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

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

    This post may contain affiliate links

    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. Most of my painted furniture pieces are distressed but not as heavily as this one.

    furniture from the Nashville Flea Market

    The dresser I have for you today had been painted in the past, at least once. The brown color was definitely drab. The knobs and drawer pulls were not original to the piece either.

    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.

    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. I love the flea market. It's my favorite thing to do in Nashville.

    Nashville Flea Market New Location Shopping

    You can find everything from new items to vintage to junk to antiques!

    dresser-before

    I purchased the 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.

    For the paint I chose a barely off white paint from my paint stash and brushed on a light coat not worrying about covering the piece completely. Then I used my power sander to sand off a lot of the paint.

    I decided on a single knob for each drawer and I picked up these colorful knobs at Hobby Lobby. I bought two large turquoise knobs and two smaller turquoise 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. 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

    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”? If you like mildly distressed furniture and a white antique look that is similar to popular pieces at the furniture stores you will love this dresser/sideboard......

    knockoff painted furniture

    This is one of my newest and most favorite makeovers. Find the tutorial here.....Antiqued Paint Finish Tops Vintage Buffet For The Win

    shabby chic white furniture

    If you like distressed furniture you will love this post..... 10 BOLDLY DISTRESSED FURNITURE PROJECTS

    Thanks for being here and have a great day, Kathy

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sherry

      December 02, 2022 at 8:16 am

      I like the finish...and the knobs. My eye was drawn to the 2 left drawers. They appear to have had a drop type handle before. The single knob is off center (my OCD kicking in). I would have filled all the holes and put the single knob in the center of the drawers. Otherwise...it's a fabulous job!

      Reply
    2. Tami

      July 02, 2022 at 4:47 am

      I love it. Will try my ne t piece like that!!

      Reply
      • Kathy Owen

        July 02, 2022 at 6:05 pm

        Thank you!

    3. Janice

      July 01, 2022 at 6:25 am

      Sorry but not for me . Love distressing when it looks natural and could never leave veneer like that on a piece I’m selling. Also love knobs more original style to the piece.

      Reply
      • Kathy Owen

        July 02, 2022 at 6:06 pm

        I understand.

    4. Sue at Blu

      June 30, 2022 at 10:00 pm

      I call this Uber distressing and it’s my absolute favorite finish of all time! I can’t get enough!

      Reply
    5. Chris

      June 22, 2022 at 10:52 am

      I loved ?

      Reply
    6. Kate

      May 08, 2022 at 8:14 pm

      I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! Right up my alley. I’m looking forward to new projects for my own self when I get moved and go to the Nashville flea too! Yay!!!
      K

      Reply
    7. LORRI

      April 22, 2021 at 8:29 am

      I love the way u distressed the dresser...statement piece...and look at all the space to put stuff in? I am not fond of that blue color ..so the knobs would go if it was mine...but I certainly would put another bright color knobs on. ?

      Reply
    8. Becky

      April 30, 2020 at 11:57 am

      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!

      Reply
      • Kathy Owen

        April 30, 2020 at 2:11 pm

        Ha! It is pretty far gone. Thank you Becky

    9. Gracie Redfield

      April 07, 2020 at 11:56 pm

      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!

      Reply
    10. Kim Howe

      April 06, 2020 at 2:15 pm

      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!

      Reply
      • Bev

        April 09, 2020 at 7:33 am

        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!

    11. Lisa

      April 06, 2020 at 1:48 pm

      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?

      Reply
      • Shannen Leigh

        December 07, 2021 at 8:10 pm

        I think it’s fabulous. After painting an old cabinet with two colors milk paint, then two layers of chalk paint (not liking the look over and over again) I sat staring at it … numb and feeling defeated. The next day I decided to sand the paint off, and start again. After getting down to the first layer and to patches of the bare wood, I stopped… tired. The look at this point is very distressed, kind of a “beachy” one. And now after seeing this fabulous piece of yours, I’m thinking I’ll leave it as is, just adding bold knobs like you! Thanks for the inspiration.

    12. Lizzy

      April 06, 2020 at 1:23 pm

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

      Reply
    13. Susan

      April 06, 2020 at 12:49 pm

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

      Reply
    14. Rebecca Payne

      April 06, 2020 at 11:12 am

      I am sorry but, I didn't care for it.

      Reply
    15. wendy

      April 06, 2020 at 10:57 am

      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.

      Reply
    16. Marie

      April 06, 2020 at 10:09 am

      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

      Reply
    17. Karen Carroll

      April 06, 2020 at 10:09 am

      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.

      Reply
    18. Lori Sawyer

      April 06, 2020 at 8:48 am

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

      Reply
    19. Betty Jane

      April 06, 2020 at 8:43 am

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

      Reply
    20. ColleenB.-Tx.

      April 06, 2020 at 8:24 am

      If you like it and happy with it then that is all what matters.

      Reply
    21. Stormee Heyd

      April 06, 2020 at 8:12 am

      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!!!!

      Reply
    22. Janet M

      April 06, 2020 at 7:38 am

      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

      Reply
    23. Cheryl Atkinson

      April 06, 2020 at 7:38 am

      Hi Kathy ! I love it and the knobs are the perfect color. Great job.

      Reply
    24. Jami

      August 07, 2015 at 2:34 am

      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

      Reply
    25. Kathy Owen

      February 01, 2015 at 3:40 pm

      Thanks Nikki!

      Reply
    26. Lois

      December 23, 2014 at 9:32 am

      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

      Reply
    27. Christe

      September 03, 2014 at 10:29 pm

      Love it ! Just the way it is 🙂

      Reply
    28. cynthia

      September 01, 2014 at 9:27 pm

      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.

      Reply
    29. Susan Muscarella

      August 13, 2014 at 11:59 am

      AMAZING! LOVE IT!! is that for sale???

      Reply
    30. Julia Eberly

      August 07, 2014 at 8:16 pm

      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!

      Reply
    31. Alberto

      June 20, 2014 at 12:42 pm

      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.

      Reply
    32. Anne

      June 20, 2014 at 7:29 am

      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

      Reply
    33. Denyse @ Glitter, Glue & Paint

      December 12, 2013 at 6:54 pm

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

      xoxo
      Denyse

      Reply
      • Anne Marley

        April 06, 2020 at 8:38 am

        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 !

    34. Candace

      October 01, 2013 at 12:11 pm

      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! :]

      Reply
    35. fabulosa

      September 29, 2013 at 11:06 am

      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.

      Reply
    36. joy

      September 02, 2013 at 8:15 am

      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.

      Reply
    37. Atta Girl Amy

      August 20, 2013 at 7:03 pm

      Gorgeous, as always.

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

      Reply
      • Kathy Owen

        August 20, 2013 at 8:27 pm

        ah, thanks Amy

    38. Connie

      August 20, 2013 at 1:16 pm

      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. :*)

      Reply
      • Kathy Owen

        August 20, 2013 at 8:52 pm

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

    39. marilyn

      August 18, 2013 at 8:32 pm

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

      Reply
    40. Funky Junk Interiors

      August 18, 2013 at 3:38 pm

      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. 🙂

      Reply
      • Kathy Owen

        August 18, 2013 at 4:04 pm

        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 🙂

    41. Sharon @3martinislater

      August 18, 2013 at 3:37 pm

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

      Reply
    42. Michele

      August 17, 2013 at 10:51 pm

      Beautiful! Has so much character!!

      Reply
    43. The Rosegarden in Malevik

      August 17, 2013 at 4:06 pm

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

      SATURDAY SHOW OFF

      it is FUN 🙂
      WELCOME
      Håkan ( The Roseman)

      Reply
    44. Funky Junk Interiors

      August 17, 2013 at 1:07 am

      Oh my word this finish is gorgeous!!! ADORE!

      Reply
      • Kathy Owen

        August 17, 2013 at 7:10 am

        Thanks Donna, I adore it too. Not patting myself on the back or anything 🙂

    45. Stacey

      August 16, 2013 at 11:53 pm

      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!

      Reply
    46. terri

      August 16, 2013 at 7:47 pm

      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!

      Reply
    47. Linda @ Mixed Kreations

      August 16, 2013 at 11:59 am

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

      Reply
    48. [email protected] Breeze

      August 16, 2013 at 10:18 am

      I love this dresser!!
      Yes, the knobs make a statement,what a great color.
      I love the way you heavily distressed it as well.
      Beautiful job 🙂

      Reply
    49. Erika @ Figuring Out Fabulous

      August 16, 2013 at 9:07 am

      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!

      Reply
    50. Deborah

      August 15, 2013 at 7:40 pm

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

      Reply
    51. Denise... on a whim

      August 15, 2013 at 12:24 pm

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

      Reply
    52. Elizabeth @ Southern Color

      August 15, 2013 at 9:42 am

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

      Reply
    53. Joyce

      August 14, 2013 at 10:32 pm

      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

      Reply
    54. Gracie

      August 14, 2013 at 12:27 am

      I love it!! And the knobs are perfect - icing on the cake! Great job!

      Reply
    55. Dotte

      August 13, 2013 at 10:15 pm

      LOVE IT!!! Great Job....
      Wish I had it for my house!

      Reply
    56. regina

      August 13, 2013 at 6:31 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Kathy Owen

        August 13, 2013 at 9:31 pm

        Regina, please share a picture when you paint your dry sink.

    57. regina

      August 13, 2013 at 6:21 pm

      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.

      Reply
    58. Helen

      August 13, 2013 at 4:33 pm

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

      Reply
    59. kim

      August 13, 2013 at 2:17 pm

      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!

      Reply
    60. Betty

      August 13, 2013 at 2:17 pm

      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!

      Reply
      • Kathy Owen

        August 13, 2013 at 4:34 pm

        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. 🙂

    61. Chelsea

      August 13, 2013 at 1:08 pm

      So absolutely gorgeous. I love the chippy look - you did a beautiful job!

      Reply
    62. Christy

      August 13, 2013 at 12:12 pm

      Oh, I love it! I would love to have it! You did a wonderful job!!!

      Reply
    63. Robin

      August 13, 2013 at 9:39 am

      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

      Reply
      • Kathy Owen

        August 13, 2013 at 4:37 pm

        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 😉

    64. Andrea

      August 13, 2013 at 9:29 am

      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!

      Reply
      • Kathy Owen

        August 13, 2013 at 4:38 pm

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

    65. Kimberley

      August 13, 2013 at 9:09 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Kathy Owen

        August 13, 2013 at 4:39 pm

        yep, the emotion is definitely there when we work on our projects.

    66. Tina @ What We Keep

      August 13, 2013 at 8:22 am

      Kathy, I love this dresser!

      Reply
    67. Lori @Vintage Charm Restored

      August 13, 2013 at 8:10 am

      Oh I love it Kathy!!! It's so fun!!

      Reply
    68. Judi

      August 13, 2013 at 8:08 am

      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

      Reply
    69. Dawn

      August 13, 2013 at 8:00 am

      I love it the turquoise pops of color are perfect:)

      Reply
    70. Lynne

      August 13, 2013 at 7:44 am

      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!

      Reply

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    The creator at Petticoat Junktion and I love decorating my home. My decor is an eclectic mix......

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