary vibe. The paint shade is Hessian by Rustoleum Furniture Paint.

• Hardware Revival: The original hardware was beautiful but needed a good clean and freshen up. I stripped and cleaned each piece before respraying them in a satin black paint for metal to give a sleek, renewed finish.

• Bold Legs, Balanced Design: The tapered stalk legs, one of the dresser’s standout features, were painted in matte black to tie in with the hardware—creating a grounded, cohesive look that feels both vintage and modern.

• To ensure durability and preserve the soft, whitewashed finish, this piece was sealed with a combination of clear finishing wax and a clear lacquer, offering both protection and a subtle sheen without overpowering the natural wood grain.

• As a final detail, each drawer was lined in a complementary paper, adding a touch of elegance and cohesion to the overall design—because the inside should feel just as special as the outside.

This lovingly restored 1920s dresser is now available to purchase in my shop. But be quick, this is one of a kind!

Sold Before It Hit the Shop

The companion dresser with the mirror (refinished using the exact same technique) was snapped up before I even had the chance to list it. It’s a reminder that timeless design, paired with thoughtful refinishing, resonates with today’s buyers.

Why Vintage Dressers Deserve a Second Life

Vintage furniture like this isn’t just beautiful—it’s built to last. The solid construction and classic lines make it an ideal candidate for a makeover that respects the past while embracing the present. Whether placed in a modern bedroom, a hallway, or a guest room, a piece like this becomes an instant focal point.

Interested in a Custom Refinish or Looking for Your Own One-of-a-Kind Piece?

At That Flipping Studio, I specialise in sourcing and restoring vintage furniture pieces with soul, style, and story. If you’re hunting for a similar look or have a piece in mind for a custom refinish, we’d love to hear from you.

📩 Contact me today to chat about your dream piece.