Light Blue Buffet Makeover with a Faux Wood Top
About this Buffet
This buffet started out with a very dark, dated finish that hid a lot of the beautiful details of the piece. I wanted to give it a lighter, fresher look while still keeping some warmth and contrast.
I chose a soft blue for the body and created a light, natural-looking faux wood finish for the top. New hardware, updated shelves, and a pretty liner inside the drawers completed the transformation.
The Finish
For the body of the buffet, I used Dixie Belle Silk All-In-One Mineral Paint in Serenity, a soft blue that completely changed the look of this dark piece.
Instead of stripping the top down to bare wood, I created a faux wood finish using paint and glaze. I started with Dixie Belle Endless Shore to create a light, natural wood-colored base. Once the base color was dry, I used a custom mixture of General Finishes Van Dyke Brown and Black Glazes over the painted surface. The glaze added depth and variation to the finish, giving the top the warmth and dimension of natural wood.
I also added new shelves and lined the drawers with a botanical vinyl wallpaper.
Products Used*
Primer:
Paint:
Wood Top:
Dixie Belle Silk, Endless Shore to create a natural wood look
General Finishes Van Dyke Brown Glaze (mixed in a 5:1 ratio of brown to black)
Varathane water based top coat, satin sheen
Hardware:
Drawer Liners:
Boho Green Floral vinyl peel and stick wallpaper
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purchases with other companies or get free product to review and use. All opinions are my own.
The Process
Prep the buffet
I cleaned and sanded the original dark finish to give the new primer and paint a durable surface to adhere to.
Prime buffet to prevent bleed-through
Because the buffet had such a dark stained finish, I didn't want any of the old stain or tannins bleeding through the new light blue paint. I applied Dixie Belle BOSS, a stain-blocking primer, before painting.
Paint the body
The body was painted with Dixie Belle Silk All-In-One Mineral Paint in Serenity, which gave the buffet a much lighter and fresher look.
Create the faux wood top
Rather than stripping the top, I painted it with Dixie Belle Endless Shore to create a light, natural-wood-colored base. I then applied a custom mixture of General Finishes Van Dyke Brown and Black Glazes to add depth and create the look of natural wood.
Update the interior
I added new shelves and lined the drawers with botanical vinyl wallpaper to the shelves and drawers for a pretty finishing detail.
Protect & finish
The top was sealed with a clear topcoat, and I finished the dresser with new brass hardware and drawer liners.
You can watch a quick recap of this buffet makeover on my YouTube video:
Have a piece of furniture that could use a fresh start?
I offer custom furniture refinishing in the southern New Hampshire area. If you have a dresser, buffet, desk, nightstands, or another piece you'd love to update, I can help you create a finish that works beautifully in your home.
Want to refinish it yourself?
My Furniture Painting Guide walks you through my process for creating a beautiful, long-lasting finish.
If you're inspired by this transformation or have any questions about the process, let’s chat in the comments below! Whether you're planning a DIY project or just love seeing old furniture get a new lease on life, I would love to hear from you!
