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Retro Dresser Find

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August 2, 2012 By Jackie

We are in need of a media stand for our new basement family room, but the prices make us want to choke.  I keep seeing fabulous dresser makeovers to use as tv stands.  So, I have been on a mission to find a good dresser to makeover.  I have been keeping an eye on Furnishlyst and local vintage and retro dealers Facebook pages.

Every third Thursday of the month, Retro Wanderlust in Hopkins, Minnesota, opens their doors for a four day sale.  I actually discovered Retro Wanderlust through a listing on Furnishlyst.  I had been following them for a little while on Facebook, but never dropped in.  We made the trek for the July sale, hoping to find a dresser.

Retro dresser

We ended up finding two dressers!  I fell for this one with the framed detail around the drawers and the beautiful wood grain.  It was about 72″ long, which is perfect for a big screen tv.  It is nice and low.  As I was eying it, the owner came over and said, “Did you see the dresser that goes with that one?”.  I was momentarily baffled as she took me over to see the matching chest of drawers.

retro dresser chest of drawers

I really didn’t need two dressers, but since I already decided I was buying the first one, it felt like I was getting the additional dresser for free.  I had no idea what I would do with the second dresser, but I liked it.  When I opened all the drawers to see if they worked, it had a turquoise drawer divider in one of the lower drawers.  It was then I knew it was meant to be.

In addition to the two dressers, we got the matching mirror attached to the long dresser.  Again, I was not looking for a mirror, but was happy to take the whole package.  I do not plan to use the mirror on the dresser.  I really like the lattice detail at the top.  I have a strong urge to paint this guy a fun color.  He just might work for the mirror above the sink in the basement bathroom.

retro dresser

We got the long and low dresser, the taller (but still short) chest of drawers, and the mirror for $320.  I have no idea if this was a good deal …you always see bloggers scoring great things for next to nothing on Craigslist.  But I loved them and could afford them.  I was happy to support a great local business and to get two dressers for less than a 1/3 of the price for the cheapest media centers we had seen.

The long and low guy will become the tv stand in the new family room.  My inspiration for this piece is a great dresser we saw at the Room & Board outlet (for about $1100).  The frame is a deep blue and the drawers are wood.  I hope to achieve a similar look on my dresser.  I want to give Annie Sloan Chalk Paint a try for the blue.  I will be stripping and refinishing the wood drawer fronts.

The bonus dresser is going to find a home in my studio.  I think it will be fabulous storage for my fabric stash.  It will get a complete overhaul, too.  I am currently thinking a white frame with wood drawers.  I am also toying with the idea of painting the frame detail around the drawers in a contrast color…probably turquoise.

The hardware on both dressers needs a little work.  I love the shape of the handles, but they look a bit rough.  A little spray paint or rub n’ buff should fix these guys right up.

Have you had any great furniture finds lately?  What about finding an awesome local shop?

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Comments

  1. Brandi G says

    August 2, 2012 at 8:46 am

    I think that was an awesome find for a great price. I’m so jealous too. Would love to have those mid century modern pieces in my old ranch-style house.

  2. Zabrina says

    August 2, 2012 at 3:35 pm

    WOW! Looks like you scored some beautiful pieces!!! I think you did good on the price, too!

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