How To Restore Charm To An Old Hoosier Cabinet

Antique appliances and fixtures have not only become a popular choice for people to incorporate into their homes, but a lot of these items are coveted for both their unique designs and the vintage vibes they bring. Hoosier cabinets were once the main storage unit for kitchens, and while progress lessened the necessity for such pieces, they are still in existence. If you have an old Hoosier cabinet in your possession that you have been planning to renovate and need some inspiration, there are ways to restore its charm. Just consider what elements need the most TLC. Repainting the exterior and replacing hardware are great places to start, but don't be afraid to get creative, even installing glass panels or other elements to bring this antique find a little more into modern times.

Hoosier cabinets were once used in kitchens to house all the supplies. A family would need it in an effort to keep it organized and out of the way. These large units would hold dishware, cooking utensils, crockery, and even a flour bin and pull-out surface to work from. You can tell if your Hoosier cabinet is authentic based on elements like baking surface (if it's made of enamel or zinc), and the wood panel doors. While your cabinet may have been painted and repainted many times, it could still be worth something once it's upgraded if it is authentic, or it will make a great addition to your own kitchen.

Stripping, sanding, and re-covering may be part of your plans, as well as hardware replacement and even new cabinetry if some pieces are missing. These may need to be custom made, so it's good to have a budget and an idea of how much repair your cabinet may need lest any surprises throw off productivity. The first stage is going to be stripping away any paint you don't want on the Hoosier cabinet. Since these have been around since 1898, many units have probably had several (if not more) coats added on to help refurbish and renovate them. It's also important to remove paint because it can be tricky to match existing colors, especially if you have to make or build a new piece for the Hoosier cabinet. If you're working with vintage colors and try to use a modern shade, you may still end up with a mismatched finish. Lastly, since these pieces are so old, some of the layers of paint could contain lead — so it's just all around a better idea to start from scratch.

Remove all the hardware, then add paint stripper. Since you're working with such a large piece, you can apply the stripper then evenly cover your cabinet in plastic wrap to help the solution grab on to the paint to eventually pull it off. There are several different types of paint remover, so make sure to choose the option that suits your needs and your workspace (avoid noxious chemicals in an enclosed or small area). You may need to employ two to three strips to the unit depending on how many times it has been coated before it found its way to you, so have patience with the process.

Once you've cleaned off all the old paint, you can get to adding a new layer after sanding and priming. This is also when you want to start considering building or renovating any cabinetry or drawers in your Hoosier cabinet that may be in need of an upgrade. Broken doors, warped wood, or even swapping out panels and replacing glass or wicker in certain parts can help make this unit seem more modern while still retaining its antique originality. If you can cut out panels to add windows, this will also make the piece less bulky and overbearing, opening it up some and allowing light to filter through. If you don't want to alter the cabinets, though, that is absolutely fine, as a new layer of paint will brighten the Hoosier up, too.

The finish you use is up to you and depends on your décor; however, matte paint would bring out the different sections nicely. If you have to replace some of the hardware, it may make more sense to swap everything out so it matches seamlessly. You can also try painting or Rub N Buffing hardware to make it seem more antique. Make sure to seal everything once you've allowed the coats of color to dry. 

You can repurpose your Hoosier cabinet as a farmhouse pantry for extra kitchen décor and storage. Fill it with all your crockery, dishware, and kitchen accessories to style it. You can get as creative as you want when it comes to this; just make it useful, too, so it doesn't languish unused and take up needed space. After all, as the original cabinetry for kitchens in the 1800s, that's what its main purpose is anyways.