Antique Sideboard Makeover
When my husband brought home this antique sideboard, it couldn't stand upright because the rear leg was broken completely off. (Hard to tell that from this photo because we have it propped up on a cement block) Several of the drawers were falling apart, the holes for the hardware had been carved out to the point that they were too large to even manage any sort of knob. Not to mention layers upon layers of dirt and grime. I sometimes wonder what stories these old pieces could tell given the condition I get them in.
Before.
And here it is after. When I'm redoing pieces, especially antiques, I try to leave as much of the natural wood grain showing. But since the body on this piece was so damaged I had to go with the two tone effect. I think it complimented the strong features quite nicely.
You could never that it was once missing a rear leg! With a new piece of wood, glue, clamps, angle iron and screws, it's stronger now then it ever was!
The wood grain was so stunning that there was NO WAY I could paint the entire thing...so I cleaned and stained as much of the natural wood that I could.
The drawers have all been fixed up to like new condition. (Well, like new for a 100ish year old sideboard)
Another drawer shot.
It's certainly not perfect, but these minor blemishes are the character that make these pieces so unique and even more interesting.
The body is finished in Annie Sloan Graphite with Napoleonic blue undertones and topped off with Dark wax. The drawers, doors and top was sanded down and stained with Min Wax Dark Walnut and Kona, topped off with a satin poly for years of durability.
Comments
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3 of 34 comments
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An expert told me to never use oil as a finish. Always use shellac, lacquer, or varnish. And try to retain the patina. You did a great job.
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I have one just like this one. It is in perfect shape. I will not do anything to it. It is pretty just as it is. Try to wax it every year. Mine also has a bevilled mirror attached to it. My uncle wanted to get rid of it at least 34 years ago. I asked what he wanted for it and he said what would I give him for it and just joking around because then I never had an idea what it was worth so I said $ 10.00 and that is what I paid for it. I would never get rid of it. My son will have the opportunity to get rid of it.
donna pugh
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I have that one. It was my great grandmothers. I live in her house and it’s always been there.
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Frequently asked questions
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I was wondering if the top of this piece was solid wood or laminate ? Great job btw!
Did you use a water based or oil based stain? Did you mix the Dark Walnut & Kona stains evenly, or what was the ratio? I have this same piece and I'm about to start on it. Thanks!