Having settled into our new home we inevitably have the odd bit of furniture to replace – to be honest, our relatively new wardrobes did not survive being taken apart for the house move. Since we bought the former wardrobes my tastes and priorities have changed, much as I loved the cavernous storage this time around I could see no further reason for buying new as opposed to the more environmentally friendly option of buying second-hand high quality built to last wardrobes.
Mid-century furniture was built to last, made with wood, with mitred joints – as opposed to modern MDF. It seems a bit of a no-brainer to me. When we spotted this suite of furniture for a mere £275 it seemed the ideal solution.
I researched the differences between chalk paint, milk paint and fusion mineral paint. My two priorities were a flat brush mark free finish plus ease of application. Fusion mineral paint seemed a natural choice, although the wood will need sanding the paint will not need a wax to finish.
How to update your mid-century furniture with fusion
mineral paint
- Fusion Mineral Paint – Colours shown Sterling and Little Lamb
- Cling On Brush F50
- 120 Grit scuff sandpaper
Start by removing the doors and drawers, if you are able to remove the hardware (such as door knobs) do. Sand down the surface to provide a key, take your time to prep and don’t rush the job.
Sanding the surface to provide a key is vital for good adhesion.




They are absolutely beautiful. Look modern but are obviously much sturdier. If you had to purchase similar but modern to these I think you could end up easily spending £2,500 for wood. You’ve opened my eyes and when we next need to move if our old wardrobes which were taken apart when we moved here don’t cope with a second dismantling I’ll be heading to an auction or similar to do the same. Love, love, love these! Clever and beautiful upcylcying x
OMG! I can’t believe you painted over that beautiful wood furniture!
Oh well, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
I’ll just walk off while biting my tongue.
Richard (in Charlotte, NC) I agree with you completely! It ought to be illegal.
They look great. You did a wonderful job.