Restoring a 1930s Dresser: A Touch of Art Deco Elegance

Suzanne from That Flipping Studio with the original dresser before its transformation.

I love giving old furniture a new lease of life while preserving its original charm. My latest project—a 1930s dresser—was no exception. What started as a dark, damaged, and dated piece has been transformed into a sophisticated, Art Deco-inspired statement. Here’s how I brought this beauty back to life.

Stripping Back the Years

The dresser had seen better days, with a dark, heavily stained finish, worn veneer, and signs of age that needed some serious TLC. The first step was stripping away the old varnish using Paint Panther's Paint and Stain Remover, revealing the solid structure beneath. I then sanded the entire piece, starting with 60-grit sandpaper for the particularly stain-engrained areas and gradually working up to 180-grit for a smooth, even surface.

Veneer Repairs & Richer Stain

Some of the veneer was chipped and worn away, so I carefully repaired these areas using wood filler and wood pens and crayons, before moving on to the next stage. Once the surface was prepped, I chose a Furniture Clinic wood stain, which helped to create a consistent tone across the piece as well as bring out the natural grain.

Hardware Revival

The original hardware had great character but was tarnished and tired-looking. Rather than replace it, I restored each piece, cleaning them thoroughly before painting them with Jenolite’s rust-protective spray paint. This gave them a fresh, durable finish while maintaining their vintage charm in a metallic gold.

Adding a Touch of Glamour

To highlight the dresser’s Art Deco influences, I added a gold stripe detail to the worktop, giving it a refined, elegant touch. The drawer interiors were lined with a beautiful black and gold paper, and for an extra hint of craftsmanship, I painted the dovetail joints in Rustoleum gold furniture paint —a small but striking detail that elevates the entire piece.

Finishing Touches

The dresser’s legs were given a sleek, modern contrast with Rustoleum’s Black Sands furniture paint, complementing the stain of the wood. Finally, the entire piece was finished with Furniture Clinic's Danish Oil, further enhancing the grain and ensuring long-term protection.

A Timeless Transformation

This 1930s dresser is now a refined yet practical statement piece, blending its original character with modern elegance. It’s amazing how a little vision, patience, and craftsmanship can breathe new life into old furniture!

If you have a piece in need of revival, get in touch.