Get the exclusive NordVPN deal here at nordvpn.com/MadCityModern. It's risk-free with NordVPN's 30-day money-back guarantee! Thank you all for supporting this channel! It is such a pleasure to share these projects with you, and I hope to continue to provide quality content in the near future. Barry
Thank you for not destroying or repurposing this chifforobe. As you saw, they are worth quite a lot as they are... but, even more so, it would make a perfect alternate to a bureau. I wish I had something like this. Because of the art deco style I'm guessing this is from the 1920's or roughly 100 years old.
wOw! I almost teared up here, because of the amazing work you did with this piece. What a patience, but I guess you really love what you do🤔😊 Sometimes nice pieces are not able to restaur, and then I think it's ok to paint them. In that way they can live longer. But most times I find it a crime when good classic furnitures are painted over. Greetings from Arctic Norway 👋 And ps, I have Nordvpn.
Thank you!! I agree that too much good vintage furniture is being ( ahem) destroyed.. wood furniture is becoming more scarce, due to fake/ synthetic materials. Slapping paint on it, even though many " restorers/ refinished do attractive and careful work. In 20 years, people will be removing the painted finishes and rejoicing over black walnut and oak furniture!! Just my opinion. I feel happy when I see someone doing actual repairs. There's 1 young man I saw who didn't even vacuum or wipe down his piece, did a brief sand and 2 coats of Grey paint. I hate watching something then. Feeling critical and judgmental, as I'd like to feel appreciative of their work. Like any job, you've got to love what you're doing. Best wishes for continuing success!!
I just thought about the stickers and childhood memories. It might be cool to take a picture of your piece before you start work, and leave it in a drawer in a little folder with your2 business card, mentioning2 you welcome referrals, or some2 small statement. Good idea, or too tacky.???
I am now bedridden with stage 4 messianic cancer and don't have long left. I used to enjoy very much restoring furniture before I couldn't do it anymore. You bring me so much joy watching you. I always did it for it's therapeutic value. Now I can achieve the same calming effect through you, with your very calming voice and the way you do your videos. I love how you include ways to learn about whatever it is you're taking on. You're such an artist and I love how you try to stay true to the piece you're working on. You make me very happy 😊 please keep up your wonderful videos and beautiful work. Thank you for sharing and allowing me to work through you ❤. You always come through 😊 Happy New Year 🎉 I hope this is the best year in your life so far! You Sir, are 5star! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I don’t normally comment on videos but I have to say : you’re so peaceful to watch! But not just that, you create beautiful pieces, are clearly skilled and talented yet so humble. It’s clear that you put in a lot of effort into your videos yet you don’t shout at everyone to “smash that like button” and “subscribe “!!! You truly earn every like and subscriber with your quality content and personable demeanour.
I'm a 73 year old great grandmother, just a little FYI. I love restoring old pieces of furniture as well, though; not as talented as you are. I have had a chifforobe for many years, at first for my children, over 50 years ago. I then used it in my bedroom to hold my special little items, and I still do. It has been painted so many times, but I have never been able to part with it. I understand how you work, I think...it's actually a labor of love. When I am working on a piece, I also take my time and relish each item that is unearthed, like a Christmas gift that is unwrapped. Then the excitement of bringing back the original beauty. I enjoyed your work so much, thank you.
I seriously don’t know how anyone can paint decent wood, and cover up all the grain. Thank you for NOT passing by that item, restoring it and letting it shine again. I smiled when you said “ for me it is therapeutic “ I could tell by your attention to detail.
They weren’t covering up decent wood, they were covering up yellowed stain, actual stains, and dated, damaged decals. Covering the wood is often a necessary side effect to make a piece look less aged and crappy when you’re a mom just trying to have nice things for your kids.
Things exist to serve us and our lives. If someone likes painted wood or pink dressers, why not paint? I also agree natural wood is more beautiful, but I understand someone who is tired of a furniture and is trying to make things look less aged.
I remember my Mom having one like this that was used for most of us when we were little. When you uncovered the original decals, it took my breath away. These chifforobes were, specifically, for a baby's delicate clothes. I recall the light color of the wood stain, like a light golden maple, and the sweet decals, typically little lambs, ponies, bunnies, etc., with lovely flowers strewn about...so sweet, so lovely. And, yes, they were on casters. I recall a dresser set on top with containers for q-tips, diaper pins, etc, and held a baby's hair brush & comb. The baby powder was in a little shaker tin. My Mom would hang the cutest little dresses for the girls or little suits for the boys. There were hats, gloves, shoes, cute little jackets & dress coats. Oh, it was a wonderful time period. I loved it so much, I bought a chifforobe for my babies, used for each one, that my husband refinished. It was so sweet. I, absolutely, love this one that you restored. It is such a lovely piece of furniture, full of nostalgia...and the bonus is that it can be used by anyone. I love your attention to detail and the dark stain that you chose. It truly highlights the beautiful grain of the wood. It's a pure delight to see. Thank you for prompting my stroll down memory lane. I love everything you do.
As a young child (I’m 75). My bedroom furniture consisted of a chifferobe, 6 drawer dresser with a mirror, a headboard, and nightstand. Same color wood. Only difference, the edges were rounded. All of the handles were identical to what I see here. OMG ! Most thrilling was that there were the identical decals of baby lambs on my furniture. Got the chills!!!!! Wow!!!
I was born in 1950, those decals were EVERYWHERE!!! On bathroom tiles, cribs, highchairs and all kinds of kids furniture. I also was scratching my head with the kona stain, shouldn't have worried it always looks good when you are done. 😀 Great job Barry and keep those videos coming.
I was born in 51 and had a white chifforobe with the same stickers, so they were put on a lot of baby furniture-- like the ends of the crib! I think mine were done by the manufacturer, but you could also buy the decals, soak them and slip them off, and apply them yourselves.
I found a chifarobe similar to yours 15 yrs ago in a thrift store for $32. I restored it with paint since mine had lots of stains. I painted butterflies and flowers on it for my granddaughters. I loved bringing it back to life. Thanks for the memory.👍🙏🏻💕
Barry, I remember those decals well. They were common on cribs, dressers, rocking chairs and play tables. Since baby furniture is usually passed along to friends and family, the style survived for much longer than its original popularity. That furniture was always a blonde finish for some reason.
I have some kids pieces with the lamb on them including a crib in the off white color that was commonly called french provincial back then. I gave them to a friend to use with her daughter. She is 20 now and i had them 4 years before i gave them to her. I have a niece who is about to have her first baby which happens to be a girl. I just may have to see about possibly bringing them back home if she is willing to let them go. Very little wear and tear.
I just wanted to say thank for this! My sister and I owned an antique store in the early 90's. We restored a ton of furniture that was painted in the 70's. There are SO many good products to use today I am jumping back in!! YOU ROCK!!
Born in 1952 I remember those little lambs on the end of my crib, (through a picture only!). I was sitting on the floor, cross-legged and pouting! What an adorable little girl!
My grandfather built me a dolls bed back in the early 60's. He put transfers on both ends of the bed that looked just like that. I still have the bed and I'm now 63. From Australia. ❤🐨
I learned the word 'chifforobe' in the 50s when my next-door neighbors bought one for their new son, after two girls he was special. It was a light stained wood with the decals. My little brother's potty chair and highchair both had the animal decals. So cute. I frequently saw the decals for sale in stores up into the early 70s. You finished this beautifully but for memory's sake I would have preferred a light stain.
Beautiful beautiful restore. Those decals were big in the 50 and 60's. Many companies used them. Its hard to find full decals in good shape to save. I found one on a highchair restore i did and was able to save it. Great job barry!
@@susanprendergast7384 i have a video online here showing it you can check it out. I taped around the decal with frog tape and completely left it alone. When the rest of the highchair was ready i sprayed over all of it with poly, including the decal. Looks like the original chair from the 50's.
@@diysbydar Thank you! Believe it or not, my other project is a really old oak highchair, no decals, but I didn't know where to find the fixings! It's one of those that transforms from a low rocker and pulls up into a highchair with rockers out of the way. Got her stripped, now dust it down and use a wipe-on!
I am in my 70's & as a child I had a crib & "potty chair" with similar decals as the lambs. I love what you did with the stripping & dark stain. Much, much better than the pepto pink! Great job!
When I saw the decals it was such a moment. My kids were born in the late 1960s and I remember those on children's things back then. What a beautiful refinish of a sturdy and useful item. I was nervous about the colour but it came out very nice indeed, the woodgrain looked really good. 👍
I was born in 64 and remember those stickers from my little sister’s things. Very cute! I think if I ever have grandchildren I shall search for them and make something with those sweet decals
The sticker find was definitely a trip down memory lane! That style was on the crib sides our family had as we were each born. Thank you for taking the time to show that part and honoring the life of the person who had it originally. I love watching your videos Barry, not only because I learn something each time, but also because of your kind soul. It is shown through your voice and actions. God has blessed you.
Oh Barry, I think that you have outdone yourself. I fell in love with this piece of furniture as soon as I saw it. My grandfather had something similar. The reveal was amazing and showed just how high your standards are that puts you well ahead of the pack. Your presentation is 110% flawless. So enjoyable in every aspect. Take care. Love from Scotland.
Barry, you never disappoint. I think this piece is from the 40’s or 50’s. You did a nice job on it. I remember pieces like that being painted white and the decals being part of it. They were definitely for children.
Those lamb stickers and blond finish rang an old bell! And of course the dark stain worked! As for the pink paint: "Look out for 'The Blob!' It creeps"- watch it as a reward for another inspired solution!
I can’t get over the artistry of this and other videos on this channel. It’s as though a crew from Hollywood produced them, and yet they’re so personal; this is work lovingly created by Barry
I remember my grandparents having those decals on a crib that had been my dad’s in the late 1940’s/ early 1950’s. Seeing those lambs brought back such fun memories. Your refinishing of this piece looks terrific as usual.
Hello, Barry As always, you showed a good eye when choosing this piece of furniture. I've been following you since you posted videos and I have to say your workshop is not only becoming more and more professional, but is incredibly tidy.
That was fun! Super job Barry- nice to see it come back to life! I was born in 1956 and remember those decals very well. They were on all our baby furniture- flooded with nostalgia! Love that you preserved their memory in the pics you took. Thank you!
Absolutely lovely transformation with the wardrobe. Bringing back that wonderful woodgrain is an involved process which you handle so well. I prefer woodgrain furniture instead of painted pieces though when the wood is beyond restoration then the process of creative crafty painting makes logical sense. Your restoration work proves to always be genuinely beautiful. Thank you for your time and work to create a very worthwhile channel.
I agree. I only paint when the wood is so damaged it required a great deal of filler. I love restoring the natural wood. It is lovely and I can hardly wait until the fad of painting otherwise lovely antiques passes.
So thankful I came across your channel. Your artistic presentation of your content is much appreciated. Your voice is soothing and so pleasant. I love the way in which you thank and recognize people who have gifted you things. This chiffonier became a true thing of beauty under your artistic hands. So elegant. So expensive looking. You brought it back to life and it can breathe again free of that suffocating paint. Thank you for saving it.
Such a satisfying refurbish!!! The stickers are very familiar to me. My parents saved the crib they used for me and my two sisters in 1948-1954. The headboard had stickers very similar to the ones on your piece. Unfortunately, when it came time to use for my son (1985) the crib was deemed unsafe because of the space between the vertical bars. My mother would not allow her first (or any) of her grandchildren to use the crib. I wish I had been into repurposing this piece at the time but I wasn't. Not sure where it went. I never saw the bronze eagle. Too busy watching the transformation.
I was concerned the dark stain would be too dark for the piece, but it turned out beautifully. It's got a luxurious feel to it. I haven't seen a chiffarobe in years, so it was a little slice of nostalgia as well as a pleasure watching you bring this piece to life once again.
I'm almost 70, and remember many such decals on babies and young children's bureaus and chairs especially. I think my mom in the early 50s did those that I remember. bunnies and lambs very popular, and nursery rhymes illustrations. fun to see them again! Also, since the copyrights , if any, most likely are long expired, you could upload these pictures to your 'merch area' , or as a benefit of a small patreon subscription ,so that people could print them out for decoupage or transfers or on nice stock for framing, etc. Would be delightful to see them out in the world again as 'retro chic'!
I'm a 75 year old great gran and have had one of these chiffarobe dressers for many years. When I first got it, just like yours it had those stickers on it. It has wood wheels, and has been used by my grands, greatgran kids. I have it back, and use it for p.j.s and underwear. I love it and have painted it several times. Maybe someone in the future will restore it like you just did.
Watching you stripping painted ugly fourniture, in music, with your gentle voice and methodical work until the rebirth of the piece, is satisfying. Thank you!
I had one like this chifforobe (said as CHIF-a-robe). Also called a “chiffonier” (chif-a-NEER). They are really handy pieces of furniture. Glad you saved it.
A running joke of mine, pink latex paint on a piece of furniture, now realized. It’s almost impossible to believe the before and after pics are the same piece. That toxic pink frosting goo can join the toxic chocolate pudding in the latest Restoring Emily video. A beautiful restoration and a labor of love.
Hard core transformation, Barry! Bravo!👏👏👏 Stunning result. Squeezing glue onto the meat was hysterical!🤣 Soon after, while you reached for clamps I saw your brass eagle...thank you for explaining your process. tools, and materials. It's really sweet how you thank people by name for stuff they send you. If you sell that piece (I wouldn't!), you deserve a big payday.😁
I am 75 and had a very similar chiffarobe at 3 years old. Mine was painted robin's egg blue. It had been passed around the cousins, then to myself and younger brothers before going on to younger cousins. Thanks for the memories!
Chifforobes and armoires were common pieces of furniture for spaces with no closets. My grandmother had one that was cedar-lined (including the drawers) and she stored her out-of-season clothing in it. My grandmother who passed in 1988 only ever kept FOUR dresses, two skirt suit outfits (summer and winter), two skirts (navy and grey) and three blouses: white, navy and ecru. Only two coats: winter and rain. She had Sunday shoes, town shoes and house shoes. Only when one was worn, would she replace it. She never felt the need for more.
I have to say that this is one of my favorites. I loved the soft narration and your care in using the scrappers. From tossing the paper ball to inserting the brass unicorn...possibly remembering a little girl who once had this special piece in her room...it was a nice relaxing video displaying how your channel has grown and now is representing your sense of humor and personality. The piece was precious and so well done! Bravo! I was so captivated I forgot to look for the eagle....LOL
Hello from the mountains of Tennessee. You did a great job on this piece as usual Barry. Way back in 1974, my daughter's crib and chest of drawers had those very same decals on them. The pieces were painted a soft yellow and were the sweetest looking pieces for a baby girl's room. At the first of this video, I was screaming, the casters are missing ! So, I was very relieved when you stated in the video that you noticed it had had casters and you would be reinstalling them. Thank you for restoring this piece. It is beautiful once again.
Your chifforobe brought back so many sweet memories. I bought a used piece very like it in 1982 when I was expecting my first child. It was the same light finish with the bunnies and deer decals on it. I painted it fresh white and lined the drawers with wrapping paper from my baby shower gifts. I used that chifforobe for all four of my babies' clothes. Yours turned out so beautiful. Thank you for posting.
I was born in 85 but had vintage hand me down furniture as a baby and I had that very wardrobe, decals and all. It was part of a set that had a matching crib and wardrobe. Thanks for the walk down memory lane.
Another outstanding video Barry! You have been doing a phenomenal job with your Channel! FYI... Montgomery Wards have a line of furniture with the same decals and wall hangings during the 1950s. Back when Bo Peep was popular. True Confession, I have some of that in my bedroom growing up. Your endeavors are really remarkable, keep up the great work. Thanks so much for sharing.
Another amazing transformation, Barry. The fact that these transformations are therapeutic is just another reason (among many) to continue to watch you bring beauty to the world. You are very talented and I thank you for sharing it with all of us.
Another beautiful restoration, Barry. At first, when you said you were going with such a dark stain, I was horrified, but why I didn't trust you in the moment I have no idea, I just thought it would be way too dark. But as always, your aesthetic sense was spot on. A gorgeous stain job.
Oh, dear if you answer or react to every comment on your RU-vid channel we couldn't watch the wonderful work you are doing. I subscribed today after watching your restoration. Your voice is calming and it wonderful to watch you work. We all should remember to reuse stuff we buy. Greetings from Germany 🙋♀️
Janet here from Canberra Australia. You have started my desire to do some restoration again - first did some 47 years ago while in Teachers College. I bought piece of oak or silky oak end table covered in paint and have varnished and polished it. I live in a wheelchair, and so I had to start with a small piece. I am hoping to do some more as it brings such satisfaction. Thank you for all your videos and descriptions of what you do.
Greetings from Detroit, MI! What an amazing find and restoration. I really love how you've grown your channel and the gentle humor with which you create your videos. I look forward to many more. Also, thank you for your work in the health care profession. I can imagine you bring the same sense of compassion and an eye for beauty to your work. I'm sure your calm strength is comforting to your patients, too. ^_^
I have to say, what you did to this chifforobe was absolutely beautiful! I love the dark stain, it's not too dark, so that it still shows the grain of the wood. Just stunning!
These gentlemen’s wardrobes were always made so beautifully and were perfect to make over into children’s wardrobes. I also had those lamb transfers on my cot as a baby.
Aww. I remember those lamb, bear, etc stickers! Guess I'm old. Lol. I love that you take time and do a thorough job on a piece. I can see how it would be therapeutic. Take your mind off things, or try and solve an issue. I do that as well. Turned out stunning as always Barry. Have a great week!
You are amazing for the work you do and for the fact that you kept photos of the old stickers, it shows another level of appreciation of how small and simple things can bring joy to someone. cheers from greece
In this difficult moment, it's such a relief to watch your videos and let me tell you that you are absolutely great!!! Thank you for sharing, but most of all, thank you for spreading beauty!!!
Gorgeous! I personally love the darker stain. Your quiet approach is exactly what I love in a restoration video - so subtle and humble while giving thanks to your Amazon sponsors. It really shows how each item directly contributed to your success with this piece. You've earned a dedicated viewer and subscriber and I enjoyed your little brass eagle challenge. I loved the book and brass aesthetic you decorated this beautiful piece with. All the best to you and your channels :)
Wow, that stain is gorgeous! You can tell that this is a labor of love and it’s how I try to be with projects that I tackle…so I truly enjoy the care you take with every piece. I did had a table in my first home that had an enameled top. The chairs had pretty floral decals on the top board of the back of the chair. Wish I still had it. Thank you for the therapy session! ♥️👍🙏🇺🇸🤓
Barry. Honestly. Could your content & it's delivery get ANY better?!?! Your standards are delightfully high in every regard - each vid is so very thoughtfully composed & shot - mirroring the great care you take with your restorations. Subscribers and old furniture pieces alike consider you a superhero 😇
Beautiful! I like how you have a table set up with all the items you’ll be using . It’s like a surgery tool table …again a reference to your patients and patience 👍🏻
I remember as a child, cutting out similar pictures from birthday wrapping paper and cards and sticking them on my bedroom furniture (about 55 years ago). Thanks for the memories.
OH MY GOODNESS! My mom has this very piece! It was hers as a child and she was born in 1942. Then I used it as a child! Now, it is in my folks’ spare bedroom! It is the exact piece. Her lamb decal is slightly different... I think there is a little bear being fed a bottle too. OMG... WOW! I’m so excited! No idea why this was suggested... but so happy it was!
Wow, what a restoration. And thank you for the info on the card scrapers. I’ve seen many people sing their praises, but no one has gone to the trouble to show how to properly prep them for use.
Another excellent job Barry. Love the finish. My brother has a chifforobe that our mother bought back in 1950. One of these days I’m going to try and con him out of it so I can restore it.
My only point of reference with the term chifforobe is from To Kill a Mockingbird. I didn’t actually know what it looked like. Now I do. Beautiful work as we have come to expect from your projects. I adore the attention to detail you put into each piece. 🙏
I remember this piece being in my little brother's nursey, but in baby blue with the little lamb decals. His crib also had lamb decals. I never knew if those were added by consumers or if they were part of the original piece. This is a perfect piece for a toddler because everything is accessible to him/her, and prevents the risk of climbing on furniture to reach his or her own things. Great job!
When I was a kid, I had a chifferobe just like that. It also had the lamb stickers on top. I used it until I sent to school full time and got some"big girl" furniture. My mother painted the chifferobe a marine blue and my little brother used it for several years. BTW, I am now 63 years old. Beautiful job refinishing that piece.
As always, a sheer joy and delight to watch! Such a pleasure to see beauty appearing from what initially seems a lost cause. You really have a good eye to spot these.
Congrats on winning my cats favor! I put this video on our tv to watch and my cat stopped what she was doing to sit in front of the screen. She was entranced! Thank you for entertaining both me and my kitty :D
The amount of layers on that chifforobe was astounding not to mention that hideous pepto bismol pink. Once again a beautiful makeover and yes I remember those decals on baby furniture.
I can imagine how therapeutic all this is for you, if it's so cosy and calming for me who merely watches it. Love the piece and your style of filming&editing.
I was born in 1950 and remember having this furniture growing up, in fact it was a common accessory in a child's room in the blonde color. My baby crib was the same color with those same decals. There were no shelves in the hanging side because that's where the child's shirts, pants and dresses and coats were hung. Maybe the shelves were added as the child's clothes got too big to hang in there! Don't forget kids back then did not have the amount of clothes that kids have today! And Mom's had a free standing baby changing table with sections for baby clothes, diapers, underclothes, powder and diaper ointment right in reach! Brought back nice memories! Thanks! God Bless!
I don’t usually comment on RU-vid but i have to say your finished piece of furniture is absolutely gorgeous! The way you have your tools organized things beautifully arranged makes viewing your video so enjoyable. Thank you and God bless you.
Love to see the countryside shots. It's soooo very different from where I live on the east coast of Australia 🇦🇺. Also, how on earth can you keep everything so clean and tidy! So wish I had that gene. Love what you do and always look forward to your next video xx
Oh, how sweet..the little lambs! I had a crib and dresser with these on them. Wow, that takes me back! I love everything you do. Your voice is so calming. Also love how grateful you are to people who have assisted you. I'm looking forward to your next video.
Wow. I’m speechless. You have an incredible gift and infinite patience! I really enjoyed all the extra work you put into this video, including the outdoor shots, your basketball shot, the ad was funny too! Looking forward to seeing more. You’re giving me the courage to restore my antique buffet!
Definately find your manner of speaking very soothing. It calms you as I watch. So not only the bonus of watching a beautiful piece of furniture being restored and the feeling that something is being saved from the rubbish pile but you get chilled while watching
We had a 1950s crib which my husband restored for our Son and he had beautiful lamb and rabbit decals too he absolutely LOVED them. So sweet. The rest of his bedroom is still 1940s British utility furniture and they're so beautiful so clean and practical. Thank you for a lovely video you do really beautiful work!
So many people remember these like a blast from the past. My brothers were older than me, but Mom had saved the strikingly same one for me. Ours was a light- colored wood with the same sweet lamb decals. I think that you made it fabulous again, the new parents and grandparents would love this!!! ❤️
