REVIVING a 200 Year Old Dresser | Furniture Restoration
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
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Watch as I give this 200 year old American Empire Dresser another 200 years of life. The wood grain and pattern on this dresser turns out gorgeous. This dresser restoration project will inspire you to give new life to your old, forgotten pieces. #Antique #furniturerestoration #trashtotreasure
If you liked this furniture restoration/furniture flip please like and subscribe to follow along for future DIY restorations.
If you have any questions feel free to reach out in the comments.
Thanks for watching!
JM
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Beautiful. It is so nice to see something old redone without using paint.
I agree! Thank you!
I loved the dresser even before it was restored.
I thought it was a very cool piece.
I would not have used polyurethane on a 200 year old dresser. Shellac or oil would be more period appropriate. I also usually wax the screws when refitting them; it helps prevent dry wood from splintering when you re-insert them.
That’s a great tip! I thought about using shellac. I did use shellac on the inside of the drawers.
I personally believe that’s an old way of thinking. Craftsmen back then didn’t have the option of modern day polys and finishes. I’m sure they’d use poly if it were available during their time.
@ronwilliams1094 Don't disagree that if the makers lived today they'd use now available products, but a shellac/wax combination does have a look that is not the same as poly. A water-based poly followed by hard wax is close though.
I typically use Lacquer for these old pieces. It has a great sheen, goes on easily and can be ‘built’ up.
@@datachickatl4092 I used lacquer on the French dresser. I wanted to try this wipe on poly.
Beautiful restoration! I love learning about things, even small seemingly insignificant things like nails and screws, thank you for sharing.
Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed it and I’m glad you learned something new as well!
Just seen this. What a beautiful dresser! The style is so strong to look at. All chests such as dressers and chests of drawers seemed to have locks fitted to them in those days. Doesn't seem to be so these days. Such a lovely result and thank you for sharing your skill and knowledge with us!!
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
I love this piece it was sure worthy of a great restoration.
I agree!
Absolutely, gorgeous transformation! The wood grain is amazing! Beautiful piece that can now last another 200 years! Thank you for saving it! 😊❤
Thank you very much! I glad you enjoyed the video!
That wooden object is most likely a corset busk and is rather rare, they were inserted in a pocket in the front of the corset for support. Makes sense to find one in an old dresser. super cool.
Hmm. My guess was a tongue depressor. Yours makes more sense.
Is it wooden though? Most were made from whalebone.
I thought it was a page turner.
Here in Mid-West, they were Corsett Stays, and yes, made of bone, whalebone.
Don't you love how an oil finish just brings the wood to life?! You just gained another subscriber.
Thanks for the sub! Watching the grain pattern pop with the top coat is my favorite part. Brings me coming back every time.
I don’t care! You brought a beautiful piece of furniture back to life who care how you got there or what you used it’s not in a landfill ! Great Job!! 🐝
Yes! Thank you!
I love wipe on poly. Minwax makes a better product, IMO.
@@Tenebarum I will try that one next. HD only had the Watco brand
Thank you very much! 🌿 I think so too, old items when "revived" like this really bring joy and significantly reduce waste 🌎 Have you ever tried to remake any old items yourself? Share with me
This is a stunning piece of furniture, and you did a wonderful job on it. I'm surprised at the harshness of some of these comments, tbh. Can't please everyone, huh! I refinished a 1900-1920s era, Empire style kitchen table and sideboard using oil-based stain, three (or four?) coats of Minwax Tung Oil, and Howard's Feed n Wax and it's held up great to everyday use. Anyway, I hope you don't let some of these comments get you down. The final result was beautiful. 🙂
Thank you! I agree. Some people just want to come here to criticize. It doesn't bother me. UA-cam views any comment, good or bad, as engagement so it actually helps the video haha. I like using Tung Oil as well, but lately I've been testing different finishes.
Incredible. Lovely.
Thanks, it was a real labor of love.
WOW. This is a beautiful piece. I love how the grain is really prominent and how it popped when you put the poly on!
Thank you! That’s my favorite part. Watching the grain pop.
Beautiful! I love old furniture and the natural wood grains!
So do I. Why would you paint it when the wood grain looks like that.
Nice job. I love American Empire furniture. You did a wonderful job sir
Thank you!’
Oh Wow, that’s gorgeous, I love it!
Thank you! Cheers!
Top-quality video, top-quality work! What a beautiful piece of furniture. Looking forward to the next one!
Thank you very much!
I like you left some of the "historic" dings and didn't over restored. Also, IMHO oil finish is the best choice. It restores the shine and helps with the dryness of the wood.
Nice to see you’re not ruining this piece by painting it!
That was only in my early days haha.
It had great lines and you brought forth the beauty of the wood with your terrific finishing. God bless.
Thank you very much!
OMG...I have a piece of furniture almost just like this. Same feet, same back boards, same locks, and same knobs. Ours has an old piece of mirror on top which made me believe it was a buffet. I actually had no idea how old it was!! Yours is beautiful!
It's called Empire style because they are "large and in charge"! LOL. I have my great grandmother's Empire dresser, so grateful.
I agree. I like the large bold style.
I have a similar piece. A very common one, but functional. Mine was is much better condition. I paid 100.00 dollars for mine. I like it at that price. Stout and functional..
I had the same price too , exactly, in PA
Me too! Mirror with a shelf above it, 2 small top drawers, one long drawer, 2 doors with shelves the full width inside, and another long drawer at the bottom. Husband keeps saying it’s not valuable because his mom bought it at a garage sale for $30.
I see these American Empire pieces often and always wanted one. I love the heavy-duty legs and the lines of them. I'm going to buy one next time I see one!
I think they are beautiful, too!
That ivory-looking object is called a bone folder. It is made of animal bone and is used to make sharp creases in paper when folding a letter or making an envelope. Still used today by book repair people, as well as scrapbook makers and paper/stationary/calligraphy enthusiasts.
I don't think so. That's a busk (or busque), a piece of whalebone, ivory, wood, or metal slipped down the front of a corset to help it retain its vertical integrity. Busks were used from the 16th century right up until the Edwardian era, so it fits with both the age and function of the piece of furniture.
@ Not being intimately familiar with corsets, I will defer to your assertion. Have a nice day. 🙂
I have seen similar furniture also described as "Grecian Plain style" or "Greek revival". I was familiar with the earlier American empire style for several years, but discovered the later circa 1825-40 plain pieces only two months ago. Thank you for showcasing this underrepresented style.
I agree. It is underrepresented and I always thought it was such a cool style.
Beautiful piece! The thing you found in the drawer looks like a bone folder. I could be mistaken, but it looks like one to me. I've used one in book conservation before.
Thanks for the info! Glad you enjoyed the video!
I love that you respect the furniture, respecting the old nail history. Restoring this beautiful old Piece drawer. ✨ I admire people like you, you respect the history of the furniture and respecting the original look. ❤️🥰 I was tired of seing other people ruining a beautiful old furniture, with there AWFUL “Modern” ideas… 😭 It’s very Nice that i found you, i have subscribe to your Channel! 🤩
Thank you! I will admit I do paint furniture sometimes. But I try to restore if I can.
I think the object you asked us to comment on is a bone folder - used to crease paper. At least that's what I've used them for in making greeting cards.
Interesting never would have thought of that.
I think you can also use a bone folder to make a temporary crease in fabric It's a very handy tool.
I thought it was an old tongue depressor.
@@ecuadorious think you are right.
Depends what it’s. ade if. I think it’s the folder.
Your presentation is perfect - no music etc.
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Back to nearly good as new with aged characteristics left to add to its beauty. Bravo, it's beautifully done.
Thank you very much!
just beautiful. Classy all the way!
I agree!
I normally don`t like a poly finish on antiques, especially on Empire, but you got a very nice look with the finish you used. There are two very light triangular areas on the upper glove drawers that I would stain darker to match, but other than that, very nice job. I`d add it to my collection.
Thank you very much!
Beautiful! Reminds me of a piece my grandmother had. Thank you for the video.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Respect for what things are: The real challenge in restoring antiques is to work within a set of parameters. It's time consuming to do it well and requires thought, patience, care, certain tools some specialized, certain materials, chemicals and understand their properties, an encyclopedic knowledge of woods and a collection of, and and and and a willingness to learn and keep learning.
Well said! I agree!
Some more care on the coloration of the veneer was expected
I learn something from almost everything i watch. Thanks for you taking time to do a you tube. It never ceases to amaze me how arrogant people think they need to correct and give advice not solicited. They dont wanna take the time to put their own you tube out. Carry on sir...
Thank you for watching! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Excellent restoration! It has been brought back to its original glory.😊👍👍
Thank you! Cheers!
That is a beautiful peice of furniture, you did an amazing job.
Thank you!!
Gorgeous!! Thank you for saving this beauty
Thank you!
What a beauty even in original look
I agree!
Beautiful old piece. Sure you will make it beautiful ❤️ again. Have a wonderful day.
Thank you! You too!
Can't wait till the next project... Watching this is almost therapeutic.
Thanks! Should have the project vid out next weekend. That’s the goal at least haha.
That is a beautiful example of the Empire style of furniture.
Thank you!
Gorgeous!
Beatiful!!!
Thank you!
WOW! I thought it was amazing with the dust on it. You did a great job.
Thank you! Cheers!
Beautiful result. Thanks for sharing !
Thanks for watching!
Wow! This piece is gorgeous!
Thank you so much! Agree. The wood grain really popped!
It's beautiful... I do have one question... why didn't you fix the chipped corner where the veneer was chipped off? I know you said you wouldn't be able to find a matching veneer, but why didn't you fill it in with wood filler or something? I know it was a small chip, so I'm sure blending it in wouldn't have been that hard... I was just wondering. It still looks good.
Thank you! I couldn’t find a matching veneer that thick. I thought about wood filler. But it’s almost 200 years old I felt weird just slapping wood filler on it.
i had exactly the same question
In your expert video show us how you did it
Congratulations! Good transformation! 🌷🌷
Thank you!! 😊
You did an amazing job. The piece is beautiful!
Thank you!
Gorgeous!! You did a wonderful job!!
Thank you so much!
Brilliant job as per usual. I think that article you found in the top drawer might be what bookbinders call a “bone”. It is for flattening and folding paper. I love your videos and eagerly await each new one. Cheers from Australia. 🇦🇺🤗
Thank you! It’s either that or a tongue depressor is the consensus.
Wowie-zowie!
What stunning wood grain on this handsome dresser!
I bought a similar piece with exactly the same legs but a "harp" mirror on top. Handmade dovetails too. Mine was painted, and when removing allof that, beautiful
BIRDS EYE MAPLE!. The drawersinside were pine and I thought that pine was throughout. However, the dresser was very heavy..I should have suspected. Sadly, this piece had to be sold. Oh yes, the mirror had 1 inch beveled glass. This piece that you have shown us today is needing a good price. Very nicely done. 👌 thanks!❤
Thanks! Yea this one was pine throughout with veneer.
Just watching on my TV but posting on my phone
Great job very nice
The tool in the drawer I believe is a bookbinding tool for creasing or flattening paper old ones are made of horn
Cheers from Scotland
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it! Yes the consensus is either a bone folder or an old tongue depressor. Cheers from Rhode Island, USA!
Stunning!
Thank you! Cheers!
That is an awesome piece
Thank you!
Beautiful 😊😊😊
Thank you! Cheers!
Beautiful! I love it! Bravo 👏!
Thank you so much!
Great job buddy, beautiful outcome.
Thank you!
That turned out beautiful! Great work!
Thank you very much!
Absolutely beautiful.
Thank you!!
i cannot agree more of what you did and how you did it-BUT from long ago i could never get over the fact that the top drawers are attached to the top of the table. i would have elevated the top and allowed more space. (btw im a new englander living in PA)
Yea a lot of these empire styles I see don’t have the drawers on top. Hello from RI! 👋🏽
Beautiful. I love the character of the piece.
Thank you! So do I!
Beautiful restoration!
Thank you very much!
I did a similar dresser to yours about a year ago, much veneer issues , I would have to put at least two layers on to get the right thickness. I thought mine had been redone before( it had paint showing in some places) but I saw on yours that only the curved legs and the drawfronts were veneered so I guess thats how they were done back in the day. I sold it for 4 times what i paid but had many months, off and on in labor ,but I love it.
Yes! The veneer is so thick I couldn’t find a veneer thick enough to match it. Thank you!
What patients you have. Beautiful restoration. I love it!
@@patriciacrozier7624 thank you!
i really like the design of this piece.
I agree. I like this style too
That dresser is beautiful 😮❤❤❤❤
Thank you! It is! Gorgeous grain pattern.
😍Beautiful work‼️ 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 From 🇧🇷
Thank you!
Turned out beautifully. Job well done 👍
Thank you!
Gorgeous
Thank you!
What a nice simple but classy peice of furniture. Man, they made nice stuff. All by hand. I wonder how long an expert craftman took to finnish a peice like this? How many a year did they complete? I imagine they specialized. Like rocking chairs for instance.
Probably took them a few weeks to a month to make working full time.
@restorationrhode my wife got a telephone table from her grandmother. The other cousins had first pick of everyting as it turned out. It was beat up in the hallway of an entry way. Everything got piled on it over the years. I refinished it. I sanded it, filled dents etc, then I found a marbling kit so put a faux pink marble finish on it with a new cushion material that matched .... awesome .... first try!!!!!. The cousins eventually came over years later and noticed it. They commented how cool it was. It looked like real marble ...... where did we get it? My wife paused......... its grandmas telephone table ..... the cousin turned to her husband immediately and blurted out really upset .... I told you we should have taken it! My wife and I were amused ....... sure ...... leave nothing but cobwebs and dirty mattresses which was all that was left other then the dinged up ugly junk hallway telephone table. Of all the rooms of antiques they took, divided up and sold off because it didn't fit their home decor ..... she regretted .leaving it because my wife took it home. She appreciated it because it was grandmas table she put her jacket and lunch box on it after school. We still have it decades later in our hallway. I used the Finish technique on 2 custom guitar bodies one pink and one green. The kits were acrylic base paint, using ripped chunks out of a spounge dabbing complementing hues and a feather in drawn through thick and thinned watered down white to create the opaque and heavier veining. I learned to put light clear coats between layers so that mistakes can be wiped away since it is water soluble paint. It is amazing how hard it is to mess it up. The only mistake is establishing a pattern. The more random..... the more natural it looks!!!!! It takes plain understated into elegance using white, pink or green color schemes. Beat up pieces too rough for stain ...... matte finish ...... look like elegant stone!!!! Maybe try it on the right peice for new decor options.
Beautiful! I love it! 🤗
Thank you!
Awesome product 100% restored congratulations 🎉🎉🎉
Thank you very much!
Nice job! I currently have one of these in my studio, but my two top little drawers have bow fronts and no bib on the back top. The screws on the wooden knobs are wood and part of the knob. Very cool, actually, as I've never seen that. The veneer on mine is in horrible shape, crumbling and falling off. I didn't want to wood fill or bondo, so i may try to find a replacement. Thanks for screw and nail education!!
Can you remove the old veneer and replace it?
Beautiful!!!
Thank you!
I liked the first one you use on the drawers. It was a richer color. I liked the red that came through.
Are you referring to the top coat? I used the same top coat (a wipe on poly) on the entire piece.
Phenomenal job. Thank you!
Thank you!!
Awesome job it looks amazing ide love to do somerhing like this i just dont have the patience for such a long job.
Thanks 👍 you can do it!
absolutely stunning
Thanks!
You did a lovely job restoring this magnificent dresser. I subscribed!! Susie
Thanks for subbing! Glad you enjoyed the video!
Stunning
Thank you! Cheers!
Great job! I love it
Thank you! I'm glad you like it!
Beautiful job🌟
Thank you!
I'm in love with it and I'm only 2 minutes in. lol
I was too when I saw it on FB marketplace.
This is truly American furniture. This bonnet top empire style dresser become popular after 1820.
I really like this style. I like the bold features. Also, thank you for confirming the 200 years old!
Absolutely beautiful
Thank you! Cheers!
thank you for not having that BEFORE and AFTER captions that many have on these resto sites...as if we can't tell....it's annoying. gorgeous, BTW. well done sir.
Thank you. Sometimes it’s nice to see the before and after side by side.
Nice work. I enjoyed watching.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great job
Thank you!
Beautiful!
Thank you!!
I believe the item you thought was a shoehorn is something called a folding bone. Probably because it is made of bone. It was used for folding/creasing paper. When I started out in the drafting career we used it to fold 34”x44” blueprints into about the size of a sheet of paper like a map.
In crafting circles it is called a bone folder
I think it might be a tongue depressor. Most folding bones are pointed on one end. This one isn't.
@@restorationrhode while most are pointed some are not and the ones I used in the 80’s were not pointed. From the video it appears to not be made of wood and does look like bone material which is why I was leaning towards a folding stick.
Maravilhoso trabalho! Amei! Brasil! 💚💛💙🤍
The American Empire period in furniture design began in about 1815 and lasted through 1840, but it was most popular during the 1820s. It overlapped with Federal style furniture, which had simple lines and delicate shapes, but American Empire was much more substantial. I would have mixed some mahogany stain in with the walnut to match the mahogany veneer.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge about that period in furniture design! Very insightful!
Great save!
Thanks!
Beautiful, bro !
Thank you!
Gorgeous 😮
Thank you!
Very nice! She's a beauty!
Thank you!
That turned out nice.
Thank you!
Ficou muito bom. Ótimo.
Thank you!!
I have the twin to this chest of drawers. The only difference is mine does not have the small drawers on top. But instead, a large drawer at the bottom. I also have the dresser with the urn shaped pillars holding the beveled mirror. It's a 4 over 2 dresser ( 4 small drawers over 2 large drawers). The two pieces are a set, just missing the bed. So my husband made a headboard to go with the two pieces.
Oh so very, WOW 👌
Thank you!!
I have done two of this style. I could tell by the legs. I never figured out the age. One I picked up at Goodwill for $20 and the 2nd one on marketplace, for free.
I had to do some digging on the age as well. Turned out to be very old.
@@restorationrhode that is very cool. Unfortunately I'm lazy when it comes to researching. I just enjoy restoration. Your piece is exceptional.