Antique Spindle Legged Dresser Latte Makeover

These 1920’s chest of drawers on spindle legs are the shining star of the bedroom – after a makeover I mean. The rest of the room can be ho hum. Add one of these and Bam, Poof, Wow it’s an entirely different room. As is the case with this one.

It’s All In The Shadows

After a good washing and sanding of the drawers for smooth sliding, she gets an overall coat of rich, warm Latte by Sherwin Williams (see my DIY chalk paint recipe). The gorgeous details look kind of bland.

The dark wax is added using a small stiff artist paint brush directly over chalk paint. That way the wax adheres better and becomes permanent faster. There is plenty of time during the process to manipulate it as desired using baby wipes. The wax needs to set up overnight before it’s sealed with your favorite brand, other wise it might dissolve and smear.

Final Design Elements

• The drawers are painted a shade LIGHTER than the rest of the dresser. I added about 25% white to the SW Latte. The subtle difference makes a difference to me, a little brighter to take the upcoming dark wax.
• Dark wax lining the details AND drawer edges gives this girl the antique character she needs. She wouldn’t be right without it.
• The top was in good enough shape that it could be sanded down, stained and top coated. Same with the spindle legs.
• Carnival stripes on the top drawer are in a slightly different shade of Latte – but not too different. I’m not a fan of a lot of contrast.
• On the top edges of the details is a bit of Rub n Buff Gold for just a bit of sparkle – but not too much. Original hardware just clean up and highlighted with the gold.