An orange wood thrifted dresser gets a French blue makeover using Fusion Mineral Paint in Champness and Homestead House Wax in Espresso.
Before jumping back into more guest bedroom makeover updates, I have to take a second to give y’all a big ol’ bear hug and say thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of you who have given me encouragement on Facebook and Instagram since announcing our moving news and how emotional it’s been. As of yesterday, Robert and I made an offer on a house! I cannot wait to show it off and share what our new adventure will be, but I don’t want to count my chickens before they hatch just yet.
Okay, so back to the guest bedroom. This post contains what I think might be my favorite furniture makeover EVER! And that’s sayin’ something.
I recently scored this beaten up dresser on my local Facebook buy/sell/trade group for $20 !!! It was a total steal. I really don’t think anyone else in that group saw the potential in this little beauty… poor thing.
But do you SEE those pretty side details? I mean… sex-ay!
Supplies Used: (Affiliate links are provided below convenience.)
- Fusion Mineral Paint in Champness
- Homestead House Wax in Espresso
- Minwax Stain in Weathered Oak
- Mouse sander
- Minwax Polycrylic in matte finish
- Coarse grit and medium grit sanding pads
- Paint brush
- Clean, dry lint-free rags
- Wax brush
- Cast iron hardware
I wanted to get rid of the orangey color on the dresser but still retain some wood tone, so I sanded down the top entirely with my mouse sander, first with coarse grit and then medium grit for a smooth finish.
I wiped away all of the sanding dust and then applied two coats of the Minwax Weathered Oak, following the directions on the back of the can. I loooooove this color of stain. I use it every chance I get. It’s very light but pulls out a lot of the natural shade variations in the wood and adds just a hint of gray.
It’s my favorite part about our dining table that I used it on a few months ago.
On the rest of the dresser, I brushed on two coats of the Fusion Champness. It’s a gorgeous color!
I knew I wanted to give the piece an antique French look, so I toned down the blue a bit by brushing on the Homestead House Espresso wax, working it into the painted finish and details with a wax brush. This is by far my favorite wax to work with. Other dark waxes I’ve used seem to dry much faster and are more opaque. I feel like I have more control with this one.
I replaced the existing hardware with some new knobs and handles I picked up at Hobby Lobby for 50% off, and if I walked passed this little dresser on the street now, I don’t think I’d recognize it.
Helloooooooooooo! Wow.
Hard to believe it was just a junky $20 piece before, huh? It would easily go for several hundred in a boutique somewhere. Paint is just amazing like that.
I’ve got all the heart eyes for this planked detail on the sides.
I left a little extra wax in the corners of the drawers to add more depth too.
And that stain on the top just makes me want to do backflips… you know, if I was more coordinated like that.
Since we’re moving things all over the place right now, I decided my book page botanical prints and $5 thrift store lamp would be right at home here. The rest, I just stole from my mom that she had in other places of her house. Shh… don’t tell. 😉
So here’s where we are with the rest of the to-do list in this space:
Find and paint an armoire for toy & book storageFind and paint a dresser- Makeover bed headboard/footboard
- Makeover nightstands
- Buy some art
- Update lighting
Add rugGet bedding and pillows- Make window seat cushion (My mom’s job because I’m a lost cause on sewing skills.)
- Add curtains?
I just picked up the perfect rug along with some pretty pillows, and it’s all coming together PERFECTLY!!!! The rug came from Overstock and the euro pillow and striped pillow both came from Target.
Whatchya think? Looks like something shipped over from France? Maybe? I’m so excited to see how the rest of this room will look in the end.
If you want to save this post for later, you can pin it here:
*A big thanks to Fusion Mineral Paint for providing paint to sponsor this post. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.
I’m not usually a huge blue fan, but that dresser is absolutely beautiful! Great job!
Thanks, Diana! I know what you mean. There’s a fine line between elegant French blue and baby boy nursery blue.
Just gorgeous! Can’t wait to see the rest of the room.
Congratulations on your new home.
Thank you, Dianne!
Oh my goodness, you’ve out done it this time!!! That dresser is absolutely beautiful! Cannot wait to see the finished room.
Thanks, Vivian!
I know what you mean by it being your favorite transformation. It’s absolutely gorgeous! That color of blue is perfect with the wood stain. Man! Well done!!
Thanks, Heather!
So stunning, you did an awesome job. Love, love… and all for $20 bucks!
Hope you are doing a little better in regards to purchasing a new home for your family.
Good luck!
Thank you, Helga! We just had our offer accepted on our new house this past weekend, so we are VERY excited about all of the new adventures to come soon. I’ll be sharing an update about all of that once we officially close on it. 🙂
oh la la….she’s perdy…lol. Seriously, looks great!!
Haha! Thanks, Colleen!
Hi Lauren!
Fabulous job on the dresser and great tutorial. I was wonder about your favorite kind of chalk paint. Thank you!
Thanks, Karin! My favorite is definitely Fusion, which is why I do so many projects with it since it’s no-prep and doesn’t require a sealer and can still be distressed like a chalk paint. It’s technically acrylic paint though, but lately I’ve preferred it over the chalk kind.
Wow! You’ve done a fabulous job on it. Love your blog btw
Thank you, Lorree! (P.S. I love the spelling of your name.)
Blue does go with green, doesn’t it? That’s what I am, green with envy over this gorgeous dresser makeover! Wow, it is so beautiful, thanks for sharing, your room is going to be fabulous!
You’re too sweet, Marie. Thank you!
Lauren
Like so many that have already posted……..I’m not a fan of “blue” I think it’s because I decorated with so much “Williamsburg Blue” in the ’80’s and ’90’s ………….but that piece is gorgeous. I especially love how you finished the top (something I’m going to try on my next project) …………..it really sets it off and breaks up the “blue” all over which I love. Thanks for sharing and I always look forward to your handy, talented work.
I appreciate your postings,
Mary from Tennessee 🙂
Ohhh I totally forgot about “Williamsburg Blue”! Thanks so much for your sweet compliments, Mary!
Love, love, love the stained top with this color blue. I have a question about the stain you put on the top. Did you finish it with any type of wax or poly? I have a couple of oak dressers and this has given me some great ideas and motivation! Thank you!
Thanks, Becky! I’d completely forgotten to mention the poly step on the stain, so I’ve gone back and added that to this post. I used Minwax Polycrylic in a matte finish to seal the top. Hope that helps!
Oh my gosh, it is amazingly gorgeous. You are so talented!
Thank you, Mary!
I love it Lauren! Beautiful!
Thanks, Tami!
I never considered furniture in my home painted blue but I could sure get used to that colour and dresser. It’s subtle yet striking.
Thanks, Cindy! That dark wax to tone it down definitely makes all the difference.
You never cease to amaze me with your talent. It’s impossible to choose a favorite make-over, but this dresser is right at the top……beautiful!!! Congratulations on your new adventure.
Thank you so much!
Without that stained wax, that would be too baby boy blue for me, but the final finish is pretty. I’m wondering if you put a sealer or varnish on that top wood? You didn’t state in the tutorial that you did? I’m always thinking you need to seal it somehow on top for a better wear or more finished look? What is your advice on that in all your painting and staining experience?
I did put a sealer on top and then completely forgot to mention it in the post, so I’ve gone back and fixed it. 🙂 I used Minwax Polycrylic in a matte finish to seal the stain on top. I usually like the matte the best since it blends right and doesn’t make it shiny.
I have sung the praises of your blog to everyone I know since discovering it recently, and have made a huge to do list based on some of your great ideas!!
I was just wondering where you get the mineral fusion paint you use? Do you like it/use it more than chalk paint or are they totally separate uses? Thanks!!
Thank you so much, Laurie! I typically have to order the paint online from Etsy. I linked to it, if you need it. I like chalk paint too, but Fusion is my favorite mostly because you can skip the clear waxing step.
Very Beautiful!
Thanks, Darlene!
Beautiful you did a great job. Looking forward to seeing the next project.
Thanks, Jonita!
You nailed this makeover! Bravo, bravo!
Thanks, Sarah!
Omg! I have a dresser (not as cute as yours) that I want to paint just like yours! I’m going to print your directions. Love your posting!
Yay! Glad it could give you an idea, Pam!
How did yours turn out?
BEA-U-TI-FUL! Absolutely GORGEOUS!!!!! You give me inspiration and WAY too many ideas (according to my hubby lol)
Super makeover. I love that shade of blue with the dark wax. And, the new pulls enhance the look, too. Great job.
This is beautiful, our taste is one in the same. I so enjoy looking at you’re projects and decorating. I can not do as much as I once did because of RA ( arthritis ) so I love looking at this things you do, thanks for sharing. I look forward to seeing much more.
Thank you, Judy! So sorry to hear about your RA. Saying a little prayer for you today.
I’m loving that color and the dark wax really make is look amazing! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Chelsea!
I just love what you did .. the color choice is amazing.
I bought a dresser end of last year and decided just to do some repair work but rather leave the color as is.
But this blue baby changed my mind ..
Thanks a lot for sharing
Thanks, Christel!
Wow, this is fabulously, I love, love, love what you did here. Nice job!
Thank you, Ivory!
Where can I find Fushion paint and the Homestead wax that you used for this project? I live in Southeast Wisconsin. I have not tried the bog box stores as yet.
I usually have to order it. There’s a link to it on Etsy in this post, if that helps. Amazon carries some of the colors too.
Love it, the contrast is great. Thanks for sharing your ideas, I’ll have to copy your idea on my next project! (Mama always said imitation is the best form of flattery) 😉 Keep sharing that amazing creativity!
Thank you, Becky! Absolutely. Copy away. 🙂
I love that color of blue you chose!
Thank you!
Stunning Makeover, Lauren! Just love the color, especially paired with the stained top. Quite the difference between the before and after.
Thank you, Marie! It’s climbing the charts as my fave piece ever. 🙂
So beautiful! Where did you find the botanical plant print!? Love it.
Thanks, Bailie! I found the botanicals in an Audubon book. They’re just pages I pulled out of it since the whole thing was literally falling apart. But you can download them to print in this post too. They’re public domain: https://www.blesserhouse.com/2016/02/window-picture-frame-and-free-botanical-printables.html
What a gorgeous makeover Lauren, the finish is divine and i love the way you staged it too! pinning!
Thank you, Brenda!
It turned out beautiful! Best of luck on the house purchase!
Thanks, Penny!
Did you sand the lower portion of the dresser before you painted?
I love the dresser. Thanks for sharing. I am blessed.
Thanks! Nope, I didn’t sand the lower portion. I wiped it down with a little liquid deglosser to get rid of any dusting residue and that’s it. 🙂
That is absolutely gorgeous! I love the color and the hardware. Thanks for sharing with us at the Funtastic Friday Link Party!
Thank you, Debra!
I love the blue! It’s stunning! The way you styled it is gorgeous too!
Thank you, Tracy!
I’m sorry if you already answered this, but at what point did you use the polycrylic matte finish?
I used it 24 hours after applying the last coat of stain on the top to seal the finish.
I want to make over my daughter’s bedroom furniture. It’s all solid wood so I am hesitant to toss it. If I want to paint it a color like you did, do I have to sand it? I noticed you didn’t sand the drawers. The idea of sanding all the wood has held me back from tackling it for 2 years….
Not at all! I typically use liquid deglosser and it will do the same job as sanding. Much faster and easier. 🙂
lovely dresser, now tell us about the wire covered bottle and the exquisite print on the wall.
Thanks, Eve! The wire covered bottle is from Hobby Lobby. I bought it about a year ago. And the print on the wall came from an Audubon book I had. It was already falling apart, so I pulled out some of the pretty pages to frame. Here’s the post about it with a link to get one yourself if you need it: https://www.blesserhouse.com/2015/08/diy-book-page-botanical-art.html
I Love this makeover Lauren!! Blue is my fave and this is just perfect, great job with the detail using the wax! You are my pick for our Creativity Unleashed Rock star from last weeks party! Come on over tomorrow night and vote for your project when we go live! Thanks for linking up! 🙂 Oh, and good luck with the house!
Oh wow! Thank you so much, Mindi!
Love love love- so pretty!
Thank you, Courtney!
This is really, o so really a WOW makeover. Lauren!! I am a new “chalk painter” and not at all ready to start such a big project at this stage, but I nevertheless admire the transformation this piece of furniture underwent. Well done, I think I must just close my eyes and start with one or other project and see what comes out, hahaha … By the way, I absolutely LOVE your tablescape on the piece, it looks wonderful!!
Thank you, Isobel! I know what you mean. I was intimidated starting furniture painting in the beginning too. Just a good excuse to practice, right? 😉
Where do you get the picture frame with botanicals or you made it?
Beautiful job with the dresser ❤️
I made it from an old Audubon book. Just framed the pages. 🙂 Here’s the tutorial along with a link to the prints I used though: https://www.blesserhouse.com/2015/08/diy-book-page-botanical-art.html
Love, love, love this dresser!! I’ve never used that paint or that color stain (how have those escaped me??) – But now they are on my list to get. Beautiful!
Love ! Love! how the dresser turned out Love the blue…. Great job.
Where did you get the paint and wax?
I jsut saw your post of the french blue dresser you restored. I read where you sanded the top but did you sand the body of the dresser before you painted it also?
is this dresser for you at your new home or to sell?? I am just wondering Thanks
Hi!
So you have encouraged me do to the same on my dresser…which looks a lot like the piece you bought for $20! I just have some questions. Did you sand the rest of the dresser or just applied the two coats? Also, did you have to strip the top?
Thanks and congrats on your new home!
Hi Lauren. This dresser is so pretty. I’m totally going to copy you. Did you sand any of the surfaces that you painted (besides the top). Sounds like you didn’t. Just making sure. And how did you work the wax in? Did you apply it just to the corners and details or all over? And did you then wipe it off? These projects scare me so I need all the details. Thanks!
How much mineral paint did you need for this dresser?
A 500 mL bottle was all I needed. 🙂
Hi! I came across this on pintrest and love it. I bought a few dressers like this from a garage sale. I am new to redoing them. I understand all the instructions except the wax finish.. do you have a good link you can comment back with to explain that more? Thank you!
Soooo pretty!! I can’t wait to try some of your tricks. I have a couple of dressers that I am planning on re-doing. I just found your site I am definitely going to have to do some stalking now, ha. Also saw the finished guest bedroom with this dresser it looks amazing, you did so good!
This looks amazing and I love the color! Where do you buy the Fusion paint? And is 16 oz typically enough for a piece of furniture that size? Thanks!
Thanks, Stephenie! I usually have to order the paint through Amazon or Etsy. And yes, 16 oz is all I needed for this dresser. 🙂
Omg, i absolutely love this. It gave me an idea to do on my old dresser but im a complete newbie. When you put the wax, could you explain how you did it? And is there anything over the wax? Thanks for the beatiful insperation.
Lauren, I just came across this beautiful makeover you did on the dresser. I want to do the same on my mother’s dresser, chest of drawers & two night stands. How much of the paint and wax do you think I would need to do all four pieces? I want to get the paint & wax ordered soon. Appreciate your help & any tips you might have. Thank you, Jeanne Norton Donalsonville, GA
Hi Jeanne! You might be able to get away with 2 500mL bottles of paint, but just to be safe, I’d go with 3. Depends on how many coats you’ll need really. And 1 canister of wax should cover it. 🙂
I am painting a garage sale desk for my daughter’s college apartment. I love how you used the wax to tone down the blue paint – it’s perfect! My question is this – when do you put the wax on? After the blue paint is dry or as it is drying? Thank you!
Hi Robyn! I put the wax on after the paint has dried. Brush the wax on, wait about 2 minutes, and wipe off the excess. If I’m using chalk paint I wipe it immediately because the surface has more of a flat finish and holds onto the wax a lot more. Fusion is acrylic based, so the wax wipes off more easily and gives you a longer window to get the look you want.
First off…GORGEOUS! I can’t get over how pretty it is. I’m starting my first DIY furniture makeover project, and I might be jumping in at the deep end but this is so gorgeous I don’t care! You’re an inspiration!
I read through your post and all the comments and I’m sorry if you answered this already but did you use any kind of sealant after the wax on the painted portion of the dresser? Any polyurethane or anything?
Thanks so much for sharing your expertise!
Alexandra
Thank you, Alexandra! You really won’t ever need to seal wax. Wax is a sealant on its own. And on a piece like a dresser (unlike a high-traffic piece like a dining table), you really won’t ever need a poly unless you’re sealing a stain. Just paint, wax, and leave it be. 🙂
I LOOOOOVE This! Got here from Tasha at https://www.designertrapped.com/diy-dresser-projects/, I love her sitte, so kudos to Tasha, but I will also be following you now! I have a bed and dresser with that yucky orangish finish which I have been trying to think of something to do with. This is perfect, I really appreciate the process info, I hope mine turns out this well!
I have my mother’s walnut bedroom set, 9 drawer dresser, mirror, 2 nightstands and a 6 drawer highboy chest. It is of French Provincial style. I saw your makeover and fell in love. The color! You did a gorgeous job. It totally inspired me. The blue paint you used, was it hard to find? I’ve never heard if the brand before.
love this! The blue with the stained wood top is beautiful!!! Could you tell me the Height x Width x Depth of the dresser?
Did you clean or sand the rest of the dresser before painting? Or did you just sand the top and paint over the original stain without cleaning or sanding? Thanks!
Hi Lisa! I only sanded the top. For the rest, I just painted over the original wood finish.
Hi Lauren,
I am going nuts looking for the homestead House furniture wax- expresó
Amazon does not have it, Etsy has a few stores but they only ship within Canada or sold out.
Is there another great wax option for this project ?
I really love your crafty ways you are so talented ❤️
Thank you 🙂
From houston Texas
Oh no! Yes, you could use Annie Sloan Dark Wax instead. The wax probably won’t be quite as subtle as the Homestead House one, but it can still work.
It looks beautiful. Were the plank details on the side already on original dresser or did you paint the lines?
Thanks, Stacy! The plank details were already there. Part of the reason why I loved it so much in the beginning. 🙂
Hi Lauren, absolutely obsessed with this project and am dying to try it out myself. What type of paint and wax would be a good alternative for the ones you used, that I could find at my local Home Depot/hardware store? Not sure if chalk paint would work the same? and as far as the espresso wax that you used, do they sell that at a local hardware store? maybe a different brand. Also, what is your technique for applying the wax?
Absolutely beautiful! Did you sand the entire dresser or just the top? Great work!
Just the top. 🙂
Do you have pictures of the rest of the room? Would love to do something similar but was curious about the rest of it
I love the dresser. I am re doing a desk with hutch and night stand for my daughter that I bought for $25. I have a question about the wax. Does it just dry and stay put or do you have to seal it some how so it doesn’t rub off? As you can tell I have never done this before.
Hi Stacey! The wax dries in a matter of about 10 minutes. But it takes about 24-48 hours to fully cure so it won’t rub off. No need to seal. The wax does the sealing all on its own. 🙂
SO BEAUTIFUL! I’m a FUSION retailer and am in the process of painting a French Blue dresser after falling in love with yours! I’m just stuck on the drawers- how did you finish them? I’m layering Soapstone and Champness then topping with an espresso wax over the entire piece, but I’m thinking of just doing the sides of the drawers in one solid colour.
Thanks, Ashlyn! The inside of the drawers? Or the fronts? I left the inside drawers alone as wood, and for the fronts of the drawers, I did them the same as the rest of the piece. Just 2 coats of Champness followed by the espresso wax all over, leaving a little extra on the corners and edges to mimic natural wear.
Totally Amazing upgrade!!!! You did a fantastic job! Love it!
Thank you, Carolyn!
This is absolutely gorgeous! I’m kinda new to the furniture painting world, but have an entire bedroom set I was trying to decide how to makeover until I came across this piece! If I wanted to use a grey color what fusion mineral paint color and homestead house wax colors do you suggest?
So gorgeous. I want to recreate! Did you have to sand the rest of the dresser before you used the fusion paint? Hope I didn’t miss this in the post. I read it several times and don’t see if you did or not!
Thanks, Caitlin! Nope. No need to stand as Fusion doesn’t require prep. I do like to wipe it down with some Simple Green just to clean it up a little, but that’s it.
This is gorgeous…the tone of blue is beautiful!!! Have you used the fusion black wax? Would it give the same effect do you think?
I have! It would probably look really similar, just a bit more gray.
Beautiful piece! I have finished my first dresser and love the dresser knobs you’ve used. Where did you find them?
Thanks! I found the knobs at Hobby Lobby.
Hey Lauren I absolutly love all your work and style. I do have a question, is there a paint that is close or compares to Fusion I could use to create the look of your peices? I live in Tampa FL and haven’t been able to find Fusion paint in any store. Also would love a recommendation on wax that is comparable to the wax you used. I’m about to try my first project, a bedroom set I got off of Marketplace on Facebook!!
I’d like to do my pieces like your spare bedroom armoire (cream color with the wood look top) you did and this blue dresser in your spare bedroom.
Thank you so much for sharing your projects with us,
God Bless,
Tanya
Hi Tanya,
Please take a look at this blog post. It has mostly Amazon links where you should be able to get the paint and wax.
https://www.blesserhouse.com/2017/07/beginners-guide-to-painting-furniture.html
This is seriously gorgeous!! It’s so many things wrapped in one….french, rustic, cottage and just plain charming! My 22 year old daughter recently moved out and I’m seeing some furniture projects in her future (probably my future if I’m honest).
Beautiful!
Question…
So if I have a dark piece of furniture with a finish on it I don’t have to sand to remove finish? This fusion pain will still stick to it and cover the dark espresso wood?
The wan you used… did you just apply to the accent corners of the piece or all over?
Again you did an awesome job with this.
Thanks! Yes, you don’t have to sand. I only sanded the top down to the bare wood to add a stain, but with the paint, you don’t have to sand at all. And for the wax, I applied it all over, but I left some extra in the corners to add extra depth. I hope that helps!
So with the espresso wax you rubbed it off to create the antique look? How long did it sit on the piece before you rubbed it off?
I rubbed it off after about a 2 minute wait. Don’t wait too long or it will dry and stick.
Hi! Love this look. I am working with the wax soon and was wondering…did you just work it with the wax brush or did you wipe off and buff with a rag?
Hi Sally! I wiped it off and buffed it about 2 minutes after brushing it on.
Hi, i am trying to make a version of this dresser. It is absolutely gorgeous. I have a question regarding the wax. Did you use any kind of clear wax at all? When you used the dark wax did you use a clear wax to help wipe it off? Thank you so much,
Amber
Nope! Whenever I paint with chalk paint, I usually do have use a coat of clear wax before applying dark wax so that it’s just a subtle antiquing effect. But with Fusion, I find I have a lot more control over the amount of dark wax I want to leave on the piece, so no first coat of clear wax is necessary. 🙂 If you find the dark wax has dried before you could wipe off as much as you wanted though, you can “erase” it with clear wax.
My husband and I just purchased a hutch that we going to makeover using the paints and tools you used for this piece, the hutch has some shine to it and I was just wondering if you sanded the whole dresser or did the mineral paint cover the shine with no issues…thanks and it’s a beautiful piece
I would clean it well with Simple Green first just because it will eliminate any residue that might be leftover from wood oil or dusting products. Other than that, Fusion alone should do the trick. 🙂
I bought Fusion wax in Espresso but it seems a bit more “brownish” than the Espresso wax you used (seems more “blackish”). Do you think the Fusion Espresso wax will work on this piece? Over this color? (I already painted the piece in the same Champness color)
Hi Reina! The Fusion wax and the Homestead House wax are actually made by the same company, so I imagine they’re very similar, if not identical, in person. Mine certainly looked more brown in person but it didn’t look as brown once I used it on top of the Champness color. I hope that helps!
Hi Lauren! I love what you did with this piece, especially the top. I am wanting to do the same with a dresser I recently purchased and I am trying to find the Minwax Polycrylic in Clear Matte, but it doesn’t seem to be available where I live (Edmonton, Canada). I can, however, get it in ‘Satin’. Do you think this would be okay? Or should I definitely use a matte polycrylic (I can get one from a different brand). I do not want a shiny finish at all. Thanks!
Hi Kathy! You could use any brand really. A satin definitely would have some sheen to it.
Did you have to sand the dresser prior to painting it blue?
Nope! Just wiped it down with some Simple Green and started painting. 🙂