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.
I am in the process of refinishing the same desk. Do you know where I can the fretwork panels for the upper doors?
Posted by: Karl | July 06, 2014 at 11:16 AM
Eddie,
You are amazing, and very creative? I am hoping to pick your creative mind....Did you use a latex or oil based paint? I am refinishing a hutch and want to know which direction to go in. What did you use to get the nice shine? A satin poly or enamel? Lastly, what is the wall color.
I wouldn't have bothered you but I couldn't find any responses to these posts?
Posted by: Pat Curran | November 15, 2011 at 11:35 PM
I also have a secratary similar to this one and I am wondering as well the best way to remove the glass and fretwork as well as a good hardware source similar to what you used. Please, do tell! Thank you.
Posted by: miss michelle | March 19, 2011 at 11:06 PM
I love this piece and I am doing something almost the same with a very similar piece. I was just wondering how you got the glass off because I don't want to get paint all over mine.
Thanks!
Nina
Posted by: Nina | March 15, 2011 at 05:01 PM
wonderful!!
do you spray it or brush the paint on??
I was just about to get rid of 2 pieces, but I think I will paint them instead!
Posted by: Kathy Wommack | October 01, 2010 at 10:13 AM
Me too.I also like that.
Posted by: toronto outcall escorts | September 22, 2010 at 10:04 AM
Great Job....I love it!
I'm just curious if you put some sort of protectant on it? Whenever I paint something it just doesn't hold up to wear/tear....help!
:D
Posted by: Janna | June 14, 2010 at 10:39 AM
There are several companies that produce furniture in this highest level of quality. Of all the companies there are, though, Lane stands out above the rest. Lane furniture has been proving for nearly a century that it is topmost in comfort, as well as durability.
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http://www.theaterseatstore.com/
Posted by: Theater Seating | May 03, 2010 at 02:13 AM
You are fantastic!
I have a similar piece and am wondering how you dismantled the glass and grate from the piece?
Thanks for any helpful info.
Cynthia
Posted by: cynthia | April 19, 2010 at 10:43 AM
Modern furniture comes with different kinds, types, styles, designs, colors and sizes. So, you have to be able to pick the ones that will suit your home best. Let’s say, if you wish to get a modern sofa for your living room, you have to check out the size where you will place the sofa.
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http://www.theaterseatstore.com/
Posted by: Home Theater Seating | April 19, 2010 at 06:22 AM
Hi Eddie,
A question for you when redoing a piece of antique furniture do you also repaint the inside? I'm redoing a 1940's utility wardrobe and don't know to repaint the inside or not? See link here http://occraftygurl.blogspot.com/2010/02/help.html
Thinking I'll just repaint the doors - no?
Posted by: Lisa Lee | March 03, 2010 at 06:28 PM
Re: [EDDIE ROSS] Tracie submitted a comment to Before After - A Stylish Secretary Makeover
It is the primer. Thanks so much for reading! Xo
Eddie
Posted by: Eddie Ross | February 18, 2010 at 10:58 AM
Eddie...WOW! I'm a HUGE fan of T2T decorating and I dound your blog within the last week and I am floored! Thanks so much!
A question about the Zinsser...I asked about it at Lowe's and was told that there are about six products from paint to sealer...I was thinking it was a primer? Is that correct?
Posted by: Tracie | February 18, 2010 at 10:43 AM
Dear Eddie, great combination with the colour on the wall. Could you tel me what paint you've used?
Loed van Heek- The Netherlands
Posted by: Loed van Heek | February 10, 2010 at 08:44 AM
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!
Posted by: Bernardete | October 01, 2009 at 02:14 AM
this is beyond fabulous
Posted by: The Perfect Palette | June 05, 2009 at 12:57 PM
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!!!
Posted by: Erin | May 17, 2009 at 04:04 PM
I love this idea and the outcome is beautiful!!!
Posted by: Sarah | March 16, 2009 at 03:48 PM
Hi there,
Where did you find the chic hardware?
Posted by: tara | March 09, 2009 at 10:05 PM
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 :)
Posted by: Anne @ The City Sage | February 26, 2009 at 01:19 PM
Verrrry special indeed! Did you use spray, or a brush? Any protective topcoat? Thanks!~
Posted by: martha | January 08, 2009 at 11:12 PM
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?
Posted by: Jennifer Stagg | January 05, 2009 at 01:04 PM
WOW. Stunning!
Posted by: Beautiful Living | December 13, 2008 at 04:56 AM
So gorgeous and so functional and what a great idea to change the glass to a mirror.
Posted by: Lesley | October 28, 2008 at 10:08 AM
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!
Posted by: thursday | October 26, 2008 at 11:20 PM
Stunning transformation! I am inspired!
Posted by: Lisa McConkey | October 24, 2008 at 08:29 AM
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
Posted by: jessica claire | October 15, 2008 at 09:18 AM
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.
Posted by: Pat Schieffer | October 13, 2008 at 11:50 PM
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!!!
Posted by: Wendy | October 04, 2008 at 07:57 PM
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.
Posted by: Margarita | October 03, 2008 at 08:16 AM
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!
Posted by: Bets | September 30, 2008 at 11:20 AM
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!
Posted by: Paper Dolls for Boys | September 29, 2008 at 11:24 PM
That's really beautiful! So fresh and so clean clean!
Posted by: lucinda | September 25, 2008 at 08:01 PM
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.
Posted by: Janine | September 25, 2008 at 11:00 AM
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.
Posted by: katiedid | September 25, 2008 at 10:48 AM
This is fabulous! What a visionary you are!
Posted by: Diva Style | September 24, 2008 at 08:02 PM
OMG you are a genius!!!! I Love it and adore it!!!!! you really an inspiration!!!!!
Posted by: Patricia Perez | September 23, 2008 at 05:16 PM
I love this transformation! Do you have a good source for knobs and hardware?
Posted by: sarah | September 22, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Love this! Very beautiful!! :-)
Posted by: M&Co | September 21, 2008 at 05:51 PM
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!!
Posted by: Pink Wallpaper | September 19, 2008 at 08:32 PM
I love this! What a difference paint can make. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Posted by: Cheryl | September 19, 2008 at 07:33 PM
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!".
Posted by: Paloma of La Dolce Vita | September 19, 2008 at 03:28 PM
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.
Posted by: seleta | September 18, 2008 at 10:20 PM
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!!
Posted by: Caroline | September 17, 2008 at 12:36 PM
sobbing...i love it.
Posted by: daniel pelosi | August 07, 2008 at 02:40 PM