Antique Bookcase Cabinet in Coal Black

Vintage Art Deco China Cabinet Restore

This Art Deco waterfall china cabinet, circa 1940, had seen better days. Tucked away in a shop and used as a storage shelf, it was in rough shape. A family member, inspired by a photo featuring rich navy tones and warm wood, wanted to see it brought back to life. With that vision in mind, I gave the piece the repairs and makeover it deserved — blending classic navy with warm wood to honor both its history and a fresh new style.

After finishing an antique hutch and buffet in coal black, the customer brought her grandma's bookcase/cabinet to be reloved in the same color. It is actually stained a deep brown so the update will be fairly easy.

Before cleaning it I used my handy razor to remove drips from a past stain job then carried on with a good wipe down with cleaning spray and soft cloth.

Repairs came next, the loose trim along the bottom was glued and clamped and the backing tacked in a few spots with the brad nailer.