We are all trying to find ways to make our homes reflect our personalities and tastes, and discovering unique and charming ways to store and organize our things is a daunting task. Of course, anyone could go to a big store and buy dressers, bedside stands, and storage drawers, but mass-produced items lack originality. Besides, it is more fun to search for that perfect one-of-kind piece. An antique chest of drawers adds a touch of whimsy and makes a fashion statement at the same time. For DIY’ers, restoring a used piece can be a fun-filled and satisfying project.
First of all, secondhand chests often have period details and unusual designs not found on mass-marketed furniture in retail stores. Secondly, these pieces are often made of solid wood and other well-made materials that have already passed the test of time and, thus, make it easier to judge the quality. Although a new chest can cost several hundred dollars, older ones can be found at very reasonable prices. Often, only a little work is needed to restore the furniture to its original beauty. In return, you get great storage with an artistic touch.
There are a few rules to make the process easier. If you like the look of shabby chic, or a “lived-in” feel, there is nothing like a white chest of drawers to add to the ambiance of a room. Better still, imperfections, such as chipped paint, add to the charm. This style, also, fits well into a country decor and may even be at home in a sleek, modern room when the piece is painted or refinished.
There is a chance that you will fall in love with a piece that has a lacquered finish. If so, consulting an expert may be a good idea. Someone who restores antiques can give the chest new life and teach you to properly care for and maintain the treasure after you take it home. Paying a professional will probably still be less expensive than purchasing a new lacquered chest. You may even save enough money to splurge on accessories, like lamps and pictures frames, to adorn the top of the drawers.
Not only does a restored piece add a trendy touch, but it is environmentally friendly, as well. By reusing a piece headed to the landfill, you can help to save trees and to eliminate the use of fossil fuel involved in the production and transport of a new product. Refinishing an old piece is eco-friendly and puts the “Reduce, reuse, recycle” message into action.
There are unlimited ways to use chest of drawers in your home. In the bath, they are handy for storing toiletries and towels. By the bed, they house alarm clocks, books, telephones, reading glasses, and water glasses. In the bedroom, the drawers work well to store clothing; and in the kitchen, they can hold cooking utensils, pots, and pans. In hallways, narrow drawers are convenient and decorative holders for shoes, keys, and mail. As if that is not enough, they work well in children’s rooms for clothes and toys and in craft rooms for unsightly tools and supplies. Outdoors, chests are great plant stands or potting tables. A little imagination is all it takes to come up with even more delightful uses.
Finding these hand-me-down pieces is easy. Just scout out secondhand furniture stores, yard sales, auctions, and classified ads. You may find that taking the time to find, refurbish, or refinish an old piece is not only environmentally friendly, but rewarding, as well. What a great way to show off your creative efforts and add a spark to your home! Besides, when friends and family offer their compliments, you will have the pleasure of telling them that you did it all yourself.
