Using Appliques on Furniture

Got ugly brown furniture from the 1970's? Well, I may have a solution for you! I refinished this bedroom set from the '70s for my client using fresh white paint, new hardware and appliques!

Here's the before of her armoire and dresser - nice, sturdy furniture - but a little too brown for my client's decorating style.

Her bedroom is really lovely - straight out of a Rachel Ashwell picture - and we thought we could freshen up her furniture to fit her decor. She found appliques online (Bella Cottage) and hardware from D. Lawless. She also chose General Finishes Antique White for her paint brand and color.

I did this project in stages, and started on the armoire first. The previous holes had to be filled to accommodate the new pulls. The appliques were primed first and then glued on using woodworker's glue.

Here's a progress shot I sent her for approval. She loved the look so much she asked for more appliques: on one of the bottom drawers and on the sides!

The finishing coats were applied as well as several coats of General Finishes Satin Top Coat and it was done!

Lovely view of the appliques on the sides and bottom drawer.

The interior was also primed, painted and sealed.

The armoire was delivered and I set to work on the dresser with matching knobs and similar appliques. This time I used two appliques on four of the drawers and positioned them next to each other to make one long swag.

I placed long rose swags on the sides of the dresser as well:

I'm so pleased with how this project turned out!

Yes, it was a lot of work - but there is hope for that 1970's furniture you've been wanting to freshen up!

Thanks for stopping by!

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