Vanity Makeover

Here is a project I did a while back and never got around to really showing it off properly. I wish I had taken some before pictures, but sometimes I dive into these projects so quickly that I forget. Anyway, this a 1930s vintage vanity and seat that I picked up for $30 at a little second hand store. The finish on it was in pretty bad shape when I took it home.

I stuck it in our living room for a couple weeks, so I could look at it off and on. I do this alot with different projects, in hopes of getting some inspiration while I am relaxing on the couch.

This vanity is what is called a "3/4" size and it is perfect for a smaller girls room or guest room. It is only about 36" across.

I decided that since it would probably end up in a girls room, not to refinish it. So I did a faux painted finish on it instead and distressed it so that every bump and bruise a little girl might give it, won't show.

I started with a base coat of powder blue.

Then I took a very dry brush with a little white and "dusted it" into wear areas, like edges and drawer fronts.

I then took a sanding block with 220grit and randomly sanded all of the naturally wearing surfaces.

I applied a white glaze to complete the finish.

Next came the drawers. I cut wooden inserts for all the drawers and upholstered them with white satin.

All the drawers are padded and inside the padding is dried french lavender. The aroma is pretty wonderful when opening the drawers.

Next came the seat. I cut up an old rabbit fur coat and repurposed it for the seat.


This was a pretty fun project. It was a lot different from the traditional formal finsihes that I usually apply. If you have questions, please post them in the comment section. I would love to hear from you!

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