Admittedly not as catchy as bringing sexy back. On Thursday, the boys and I ran errands, then took advantage of the sunny weather by stopping in a garage sale and two thrift stores. We left Goodwill with three small planters for $1.50 each.
But we hit the jackpot at our second store, striking gold with this beat up Drexel dresser.
Listed at 90 dollars, I wasn’t going to buy it. I asked if I could get a discount for the scuffs and burns on it. The manager took off 25% making it $67. Not needing another dresser, I couldn’t decide. Yes, it would look great in the boys’ room. But they had a white one that worked just fine. So I asked you, and nearly everyone said, “YES!” Tipping point, I bought it. Over the weekend, I sanded it down, getting down to bare wood.
Originally I thought I’d stain it dark (to match their bookshelf), but seeing the pretty grain made me question that decision. Again, I asked you what to do. This time, votes were about 75/25, so I went with a clear finish and gold painted hardware.
Now, Drexel’s back and more handsome than ever.
He’s a far cry from the antique-y white dresser of yore, adding a warm wood tone and sleek lines.
Look at those legs! Slightly tapered, no cankles.
Perhaps the handles are the furniture equivalent of a gold chain?
A few burns and one stain are still slightly visible on the top because they went too deep to sand out.
Sixty seven dollars well spent. Because we already had sand paper, spray paint, and clear coat, $67 is all I spent on this guy.
Another change in the boys’ room that has me chomping at the bit to give this room some attention. Like paint covering the walls. All four. And a twin bed for Ev, once he’s unhappy sleeping in his crib.
ourhumbleabodeblog.com 
Holy cow…that looks like cherry wood! Who woulda thunk that gorgeousness was hiding under that old finish with its chips and scratches? Nice find.
Hi Kraesmom!
It might be cherry, but I’m not sure. Whatever it is, I love it. 🙂 I just couldn’t cover it with the dark stain.
Thanks!
Amanda
I’m so glad you went with the natural tone. I was probably one of the only ones who voted natural. The wood looks amazing and it looks great in the space. Great job!
Hey Shavonda!
I’m glad I did, too. 😉 There were more votes for natural than dark, surprisingly. Just the right tone and addition of wood, I think.
Thanks!!
Amanda
Gorgeous! What a great find and a nice refinish.
Aww, thanks Marlene!
It turned out gorgeous. Good call on the clear stain. I love it in the boys room.
Hi Karin!
Thank you so much! It’s just what I hoped for. 🙂
Thanks!
Amanda
I’m in love with it! And so happy you bought it, yay for the power of Instragram, lol 🙂 The original wood color is amazing 🙂
Q: where you get the cute basket next to the dresser? I’ve been on the hunt for a great basket for Avery’s toys
Hey Katrina!
Thanks, lady! You all are enablers, but in the best way. 🙂 I bought the basket a few years ago at Home Goods, but I always see similar styles at TJ Maxx, too. Hope that helps!!
Thanks!
Amanda
That is one sexy dresser! I’m so glad you went for it. I really like the finish, what did you use to seal it? Did you use a rub-on poly or a brush on poly? What brand and finish? It’s got a great sheen and really showcases the wood grain.
Hey Hevel House!
I totally agree. 🙂 I used Minwax Ploycrylic in a satin finish. The nice thing is that it’s water based, so it doesn’t stink, dries quickly (2 hours between recoats), and cleans up with water. I used a Purdy brush to apply it, let it dry, then sanded lightly with 400 grit paper and applied the second coat. Super quick, I literally had the dresser sanded and two coats on in the same day.
Thanks!
Amanda
I will definitely have to try that on a project I’m working on. It really does look stunning.
Hey Hevel House!
It’s super nice to work with, but a little pricey at $17 bucks a quart. But you can use it on so many things it evens out.
Thanks!
Amanda
Gorgeous! Great job on the refinishing – it looks new!!
Hi Sarah!
Thank you, it sanded down really nicely. 🙂
Thanks!
Amanda
It’s absolutely gorgeous and fits in perfectly! It looks brand new! Well done, this is so inspiring!
Hi Maria!
Thank you so much! I’m super happy with the result, too.
Thanks!
Amanda
I love this! I’m so glad you decided to keep it a natural wood. Looks so good in the boys room!
Hey Kristi!
Thanks! I’m really happy with the clear. The wood was just too pretty to cover again.
Thanks!
Amanda
Hi Amanda-
I love it! We have a Drexel table and chair set- a hand-me-down from my hubby’s grandparents. BUT- it seems to have a veneer over it? Was yours veneer-less?
Thanks!
Hey Anna!
Some parts have a veneer. The side panels for sure, and possibly the inset of the top. The legs are solid and the drawers have thick fronts. If you want to refinish yours, you still should be able to sand it down, just use 120 grit paper and go lightly. Hope that helps!
Thanks!
Amanda
Dresser looks great, definitely an improvement!
Hi Lauren!
Thanks, I think it looks light years better than the starting point. But I’m biased. 🙂
Thanks!
Amanda
I can’t believe that is the same dresser. Looks so great in the room and you did a fab job making it over. Well worth it.
Wow- it looks great!! The natural texture/color really seems to complement the other colors in the room. I love the ‘no cankles’ description- that seems spot on comparing the white with the drexel 🙂
Hey Grace W!
Thank you so, so much for your compliments. The white dresser did have cankles, right?! This sleek guy fits in much better. 🙂
Thanks!
Amanda
Found you on Instagram today and love this dresser. What a total steal!
Hi Julia!
Total steal, right?! So glad you love it, too.
Thanks!
Amanda
So glad you didn’t paint it white. More work to sand and stain but the results speak for itself. Beautiful!