Red Rust Empire Buffet
Believe it or not, I went out in the pouring rain to buy this empire buffet. I actually made the arrangements to purchase it and then the skies opened up. I didn’t want to lose the opportunity to pick her up and risk not getting it. So I donned my rain jacket and away I went. I absolutely love the curves on an empire piece, and a little bit of rain never hurt anyone.
Staging Items/Decor
Vintage Empire Style Buffet
This piece wasn’t in perfect shape or even great shape. But it’s clear that it’s been around a long time and has ‘good bones’ as they say. Once the sky cleared and the rain dried I brought the empire buffet into my shop for a makeover.
So I decided to sand the entire piece completely, paying special attention to the top. That in itself made a world of difference. You can see my entire process for How to Prep Painted Furniture. The solid wood construction is something you rarely see anymore in modern-made pieces.
Adding a New Stain top to a Painted Empire Buffet
Once the sanding was complete I stained the top in a dark, almost black stain.
Custom Red Rust
I could envision this piece in only one color – rust. So I got to mixing to make the color that I was going for.. a little red, a hint of yellow, a touch of brown and a smidge of cranberry…. finished off with an antiquing glaze and voila – my rust!! This empire buffet was meant to be this color. Now, if I had only written down the exact recipe. Hindsight. You can find great paint options online HERE
I also removed the shiny gold knobs that were thrown on by a previous owner and replaced them with oil rubbed bronze knobs. They have just enough curves and texture to perfect the piece.
When it comes to painted furniture you never have to be limited by the color that you purchase, there’s a certain beauty in playing around and mixing your own custom color creations. Maybe next time I will remember to write down my recipe.
New to painting furniture and not sure where to start? Start at the beginning with How to Paint Furniture – a Beginners Guide.
Are you looking for that perfect statement piece but prefer something new? Click here for a variety of gorgeous buffets and sideboards available online: HERE 
If you love red painted furniture then you may also enjoy this Custom Painted Cranberry Credenza.
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Sandi Magle says
You did an awesome job on this piece. I also love the empire lines. So often these pieces are left alone, because of their size. But when treated like this, they are absolutely gorgeous. You made me a fan, Thanks, Sandi
Kandice says
thank you Sandi!
Denise Hardy says
Hi Kandice
This is beautiful – love the colour you mixed and the dark stain you used and the knobs – perfect. What make of paint and stain did you use if you don’t mind me asking? And… is it the glaze that is giving it it’s ‘sheen’ or did you use some kind of acrylic varnish?
Sherry Fram says
Love this piece! Love the dark top and the rust red together! Awesome makeover!
Kandice says
thank you Sherry!!
Kathryn Griffin @TheDedicatedHouse says
Kandice, this is absolutely gorgeous! The color is beautiful! Thank you for sharing. Feel free to share this at my Make it Pretty Monday party which goes live tonight at 8:00PM (Monday). http://www.thededicatedhouse.com Hope to see you at the bash! Have a lovely week ahead. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
Kandice says
thank you so much! Id love to share and join the party! thanks for the invite
june says
Hi, I love empire furniture too, I restored a chest a few years ago and love it, it sits in my kitchen and I use it for storage. I recently bought the same piece you have but it was in really poor shape, the veneer was broken in one spot on the top, so I’m not staining it. ll paint it because I cant repair veneer. I love your paint color and normally I don’t like rusty redish colors, but you got the perfect combination. I was planning an off white tone, buuuut????
I
Kandice says
I agree, Empire pieces have such great curves!! This one actually doesn’t have any veneer, luckily I was able to sand down the stains and damage. 🙂
Terry says
What a stunning rich color! You did such a nice job on this piece! It certainly has the WOW factor! I would like to invite you to share some of your work at my Making Broken Beautiful party this week! It runs every Thursday thru Sunday. I do hope you will come share some inspiration!
Smiles!
Terry
http://thecuratorscollection.wordpress.com
Kandice says
thank you Terry! and Id love to join the party, Ill be sure to come over and check it out!
Ann Marie @ Iris Abbey says
You acquired a beautiful piece despite the rainstorm. Sturdy, beautiful lines, lovely. I loved reading how you created your rust color by mixing your colors. It’s just a stunning piece and you did a great job. I saw your link at The Painted Drawer Link Party.
Kandice says
thank you so much !!
Beverly says
What a beautiful piece and a lovely job you did on it. I love the color you mixed.
Bev
Kandice says
thank you Bev.. I always feel like a mad scientist when I start mixing colors 🙂
Cindy says
She’s beautiful!
Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
Blessings,
Cindy
Kathryn Griffin @TheDedicatedHouse says
Hi Kandice! Popping back in to let you know you were one of the fan favorites at the Sunday Showcase from the Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Here is the link so you can check out your feature. http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2015/11/the-sunday-showcase-from-make-it-pretty_8.html Hope to see you again at the Make it Pretty party. Have a lovely week ahead! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
Melva says
I am loving this makeover. You did an awesome job. Colors see gorgeous!
Kandice says
thank you so much
Brenda Young says
Love your color mix Kandice, I’ve been searching for an Empire myself for quite a while now. Yours came out beautifully!
Kandice says
thank you! this was actually my first empire 🙂
Jean | DelightfulRepast.com says
Kandice, that is stunning! So many times when I’ve seen painted pieces before and after, I’ve thought the before looked better. But THIS is gorgeous!
Kandice says
thank you so much!!
Linda Ferris says
I have a piece like this. It is not finished, but the style is the same. Can you tell me the value of an unrestored piece.
kandice kullmann says
Im sorry, I really dont know. Im sure it would probably have a lot to do with the condition.