A couple of months back, I was doing my usual reconnaissance on Craigslist for a buffet. I was actually looking for an entryway piece to replace the current one we have which in reality was just not doing the job for us anymore. It was a pressed wood piece which was only meant for a few years of use and after 3 moves it was time to retire. I came across this Duncan Phyfe buffet which looked to be in decent shape and the owners were asking $175. Now, I like to consider myself a thrifty person and there was no way I was going to pay $175 for this with the work that was needed. So I offered $120 to pick it up in the next hour…and they accepted! I guess they were moving and they were just a few miles down the road from us so I sent my husband to grab it.
Then I get a phone call. It was my husband and in his usual “I told you so” voice, he says, “I wouldn’t have paid $120 for it. You’ll see when I get home.”
Now mind you, I’m at work and don’t get out till 4 and it’s 1 p.m. when he picked it up. I sat at work all day trying to figure out from that one single photo, what could be so wrong with the buffet.
When I got home, I raced into the garage to look at it. I pulled the drawers open, they were intact and worked properly. The doors were in good condition with some minor veneer peeling and chips. There was a few nicks and scrapes here and there but nothing major.
And then there was the top. The entire top of this buffet was unsecured and loosed and a small tug could have removed the whole thing. Because the top was not secured properly, one of the side was warping which meant the veneer to both sides, had to be replaced. It turned out to be A LOT of work.
While my husband was working on removing the veneer, and the trim on the doors, I went to home depot to get some plywood to reinforce the siding. I couldn’t decide on a color but I had recently come across some wonderful projects on Pinterest in Graphite and Typewriter by Annie Sloan and Miss Mustard Seed. Sidenote: After spending way too much money on this buffet that needed so much work, I had to make up for the cost by opting for DIY chalk paint instead of splurging on true milk/chalk paint. So I decided to go with Behr’s “Black Suede,” because it wasn’t deep and had a grey tint to it.
We relocated the hardware, and went with a cute, but fun vintage white pumpkin knob from Hobby Lobby. We also stained the top in a mixture of Antique Walnut and Java Gel Stain by General Finishes. The end result was gorgeous!
Let me know what you think of this Duncan Phyfe Buffet transformation in the comments below! If you have questions, I have answers (hopefully)!
This comment has been removed by the author.
I just came across your blog today from General Finishes facebook page and you guys do amazing work! I have enjoyed reading your posts and seeing your beautiful transformations. Looking forward to more blog posts. Thanks for the inspiration.
Thank you Shayla! We are so looking forward to hearing from you in the future! Thanks for following us!
Hi Shayla! I apologize, I am just now seeing your comment! Thank you so much for taking the time to read our blog!
I just bought this EXACT item except it is stamped “Carolina Panel Co.1948.” I love this color you choose. Is it the satin, flat, or glossy? Thank you!
Hi Nicole! I believe I used flat for this since I made my own chalk paint recipe. I hardly every use anything higher than that when it comes to paint from Lowe’s or Behr. Hope it turns out well!
It looks great! I like the rubbed look you gave it. I just bought one in a antique store, it is painted with off white chalk paint and the top is stained a medium wood tone. They left the original pulls on it which I was happy for. Mine looks a lot like yours except it has a round trim on the doors and drawers. I was wondering if it is 30’s or 40’s since the trim is different. I can’t find one that looks like it. I believe it is Duncan Phyfe.
Hi Joanne! So happy to hear that you were able to find a beautiful buffet like this one. These are very stately and definitely have a distinct look so it is very possible it is Duncan Phyfe. Thanks for stopping by the blog!
Hi Crystal, I love how this piece turned out! It’s exactly the color and finish i’d like for my dining table and chairs. Can you share your chalk paint recipe, and what kind of finish you used. I’m considering a matte polycrylic over waxing all those pieces.
Hi Debbie! I used powdered calcium carbonate, about 2-3 table spoons, mixed in warm water first, then mixed into a cup of paint. You will see your paint thicken when you have the additive. However, I would recommend using a powdered paint additive like BB Frosch or perhaps a furniture specific paint over latex. It is much easier to work with! As for the finish, I believe I used matte polyurethane from Rustoleum which you can get from any hardware store like Lowe’s or Home Depot.