Week 5 of the One Room Challenge: Restoring our old Dresser with a Stunning Dark Stain and Ancient Bronze Hardware

Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5

Welcome back to our One Room Challenge journey! We’re now in Week 5, and the excitement is building as we inch closer to the finish line.

In this update, we’re diving into a significant milestone in our master bedroom makeover – the restoration of an old Drexel lowboy dresser. The transformation has been nothing short of remarkable, thanks to a dark walnut stain, a wax finish, and the exquisite Ancient Bronze hardware from Schaub’s Empire Collection.

Restoring the Drexel Lowboy Dresser

Our trusty old dresser had seen better days, but we knew it had hidden potential. With a little TLC, it could be the centerpiece of our redesigned master bedroom. The first step in this journey was to sand it down, getting rid of that orangy-yellowish red stain color and give it a more elegant and much darker look..

THE BEFORE: dated, with nicks and scratches and that awful orange stain!

The rich, dark walnut stain was our choice for the dresser’s new look, and it turned out to be a brilliant decision. The deep, warm tones of the stain not only breathed new life into the piece but also added an element of sophistication to our bedroom.

To enhance the dresser’s sheen and provide a protective layer, we opted for a wax finish. The wax brought out the wood’s natural beauty, giving it a subtle, elegant glow. It was an essential step in the restoration process, ensuring the dresser would stand the test of time and daily use while maintaining its charm.

Ancient Bronze Hardware from Schaub

The dresser was undoubtedly on its way to looking fabulous, but it was still missing a little something. That something turned out to be the exquisite hardware from Schaub’s Empire Collection in the Ancient Bronze finish.

These handles and cup pulls were the cherry on top of the restoration project. The Ancient Bronze finish not only matched the deep, dark stain perfectly but also added a touch of vintage charm to the dresser. Every time we open a drawer or pull on a handle, it feels like a little piece of history in our room.

The Result

The dresser’s restoration has been a fantastic success. It’s no longer just a piece of furniture; it’s a work of art, a conversation starter, and a cherished addition to our master bedroom. The dark stain and Ancient Bronze hardware have breathed new life into this piece, transforming it into the focal point of our room.

Stay tuned for the big reveal as our master bedroom makeover nears completion. Thanks for following along on this exciting journey!


I’m so glad you stopped by! Be sure to check in weekly on this blog for updates and also catch up on my daily lifestyle and home decor tips by following me on the gram @thefarafix

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