Before & After - A Stylish Secretary Makeover

When it comes to furniture, secretaries are a New Yorker's dream. There's plenty of storage space, plus a work surface that folds down for all those overdue Thank You notes. Modern versions abound, but I prefer one with a bit more history to it. Take this Chippendale style secretary I found at a consignment shop in Princeton, New Jersey.

I loved the shape, as well as its scale, and I knew it would fit perfectly in my bedroom. What I didn't love was the red mahogany tone of the veneer. It just looked dated...and dusty! These pieces were mass produced back in the 20s and 30s, so the finish really wasn't that precious. All wood, you know, isn't created equal, especially when it's a veneer! A fresh coat of paint would take care of that. The other thing I loved about it was the fretwork pattern on the doors, but if you're like me, you don't always want to display your business for the world to see. (Just most of the time!)  Replacing the glass with mirror would be the perfect solution.

When the next weekend rolled around, I headed up to the roof, dismantled the secretary and got to work. As you can see, I started by sanding it down with a fine sand paper, just to scuff up the surface and give the paint something to adhere to. For the primer, I used a shellac-based product called Zinsser. I love it because it dries super fast. And it prevents any dye from seeping through the top coat. Check out the final result!

For the paint color, I chose one of my favorites: Farrow & Ball's All White. I use it on everything. The mirror I had cut to size for $20. The easiest way is to take the original glass with you. That way, you'll always get a perfect fit. With the shelves now hidden behind mirror, I could make all the mess I want, and it would still look just as pretty! Fold down the desk, and I have plenty of storage, plus the perfect surface for writing letters or working on my laptop.

As a collector, one thing I've learned over the years is to be fearless. Just because something'€™s antique doesn'€™t mean it's precious. Don't be afraid to alter a piece to make it your own. Strip it. Sand it. Recover it in fabric you adore. Like I said, all wood is not created equal. If a chair's lines are good but you're not in love with the finish, paint it another color and you'€™ll probably be much happier with the result. I know I am.

Comments

[Bernardete]

This has inspired me to try and refinish my husband's grandmother's secretary. Can you tell me what finish you used? Also, did you find that a paint brush left visible marks. I really love the look but am slightly intimidated! Your final product is stunning!

[The Perfect Palette]

this is beyond fabulous

[Erin]

I'm slightly ecstatic right now. I found a VERY similar secretary on craigslist!! Curious as to what finish of paint you put on this piece. I went to the Farro & Ball website and can't figure it out to save my life. Also did you use any type of top coat? You are seriously my favorite person right now. Thank you for all the inspiration!!!

[Sarah]

I love this idea and the outcome is beautiful!!!

[tara]

Hi there,
Where did you find the chic hardware?

[Anne @ The City Sage]

Another fabulous makeover Eddie! And I had no idea having mirrors cut was so affordable---I've had a mirror project in mind for a while but have been putting it off for fear that it would be too pricey. But you've encouraged me to get more information! And inspiration as always :)

[martha]

Verrrry special indeed! Did you use spray, or a brush? Any protective topcoat? Thanks!~

[Jennifer Stagg]

I am simply in LOVE with this, and your philosophy of being fearless with refinishing furniture. I have the uglist table and chairs passed down from my mother-in-law, and while it will give her a slight stroke to see me refinish them, I think I may just dare to do it. However, the chairs have wheels on them, and the backs are a wicker basket weave. Any idea what I should do with them?

[Beautiful Living]

WOW. Stunning!

[Lesley]

So gorgeous and so functional and what a great idea to change the glass to a mirror.

[thursday]

Wow. I LOVE what you did to that. That's exactly the sort of desk I've been looking for for ages! Amazing transformation. I am so jealous of your talent!

[Lisa McConkey]

Stunning transformation! I am inspired!

[jessica claire]

you are so inventive! What a gorgeous transformation that makes it look just like new!

I wish I had the skills to DIY and refinish like you...maybe one day I'll egt the guts up to try

[Pat Schieffer]

I am ecstatic! I found a lovely china hutch at Salvation Army which I envisioned painted in white so that it would suggest a "built-in" look and also not clash with the other wood in my dining room. You have vindicated my idea and also showed me the proper way to execute it. Thank you so much.

[Wendy]

Very nice. I am so impressed at all you do with your nice finds. I saw you on Martha's show a few weeks back and was hooked on your fun ideas with earrings and postcards. Thanks for sharing with the rest of us all your great and doable ideas. Your the best!!!

[Margarita]

I'm in the process of making major changes in my house including the furniture, I suspect you're going to take me along the way by the hand. I'm glad I came across your blog. Thank you.

[Bets]

I absolutely LOVE this!! Can you please tell me where you were able to buy the mirror and cut it?? Im in NYC too and need to do something similar but not sure where to go!! THANKS!

[Paper Dolls for Boys]

You are schooling us all as we sit and look around our living rooms at all the old funky stained thrifted furniture!

Lead the way!

[lucinda]

That's really beautiful! So fresh and so clean clean!

[Janine]

I love to paint furniture, but I am uncertain how to protect the painted surfaces on high-traffic pieces. Did you use any sort of top coat on this piece? I know you can't varnish/shellac on top of white paint because it turns yellow. Also, do you find wall paint to work better than spray paint? Thanks for considering my questions.

[katiedid]

Fabulous! I have been painting furniture myself lately, and you are so right! It works wonders. And congratualtions on your Washington Post shout out! You certainly deserve the raves.

[Diva Style]

This is fabulous! What a visionary you are!

[Patricia Perez]

OMG you are a genius!!!! I Love it and adore it!!!!! you really an inspiration!!!!!

[sarah]

I love this transformation! Do you have a good source for knobs and hardware?

[M&Co]

Love this! Very beautiful!! :-)

[Pink Wallpaper]

WOW! you have totally inspired me to paint this silly "antique" china cabinet i got in a random flea market...so many people told me to leave it but its nothing special and i know it will be fab painted!!

[Cheryl]

I love this! What a difference paint can make. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[Paloma of La Dolce Vita]

You are such an inspiration, Eddie! What fabulous transformation!

I am so glad to have come across your blog today. It's always so wonderful when you find a new one with such amazing content. I keep telling myself: "It's too good! It's just too good!".

[seleta]

Hi Eddie, I just stumbled onto your site and had to comment on:
1) Your creativity
2) Your lovely touch on even the simplest of projects.
3) Your personality!

I'm going to have to subscribe to your blog, as you are a delight to read.

[Caroline]

The secretary is fabulous. I own the exact same one and use it as a cordial bar tucked in a corner of my formal living room. Since I am rather tired of the old dark stain you have given me new energy and interest in getting the Zinsser out going at it. Dont know where to get that finish paint in Boston. But I will find it! Let you know how I do. Thank you...Thank you!!

[daniel pelosi]

sobbing...i love it.