Antique Wardrobe Makeover
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Giving new life to old furniture is one of my favorite kinds of DIY projects—especially when the piece has as much charm and character as this antique wardrobe. With its classic lines and sturdy build, it just needed a little TLC (and a lot of paint!) to shine again. If you love transforming thrifted treasures or family heirlooms, this makeover will inspire you to look at vintage furniture with fresh eyes.
How To Paint An Old Wardrobe: A Quick And Easy Guide
Sometimes, the old and worn-out pieces of furniture need a new look. You don’t have to spend much money to change them. Follow these tips and learn how to give an antique wardrobe a makeover.
It’s Furniture Fixer Upper Tour Day! Be sure to visit my friends’ projects at the bottom of this post.
This wardrobe features five drawers and a large door. I had never seen this extraordinary pull-out hanging rod inside a cabinet before. Isn’t it genius for its time? If you’re short on closet space for your kiddo, this is perfect! I’m guessing this might be from the late 40s or early 50s. What do you think? Some kids had beaten up this poor little antique wardrobe for sure.
You will notice that most images feature the kids’ wardrobe on those handy furniture wheel dollies. When the drawers are out of the armoire, it’s not very heavy, but it is awkward to move around.
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Here’s a close-up of the sliding hanging rod. You could remove the hanging rod and add shelves, similar to what I did with the camper closet shelves.
Remove Drawers & Hardware
To begin the makeover on the sad-looking antique armoire, I removed the drawers and their knobs. Did I mention this antique was a curb find? So, yeah, it was free. Would you have dragged it home for FREE?
Sand Furniture to Smooth out Old Paint
Not only was it beaten up by some kid, but I think the same person may have painted it. My goal was to remove all hints of the old color so that the new owner wouldn’t know the shape it had been in. I may or may not have succeeded.
Additionally, I needed to smooth out the layers of paint where it was chipping. I used sandpaper, sanding sponges, and an orbital sander. You could strip the paint if you want to give the antique furniture new life.
More Chippy Old Paint
The top of the antique wardrobe was a challenge, especially the header in the back. Do you call this type of furniture wardrobes, armoires, or chifforobes?
The bottom of the cabinet needed a few repairs. Maybe it was a hideout for the kids?
How Do You Clean an Old Wooden Wardrobe
Of course, the kid’s wardrobe was a little “grimy.” So, I used HTP surface prep, applying it with a chip brush and removing it with an old cloth.
We’re getting closer to painting the wardrobe!
Painting a Kid’s Antique Dresser
Although the paint may look white, it’s actually All In One Paint (Peony), a very light pink. I prefer using these small rollers for the flat surfaces. It gives the perfect finish. Using the rollers helps keep the paint only on the drawer fronts.
After doing a light first coat with the roller, you can see it doesn’t cover everywhere. But I’m okay with that because rolling is so much faster.
Due to weather conditions, I had to bring the drawers in to do their final coats of paint. Aren’t they pretty? Hardly any hint of blue left. More about that later.
Peek-A-Boo Drawer Sides
I apologize for the poor image quality. Do you remember when I did the peek-a-boo drawers on the gray desk? I did those with paint. I decided to use tissue paper for the kids’ antique wardrobe drawers. The drawer on the left is finished. The ones on the right are getting two coats of Mod Podge.
I let the Mod Podge dry thoroughly between coats.
I bought a variety pack of tissue paper on Amazon. This is Watercolor Petal.
After the Mod Podge was dry, I placed a large sheet of tissue paper on the side of the drawer and “ironed” it in place with my Easy Press. Next, I used a sanding sponge to break off the edge of the tissue paper.
Cricut Easy Press
The easy press was set at 210° for 30 seconds. You could use your clothes iron for this as well.
Why Did I Use the Iron-on Method for Mod Podge?
I used the iron-on method of Mod Podge to get a smoother finish. Because the tissue paper was on the side, I needed to ensure it was smooth enough not to interfere with opening and shutting the drawers.
In this image, you can see what I was talking about using the large sheet and then sanding off the edges to make it fit. If you were to try to cut it first, it would be nearly impossible to apply it straight.
Because I wanted the color to be muted, I used the back side of the tissue paper. It’s duller in color and less shiny. I think it’s cool to have double-sided tissue paper in extra-large sheets!
Decoupage Antique Wardrobe Knobs
After painting the wooden wardrobe knobs, I cut the same pattern out of the tissue paper for each knob. Use a dab of Mod Podge to hold the tissue paper. Allow to dry. “Sand” off extra tissue and apply a couple of topcoats.
Tip:
Use small paper cups to hold the knobs for painting and decoupaging. The screw is in a small hole in the cup. Hold screw. Set the cup down. No MESS!
Finish Painting the Antique Wardrobe
Better weather conditions allowed me to finish painting the antique wardrobe outside. Laying it out on a worktable made it easier to see all the places I missed on the first coat. Luckily, I didn’t have to repair the veneers. I used the roller and my favorite small paintbrush for the final coats. There is a lot of heavy lifting when doing a furniture makeover.
Sadly, there are still some dents left from its previous home. With more layers of paint, it lessened. Sometimes you need to embrace an antique’s charm and history.
To make the interior brighter, it was painted a white color. Please note that the wheel dollies are not in use today. They were needed for another awkward, heavy project. These furniture sliders allowed me to scoot the antique wardrobe on the driveway, down the sidewalk, and into the house.
After years of moving furniture by myself, I’ve got it down pat. The legs have felt pads on them. So, I scooted it to the porch, lifted it, replaced furniture movers, and scooted it more–into the kitchen. Then, I could easily slide it on the hardwood floors without damage. BUT don’t attempt this with the drawers in it.
Little Girl’s Antique Dresser with Hanging Storage
Isn’t the pink antique wardrobe so much better than the blue one it was before?
Do you love the decoupage drawers and knobs as much as I do?
The amount of storage this little girl’s dresser offers is fantastic!
I can also see this used for an adult; what would you use the ample storage for? I think it would be great for quilts, blankets, and more!
Before you dash off to see the fabulous makeovers below, won’t you take a moment to let me know what you think of this Blue to Pink wardrobe makeover? Even better, share this project with your friends on Pinterest.
- Vintage Secretary Makeover
- How to Gel Stain-Light Over Dark
- Old Blue Wardrobe Makeover (You are here, thank you)
- Shabby Chic Coastal Furniture Makeover
- Yes, You Can Fix a Broken Dresser
The wardrobe is so cute now! The pulls decoupaged with tissue paper turned out amazing.
Thank you! I’m happy you like what I did with the decoupage on the drawer pull/knobs. I was so pleased that the flowers fit so perfectly.
gail
Beautiful transition!
Thank you so much Mary. I appreciate you visiting My Repurposed Life to see the transformation.
gail
Such a sweet makover ! Adorable for a childs things.
Perfect for many things as well. I love the soft color and the knobs are a special touch. 🙂
Thanks for sharing your amazing carpentry skill – with so much detail !!
You could sooo teach carpentry / furniture repairs – And redesign.
thanks friend! I do teach carpentry/furniture repairs and more, right here on My Repurposed Life. I’m a retired teacher, so teaching comes naturally to me. 🙂
I appreciate you taking the time to stop by and leave a comment. It makes my day to hear from you.
gail
This turned out great! While I’m not a fan of pink, I could get into this shade. Subtle but not girly! Your tips doing the decoupage were good for me. Gave me the courage to try it. Thanks Gail for this ‘repurpose’.
Fran,
I hear you, I’m not a fan of pink, but this is definitely my favorite shade of pink. I recently painted a desk the same color and used rub-on transfers. You can see it here: https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/art-deco-vanity-sweet-new-desk/
gail
oh my gosh, Gail, this is adorable – from your color choice to the peekaboo sides to the personalized knobs! And I love your tip about the knobs in the paper cups!
Thank you Becky so much for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment. It’s greatly appreciated. Happy you found my tips helpful, it’s the teacher in me…..
gail
This turned out absolutely darling, Gail! I love it so much, especially the peekaboo sides! XOXO
You’re so sweet Christy! I know you love little surprises on drawers.
gail
Love how you fixed it up and gave it a fresh new look! It’s ready for a new home.
Thanks for stopping by Natalie!
gail
Its adorable Gail, I love the color and the florals! Pinned XOXO
Thank you for pinning Denise! This was a fun makeover.
gail
Awesome makeover. Love the tip to paint knobs – will definitely put that to use!!
Yay! I’m so happy that you find my tips helpful, especially the how to paint knobs tip! I wish I had known this years ago. 🙂
gail
Just beautiful! Definitely a step up from the blue and more. You are very skilled and have a great design eye.
You’re so kind Laura. I appreciate your kind words. This is one of my favorite pieces I’ve done.
gail
My favorite redo this week!
ohhhh, thank you so much for your sweet comment!
gail
I have one JUST like this that has been in our family since the late 50s. It was used for my siblings and myself and then was used for my nieces, then finally for my son. When he as about 3 he started calling it his truck and would sit in in, shut the door and pretend he was driving. I have been wanting to re-do it and this has given me the motivation to do that. Now, I use it in our bathroom to hold towels, etc. Just have to decide on a color now….
So happy you found this article motivating Pam! I love all the history for your antique wardrobe. I know nothing about the one I did. I often wish my projects could tell me “their” story.
Good luck, have fun with your makeover.
gail
Definitely 1950’s baby dresser, always solid wood, maple color and had baby animal transfers. We have one in original condition
That’s awesome Barb! This poor thing had many makeovers before I found it.
gail
What an awesome find. You made it beautiful!
I can’t believe I almost let this one get away. I’m so happy I finally dragged it home.
Thanks for stopping by Robin!
gail
Very Sweet
Thank you Fran
It’s absolutely gorgeous! Thank you for sharing your project and your tips for making it work!♥️😊👏
Thank you Linda for checking out my chifferobe makeover. I truly appreciate your kind words. Hoping it finds a perfect home for the holidays.
gail
Love how this turned out! And perfect for baby! I think it would be nice in a bathroom too – extra towels in the large section and/or rugs, and smaller essentials in the drawers.
Alexandra,
Someone on facebook mentioned they would use it in a bathroom. That’s such a great idea! I really see it growing up with a baby, and staying with her to her home as a grownup. I’m a dreamer! 🙂
gail
It’s beautiful. I love the color.
Thanks Lizzy! I hope it finds a fabulous home where it can be loved for many more years.
gail
love it! you did a fabulous job.
Thank you Nova. I can always count on you to visit and check out my latest project. I appreciate you!
gail
So cute, As I am in need of Cabinet, I wud actually use it for a jewelery Armoire, and perfect size to..I saved a door off a cabinet I had about 4 feet tall with a oval mirror just got make make the back and sides & paint it.añd add hooks & whatnot ..& love the trick with tissue paper…thanks for the share dear. Awesome job..
Lillian H
This old wardrobe turned out perfect, any little girl would love it. II, too, am an avid Heirloom Traditions All-in-One Paint user. It’s the only product I use on the antique and vintage pieces I paint for my antique booths. Peony is the perfect pink and I love that you used tissue paper on drawer sides and knobs💖
Thank you Sheryl for your sweet comment.
I love Paula’s paint, it is so versatile, and I love the way it covers and cures.
gail
This is so super cute 😍!! Perfect for a little kid. Just adorable!!
Thank you Victoria. Happy to hear you like this latest project.
gail
I love this, its so sweet and a dream for any little girl. I had one years ago, once my son had ‘outgrown’ it my husband used the hanging side for his trousers, mainly because he had no room left in our joint robe :)) these things are so worth having.xx
Janette,
Perfect! Hanging trousers is the best idea! Thanks so much for your sweet comment.
gail