I’ve never been a huge fan of Waterfall Furniture. Growing up, I always thought the pieces my parents had picked up from yard sales and proudly displayed in their bedroom were… well… pretty ugly.
The signature rounded tops, bookmatch veneer, and the art deco design just didn’t do it for me.
That’s why I shocked myself when I bought this waterfall dresser off Craigslist!
The price was right, but what really attracted me to this dresser was the vintage handles. So feminine yet strong and interesting in shape and design. You can’t find handles like this at Hobby Lobby!
As an added bonus, since I’ve purchased this piece, I’ve been seeing some really impressive painted waterfall re-do’s on Pinterest. Perfect opportunity to challenge my creativity and work on something different right?
Well challenge me it did my friends. I’m even a little embarrassed to show you this but here’s my first take. Not pretty – so lets try this again!
After all this ugly was sanded off, my second try was a success. {If you missed my original rant on my failed attempts – you can see it here.}
So many of the waterfall dresser re-do’s I’m seeing have been distressed {and my first shot at distressing this dresser was a NO GO!} so I decided to go with a clean finish.
This piece has been sprayed in General Finishes Linen Milk Paint – my new favorite off white! The gorgeous hardware was painted out the same color as the dresser.
General Finishes Colonial Maple and Java Gel Stain were applied directly over the existing stain after I gave it a good sanding.
On the top drawer, I decided on stained wood knobs so it doesn’t compete with the original hardware.
For the final touch; a wood applique. I painted the applique in GF Linen and I really like this look. It adds a vintage element and contrast in design.
I’m really happy with the end result. I think my original opinion on waterfall dressers just may have changed. {big smile}
I hope you enjoyed reading and tell me what YOU THINK of waterfall furniture? Like it? Hate it? Neutral like Switzerland? Don’t be shy… share your thoughts!
Have a great day and see you tomorrow for another Quick-Tip-Tuesday… I’ll show you what I was ORIGINALLY going to do with these vintage handles!
Denise x
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Totally inspired, dear Denise 🙂 I found the perfect dresser to try your beautiful idea!!! Also GF spotted my business page awhile ago and they asked me to try their paint. Guess what colour they ‘ve sent???? Linen Thank you for sharing!!! Vassi
Thanks Vassi! And I bet you’re going to love the General Finishes products!
Thank you!!! Have you used a top coat on the dresser? or just the paint ? Can I wax on top of the milk paint or no? For almost two years now, since I have started refinishing furniture, I only use Annie Sloan products. Thank you in advance 🙂
I’m pretty sure I waxed this piece w Annie Sloan Wax Vassi. And yes, you can wax-topcoat milk paint. I’ve done this on many pieces. 🙂
Thank you so very much!!!
Hi Denise, your finished piece is stunning.
I have several Waterfall dressers and mirrors that were given to me as I do like that fauex Art Deco look.
Q – since these pieces are made of laminate, is it ok to sand? I’ve read and been told that sanding (even fine sanding) is not to be done to laminate. Can you let me know before I start my very first adventure in refinishing my dressers?
Thanks for sharing your expertise and your beautiful results!!
Hi there Magalys! Exciting you have a collection of pieces to work on! In my experience, authentic Waterfall dressers (1920’s-40’s) are wood veneered – not laminated. A light sanding is perfect for this type of furniture.
I’m very curious about the painting of the hardware. How do you get it to stay put? I have not found any paint yet that won’t peel or chip off of hardware. Beautiful piece by the way:)
Renee, I find the trick is in the sanding and a good primer – once you’ve done that the paint sticks no problem. I use Kilz or BIN Shellac which sticks well to glossy surfaces. Then I paint. A few coats of poly makes them look ‘finished’ and also protects.
Oh my! One word – STUNNING!
Hello Patty – I enjoy ALL of your postings. You’re so honest and truly helpful. 🙂
I have to ask why you decided to paint the handles?
I have just started to re-do furniture, and don’t know a whole lot yet.
I am just finishing my first piece now.
Thanks for you response in advance.
Hi Julie! My original plan was to polish this hardware and leave them all original. However once I painted the piece in GF Linen, the polished brass just looked way too dominant. I thought they looked much better painted out for this finish. 🙂
I’ve always loved the soft lines of waterfall furniture…and this is just gorgeous!
Can you use the Husky sprayer with AS Chalk Paint?
Yes, I’ve sprayed with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and have had great results!
this is just astonishing. be proud!
As usual Denise….you NAILED IT!!!! Looks great xx
I appreciate that you showed a failed attempt. Makes me feel better about myself. LOL I really like this. I have seen some really good waterfall pieces and some terribly bad restyled waterfall pieces. Usually more bad than good. This, I am happy to say, is in the good catagory!
I absolutely love this finished dresser! It has a very classy look to it. I believe it would please both men and women to have it in a bedroom. Thanks for showing both efforts. I enjoy all of you work and look forward to seeing each new piece! !
Like you, I’ve never liked the look of waterfall furniture, but…this is a beautiful piece! I especially like the top drawer with the original finish. It looks very classy. Great job!!
Stunning! You recover from an occasional Oops! exceptionally well.
Beautiful, beautiful job!! I am interested in the kind of sprayer that you use?
Thanks Patty! Here’s more on more on my spray gun.
Love, love, love it!
Thanks Suzanne!
Lol, I gotta say, we’ve all had some pretty epic fails when giving a new style a try (that’s when it’s usually worst I find) and that floral and whatever color wasn’t your best effort.
BUT… this finished piece is just gorgeous.
I happen to love waterfall and art deco looks, so I have no problem with this style and can usually think of different things to do with it, but it definitely isn’t the easiest one to work with.
So great job Denise!!
Thanks Chez! And first go was definitely not my best effort!…lol
Absolutely gorgeous Denise I love it! What a FABULOUS transformation!
Thanks Andrea! 🙂