Restoration Diary: The Final Touches to the Art Deco Dresser

Entry 02: Mirror, Mirror... Mirror

With the bulk of the refinishing work complete, it was time to turn my attention to one of the most eye-catching elements of this Art Deco dresser: its stunning three-piece mirror. The mirror was detached from its frame, and the frame was detached from the body of the dresser, and each section—two tapered side panels and a central mirror piece —needed some TLC before it could reclaim its place of pride.

Reassembling the Mirror Frame

First, I cleaned, gently sanded, and painted the wooden mirror frame that had been separated from the back of the dresser. The original mounting points were still intact on the frame, but the fixings counterparts needed reattaching to the mirrors, making sure everything aligned securely. Once the frame was firmly attached to the back of the dresser, I could fix the mirrors into position piece by piece. This part was especially satisfying, as the silhouette of the mirror gave the entire piece its unmistakable Art Deco flair.

Each mirror section was thoroughly cleaned with a vinegar-water solution to lift decades of grime and dust. While the glass itself remained in decent shape, there were a few areas where age had begun to show (hey, it happens to us all) —subtle spots of silvering loss and edge wear. To camouflage these imperfections without stripping away character, I painted a thin, elegant border around each panel using the same soft matte black tone as the dresser body. It served the dual purpose of hiding flaws while adding a crisp frame-like finish that enhanced the geometry of the mirrors.

Finishing Touches

The dresser's drawers were completely transformed as you can see in part one of this blog, but before fitting them back in, I applied a soft candle wax to the drawer tracks. This small detail made a big difference—gliding them in and out now felt smooth and effortless, restoring functionality to match the refreshed form. Sometimes the old ways are the best ways!

Next came the final paint touch-ups. I used a fine artist’s brush to correct minor scuffs and blend in any inconsistencies from the earlier refinishing work. With that complete, I applied a satin-finish lacquer over the entire piece. This protective coat not only sealed in my efforts but also brought a subtle sheen that revived the wood grain and enhanced the paint’s depth.

A Dresser Reborn

Stepping back to take in the completed dresser, it was clear just how far it had come. From a tired, chipped, gloss-coated relic to a bold statement piece full of personality, the transformation honoured its 1930s roots while giving it renewed presence.

To help bring the piece to life within my workshop environment I used my own handmade homewares to help style the piece. You can find these items in my shop.

Cement middle finger ornament – ideal for stacking rings and keeping them safe.

Cement oval dish – the perfect holder for your reading glasses and jewellery.

Cement circular coaster – because we don’t want to damage that refinished surface now do we?!

Refinishing this Art Deco dresser wasn’t just a restoration—it was a revival. And like any good project, the process taught patience, respect for craftsmanship, and the joy of breathing new life into something that still has stories to tell.

Missed part one? Check it out here.