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Reality Daydream

The Dream is Free, The Hustle Sold Separately

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Restoring a Mid-Century/Modern Dining Set

September 9, 2013 by Bethany Sy

Nick and I always discuss purchases beforehand… even the smallest things. But when when I saw this dining set for sale on craigslist while Nick was at work, I knew I needed to act fast before someone else snatched it up. Priced at a mere $25, it wouldn’t last long. We’re talking an original vintage 50’s dining set y’all. (actual craigslist pic below)

Our 50's dining set (before pic)
I had a lot of guilt about it buying this without Nick’s knowledge, and knew he would be more irritated by the idea of it taking up room in the garage. To add insult to injury, the clouds parted when I stumbled upon this MATCHING 50’s buffet at a garage sale a couple days later.

Vintage Buffet (before pic)
Miraculously, he was pretty excited about the full dining set and how great the condition of everything was (SCORE!). Of course even though the chairs were fairly sturdy, he still felt so inclined to reinforce them. Any excuse to use his Kreg Jig me-thinks. Here‘s an in-depth tutorial on reinforcing wobbly dining chairs.

NOTE: these chairs (and the table for that matter) were in ROUGH condition with huge gouges and even random nail holes and such. We completely respect the nature of mid-century furniture, but this one was in bad enough shape that we just wanted to make it usable again. Please no hate mail from the Mid Century purists!

We needed to reinforce the dining chairs before restoring them.
The cushion fabric was DISGUSTING, and there was almost no padding. We dropped those suckers like a cheating husband on a hot summer’s day… (WHAT?).

Reupholster old dining chairs to give them new life!
I wanted to stay true to the 50’s vibe by reupholstering the chairs with a fabric that had a vintage feel to it. Yet I still wanted it to feel modern and be versatile and neutral enough to fit in almost any home (cause we’re SELLING these suckers!). I ended up choosing this Joel Dewberry herringbone fabric purchased here

Modern Meadow Herringbone in Lake by Joel Dewberry for Free Spirit Fabrics JD36 Lake
We picked up some new foam and knocked these suckers out during the girls’ afternoon nap! For a step-by-step tutorial on upholstering dining chairs, check out this post.

Reupholstering the chairs was quick and easy!

It seemed natural to want to dramatically change the appearance of the dining set/buffet with a fresh coat of paint… but after much deliberation we decided to just restore to wood to it’s original finish. Mid-century/modern furniture is one of those styles that truly seems best left alone.

Rustoleum has a product called Cabinet Transformations that’s meant to bring back the deep luster and shine of your kitchen cabinets without sanding or pre-treating in any way, but we decided… why not use it on furniture? It takes dull/scratched surfaces and brings it back to life, diminishing imperfections. PERFECT for what we’re needing!

Here’s the original dull finish.

Original dull furniture finish before applying Cabinet Transformation by Rustoleum
And then we used the 3-part Cabinet Transformation system (which we’re totally NOT getting paid to discuss… it just rocks).

Using Cabinet Transformations by Rustoleum to bring furniture back to life.
I lined the drawers of the buffet using leftover fabric from the chair cushions. For a detailed tutorial, see this post.

We lined the drawers with fabric to match the chairs.
This dining set doesn’t have the most dramatic before/after since we chose to let it rock it’s original mid-century vibe, but we think that the rich woodgrain and whimsical fabric will make this set a great addition to anyone’s dining room!

50's Dining Set Refurbished to it's original glory!
And here’s some money shots!

Fabulous 50's dining set... completely restored!
Fabulous 50's Buffet... resored to it's original glory!
Beautiful transofmration of 50's dining set
This 50's dining set (including buffet!) has been completely restored!
So what do you think? Would you have painted it? Or do you agree that mid-century furniture looks best as-is? Do you ever buy things without your spouse’s knowledge and feel instant regret? Let’s be honest.

*this post contains affiliate linksBethany {Sawdust and Embryos}

 

About Bethany Sy

Nick and Bethany Sy are the creative free-spirits behind DIY/Lifestyle blog, Reality Daydream. They recently purchased a historic mansion and have been documenting the ups and downs of renovation and making this home their own... all while sharing tips and tutorials along the way! When they found themselves in the trenches of infertility, they started a journey that would prove to be their most important DIY project ever, and have 3 beautiful girls to show for it. <3

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Comments

  1. 96

    Chris Berger says

    August 4, 2018 at 2:14 am

    Where did you find the original pulls for the Broyhill Sculptra buffet you refinished?

    Reply
    • 97

      Bethany Sy says

      August 4, 2018 at 11:59 pm

      They were still on the buffet when we bought it. We got so lucky, huh?

      Reply
  2. 98

    Lauren says

    July 19, 2017 at 1:31 am

    I kid you not, my dad has this dining set from when he was in his 20s and I am currently restoring it as well! I got inspiration from this post on the upholstery choices.

    Reply
    • 99

      Bethany Sy says

      July 21, 2017 at 1:08 pm

      That’s crazy! It’s such a pretty piece isn’t it?! Good luck with your transformation!!

      Reply
  3. 100

    Melissa J says

    June 5, 2017 at 5:50 pm

    What color Cabinet Transformations did you use?

    Reply
    • 101

      Heather says

      May 8, 2018 at 4:47 pm

      My set, bought by my parents in 1956, has metal (brass caps on the chair legs. The finish is discolored and rough-looking. How did you handle this on your set? Were you able to rejuvenate the caps? Or did you replace them? If replaced where could I find caps?

      Reply
      • 102

        Bethany Sy says

        May 9, 2018 at 5:12 pm

        Hey Heather! We were lucky enough that our metal caps on the legs were in good condition. I’m not sure where you would find replacements, but you could check a local salvage yard perhaps? There may be a product out there that would clean them up nicely though. I would do some googling. 😉

        Reply
  4. 103

    Sacha says

    March 31, 2017 at 5:31 pm

    I love what you did here. I have a similar piece. Can you provide more info on the restoleum product and your three part process? You just sort of breezed through that IMPORTANT part on this post. Maybe you have another link…

    Reply
    • 104

      Bethany says

      April 2, 2017 at 12:27 pm

      Unfortunately, it’s been 4 years since we wrote this post, and they have changed the way they manufacture and label the Transformation product, and I no longer know which color is the one we used. And I was fairly new to blogging and wasn’t as thorough at explaining my process. I’m so sorry! I just don’t remember all the details of this furniture restoration. If I were you, I would have your local Sherwin Williams color-match a stain for you!

      Reply
      • 105

        Trish says

        December 29, 2017 at 11:18 pm

        This is my DREAM SET. I have been looking everywhere for this dresser/buffet for my living room to sit in front of a navy blue wall. And the chairs would have really brought it home. ALAS!! I will resurrect this old post anyway to say NICE JOB!!

        Reply
  5. 106

    Tamar Weenen - de Vries says

    October 30, 2016 at 7:46 pm

    Looks great! Which color did you use for the cabinet transformation?

    Reply
    • 107

      Bethany says

      April 2, 2017 at 12:26 pm

      Unfortunately, it’s been 4 years since we wrote this post, and they have changed the way they manufacture and label the Transformation product, and I no longer know which color is the one we used. If I were you, I would have your local Sherwin Williams color-match a stain for you!

      Reply
  6. 108

    Retro lover says

    August 4, 2016 at 11:07 pm

    Does anyone have any info on refurbishing some Broyhill Saga chairs? On mine, the tops finish has rubbed off, it doesn’t look or feel like wood, not sure how to treat it?

    Reply
  7. 109

    Adele Andrews says

    March 18, 2016 at 1:32 pm

    I keep stumbling this page so I am going to comment :). I love the fabric you chose and I found similar on spoonflower. I was just looking for how new fabrics look on dining chairs. I have the Broyhill Saga. I don’t have a problem with using the cabinet restoration but I am so happy you didn’t paint it. You did a beautiful job. I tried just using steel wool on mine and it wasn’t sufficient. I lightly sanded with a fine grit sandpaper 220 and the veneer is in tact. Next I’m going to have Sherwin Williams custom tint a stain for me. Then I will put new fabric on the chairs. Maybe the a coral chevron! http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/1843764-chevron-coral-by-misstiina

    Reply
    • 110

      Beth @ Reality Daydream says

      March 18, 2016 at 7:59 pm

      Ooo I love that coral chevron!

      Reply
  8. 111

    Suzanne says

    March 17, 2016 at 2:44 am

    I just bought a buffet similar to yours but mine has the sliding doors in the middle. I thought it wasn’t real wood because it was marked down front $35 to $10!!! But it would be a perfect piece for my son’s TV/X-Box/entertainment stuff. When we went to pick it up it weighed well over 100 lbs! Now trying to decide if it stays as is or getting chalk painted….or maybe really glossy.

    Reply
    • 112

      Beth @ Reality Daydream says

      March 18, 2016 at 8:01 pm

      Oooo! If it’s genuine mid-century, I wouldn’t paint it! It might be worth a LOT of money! 🙂

      Reply
  9. 113

    Anh Tran says

    January 13, 2016 at 9:47 am

    I think you did a wonderful job and let’s be honest you have a rocking sense of humor! I actually read everything, normally I just skim through. 🙂

    Reply
  10. 114

    okflowerchild says

    January 11, 2016 at 12:11 am

    PAINT IT! It should be illegal even to ask!!!!!!!

    Reply
  11. 115

    Sarah says

    September 27, 2014 at 3:57 pm

    Hi!

    What you did with the dining set and buffet looks wonderful! I stumbled upon your site doing some research on how to restore a mid century dining set. I just bought a set similar to yours and have some chairs that are a little wobbly and was wondering if I could get some information on how to reinforce my chairs. It would be much appreciated, thank you!

    Reply
    • 116

      Bethany @ Sawdust and Embryos says

      September 28, 2014 at 8:50 am

      Hi Sarah… you’re in luck! We JUST did a tutorial on reinforcing dining chairs. Here’s the link!
      https://realitydaydream.com/2014/08/how-to-stabilize-reinforce-dining-chairs.html

      Reply
  12. 117

    Amanda says

    July 31, 2014 at 4:01 pm

    I would love more info on making chairs sturdy please! We just bought a table and six chairs to refinish! They are pretty sturdy, but I intend on keeping them for as long as possible! They are already 30 years old!

    Reply
    • 118

      Bethany @ Sawdust and Embryos says

      July 31, 2014 at 4:03 pm

      Hi Amanda! We’re actually planning on putting together a tutorial on stablizing chairs soon! Stay tuned!

      Reply
  13. 119

    Samantha says

    April 13, 2014 at 9:50 am

    This set is beautiful (and $25?? wha?) but I seem to be the only person HORRIFIED that you would take a Kreg jig to it. Plus, that cabinet transformations stuff was not necessary to restore the wood (and could possibly be harmful). Some #0000 steel wool and teak oil would have been a better wood cleaner/conditioner. Honestly, I really don’t like leaving a less that encouraging comment (because, YAY, you didn’t paint it) but there seem to be a lot of people who follow what you do but I urge you and them to look up more appropriate MCM restoration techniques so you don’t do more harm than good. Of course, if you don’t really care about the original heritage of the piece and just want a quick fix (and not all MCM style furniture is fantastic quality and worth saving forever of course) then I guess that wouldn’t matter. I am just worried someone might have a valuable piece and if they did what you did it would destroy the integrity of the piece. Again, I am really not trying to be a troll but just worried others will do this to a really valuable piece of furniture. Kindest regards.

    Reply
    • 120

      Shelly Rios says

      June 13, 2014 at 10:34 pm

      I agree with you about keeping MCM pieces true to they’re philosophical history. And, Bethany, your instinct was right on! I’m pretty sure those pieces were talking to you. Most people don’t have any idea about furniture history, it’s worth or perhaps, even care. Those of us enthusiast, furniture historians or geeks wince a bit when we see “make overs”- especially bad ones.

      I was lucky enough to recently have lunch with Ansel Adams daughter. She told me that Ansel wanted to switch entirely to color photography towards the end of his life. Hearing stories like that make you wonder how any late designers philosophies may have evolved if only they were alive today. Would the Eames applaud Herman Miller for painting their LWC chairs lemon yellow? Will will never know. It is great color, after all. 🙂

      Reply
      • 121

        Bethany @ Sawdust and Embryos says

        June 14, 2014 at 6:16 am

        Whoa Shelly! That’s deep! A very fascinating thought process… thanks for sharing! We love this piece that we transformed, and know that it’s not for everyone. 🙂

        Reply
  14. 122

    Christopher says

    February 25, 2014 at 7:29 am

    Why in the world would you even consider painting mcm pieces? That is completely against what the whole design movemeny was against…

    Reply
    • 123

      Bethany @ Sawdust and Embryos says

      February 25, 2014 at 8:20 am

      We’re not familiar with design movements and the history behind furniture. We were pretty proud of the fact that we knew it was MCM! We’ve been known for our furniture-painting in the past, but we just couldn’t bring ourselves to paint this one because it looked best as-is in our opinion.

      Reply
  15. 124

    Constance says

    January 21, 2014 at 6:52 pm

    Can you tell me which color you used from the Cabinet Trans series? I’m going to use on a Danish credenza of a similar color and I think whatever you chose would be perfect.

    Thank you.

    Reply
    • 125

      Bethany @ Sawdust and Embryos says

      January 22, 2014 at 8:16 am

      Hi Constance! We used Tint #3 from these options:
      http://rustoleumtransformations.com/woodrefinishing/colors.php

      Reply
  16. 126

    Stephanie says

    January 10, 2014 at 9:15 pm

    Looks beautiful and I fully agree that wood is a million times better than painted!

    Reply
  17. 127

    Paige says

    December 28, 2013 at 12:27 pm

    Soooooo beautiful! I love it!

    Reply
  18. 128

    Karen says

    November 2, 2013 at 10:28 pm

    I am so excited. I found the exact buffet in Tn for my son’s apartment. $35!!! He was going retro so we’ve had a blast thrift shopping. I was super excited to see you had the buffet on your website. Yes, it would be a shame to paint some of the mid century pieces especially when the pieces are beautiful solid wooden pieces. We are using our son’s as a dresser for his bedroom. His is missing the wooden molding on the center doors. I treated it with Formsby’s scratch repair and its luster is beautiful for now. Do you know then manufacturer of the piece? I’ve been searching and haven’t fond anything.
    Thank you for sharing your beautiful refinishings.

    Reply
    • 129

      Bethany @ Sawdust and Embryos says

      November 4, 2013 at 2:44 pm

      We weren’t sure on the manufacturer either unfortunately. But we love how much character it has for sure! So fun that you found its twin!

      Reply
      • 130

        Becky from Iowa says

        November 11, 2013 at 1:42 pm

        The buffet is Broyhill Sculptra, and I live in Iowa and would like to purchase it. Tremendously relieved you did not paint this piece and destroy its gorgeous, walnut beauty.

        Reply
  19. 131

    holly c says

    October 4, 2013 at 7:08 pm

    Just found your site and I love this post! We have a mid-century dining set from my grandmother that , I’m sad to say, the kids have done a bit of a number on. Like Erich, I’d love to know if Cabinet Transformations might work for us- we mostly have water marks and some resulting dis-coloration. Also would like to hear more about reinforcing chairs with this Kreg Jig that you speak of. My husband has a lot of tools, but I don’t think he has that. Thanks so much for this post and all of the info!

    Reply
    • 132

      Bethany @ Sawdust and Embryos says

      October 5, 2013 at 6:28 pm

      I’m not sure that the Cabinet transformations would do much good on water marks. That might be something where you need to strip it and re-stain. A little extra work, but it’ll be worth it!

      I’ll tell Nick to get on that chair-reinforcing-tutorial!

      Reply
  20. 133

    Erich R. Ebel says

    October 1, 2013 at 5:44 am

    Thanks for the great post. My wife and I have a very similar dining set that came with the matching buffet, hutch and two rolling standalone cabinets. The wood is shot on the table’s surface, and the chairs have rattan backing that could go at any time. We’ve been pondering using a belt sander to strip the table top and restaining it a matching shade. Do you think that would work, or would it be better to try the three-step thing you guys did? Also, how do you clean rattan and is there any way to reinforce/replace it? And speaking of reinforce, I’d love to read an article on reinforcing chairs (what’s a Kreg Jig anyway?).

    Reply
  21. 134

    Beth @ Sawdust and Embryos says

    September 15, 2013 at 10:24 am

    HI! We used the #3 Medium tint on this set. Good luck! Send pics when you're done!

    Reply
  22. 135

    piddix says

    September 14, 2013 at 11:05 pm

    Can I ask what color you used if the cabinet transformation? We picked up a $20 50s desk today that looks about the same shade as your before. Thanks!

    Reply
  23. 136

    8605northsider says

    September 13, 2013 at 9:27 pm

    I would like info on making chairs sturdier!

    Reply
  24. 137

    Julianne and Tanner says

    September 12, 2013 at 1:34 am

    Hey. Beth, question… I have a table just like that but the top is like a Vaneer Formica , and the leaves are shiny but the rest is dull prob from bei g wiped down over the last 50 years. Anyways is that product good for that or just on raw wood? Hope that all made sense.

    Reply
  25. 138

    Mary says

    September 11, 2013 at 9:55 pm

    WOW I love the transformation. Just WOW and I wish that I could find something similar. Love the fact that you did not paint it and left that beautiful wood. Can hardly wait for your next project.

    Reply
  26. 139

    Beth @ Sawdust and Embryos says

    September 10, 2013 at 6:21 pm

    We just couldn't bring ourselves to paint it! It just felt so WRONG! 🙂 It was definitely out of our comfort zone, but I'm glad we went with our gut. 🙂

    Reply
  27. 140

    Beth @ Sawdust and Embryos says

    September 10, 2013 at 6:20 pm

    Haha, love that! Somebody should totally name their blog "Junk in my Trunk' 🙂

    Reply
  28. 141

    Beth @ Sawdust and Embryos says

    September 10, 2013 at 6:18 pm

    Hi Vicki! We can definitely do that! I can't promise how soon, but I'll put a bug in Nick's ear about it. He took pics of his process, so it's just a matter of him sitting down to write the tutorial. 🙂

    Reply
  29. 142

    stephanie, sandpaper & glue says

    September 10, 2013 at 5:59 pm

    I totally bought my whole house while my husband was at work…whoopsie. it didn't go over too well, so now I try to ask. I try so hard. but sometimes chairs just ended up in my trunk…
    Also, love the look of the whole set. I'm glad you restored instead of painting

    Reply
  30. 143

    Crystal says

    September 10, 2013 at 1:16 pm

    Looks great. I do agree sometimes you need to honor the piece and it's history. I guess I'm just so used to you painting stuff, I was a little disappointed. Still love them. Someone will be happy with them.

    Reply
  31. 144

    Vicki Schuler says

    September 10, 2013 at 9:23 am

    I have a dining table with six chairs that is at least 60 years old. My husband bought it for my birthday a few years ago from a retired farmer and his wife. The chairs are kind of rickety, and I worry that one of them will break.
    I would LOVE to learn how to make the chairs sturdy so that I feel comfortable having anyone sit in them. I love using my table, and I miss it.
    Thanks! LOVE your site!
    Vicki

    Reply
  32. 145

    Serena Appiah says

    September 10, 2013 at 5:24 am

    I'm really surprised to see that you hadn't painted it. It's in such gorgeous condition that I can see why you didn't. Pretty! And chair makeovers are the easiest transformations to turn a room around. Great find!

    Serena
    Thrift Diving

    Reply
  33. 146

    Nicole and Justin says

    September 9, 2013 at 11:17 pm

    I'm so glad you left it! It's gorgeous!

    Reply
  34. 147

    Valerie Zhou says

    September 9, 2013 at 8:31 pm

    Love the fabric print too… and no, no husband consent under a certain price point 🙂

    Reply
  35. 148

    Diane Kimball says

    September 9, 2013 at 6:17 pm

    Seriously IN LOVE with that buffet. Damn me not living in Iowa! And swoon over the fabric! You guys find the greatest stuff!

    Reply
  36. 149

    Beth @ Sawdust and Embryos says

    September 9, 2013 at 3:46 pm

    We actually bought the fabric from an Esty seller… who advertised the fabric as upholstery fabric. It seems quite sturdy, but who knows. The link I provided in this post is one I searched for because I knew people would ask where I got the fabric, and this Etsy seller no longer has this print in stock.

    Reply
  37. 150

    SoniaAndreia says

    September 9, 2013 at 3:29 pm

    so… you reupholstered the chairs in a quilting fabric?? hardly seems sturdy enough…

    Reply
  38. 151

    Mae says

    September 9, 2013 at 2:56 pm

    Yummm!!!

    Love the set, and the buffet. I have a weak spot for mid century furniture, and have a few pieces in my house. You did an awesome job.
    I stumbled upon your blog recently (thanks, Pinterest!), and now am totally hooked.

    Reply
  39. 152

    Beth @ Sawdust and Embryos says

    September 9, 2013 at 2:31 pm

    No way! It has so much character… freaking love it. The cabinet transformations is meant to restore the wood to it's original stain shade, so it probably wouldn't work to try and make it darker. However I'm sure the ARE products out there that might be able to achieve what you're wanting without having to strip the whole thing down. I'm just not familiar.

    Here's the link to the cabinet transformations:
    http://rustoleumtransformations.com/woodrefinishing/colors.php

    If you make a move on that buffet, send pics when you're done!

    Reply
  40. 153

    Beth @ Sawdust and Embryos says

    September 9, 2013 at 2:27 pm

    HA! Sounds like we have a similar relationship with our spouses!

    Reply
  41. 154

    Beth @ Sawdust and Embryos says

    September 9, 2013 at 2:26 pm

    TWELVE DOLLARS? Shut the front door.

    You best send pics when you're done with it!!

    Reply
  42. 155

    Beth @ Sawdust and Embryos says

    September 9, 2013 at 2:25 pm

    Hehe… it's ok! You're entitled to your own opinion. I'm thinking it would have looked great painted too, but for some reason we felt like we should honor the history of this piece… especially since it was in SUCH good condition!

    Reply
  43. 156

    Beth @ Sawdust and Embryos says

    September 9, 2013 at 2:23 pm

    I had the same thought about adding some flair to the buffet, but I really wanted them to look like a 'set' and felt like I would need to paint the table too. I'm hoping the fabric lined drawers will give it that extra special feel, since there's no decorative painting. 🙂

    Reply
  44. 157

    Beth @ Sawdust and Embryos says

    September 9, 2013 at 2:21 pm

    Ooo VINTAGE, ORANGE, and SENTIMENTAL are the best combination ever! Lucky!!

    Reply
  45. 158

    Renee says

    September 9, 2013 at 2:16 pm

    Beth: It is beautiful. I have always loved this style of furniture. It is so simple and clean. You and Nick did a beautiful job of restoring the set. I would never have painted this style of furniture. I think it ruins the looks of it! And yes, I buy all kinds of stuff without my husbands consent. After being married 39 years, I don't feel I need to! Besides if I did ask, he couldn't make a decision to save his life!! And by the way, I have a orange two cushion Danish style chair that would fit in with that set! Was my Grandma K's and I have always loved it!!!!

    Reply
  46. 159

    Cindy says

    September 9, 2013 at 2:05 pm

    I looove these. I love me some painted furniture, but I'm so glad you left the dining set natural! The buffet… I may have added a little paint, but I really like it as-is, too! 😀

    Reply
  47. 160

    Building Moxie says

    September 9, 2013 at 1:22 pm

    love mid-century no I wouldn't have painted it. I sold my grandmother's recently saying it was just not right for the house we are in. hmmm.

    esp. love the chair backs in this set and love how you carried the chair fabric over to the drawer liners. well done. ~jb

    Reply
  48. 161

    Renee says

    September 9, 2013 at 1:00 pm

    Pretty…..great buy and update!

    Reply
  49. 162

    Kayla Renae says

    September 9, 2013 at 12:59 pm

    Done 🙂

    Reply
  50. 163

    Crystal says

    September 9, 2013 at 12:42 pm

    Oh no, I'm the only person who thinks you should of painted them!!!! Love the seat covers. I may need to purchase that fabric.

    Reply
  51. 164

    eimrek says

    September 9, 2013 at 11:38 am

    Thanks, Beth! Actually, I do have a question. I was looking online for more info on the Cabinet Transformation. Is this a paint product? Several (nearly all) of the before/afters online are different colors. We still want the grain and original color to come through.

    Reply
  52. 165

    LittleMyoo says

    September 9, 2013 at 11:23 am

    Heck, if I waited for hubby's approval, I'd never get anything!! I just bought a mid-century desk/hutch at a garbage sale for $12. I'm not going to paint it, but I am thinking of doing 2-tone stain…

    I love how that dining set turned out!

    -andi

    Reply
  53. 166

    Robin Frank says

    September 9, 2013 at 11:23 am

    I never have trouble with the site being slow…hmm

    Reply
  54. 167

    Carol says

    September 9, 2013 at 11:11 am

    The haven't-gotten-hubby-approval guilt is the worst! I picked up a free vanity off craigslist because it was the perfect size but waited with bated breath for my husband to say it was ok to live in the house until we actually tackle the bathroom update (since we have a 1 bedroom and already have kitchen cabinet uppers sitting in the living room, he would be justified in saying no).

    Reply
  55. 168

    Anonymous says

    September 9, 2013 at 10:53 am

    Out in California, we would die for that set in that condition. So glad you didn't paint it (even though I am a furniture painter)!! Good job:)

    Reply
  56. 169

    Sarah says

    September 9, 2013 at 10:53 am

    Oh my gosh, I have that same buffet! I have been thinking of staining it darker but am scared to mess with it because it's in really good condition. Does the Cabinet Transformation come in different shades? Did you do anything with the handles?

    Reply
  57. 170

    Anonymous says

    September 9, 2013 at 10:25 am

    Love it, no paint, good as is. thanks for the tip on the cabinet Transformation. I amy try that. Thanks for sharing. mary in NY

    Reply
  58. 171

    Our Tennessee Life says

    September 9, 2013 at 10:13 am

    Wow! I love this! Such a great find and I'm glad you left it to its MCM awesomeness. Amazing!
    Danielle

    Reply
  59. 172

    astr!d says

    September 9, 2013 at 10:08 am

    WOW!!!! how lucky to find the matching set! love it! and yes i think it looks best just cleaned up and loved! good job guys!!

    Reply
  60. 173

    ...Liz... says

    September 9, 2013 at 10:03 am

    Such great finds!!! So glad you didn't paint these beauties, they are fantastic as is 🙂

    Reply
  61. 174

    Beth @ Sawdust and Embryos says

    September 9, 2013 at 9:59 am

    That's exciting! And I definitely can relate with wanting to honor the heritage and sentimentality of a piece.

    Reply
  62. 175

    Beth @ Sawdust and Embryos says

    September 9, 2013 at 9:58 am

    Agreed!

    Reply
  63. 176

    Beth @ Sawdust and Embryos says

    September 9, 2013 at 9:57 am

    You're the first person that's said something about our site being slow and glitchy. Would you prefer truncated posts?

    Glad you love this project!

    Reply
  64. 177

    DoeysGirl says

    September 9, 2013 at 9:56 am

    This is awesome! We JUST picked up my grandma's old table and chairs from the 1950s yesterday! It reminds me of this picture, only a little more ornate. It's in perfect shape and super sturdy. We're leaving it as is for now, but the chairs have leather cushions. I'm not digging them, but I feel like I can't change them just yet. I feel like I need to honor the pieces that five generations have eaten around for awhile first. 🙂 I LOVE the blue you used. It looks great!

    Reply
  65. 178

    Beth @ Sawdust and Embryos says

    September 9, 2013 at 9:56 am

    Email us… sawdustandembryos@gmail.com

    Reply
  66. 179

    Teri says

    September 9, 2013 at 9:56 am

    Noooooo don't paint!! That is part of the enduring beauty of the mid century. It is fabulous as it is!

    Reply
  67. 180

    Anonymous says

    September 9, 2013 at 9:55 am

    Your site is really slow and glitchy. Don't get me wrong, I love it, but is a hassle to scroll down and it take so long. Keep up the good work on the projects! This dining set is a great find! I love the fabric you chose!!

    Reply
  68. 181

    Beth @ Sawdust and Embryos says

    September 9, 2013 at 9:55 am

    Email us… sawdustandembryos@gmail.com

    Reply
  69. 182

    Beth @ Sawdust and Embryos says

    September 9, 2013 at 9:54 am

    What perfect timing!! Let me know if you have any specific questions… and definitely send pics when you're done!

    Reply
  70. 183

    AviLynn says

    September 9, 2013 at 9:52 am

    I haven't been able to luck out with furniture lately (we're in CR/Marion). I never feel guilty because quite frankly my hubby could care less.
    And I've been thinking long & hard about using the cabinet transformarion in my kitchen. So happy to hear you guys like it.

    Reply
  71. 184

    Beth @ Sawdust and Embryos says

    September 9, 2013 at 9:52 am

    Hehe! Glad you agree! 🙂

    Reply
  72. 185

    Kenz @ Interiors by Kenz says

    September 9, 2013 at 9:46 am

    Oh, I would DEFINITELY not paint it! Midcentury furniture is better left as-is. You did such a great job restoring it. It's so juicy! I'd eat it right up!

    Reply
  73. 186

    calcottc says

    September 9, 2013 at 9:19 am

    Wish I lived closer! I LOVE this set!

    Reply
  74. 187

    Melissa says

    September 9, 2013 at 9:05 am

    So…how much? 🙂

    Reply
  75. 188

    eimrek says

    September 9, 2013 at 8:57 am

    Beautiful, and well timed! We just picked up 6 similar chairs yesterday for our table. They are in very good condition, but I think our cushions are trash. They're crunchy feeling. And the plug for Rustoleum's Cabinet Transformation is perfect, too! I love original wood and if it salvageable, I say "No Paint!"

    Reply
  76. 189

    Kayla Renae says

    September 9, 2013 at 8:39 am

    Amazing!! Is this for sale or is it already spoken for? I might be VERY interested 🙂

    Reply
  77. 190

    Tricia @ The Domestic Fringe says

    September 9, 2013 at 8:38 am

    Wow! I adore this. Can't believe your selling it. It's so fabulous.

    I agree, NO paint, and I paint everything.
    ~FringeGirl

    Reply
  78. 191

    Broke Ass Home says

    September 9, 2013 at 8:28 am

    That is a SUPER cool set, Beth!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Making the Old New Again | Old Soul DIY says:
    September 13, 2015 at 1:18 pm

    […] were another story. The old padding was falling off so a trip to Joann’s was in order. This article helped me reupholster the chairs in a […]

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We are Nick and Bethany! Welcome to our blog, Reality Daydream where we share our DIY adventures!
Click here for lots of art projects using only wood stain on furniture!!
Please feel free to share or pin my posts! You're welcome to use ONE of my images (no collages or pinnables) with a link back to the corresponding post. Please do not edit or crop that single image in any way. Improper use of my photos, ideas or words is a violation of copyright. Thank you!

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Attention: Almost any do-it-yourself project involves risk of some sort. Your tools, materials, and skills will vary, as will the conditions at your project site. Reality Daydream has made every effort to be complete and accurate in the instructions of the plans on this website. Reality Daydream will not assume any responsibility or liability for damages or losses sustained or incurred in the course of your project or in the use of the item you create. Always follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions in the use of tools, check and follow your local building codes, and observe all commonly accepted safety precautions.

 

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