How To Use Off White Paint To Update Oak Furniture
Off White paint works wonders on furniture. I used it to update a vintage oak dresser. The oak and the off white paint pair perfectly.
Last week at My Favorite Junk Shop I found a vintage oak dresser that’s perfect for this look. Finally, I’ve been looking for a while.
Here she dresser before makeover. Well almost before. The mirror was missing, so the Junktion Technical Specialist cut a piece of wood to replace the mirror. The JTS tends to do a lot of his work when I’m not around so I only have the after picture with the replacement wood. But it’s an easy process. Just measure the opening and cut a piece of Luan to size then put it in place using a nail gun or staple gun.
This really is a simple project. I used Miss Mustard Seed’s Hemp Oil on the oak drawers. The hemp oil refreshes the original finish and gives it a nice sheen. I painted the casing of the dresser with Beyond Paint in off-white. The Beyond Paint is a primer-paint-sealer all in one. No sanding or additional priming needed.
For the hardware I spray painted the original pieces with off white spray paint.
I had to tear myself away from the electric sander because I wanted just the slightest bit of distressing on the painted areas. Instead of the electric sander I used 100 grit sandpaper and distressed the painted areas by hand…… very, very lightly
When I had the JTS cut a board to replace the mirror I had in mind to make a chalkboard. I used Rustoleum Chalkboard paint in black for the “mirror” area.
I wasn’t sure if it would look better with the mirror frame painted off white or left as is. I think I like it best like this. The original oak finish of the mirror frame ties in with the drawers rather nicely. But what do you think? Do you like the chalkboard as a replacement for the mirror? How do you feel about the two tone finish?
Check out my post about using hemp oil to refresh wood and painted finishes by clicking here.
Here is a project where I used Beyond Paint in off-white and also aged or antiqued the paint….Vintage Dresser With Antiqued Paint.
ROSE LEFEBVRE says
It’s gorgeous! You do such wonderful work!
Naomi S. says
Hi, Kathy. The dresser is beautiful. I do like the white with the natural wood areas. I would have done it just a little differently. Of course, I say this as hindsight and you know what that is! Anyway, I would have painted the body white just like you did but I would have left the frame that holds the mirror without paint. Then I would have replaced the mirror and painted the mirror frame itself the same white used elsewhere on the dresser. The reason I wouldn’t have fitted the mirror with the chalk board is because if the piece were to be used in a bedroom as a dresser, which it was originally intended for I believe, it seems to me the chalk board would be sort of purposeless. I just like the dresser to be able to function as it was meant to.
I hope you know that this is not criticism as much as just sharing a different vision. And, as I said, I might have done exactly what you did with the dresser if I hadn’t seen your version first! It’s fun to imagine anyway!
I am curious about whether you sold it quickly or not or kept it for yourself.
Barb says
Kathy, that dresser & mirror/chalkboard is stunning. I always hesitate when someone says “paint vintage oak” but the white added to the dresser just brings out the beauty of the wooden drawers. That is definitely one of my favorite pieces you have EVER shared! Gorgeous job!
Kathy Owen says
Yay! Thanks Barb….the favorite one ever! I like the chalkboard idea a lot.
Ruth says
Love the look,I did the same with a vanity mirror for my granddaughter. Mirror on one side chalkboard on back!
Kathy Owen says
Wow, I like the idea of mirror on one side and chalkboard on the other. Thanks
Cathy says
I LOVE THIS!! I have a few pieces that I have been wondering how to freshen up – now I know!!!! Beautiful job, Kathy!!!
Sandra Bollendorf says
Kathy,
I think the off white paint was an excellent choice, I love the way it looks around the beautiful wood drawers. The chalkboard is a cute addition!
Joselyn @ Meaningful Remnants says
Stunning! Just love the two toned finish! Modern, traditional and so very beautiful.
Sadie says
I really like what you have done to preserve the natural wood look yet you have given it an updated and clean look with the white paint. Great Job!!!
Atta Girl Amy says
I love the contrast of oak and white, and I would have never thought to do that on this piece.
I recently bought an oak piece and I thought I would leave it as is, but your transformation has made me think maybe some paint would make it even better…
Thanks so much for linking up to our party.
Kathy Owen says
Thanks Amy, I love your party!!
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
I love that combo too. Fabulous job!! But I love everything you do!! Thanks so much for sharing it at Project Inspire{d} 🙂 Pinning!
Nancy
Kathy Owen says
Thanks Nancy and for pinning!
Katie says
Hi Kathy! I just love the way your projects turn out. I always end up clicking on your furniture makeovers from the link up parties and it amazes me because all of your pieces are so unique and different from one another! Thank you for sharing all of your beautiful projects!
~Katie at Upcycled Treasures
Angela @ Cottage Magpie says
I love the combination of the oak and the white. Nice to know about the hemp oil, too! I have a vintage oak sideboard I’m stripping and hadn’t decided what to do with it yet — beeswax, Danish Oil., etc.. So I’m collecting info!
~Angela~
Kathy Owen says
I’m glad you enjoy the emails and you need to email me some pics of your finished projects!
Sheila says
I so enjoy your daily junking emails! I’m new to this fun stuff having just “retired” from full time work and now have the time to paint/create my heart out. I’m in the process of painting an old dining room table, chairs and hutch in black and distressing. I can’t wait for the final product to be done. Thank you for the creative inspiration! 🙂 God bless!
Nic says
I like the combo of white and wood. Good job!!
Kathy Owen says
thanks Nic, I’ve missed you….where have you been!
cindy the cottage chick says
Love it! I really like the look of painted and natural wood as well. Heck my house is a combo of wood tones and painted pieces. The chalkboard looks great!