Vintage Cabinet Rescue
10October 4, 2016 by Terry
As I was browsing my photo stash today I came across a project I did this past summer and totally forgot to share. It was completed and sold before I could really give it a proper photo styling. I had a ‘pre market’ sale out of my garage this summer and this sweet little vintage cabinet sold right away.
I actually remembered to take a ‘before’ photo of it believe it or not! It didn’t start out so sweet. It was covered with layers of poorly applied paint and was extremely filthy! The hardware was mismatched plastic handles. This piece deserved to be soooooo much cuter than it was.
Some one had taken the backboard off and painted it in sort of a chalky or matte red and the whole cabinet had a bit of a greasy film on it.
I started by giving it a good scrubbing with some TSP and a thorough sanding inside and out. I removed the backboard and the glass doors in order to make it easier to do so.
I decided I wanted to give this cabinet a few unique touches and added an accent colour to the inside of it. I originally wanted to paint the backboard as well but the red was so difficult to cover and kept bleeding through. I even sealed it with some poly and it turned the poly pink! Stubborn! Ugh!
I finally resorted to covering the backboard in fabric. Lucky for me I had some fabric in my little stash that complimented the paint color I had already painted the rest of the inside with. (actually my sweet handsome helper Adam painted the inside for me!)
I used wall paper paste to apply the fabric to the back board. I love the pattern on this fabric and turns out it suited this piece perfectly giving a nice pop of colour, texture and design to an otherwise boring cabinet.
I painted the outside of the cabinet in Warm White FAT Paint and distressed it slightly on the edges. The inside was painted with Antique Wedgewood FAT Paint and sanded smooth. (I am in no way being compensated to mention this line of paint, I just really love the product and want to share it with you)
I also decided that both the drawer and the cutlery cubby on it should also be fabric lined. Unfortunately I ran out of the material I used on the back and had to use another pattern. I think that it is okay though as they are not close to each other and you only see the inside of the drawer when it is pulled open.
After adding new hardware and putting it all back together, this is how it turned out!
I love how it turned out!
The hardware suited it perfectly. The fabric inside gives this vintage piece a modern touch with the geometric design while the hardware keeps it a little rustic and aged.
This sweet piece went to live in a historical home on an acreage just outside Calgary. They also took home my pretty 1917 sofa as well! I’m thrilled they went to such a good home to be appreciated for many more years!
It was an awesome garage sale and most of what is in this photo below is no longer there!
I took part in the All Things Pretty Market this past weekend and will share some more of what I took with me soon. It was such a great Market filled with so many talented vendors! I so enjoyed chatting with many of you there!
Smiles!
Terry
Sharing this vintage cabinet here:
The Curators Collection 
Hey there! I was wondering if you prefer to sell at an outside antique market or inside antique market? Or which one you usually do better at. I am trying to host an antique and vendor market at an old industrial warehouse in Pittsburgh, PA and I was wondering what your thoughts are on an inside market vs. outside. Isimeone just told me they don’t do nearly as well at an inside market and now I am second guessing myself. I would really appreciate your feedback!
Thanks, Beautiful Junk. Aka Whitney.
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For myself I prefer indoors only because the furniture I sell would be ruined if it rained on it (even with a tent) or the sun damaged the waxed finish. I love outdoor markets though. I do well at indoor markets here in Alberta Canada but maybe that’s because of our ever changing weather too ;) I also think that if you will do well or not will also depend on the venue and the “type” of customers in that area. Sometimes the smaller centres produce better shoppers than some of the larger centres … more traffic doesn’t always mean better sales. I have heard of ladies doing waaaaay better at some of the smaller markets than in the city etc. Now, indoors vs. outdoors I think is purely by chance and location. Some people may also view indoor markets as more ‘refined’ versus those who may feel an outdoor one has more of a ‘pickers’feel and is a bit more relaxed. I guess when organizing it you need to create the shopping environment you want to project to the shoppers. UGH! Can i ramble senselessly??? I hope you can make something out of my babble! I know I haven’t helped much but I know whatever you decide, your market will be fabulous!
Best of luck Whitney!
Smiles!
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Love it! Where did you find those handles????? and I like that the 2 fabrics are different and not matchey. As per usual, nicely done.
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Thanks! I found the handles in an antique store … they aren’t antique though. I wish I would have had the same vintage looking screws though, it would have looked better.
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What a beautiful job on this cabinet, Terry! From the gorgeous hardware to the beautiful interior. I’m not surprised it sold at the market and congrats on the sale of your 1917 sofa! Sounds like it was another successful market weekend for you. Wish I would have been able to visit you at the market – I will get there, I promise! Pinning and sharing :)
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Awe Marie you are so sweet! Thank you so much for your uplifting comments and support! I would have loved to see you at my market but I know how busy things are … we will have a get together again one time for sure! Thank you for pinning and sharing friend! Have an amazing day!
Hugs and smiles!
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What a sweet little cabinet. I like how you added a modern fabric to a vintage piece to update it.
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Thank you Debra for stopping by and taking the time to comment. I hope you have an amazing day!
Smiles!
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I see why this sold so fast, its gorgeous! I love the planked wood wall behind the pics. Stunning!
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Thank you for the sweet compliment! The wall is a partition my husband made between the two sides of our garage. One side is for finished pieces and the other is my work shop! Thank you for popping by, I hope you have a great week!
Smiles!
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