Posted 11 years ago
hellorita
(1 item)
I purchased this makeup vanity about 15 years ago at the local flea market with the intent of touching it up and cleaning it up for more display than use... it was in rough shape then, and is now in an absolutely loved and worn out condition now... I have used this for the past 15 years heavily and it has become a real utility piece of furniture for me.
The history of this vanity, as I was told when I purchased it, was that it was in an old Colonial Beach, VA seaside motel / inn that had either been closed or remodeled. Nothing more was known.
Before I go and slop some paint on this old work horse, I was hoping that someone might be able to give me some indication of age, manufacturer, etc. I have looked on-line, but have not seen anything even remotely similar... painted (appears to be stenciled or hand painted), with 8 drawers, a swinging mirror, and in an unusual deco/oriental style. I have no idea of this piece is from the 1920s, or from the 1960s... Any indication of age would be greatly appreciated.
This is not a "quality" piece of furniture by any means, but it has endured a bit of a beating through the years and has remained a sturdy and solid, shabby favorite of mine.
Thanks for your help!
I would forget the 20's, 30's and most of the 40's.
Thanks, fhrjr2...So, are you thinking it is more likely from the 50s or 60s? What points you to that age? Is it the style of the piece? Or something else?
I appreciate your input!
Please don't paint it!
Hi blunderbuss2... this piece needs some serious TLC! I may just touch up the black paint a bit to help it out and let the rest stay just as it is. I had thought of doing an all over vanilla cream color, but it would lose the charm... Do you have any recommendations on how to "pretty it up" a little bit?
Thank!
Wash well with soap & water. If it looks like it still needs help, liberally use furniture oil (maybe more than once depending on how dry the wood is). If you still think it needs help, take 2/3 turpentine mixed with 1/3 unboiled linseed oil & rub down & wipe off within minutes. Let dry. If that doesn't work, - paint it or whatever you want to do, but let my method dry for maybe a month 1st.
Thanks, blunderbuss2.... I will definitely start with the soap and water and take it from there! I appreciate your recommendation and the detailed process you provided!
With the soap & water, you may try those green 'scuffy' pads lightly if just soap & water alone doesn't work. Lightly!