Tuesday, July 15, 2008

The 1930s Dresser: Part One

In prep for moving into a tiny unfurnished apartment when school resumes in the fall, I've been out and about every weekend scouring for pieces to fix up. I certainly found what I was looking for in this dilapidated dresser with a vanity mirror purchased for a mere five dollars. This past week I've spent my spare hours sanding away layers of shoddily applied black paint and enlisting my dad's help to re-glue dovetailed joints and install some runners for the drawers. As I was prying the mirror out of its wooden frame I noticed a seal stamped on the back reading, "The Kurre (?) Companies, Inc. March 11, 1937 Burlington, Iowa". It's been quite a bit of work, but I can't help feeling it's worth it to restore a little piece of history. Now, off to the hardware store to pick out paint...although I confess I'll probably settle on plain old white.

16 comments:

lola and ruby said...

Five bucks!?! WOW...what an amazing find! We're jealous!

GreenSpaceGoods said...

wow, it's lovely.

Whimsical Creationz said...

You know, if it was me, I would strip all of the paint off of it, (if it's wood) and just stain the wood, then use the crackle paint and you can antique it. I think the natural look is the best! By the way I really love your blog!! I hope I can get mine to look as good!!

NikkAY said...

1937? that's amazing! i'm excited to follow the progress of the dresser. :) although i leave for tour tomorrow...meaning i'll be internet-less for 3 and 1/2 weeks, oy. but be on the lookout for postcards! and i'll see you when i get back!

Art By MAR said...

Wow what a great find for $5! I love old furniture and think it is great to save old pieces and fix them up. I am looking for just this sort of thing to fix up for my daughter's room right now.

Susan said...

It is beautiful ... can't wait for the "after" shot.

My from Tha Hotness said...

Wow $5 bucks is a steal. I love steals. Looks wonderful. I just repainted a table that I got from Craiglist and a beautiful sideboard that I got at the Salvation Army. Check it out at: http://thahotness.com

Jennifer said...

Amazing, that you found something in relatively good condition from that way back. :D Looking forward to the "finished" product!

Nicole said...

That's a really great piece . . . Will you share photos when it's totally finished? :-)

Amy Esther said...

How much fun! That is totally how I want all my furniture to be some day (when I actually get the time to strip paint and fix things...my current dresser is now held together by packing tape...)

Rachel said...

This piece has a lot of potential! And it's so rewarding to repair something and give it a new life.

julie king said...

aren't you the lucky girl?? i hope you'll post the end result!!

Livy said...

I'll definitely be posting the after pictures! I'm still thinking about how to paint it. I like the idea of doing a distressed white paint look, but I'm afraid to try it. I've been searching around on the internet for some how to's.

Relyn said...

Oooo... Great project. I can't wait to see it when you finish.

Pfeiffer Photos said...

Your blog is not only asthentically beautiful but also highly creative and inspiring. Good luck with your dresser; it's sure to be a beauty with all your hard work.

Hilary said...

This is so inspiring!

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