Some pieces immediately catch your eye because of their shape and character. This little dresser was one of those finds. Even though the finish felt tired and the inside showed plenty of wear, the curved sides and dainty proportions made it easy to imagine it becoming something special. Come along for this velvet plum dresser makeover that is both playful and elegant.
That is where Velvet Plum comes in. This rich, confident purple from Fusion’s 2024 collection has a cozy, storybook feeling that works beautifully on whimsical furniture pieces. Paired with a contrasting interior and a few creative touches, it completely transformed the dresser into a sweet statement piece with so much personality.
Here is the before:
Supplies You Will Need
- TSP Alternative
- Staalmeester roller
- Staalmeester One series small detail brush
- Fusion application pad
- Fusion Velvet Plum
- Fusion Champlain
- Stencil with circles for the inside
- Stencil with small circles for the drawers
- Fusion Beeswax Finish
- Wood filler
- Wallpaper
- New knobs
Prep Work
Like every good makeover, it began with a deep clean. We mixed Fusion’s TSP Alternative and gave the dresser a thorough wipe down with a rag. This helps remove years of residue and gives the paint a clean surface to adhere to.
Next, we removed the old knobs and filled the extra holes with wood filler. Once the filler was dry, the whole piece received a quick scuff sand to give it tooth. A light sanding is all that is needed before using Fusion Mineral Paint and it helps create a smoother finish.
Painting This Lovely Shape
Because the silhouette of this dresser was already pretty and had delicate grooves along the sides, we chose to keep the outside simple and paint it entirely in Velvet Plum. The Staalmeester roller handled the larger sections beautifully and left a smooth, even finish. For the edges and the curved detailing, the small Staalmeester One brush was perfect. It reached into the tiny spaces and created a seamless look.
Two coats of Velvet Plum were all it needed to bring out its depth and luxurious tone.
A Touch of Contrast Inside
Since this piece is on the smaller side, it felt right to brighten the inside with a contrasting colour. Champlain is a warm, classic off white that works well with any bold shade, which made it the perfect companion to Velvet Plum.
We painted the inside of the cabinet and the drawer interiors with Champlain to give everything a clean, fresh start. The soft contrast immediately made the piece feel more polished and intentional.
PHOTO 6
Playful Details for this Velvet Plum Dresser Makeover
To add a little fun and make the dresser feel even more special, we brought in stencils. Using Velvet Plum, we added a circle stencil pattern to the top shelf for a subtle hidden detail. On the drawer sides, we used a smaller circle stencil to create a sweet surprise each time a drawer is opened. These tiny touches make such a difference.
The drawer bottoms were lined with a pretty wallpaper that complements both Champlain and Velvet Plum. It adds another layer of charm without overwhelming the design.
Finishing the Piece
Once the paint had fully cured, we sealed the entire dresser with Fusion’s Beeswax Finish. Using the Fusion application pad makes this step quick and enjoyable. The wax glides on smoothly and gives dark colours a beautiful, soft sheen that feels warm and velvety.
After sealing, Jennylyn suggested gently knocking the colour back with a little black wax to create a slightly aged, softened finish. We buffed it lightly, and it instantly added depth to the rich purple tone, giving the piece a subtle vintage character.
Finally, we installed new knobs to complete the look. It is always amazing how a simple hardware update can elevate a piece.
A Velvet Plum Dream
This dresser has come a long way from its original state. The deep, cozy purple, the fresh Champlain interior, the stencilled details, and the sweet wallpaper all work together to create something both timeless and playful. It feels ready for a bedroom, a nursery, or even a creative workspace.
It is always rewarding to see how a little imagination, a rich colour, and a few thoughtful touches can bring out the charm in a piece that might have been overlooked. Velvet Plum truly let this dresser shine.