Here's the vanity as I found her - right out of my little SUV! The chair I picked up at St. Vincent de Paul...well over 2 years ago! I think they go perfect together!
I sanded the vanity down because the finish was pretty shiny. I like using my paint sprayer, and I found when I prime it first - then paint over it...it's just too much on a piece. The finish isn't as smooth (I think that's the primer and me being too lazy to sand - wait didn't I sand this piece?!?) I tested just the paint and primer in one on a side table I'm using (you can actually see it in the background in the photo below! Preview!) and it has held up very well.
My sweet little helper, Ethan, has been more willing to help lately. Probably because he figured out I'd pay him a little on the sale of a piece if he helped with it! It started when I was selling things and he'd just randomly ask if he could have some of the money. Um no? lol He earned his future cut by pulling off the thousand years of layered on cloth that was on the chair cushion. Seriously, there were like 7 different fabrics! Glad I didn't have to mess with it!
The chair and french provincial vanity got painted in a soft black color, the inside of the vanity is a coral color homemade chalk paint. I went the chalk route because I didn't sand the inside of the vanity. Would have been awkward to get my electric sander in there! Did you notice the peek of gold on the feet of the chair? I love painting the little balls that claw feet chairs hold! Gives it a little extra something, like on this side table. I also (of course!) cleaned up the beautiful brass hardware with some Brasso. It came out gorg!
I don't have a designated place to sit and do my make up and hair...this would be PERFECT. It is one of those pieces that I'd keep in a heartbeat if I had a place for it. Instead it's heartbreak because someone else is going to get a chance to love her because there's no spot for her in my bedroom or bathroom.
Look how sophisticated she is all closed up. It's like a surprise bit of girlishness on the inside! For those ladies who love the pinks, but can't get their husbands on board with the design color. This is the best of both worlds!
I was tempted to paint the sides of the drawers coral...but I know that can lead to potential issues with them working properly later. Not to mention I hate painting over dovetail joints! It would have been beautiful! Instead I just painted the top sliders to give it one last bit if peek-a-boo coral!
I was considering painting a single flower on the fabric of the seat coral. I decided that perhaps some buyers wouldn't like that if it didn't match their decor. I edited in what I was thinking below. What are your thoughts? I figure I'm willing to do that if that's what the buyer wants. So, with or without?
Update: This piece has sold! And the lady who got her went with the coral flower on the seat!
She is for sale! $295
French Provincial Vanity and Clawfoot Chair
French Provincial Vanity and Clawfoot Chair
Vanity Measurements:
45.5 in long x 20 in deep x 30 in tall