We’ve been on the hunt for a new media console for our living room since, well, as long as we’ve lived here almost. That “hunt” is mostly defined by periodic stops through our favorite furniture-rich thrift stores to see if anything grabbed us. We were probably a couple of months from giving up entirely. But then I got this text from Sherry.
Sherry had run into Diversity Thrift while I stayed in the car with Clara. This is how discouraged this hunt had become… I didn’t even get out of the car anymore. Here’s the pic Sherry sent me, which was enough for me to get my butt out of the driver’s seat and check out Mia in person.
She fit the criteria we were looking for in a new unit – which mostly consisted of “just be bigger than our current piddly little guy” – which you can see below from this post about our new TV (which further dwarfed it). A bonus would be more storage. Six drawers or more were on our wish list.
So we brought Mia home. We were eager to put her directly into the living room, but she had some wobby leg issues (as we were warned on the $59 price tag). As in, every leg was wobbly. Which probably explains why a handsome clean-lined dresser like this sat at the thrift store for over a month (the tag indicated that it had originally been $79, but after going unsold for a month it was dropped down to $59).
Wobbly legs can definitely be a deterrent because they go to the heart of that item of furniture. You know, it’s not something that a little paint or some stain can fix. It’s filed under “structural integrity.” But Sherry and I examined all the drawers (which slid easily and were made solidly) and checked the rest of it for any functional damage and found none. So we decided not to let those wobbly legs scare us off…
I hadn’t ever fixed wobbly legs before, so I was going into it a bit blind. But I figured I could just identify what was loose and hopefully tighten it. For instance, this center brace shimmied back and forth waaaay too easily.
In fully removing it (which I did before reattaching it) I discovered an old screw on the side that was supposed to hold that leg in tight. So with a quick replacement screw, I was already making progress.
When I reattached the brace with more new screws, the center section got significantly better.
And having discovered the secret leg-screw (wait, that sounds wrong) I was on my way to tightening all of the wobbly legs. But In some cases I found that merely replacing the screws and getting them in there nice and tightly wasn’t enough to stop the wobble completely (although it was a huge step in the right direction). So thanks to some Googling, I read about the suggestion to add some wood glue around the joint. I used the end of a paperclip to really work the glue into the seam as well as possible. Then I used a moistened rag to wipe off the excess glue around the outside so it didn’t look all messy like it does in this picture (this was taken pre-wipe):
Once all of the legs were glued and screwed (again, my wording is less than stellar here) Sherry helped me turn the piece upright and – resisting the temptation to test its wobbliness – we let the glue dry for a good 24 hours. The next day we went in and gave it a gentle shake.
It was AWESOME. No more shaking or shimmying at all.
Unfortunately Mia, even with her new solid legs, isn’t quite ready to come inside to the living room. She needs a good cleaning – and possibly some refinishing or painting, depending on how well the cleaning goes – before we let her in. You can see her bumps and bruises pretty well in this photo taken back in the thrift store…
… so we’ll be back with the updated & cleaned up Mia after we’re done scrubbing her down, bringing her into the living room, and getting the TV all set up (we anchor it to the wall to keep things kid-safe). Sherry’s actually scrubbing away on it right now so as soon as she finished up, takes pics, and writes the post we’ll be back with that info. In the meantime, how do you guys find furniture? Does one of you run in while someone else stays in the car? Are the photos texted back and forth? Do you accidentally end up naming things thanks to text typos? We can’t be the only ones…
Psst- Clara shared a few more holiday-fun-ish details with her penpal in Germany over on Young House Life.
Jen says
I am in awe of the things you find at thrift stores. I don’t often get that lucky, and then sometimes get the heebie jeebies about potential bed bugs on items I do find. I have read John’s posts on how to check for bedbugs and I know Sherry recently did one on how she cleans used furniture prior to bringing it in the house (with vinegar, etc.) I can’t locate that post in my searches. Any change you can direct me to it?
YoungHouseLove says
Is it this one? https://www.younghouselove.com/2011/09/side-tables-and-other-bedroom-tweakage/
xo,
s
Sara says
My dad refinished a dresser for my apartment, and I LURVE it. I was going to leave it with a natural finish, but well, the best laid plans. I actually think that I love it. And my dad is a major perfectionist, so this is all spray paint, and it has almost a lacquer finish–it’s amazing.
https://plus.google.com/photos/103078840443958110234/albums/5830880457571683665
YoungHouseLove says
So cool!
xo,
s
Charlotte says
All those drawers… jealous of the storage possibilities!! No segue, but I’m working on a ceramic animal post for my blog and saw this… thought of you guys!
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/search/F25682014.jsp?cm_vc=SEARCH_RESULTS
Tabbitha @ Turnip Tootsie says
OOO! I can already tell, Mia is going to be a beauty! Can’t wait to see the results!
Tara says
Totally off topic, but will you be putting together a snazzy 2013 calendar again this year? I thought about it last week when I was switching mine up.
Thank you in advance, if you are, and if it’s one of things that was chopped in the “trying to find a better balance” – good on ya! We can all go buy our own. ;-D
YoungHouseLove says
Yep! We’re gonna post it later this week.
-John
Susan says
I’ve totally had autocorrect nicknames stick! My dog’s name is Bela and when my boyfriend was texting me to ask how she was doing after she had been sick, his iphone autocorrected Bela to Bellerophon. Who is Bellerophon, you may ask? A hero in greek mythology! So, needless to say Bela’s nickname is longer than her real name!
Jessica says
I love it!!! I’ve been on the hunt for a dresser to make into a bar for our dining room. I’m actually digging the piece under Mia. Wish I lived closer to snag it! :)
Nichole says
We have your “old” tv stand with the same problem. I frsted the glass and now it is in my mud room holding our shoes. It is the perfect height to sit down and lace up. Also love that our shoes aren’t all over the place and it is easy for my 3yo AND my husband to just toss their shoes in.. We hung a mirror/hook piece above and hocus pocus we have a lovely piece.
Glen says
Mia + this…..http://www.the-brick-house.com/2010/09/refreshing-vintage-wood/
All good
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the link!
-John
Kate says
Bah ha! I love that you have Sherry in your phone as “Wife- Sherry”… Cute!
Terri says
I can’t wait to see the transformation. This past summer we found Mia’s sister, let’s call her Mona. Mona has been in desparate need of a makeover since her discovery at a church rummage sale. She also serves as the TV console and has nine drawers. I’m really looking forward to stealing, umm I mean borrowing, some of your ideas. BTW, Mona came with a brother chest of drawers. We snagged them both for $60! Boo-Yah!
Molly S. says
I LOVE this piece! It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for to use as a tv console in my mid century home in good ol’ RVA. I inherited my favorite piece, a console with a built in record player (which became a member of the fam shortly after the house was built in the early 50’s). The only problem is, my fiancé and I love to use the record player so we can’t use it as a true tv console. Oh well! The hunt goes on!
Ps-I bought your book for a bunch of holiday gifts and have heard nothing but awesome feedback! I was so excited when I got my own and can’t put it down. Great read! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! That’s amazing to hear. Thanks so much!
xo,
s
TriciaS in Iowa says
Oooo, I want one! These have so much potential. Look at what Manhattan Nest did with their MCM dresser!
http://manhattan-nest.com/2012/12/19/dresser-restoration/
YoungHouseLove says
Love that!
xo,
s
Kaitlin says
I love that dresser! I converted a dresser into a console/ media center just by removing the drawers and screwing in some scrap wood (stained to the same color as the dresser) on the bottom so it reads as a shelf instead of a just dresser with just the drawers removed. I really like how it turned out, and I got the dresser for cheapsies at goodwill too! Good luck on this project. I cant wait to see the finished project :-)
Karen says
Awesome find!
I’m sure someone’s probably suggested this already, but if the piece doesn’t need any major patches, you may be able to restore the finish with just a ‘wood finish restorer’ and some steel wool. The restorer is almost like a furniture polish, but better. It worked wonders on a MC credenza I found for my sister in law’s tv stand. I showed my tips here: http://yearofserendipity.wordpress.com/2012/07/09/thrift-to-fab/
YoungHouseLove says
Love that!
xo,
s
Amy says
Hi! Looking forward to seeing you guys tomorrow in Austin. Took a picture at BookPeople today when I went to get our tix – not sure how to upload it for you. Hey Sherry – you totally know that Kendra Scott is based out of Austin, right? And her main studio is not that far from your book signing?
YoungHouseLove says
Ooooh, don’t tempt me!
xo,
s
Susan says
Wish I could send you a pic of my yard sale Stanley furniture company 60s desk. He was sooo beat up but I aired him out with vinegar wipe downs in the drawers per your suggestion, I think, and some baking soda and time in the sunshine. Then after a very light sanding, I painted Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Primer Red followed by a dry brushing of Duck Egg Blue…Stanley now proudly keeps us company in the family room, all for $20 and a bit of elbow grease…
Elisabeth@SimplyParkers says
We did the same texting pictures thing with our tv console search! (Here’s our final choice and finished product: http://simplyparkers.blogspot.com/2012/11/outdated-craigslist-dresser-turned-chic.html) – I would send my hubby to prescreen Craigslist finds while I stayed home with our little man and he would text me plenty of pictures and impressions of the pieces (how sturdy it felt, if it smelled at all…all of the important stuff!). Can’t wait to see your finished product :)
Jennifer F says
Hey, I just realized that your old TV console is the same one we have, I think. (Target?) We took the doors off immediately, as it was much more open and effective that way. It fits our space really well, so I still love it, but we also have a fondness for mid century, and I am a proud owner of one of these pieces from the 50’s – her name is Gidget!(oh, and we didn’t pay that much!?!)
http://www.etsy.com/listing/114450429/drexel-declaration-credenza-cabinet?ref=sr_gallery_2&ga_search_query=drexel+declaration&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_ref=auto1&ga_search_type=all
YoungHouseLove says
So smart!
xo,
s
mp says
If I ever have any substantial discretionary income again, I’m hitting Diversity Thrift. EVERYBODY I know in Richmond loves them.
Mia is fabulous! Some Murphy’s Oil Soap ought to clean her up good.
Kim says
Sherry, so funny about the interest in your DIY bangs! While reading some of the comments I was imagining how you would demonstrate. Tell me you didn’t mark them off with painters tape?!!!
BTW – I DIY my own bangs, very successfully I guess as I’ve had compliments on how nice they are.
From one self-made bang girl to another…rock on! :-)
YoungHouseLove says
Hahah I love it!
xo,
s
Elizabeth says
Yay for handy hubbies! I picked up a crib for incoming addition, and since it was second hand I didn’t pick up how wobbly it was until we got home. Boo! But since it was solid wood and since my Hubby is so darn handy, he completely reconstructed it from the ground up. Now that it’s all back together it holds mine and hubby’s weight together without narry a wobble in sight. Bonus!
Melissa van Herksen says
wow $59 USD…amazing. I wish I had thrift stores like this overseas! I am going thrifting with my friend this week and taking advantage of Miami’s wonderful thrift shops, but I don’t think I will be able to fit a dresser in my suitcase…but i am hoping for some ceramic animals :) I usually have furniture made or purchase from other expats selling before they move to the next post.
lee says
I love mia!
My absolute favorite thing is how the handled are attached up high.
It is sharp, can’t wait to see you guys work your magic.
Lesley says
I need to hit Diverstity. I currently have all my media in drawers and I don’t like it. I want something where I can have it all on shelving. Not sure what I will find but going to go look. Creatively…how to display over 350 CD’s and over 150 DVD’s…..what do you think?
Meanwhile, if you happen to see the Frosta table IKEA USED to sell, let me know. That little $12.99 table is now being sold elsewhere in sets of 4 for anywhere from $44 to $88 each!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Wow! No way about that markup! And as for displaying a bunch of CDs and DVDs, maybe find a piece with lots of drawers and then take the drawers out so it’s like open shelving? Hope it helps!
xo
s
Christine @ Let's Get Crafty! says
Creepy. We’re living parallel lives. I have the exact TV console and I’ve been looking for the mid century/mia for eva! I haven’t scored yet though.
Can’t wait to see it! Keep hope alive!
Kate says
This piece is very reminiscent of this new west elm piece:
http://www.westelm.com/products/mid-century-6-drawer-dresser-g815/?pkey=call-new&cm_src=all-new||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_–_-
I’d say you got a better deal though!
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh, theirs is really pretty!
xo
s
Melissa says
So we have a wobbly leg problem too. It’s on our dining room table. A 1920s, beautiful, HEAVY, wooden, square table with four legs. The legs don’t screw into the table on the underside like your tv console. Instead, they slide into sockets on the underside of the table. The socket pieces are screwed into the underside of the table but but the legs are still loose. I think probably because over the years sliding the legs in and out of sockets has worn down the inside of the sockets. What I think we need are tighter sockets which means we would need wider pieces of wood not tighter attachment to the table. Usually we can just be careful not to push the table or lean too hard on it. The reason this is really coming up now is we have a 7 month old who will soon be crawling/walking/pulling up on the table and we certainly don’t want a leg to slide out and have the table come crashing down on him. My husband thinks braces would solve it but it seems there must be a more “original” solution like replacing the sockets- thoughts?
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm, I agree that you don’t want to mess around when it comes to safety and a small child. I would definitely try braces if the other things you’ve tried aren’t working. Anyone else have other ideas?
xo
s
Sherree Hartwig says
Oh My Gosh !
35 years ago my mom gave me a bedroom set when we were married. Its the same dresser in this article. Also have the matching chest of drawers. Many years ago we bought a 2nd house and there was a night stand that was almost identical to the set except it had a nob on the drawer. I gave my daughter this bedroom set which she still has today. She has used the dresser as a baby changing station/dresser. It will be interesting to see how you transform the dresser into a TV console. Have Fun with the transformation.
YoungHouseLove says
No way! What a small world!
xo
s
Kelli says
It looks like I wasn’t the only one that wondered if John has other wives labeled as well!!! Perhaps changing it to “Sherry (wife)” would look a little less polygamist-ish.
Mary Hall says
OMG, I love how your phone is programmed to “Wife – Sherry”…what? Like you have a “Wife – Pam” and a “Wife – Diane”, etc.? lol
YoungHouseLove says
Ha! No, it actually came from one of those emergency recommendations that if you we’re ever hurt and someone used your phone to contact next of kin it would be more helpful than just her name.
-John
diane says
hi!
i’m a looong time reader of your blog but have never commented…until now! And it’s unrelated to your post here (sorry)…
I just purchased my first home (!!!) and have been turning to your blog daily for inspiration and diys. I am about to pick out my paint colors and see that you always get the Olympic No-Voc paint matched to whatever color you like from another brand. I went to Lowe’s today and was told that once a color is added to Olympic No-Voc paint, Vocs are actually added to it, thus not making it No-Voc anymore. (ah, I hope you can follow me here).
What am I missing? I’m a little confused and want to keep my paint as No-Voc as possible!
Thanks in advance!!! :) :) :)
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm, maybe they’re working on old info? As of 2010 Olympic Premium has been the only paint that doesn’t have VOCs in the colorants sold at Home Depot or Lowe’s (other brands like Behr and Valspar still do, so maybe the guy at the paint desk didn’t know Olympic Premium was different?). Hope it helps!
xo
s
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
Mia is beautiful! Can’t wait to see her after you guys have shown her some love.
ps love that you have Sherry under ‘wife-Sherry’. Is that just in case you forget her name? :-)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, we saw somewhere that in case of an emergency it helps to label your hubby and wife so we did, but it looks pretty funny!
xo
s
Gabrielle says
Hi! I just wanted to say how much I love your site! I stumbled across it about a month or so ago when looking for a way to make old wood look new for a barnwood inspired project I wanted to do. I found an article you did on it and tried it out and along the way added some of my own ideas and made exactly what I was looking to :) This is a great post because I would love to get new furniture for my house at thrift stores to refinish and make nice but something like wobbly legs would scare me off because I would have no idea how to fix it. Now I do! I also really loved the gift you made your daughter (fridge) it’s so much nicer than any over priced plastic one you can find at a store and the magnetic feature is so cool! You guys give me so much inspiration and confidence to try new things. Keep up the great posts but don’t wear yourselves out too much :)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks so much! So kind of you to say.
xo,
s
heyruthie says
my dad (carpentry background) taught me how to fix the wobbles if the “wood glue and new screw” method even fails. take a toothpick and chop it up into short pieces. jam them into the old screw hole, and slather in wood glue or wood filler before and after. Let it dry, and it’s like a new piece of wood, much stronger than wood filler. then, drill your new pilot hole in it, and go! it’s awesome and work really well in holes that are stripped, too big, or even cracked.
YoungHouseLove says
Great tip! I’ve heard a little wooden golf tee works in the same way. So smart!
xo,
s
Amanda says
If you have an iPhone, which I believe you do, you can enter the same number for multiple entries. When my husband calls me it says “Husband or In Case of Emergency.” I think that makes it easier for anyone who would need to contact my loved ones if anything happened.
YoungHouseLove says
Smart!
xo
s
Jeannee says
I love you guys! I love how you work together – in my memory, that was my parents who did that – neither of my ex-husbands (or any ex’s for that matter ;- ) were like that!… Now, I have to say this: THIS —“the secret leg-screw (wait, that sounds wrong) ” was my first real ha-ha of the day ;)~~~ ty!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, thanks Jeannee!
xo
s