Petticoat Junktion

Upcycling, recycling, and repurposing ideas for furniture and home decor.

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Over-The Top Heavily Distressed White Furniture | Love Or Hate

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I don’t know how some of you are going to feel about today’s makeover. This heavily distressed white furniture piece is a bit over the top.

heavily distressed white furniture

I had the paint plan for the dresser but I wasn’t sure it was the right plan. I’ll start working on a piece and before it’s finished I’m having second and third thoughts….not sure of the color, not sure of the technique, not sure of the hardware, etc. 

white shabby chic paint

And when the piece is finished it might look ok, or it might look good, or it might look like crap, or it might look great (to me). This is one of the great ones. One never to be forgotten. I really like the paint finish. It seems perfect for this vintage dresser I picked up at the Nashville Flea Market. 

dresser-before

I purchased this vintage dresser at the July Nashville Flea Market. I loved all the curves and the door and the legs and everything. The detailed trim between the top drawer and the bottom part of the dresser was the selling point.

heavily distressed white furniture

I had to fill holes on the drawers. There were 4 holes on each drawer for pulls! Why in the world. I take it there had been a few hardware changes over the years. It’s pretty obvious those pulls on the two bottom drawers were not original.

I decided on a single knob for each drawer and I picked up these colorful knobs at Hobby Lobby. I had to make two trips. I selected the large knobs and two smaller knobs for the top drawer.

shabby chic heavily distressed dresser

I put the knobs on and the small ones just blended in. I was in a hurry to take photos and get this post out so I made another flying trip to Hobby Lobby (good thing it’s only 10 minutes away) for 2 more of the large knobs.

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over the top shabby chic furniture makeover

I think the two trips were definitely worth it. I asked the JTS what he thought of the knobs and he said, and I quote “They make a statement”. He’s learning (insert smiley face)!

how to paint shabby chic furniture

I painted the dresser an off-white and distressed it very heavily with an electric sander. All of the missing veneer and the rough edges made the dresser the perfect candidate for distressing. The painting, drying time, and distressing took all of 3 hours. 

So what do you think of the heavily distressed white furniture makeover? Too over-the top for you? I know this look isn’t for everyone. Be honest in your comments, but be kind. What about those “statement knobs”? 

shabby chic white furniture

Heavily Distressed White Furniture

I painted the dresser in 2013. This is one of my favorite projects and if you’re new here you might not have seen it. I re-edited photos and added more details to the post. 

Updated: This is my most controversial makeover yet…you can read about it here… I LOVE WHEN MY PROJECTS STIR-UP CONTROVERSY

If you like distressed furniture you will love this post…..

white-distressed-hutch

10 BOLDLY DISTRESSED FURNITURE PROJECTS

 

Thanks for being here and have a great day, Kathy

Comments

  1. A list of my must have DIY supplies can be found  here on Petticoat Junktion.

  2. Becky says

    I’m not really a fan of excess distressing, but this is so far gone that it’s good again, haha! I really like it! I love the knobs on it too, they’re just right for the distressing level! Good job!

  3. Gracie Redfield says

    I saw this dresser when it first appeared on Pinterest, and all I could say was “WOW!” I loved it then and I love it now—please don`t change a thing about it, Kathy!

  4. Kim Howe says

    I really like it! Maybe the brick wall it is photographed against is throwing some people off. A simple background might change a few minds. I will try a piece like this someday!

    • Bev says

      That’s what I thought, Kim. I hated it! Then I tried to visualize a simpler backdrop and it kind of grew on me. I still don’t care for it, but A. It grabbed my attention, & B. That’s why America is so cool! We’re all different!

  5. Lisa says

    I love the distressing! The more distressed, the better:) I would love it with crystal knobs on it instead of the colorful ones. Girl, I know you love color😊

  6. Lizzy says

    It’s too over the top for me. I prefer when pieces are distressed just in the places it would happen naturally.

  7. Susan says

    Love the dresser and the distressing but don’t like the turquoise knobs, they don’t do it for me.

  9. wendy says

    LOVE the distressing…the more the better! I would chose different knobs–I really like turquoise–just not so much on this piece. THANK YOU for sharing another cool project.

  10. Marie says

    I LOVE it! It wouldn’t work in my home but it sure would for anyone with farmhouse, rustic, or shabby chic decor. I think the pretty turquoise knobs are perfection! Pinned

  11. Karen Carroll says

    Hi Kathy,
    I am a huge fan of yours! I do like the piece very much and would have purchased it myself. I may have chosen the distressed look on the bottom and a contrasting simpler top. Or the opposite. Like a solid white or even a refinished solid wood top. I think I would have chosen different knobs. the beauty of it is, it can be changed. Its all a learning process and a matter of taste. Best of luck and keep up the work you do. You inspire so many of us an I thank you.

  12. Lori Sawyer says

    I love it ! The knobs are the perfect color for it.As always great job and stay safe

  13. Betty Jane says

    Ugh! It’s too much for my taste.
    Wouldn’t it be a boring world if everyone loved only mint chocolate chip ice cream?

  15. Stormee Heyd says

    I have to agree with Robin that painted a solid with distressing on corners and high spots (or bad spots) would show off the gorgeous turquoise knobs much better. I’m not a big fan of too much distress (in furniture or in life LOL). Your projects are usually wonderful and I really enjoy seeing them. This one just didn’t hit as a winner to me. I do love the knobs!!!!

  16. Janet M says

    I do like it. I love the knobs!. If it were mine, I would do the same thing, but then I would probably paint the top a brown and a turquoise and then do a lighter distress on the top. But you know how it is opinions are a dime a dozen. (very cheap and everyone has one) I think everyone should paint (or not) to their own personal liking. It’s your piece, its your voice & inspiration. Create to feed the fire in your soul.
    Have a happy, creative, blessed day,
    Janet

  18. Jami says

    I am planning to do something quite similar to this. I was thinking I would use white. However, I noticed you used an off-white. It looked white. Do you remember the name? I do not want a color that is too creamy or yellow or too grey. You know? But the more I think about it I’m afraid a straight white may be too stark.
    I love this piece by the way. The piece I am going to do is a dresser I’ve had for almost thirty years, and I got it at an antique mall when I was 16. I think it’s a great way to keep a piece I love and have a connection with that no longer fits into my style. It has been in the guest room, but I want it in my room now. We are downsizing, and I can’t imagine getting rid of it.
    Thanks
    Jami

  20. Lois says

    What I love so much about this piece is that it reminds me to let go of my inhibitions and create from the soul. That is hard for me to do, at times, because I am too controlled by “What would other people think?”. But you nailed it! And it doesn’t really matter if it appeals to me-though it does. Thanks for reminding me to create more freely.
    Lois

  22. cynthia says

    Love this little piece of furniture. Great job and its never enough distressing. The knobs are lovely. Hobby Lobby is the go to place for us distressed lovers.

  24. Julia Eberly says

    I like this, especially the turquoise knobs. I would be scared to distress that much, especially on my first time. I came to this sight because I am looking for ideas to refinish an odd chest to use as a coffee table. It already has similar knobs and we were looking for a way to incorporate our blue accents into the refinish. This may be what we do!

  25. Alberto says

    I love your work. This one, well too much distressing for me. This is a great find. The knobs are great they do make a statement. Thank you for sharing.

  26. Anne says

    I love the piece as well but the distressing is too much for me also. I paint and do magic to furniture and just anything I think needs to be updated. I love to make a piece have a new look and give it life. You are one of my favorite blogs to get that inspiration from. Thanks Anne

  27. Denyse @ Glitter, Glue & Paint says

    Beautiful!! You did a great job on the dresser. Thanks for sharing at Throwback Thursday.

    xoxo
    Denyse

    • Anne Marley says

      Hi! I love the knobs and if this piece could be saved, you did it! I have a crackled old chest on my carport under ac unit( that’s taken a beating from weather and water spills), this might just be the answer !

  28. Candace says

    I am absolutely in love with all of your furniture! I started a small business of my own redoing furniture as well. Still learning and wanting to learn more. You have given me soooo many more ideas on what I want to do with all the furniture I have. That milk paint sounds AMAZING!I can’t wait to give it a try!
    Keep up the awesome work! You are so talented! :]

  29. fabulosa says

    I love the distressing, Im working on a white night stand at this very moment, and thinking of distressing the same way. Look amazing, thank you for the inspiration.

  30. joy says

    I absolutely love it….I’m doing a mantel and I think after seeing this I’m going to heavily distress it as well.it is just awesome.

  31. Atta Girl Amy says

    Gorgeous, as always.

    And this piece (and those knobs) make a statement – the good kind!

  32. Connie says

    I literally laughed outloud Kathy when I read the beginning of your post:

    “I’ll start working on a piece and before it’s finished I’m having second and third thoughts…not sure of the color, not sure of the technique, not sure of the hardware, etc. And when the piece is finished it might look ok, or it might look good, or it might look like crap, or it might look great (to me).”

    That is so ME! I go thru that on every project I do –granted I don’t do all that many but it helps to know that one that does do a lot feels those feelings too.

    This ‘over the top distressed finish’ grew on me as I kept reading and looking at the photos. I really like it AND the turquoise knobs. I this Awesome is a good description. :*)

    • Kathy Owen says

      Connie, glad to know I’m not the only one that gets crazy before a project is finished.

  33. marilyn says

    I love the distressing and great color for the knobs, well done. Following you on Pinterest. Hope to see you visit

  34. Funky Junk Interiors says

    Oh Kathy… this is truly to DIE for! I’m so in love with everything about this! Spectacular photography too! This will be featured on I Love That Junk this Tuesday. 🙂

    • Kathy Owen says

      oh! thanks Donna. I love when you feature one of my projects. The photography comment I’m going to print and frame. Coming from you that’s high praise 🙂

  35. Sharon @3martinislater says

    I love this look. I think I will try this same look on a similar bureau I picked up at a church rummage sale!

  37. The Rosegarden in Malevik says

    woow… that´s a great job 🙂 really nice….
    and do not miss…

    SATURDAY SHOW OFF

    it is FUN 🙂
    WELCOME
    Håkan ( The Roseman)

  39. Stacey says

    Love it! It is over the top distressed, but I think that (and of course the knobs!!) are what make it so totally unique and awesome! I love that you do so many different techniques! The best part about paint is, if its not what you wanted, you can fix it! This is perfect though!

  40. terri says

    Love it! Why? Because it’s unique. I’ll be honest, I am tiring of seeing the same paint techniques on furniture lately. My home is small, so when I choose a piece, I want it to be special. Thank you for inspiring me!

  41. Linda @ Mixed Kreations says

    Very nice! It is very heavily distressed, but I like it, and the knobs I love the turquoise. Beautifully done!

  43. Erika @ Figuring Out Fabulous says

    I love love love this dresser! The turquoise knobs really add and extra dimension. Looking at the thumbnail on MMS it looked like it had more layers of paint (and would have taken more time) just thanks to the colored knobs. I am definitely going to try something like this soon!

  44. Deborah says

    Never too much distressing for me and the turquoise knobs really set it off. Great job
    Deborah
    Ramshackle Romance

  45. Denise... on a whim says

    I love the dresser but the knobs are the show stealer! What a great color for them 🙂

  46. Elizabeth @ Southern Color says

    I love the distressing on this piece!! Very cool effect. And the turqouise knobs are great!

  47. Joyce says

    I absolutely LOVE it-yes it makes a statement and that is one of it many great features! I would love this gorgeous piece in my home!
    Happy Hugs,
    Jemma

  50. regina says

    P.S. I have an old beat-up dry sink that needs help. I think I’ll try this white paint/excessive distressing on it–when I get around to it–LOL. In the meantime, I’m going to print this and put it in the top drawer.

  51. regina says

    I like the excessive distressing on this one and appears to be a good size for such a treatment. The distressing makes the damaged wood on the top drawer hardly noticeable. However, I would have left the top unpainted and would have centered the knobs on the two small drawers. Good job overall, though.

  52. Helen says

    I LOVE your dresser. I think it almost looks white-washed. This piece is one of my fav’s!!!

  53. kim says

    Normally that much distressing would have me in distress! Here though I have to say I like it. Maybe it’s because you added a fun bright colour for the knobs! Keep the projects coming!

  54. Betty says

    I also love this piece, but the heavy sanding kinda’ leaves the marks…and the beautiful knobs get lost. Just my thoughts…however I have truly loved all the pieces you have done, but a couple I am in love with – the red cabinet and yellow piece with the funky hardware. Keep on going – wish I was that fast, takes me hours to get one thing done!

    • Kathy Owen says

      Thanks for the comment Betty. I know the distressing is over the top and too much for some people, and that’s ok! I’m glad you like my red and yellow cabinets. 🙂

  57. Robin says

    I love that this piece was rescued! I know it was in bad shape but I agree, the distressing is a little over the top. I think maybe painted solid and just the edges/high spots distressed would serve better. It wouldn’t look so busy. I kind of lose the knobs in all of that and they deserve to be seen 🙂
    I enjoy your blog, keep up the good work!
    Gabby

    • Kathy Owen says

      Thanks Robin and I do agree about the knobs. They show up better in person than in the photos. It’s ok if it’s not to your liking. That’s why I asked for comments. I knew some would like or love it and some would not like it or hate it!! I encourage everyone’s input as long as it’s tactful 😉

  58. Andrea says

    Kathy, I just love nearly all your work, but the distressing on this piece just doesn’t do it for me. You’ve done some really awesome makeovers, and I follow everything you do since I found you! However, I like what you started doing, the white and the turquoise knobs. Just a little too much sanding, though…
    Please keep up the good work, I am learning too and you’re a great teacher!

    • Kathy Owen says

      Thanks for the comment Andrea and I appreciate your opinion. It is over-the-top distressed!

  59. Kimberley says

    I too love it. The distressing is awesome and just what it needed as you can see the veneer was not in perfect condition. But i can see how for some it’s too much. The pop of color, just right.

    I’m glad you mentioned the process of emotion because I too go through that Oh no I don’t know if its right, do I like it, is this a mistake.

    Great job. Keep them coming.

  62. Judi says

    I would not have thought about filling in holes to be able to use different knobs ~ I’m learning! I can’t believe all of the work only took 3 hours ~ I think I’d be working on it for days LOL ~ Judi

  64. Lynne says

    I love this little dresser too!!! It has such a personality, don’t ya think. The knobs are fabulous. good choice. The distressing is a bit too heavy for me. Just a little too rustic for my taste. And about filling holes, I am working on my bedroom set and having the darndest time finding hardware. 4in center hole pulls are not easy to find!!!! Guess I will have to fill the the many, many holes! Thanks for your inspiration Kathy!

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