Updated Oak Armoire

I don't like the way TVs look.  I have shows that I like to watch, but overall, I hate TV.  I really have to be in the mood.  There are times when TV watching is acceptable and appropriate but I also like visiting with friends and actually connecting with other humans. (And I really like to play outside!)  So... Bad TV! Go to your room! If I want your opinion I'll ask for it!

In my living room, my HUB for socializing, I want that TV hidden away, only to come out when it's appropriate...like when Breaking Bad Season 6 or anything else I like ever hits NETFLIX streaming. :) Did I mention we don't have cable? Thanks Netflix!

This is why an armoire in the living room was a perfect solution (since I can't afford a recessed 50 inch flat-screen in a custom frame pretending to be wall art).

I wasn't seriously looking for a new piece of furniture but did keep my eyes open while thrifting and browsing Craigslist.  But...something magical happened, I found one and didn't even have to go far!  My dad was recovering from surgery and I was visiting with him in his room.  I was looking around and said "OMG, that is what I've been looking for.  To find an armoire just like that to re-do!"  His flat screen TV was on TOP (not inside of it). And there was nothing inside! GASP!!! Unused furniture!? I studied it for a second, imagining all of the things I would do to it (this is starting to get steamy)... then I said, "Dad, can I have that?" The rest is history.  Turns out, Dad has 32 pieces of furniture in his room so we moved the dresser over to replace the armoire as the new TV stand. :)  THANKS DAD! I love hand-me-downs!  My parents got this solid oak furniture set probably 15 years ago when this look was "all the rage".  Insert grumpy cat face here.

Time for an update.  That's the beauty of solid wood, it can be refinished.  None of this cheap particle-board junk that doesn't last and ends up in landfills.

I don't have photos of my step-by-step process but it was rather simple and only took a few hours. I removed all the hardware and took the doors and drawers off.  I laid the doors out on paint cans.  Because it was only stained and I didn't have to strip it, I just gave it a quick sand with my electric hand sander using 220 grit paper.

After sanding I used a tack cloth to remove all dust.  Now time for paint.  I used Behr's paint and primer in one in the color "Espresso Beans".  This will be the same color I re-finish the kitchen cabinets in the new house with.  (Test run on the armoire, woooo!)  I used a brush to cut in on all the panels and detail work and rolled the rest with a small foam roller.  I used 2 coats of paint and am really happy with the result.

I did rough up the hardware a little with sandpaper and spray them with a brushed nickel-colored spray paint.  I'd like to eventually replace the knobs with something a little prettier but for now this will do. :)