Once upon a time we owned an armoire entertainment center that I loved. Everyone else loved it too - except Brian. I loved that I could close the doors and pretend there was no tv. Brian hated having to open the doors everytime he wanted to watch the Red Sox or the Patriots.
And here's the rest of the story. During the move, the entertainment center mysteriously broke while I was outside. Brian claims (ahem), that while they were moving it, it just sort of "fell apart".
At the new house we found we had no place to put the tv, and no money to buy a new tv stand. We had this sort of dresser thing with wicker baskets for drawers. Since it was all we had we plunked the tv on top.
And since the desk that held the record player is now in service in the kitchen, we plopped the thing on a tv tray table. Attractive right? I know.
So we had this piece we had picked up at Rosie's Reusables in Derry for $40.
My original plan was to use it as an entry table until I fell in love with this vintage ironing board entry table.
So I guess this started out as a men's dresser in Rosie's aunt's bedroom. (Rosie is a guy by the way).
Of course I forgot to take a picture before I pulled the drawers out (and they were not going back in without some major sanding).
So, sanding we did. Against the grain I might add. I make it a point to always learn a hard lesson when I do a project. Luckily these drawers were getting a paint job.
And here is the finished product. I actually love it almost as much as my old armoire. I just wish we didn't have that ugly black box on top.
I rubbed a little walnut stain on the scroll work.
I found tons of knobs I loved, but finally settled for the ones I could afford. These were $1.19 each at Lowes. (I'm not sure white there is a white spot in the photo, there isn't one on the tv stand).
I really love the legs and wheels.
The top was stained in walnut. I found tons of stain and paint in the cellar and shed, and I used what was there so the stain and paint were FREE!
Total cost for this project - $46. Total savings $254 over the one I wanted at Homegoods, but couldn't afford.
Before & After ~
Such a great piece. You did an amazing job refinishing it. Love it and so much extra storage too. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteHi Marty! You can never have enough storage can you?
DeleteHugs back,
Gloria
You did a great job and $46 - amazing.
ReplyDeleteI really am happy with it! Hope you are taking time to enjoy yourself these days!
DeleteGloria
Love it!! It looks great...even with the big black box on top. :) Our TV used to be in an old armoire, but when it went out...hubby wanted a big screen TV, so it now sits out like yours does on top of a cabinet with bookselves on either side. I still wish the TV was hidden.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend.
Cindy
I think it's that men are from Mars, women are from Venus thing Cynthia!
DeleteGloria
That's a gorgeous piece, Gloria! I know, we all have to deal with the big, ugly tv, right? Ours is on a similar piece that was the bottom portion of our dining room hutch since we don't have a dining room in this house. You have created a very cozy space!!
ReplyDeleteHi JoAnne! I think most of us gals are dealing with this issue!
DeleteGloria
What an amazing transformation! Well done. I had to smile in about your armoire mystery. I've had a few of those myself. :)
ReplyDeleteIt happened again Laura. My husband and son were moving a table my hubby didn't like - and it BROKE! LOL
DeleteGloria
It looks great! And goes so well with your living room decor. Awesome job! I'm stopping by from Homemaker...
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Emma. Hope to see you again!
DeleteGloria
The piece is perfect...The scroll detail is really nice...Blessings, Becky
ReplyDeleteThanks Becky. My hubby thinks I did something really fancy with the scrollwork, but I just wiped some stain on it with a rag! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteGloria
This piece could not be more perfect for your room. I love the way you transformed it...especially losing the drawer for one of your components. Pretty nifty. :o)
ReplyDeleteHi Ann,
DeleteWow, you are one of my blog heroes! Honored to have you leave a comment!
Gloria
What a fabulous idea! Love the dresser - the details are just gorgeous
ReplyDeleteYour newest follower - would love to have you come by when you have the chance and
follow back!
Hugs,
Suzan
Done!
DeleteGloria
Very nice up cycle indeed! I keep hoping to come across a "do-able" piece of furniture at GW but others are beating me to the punch! visiting thru Coastal Charm party.
ReplyDeleteJoAnn
Hi JoAnn, I have not had very good luck at Goodwill. I find their prices very high. I just found a cute hutch there that I would pay about $25 for. They were asking $299 - at Goodwill! Yikes! Anyway, I do much better at yardsales and local thrift stores. Good luck!
DeleteGloria
I've been looking for an idea to get rid of my 80's "Entertainment Center". Thanks for the inspiriation! Jean
ReplyDeleteI wonder if 80's Entertainment Centers will ever be back in style? Lol! Hope you find something you love Jean!
DeleteGloria
Maybe someday soon an attractive piece of furniture will be designed for the big TV's but I think men like them in full view just as they are. You have found a very pretty piece that functions well as a place for the TV. I love old furniture that can be used for today's needs. You did a great job on this piece.-------------- Shannon
ReplyDeleteDo you think they'd be too big to sell on Etsy?
DeleteGloria
Looks great! Thanks for stopping by my blog and following. Love seeing other blogs about thrifting and DIY and giving glory to God. Glad to follow along on your home journey.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Lisa
I feel exactly the same Lisa!
DeleteGloria
Absolutely perfect!! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting Helen!
DeleteGloria
It's charming! Thank you for sharing your project at Potpourri Friday!
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting Honey! Love Potpourri Friday!
DeleteGloria