I restored an old Vanity Table and found an unexpected link to the past

[@ATRestoration]

Which country are you watching this video from?

[@Frikkie5302]

Mosselbay , South Africa

[@Chuthulhu123]

Yorkshire, England

[@ЛюбовьШкиндер]

Дивлюсь з України

[@cliffordmaynard6559]

AMERICA

[@lizmoore1313]

Colorado USA

[@ElaineWood-f2t]

Greetings from Virginia, USA! I don't do furniture repair or refinishing, but my father-in-law was a carpenter and wood shop teacher. He passed much of his knowledge on to his son, my husband, so I have grown to be quite interested in the restoration process. There are several content creators here in the US who make money by "flipping" furniture for resale. I find that most of them rely on sandpaper, wood fillers including Bondo, and paint. Granted, much of the furniture they work on is made of solid wood framework with plywood or particle board sides and fronts. Still, they all lack your level of training, skill, and expertise. It's refreshing to watch you work and to see what a true craftsman is capable of. I truly enjoy your videos! This vanity project turned out beautifully!!! Bravo, sir!!!!

[@ATRestoration]

They are in different niche where prices are lower, so it is understandable.

[@KlausKokholmPetersen]

If you're restoring furniture for resale you have to keep labour time and other costs down, unless you want to work for under a dollar per hour.

[@nmp6338]

As an antique dealer, I have seen many Art Deco vanities in various stages of disrepair here in the Midwest, USA. This vanity restoration is impeccable and so beautiful. All of my bedroom sets are Art Deco and I own two spectacular 60 inch round mirror vanities. I love to watch your videos. Your attention to detail and time consuming restorations are always informative and helpful. From Detroit, MI, USA.

[@vickiwood9192]

Beautiful restoration. I am always impressed by how clean your workshop is.

[@SultanaP]

He IS a tidy man!

[@p.jackson9657]

About 53 years ago, I wanted to become a carpenter. My mom didn't let me, because it was not a job for a girl. Two years ago, I fulfilled my dream of a woodworking room in my basement. I am not very good at it, but I make up a bit with enthusiasm. I absolutely love watching you and wished I could be right in the middle of it. At 68 I am still trying to learn as much as possible. I appreciate your work so much

[@javig5045]

It's never too late to live your dream lady.

[@p.jackson9657]

@@javig5045 oh, I didn't just dream my life away. I did so many things and now, that I am retired, my day doesn't have enough hours. I have turned my house into my crafts paradise, turned my living room into a craftsroom, where I paint, weave baskets, built things for my doll houses. My second basement room is stacked with ceramic molds and a kiln. If you are ever on hometalk and find stepping stones looking like buttons with my name to them - that's me. Wishing you a very happy New Year

[@magn0lia_tree655]

Congratulations on finding your dream ❤

[@p.jackson9657]

​@@javig5045 I answered you a few hours ago and my answer is gone or only invisible to me. I did not just dream. I lived fully, had kids, moved around the globe, watched and learned. Now I am semi -retired and rearranged my house to suit me. My livingroom is a craftsroom with shelves, filled with glass pearls, tools, linens, canvasses, silk flowers, buttons - whatever you want in numerous containers. Where I paint, weave baskets, built things for my doll houses, the Barbie house, my decorations for house and garden. In my second basement room I have stocks of ceramic molds and a kiln. I have a large table in my former living room, seats six, where I will teach classes again once my kiln is fixed. My day doesn't have enough hours. I have dogs and we take long walks through the woods every day. I have the best friends anybody could find and I love my life. If you ever look at hometalk and find stepping stones looking like buttons with my name besides them - that's me 😂 Happy New Year to everybody

[@DHogg-w5u]

Good on you girl! Bravo!!

[@janeblack7880]

Spooky date on it. Amazing that a an Estonian is repairing a German piece of furniture for a Swiss banker and I am in England enjoying the video

[@ATRestoration]

We all share the same history.

[@princessdumbarton9877]

And I'm reading your comment in the USA.

[@pipmitchell7059]

And I'm in Canada.

[@jenniferhart559]

And someone 5 years from now will ask, "who's watching this in 2029?"

[@Trammiliin_nr2]

And I'm in Estonia.

[@Igor-de7zz]

Sir, I’m Jewish and a long time watcher of your channel. Thank you for recognising that date and your acknowledgement that stuff like that happens today. Keep up your quality work.

[@Restaura_con_Gianni]

you're right, the same thing happens today, but this time the victim of persecution is the Palestinian people. But this does not debase your religion, because it is not a religious war, but today as then the aim is the supremacy of one "race" (the human race is one) over the others. Jesus was also Jewish, so honor this great religion, which cannot be tarnished only by a head of state similar to Hitler

[@MoriaCampbell]

​@@Restaura_con_Gianni October 7, bad idea

[@stephenburns3678]

Stunning results

[@loisgehman949]

@@MoriaCampbell…the dates (plural) were November 9-10, 1938.. so he was correct… especially when you consider that dates are written dd/mm/yyyy in Europe.

[@madamehadomadam2627]

Well, he said "the same's happening today but in curved mirror", so it means he belongs to those who think Jews are the new nazis ! As if Israelis hated Palestinians just for who and what they are, when in fact there's a territorial & political conflict initiated by the arab countries all around 75 years ago ! He's just another one who doesn't take time to get rational information, and mistake easy slogans of haters for History and reality ! Thanks, but no thanks.

[@capers72424]

Your skill blows me away every time! Thank you for sharing this!

[@Quaker521]

Another lovely job of repair and restoration Ahti. Thank you for the video, always a pleasure to watch. Cheers.

[@normagrimstad8869]

My mom was born in 1938. Her cousin (still living) was born in October 1938. This proves that these historical events are not that long ago, although people seem to be forgetting. Never forget.

[@shellydehart8217]

What an awesome piece this vanity is from the 1938. I can’t get enough of watching you restore antiques. I appreciate so much at how you share what you’re doing n what you use. I also appreciate your honesty when you make a boo boo but in my book you’re still the best out there. I couldn’t even tell or show where you repaired the veneer that’s just how precise you are. This Swiss banker is going to flip when he sees the beauty you have made of this gorgeous vanity. ♥️♥️🥰🥰👍🌟🌟

[@freethebirds3578]

God bless you, Ahti! Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful work with us. Here in Indiana, USA, I always make room in my Saturday schedule for your videos.

[@jodidavis6595]

You’re a good man for acknowledging that night. God bless you sir. This was beautifully restored. Watching from USA South Carolina. Proud subscriber too ❤️🇺🇸

[@mariaandersson492]

Greetings from Sweden. Lovely restauration, as usual. Allways a pleasure to watch your videos. Beside the lovely craftmanship you show I also love your sence of humour.

[@louisegogel7973]

Beautiful work! Swiss American here. Currently watching from Vermont. Sad history. May we grow and learn from each event and challenge, and hold neither side either up or down, but truly LEARN AS HUMANS from these intensely disturbing times. Thank you for your way of showing your work with clear to read explanations that linger.

[@csekeamal7788]

Gyönyörű bútor lett! Magyarországon a 60-as években sok lakásban volt hasonló, hozzátartozott a szoba "garnitúrához". Volt olyan, amilyenen a tükörhöz tartozott két elfordítható szárny, így a miniszoknyát lehetett hátul is ellenőrizni 😆

[@debbiemcconkey4258]

Watching from Oregon, USA. Another BEAUTIFUL result. Your skills are amazing. I love watching your work and seeing the results.

[@Ladybug-uf7uh]

From North Carolina, USA. Hello Ahti! You never disappoint with your work or video's. Your comment was " here is the repair of the veneer" and I squinted my eyes and said to myself "where? I can't see it!". Thank you for the trip to 1938 - a sad time, but true.

[@craigmoore7521]

Always a pleasure watching your content. Amazing job as always!!!

[@lynnmccann2098]

Stunning piece! Beautiful restoration. Been watching for some time now and the work you do is amazing. Don't find the craftsmanship anymore that they had in the past. Love antique pieces. Can't wait for the next piece you work your magic on!

[@DeeDhaliwal-ue2nd]

Thank you for your videos. You have a great sense of humor that you add to your videos while doing work that shows your mastery of your craft. Keep your videos coming! Dee from Canada

[@LadyLeigh]

I was never very keen on Art Deco furniture but as I have gotten older I have come to appreciate its style more. You are one of my favourite restorers as I appreciate your attention to detail including cleaning and sanding the interiors. Creating those little veneer patches is a real art and you excel in it! What a spectacular restoration of this dresser. I eagerly await each new video. Cheers from Australia. 🤗🇦🇺

[@nettiesanders676]

I agree, now I am older I appreciate so much more the things that in your youth you ignored 😢 that is why getting older brings a new wonder to our lives, makes up for the aches and pains 😂

[@НаталияЖуравская-в4ь]

Чудова робота! Така гарна річ! Ви дійсно дали їй нове життя! Браво, майстре!❤🎉

[@songbird3094]

Hello from Ireland 🇮🇪. That is beautiful 😍, just like all your other work.

[@SusanDean-n7x]

Love the newly restored piece, love old classic furniture, well done 👏

[@Vickie-Bligh]

Ahti, that was exquisite. Thank you for sharing that. I love your restorations, you bring the furniture to life. Thanks from Washington State, USA.

[@Annie54]

From Washington State in the USA. I’m close to Vancouver B.C. Canada just north of me. This one turned out so beautiful. I love that era of furniture. ❤

[@sharonlaster2767]

You are a genius in both matching pattern and color! Always a joy to watch you work.

[@fredbloggs8072]

His colour matching is always incredibly impressive. Down to talent, experience & a good eye I guess.

[@gAIL-w7r]

What a unique piece of furniture, your work is amazingly perfect. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@Hgro-d3t]

Как всегда шедевр получился, Ахти! Наверное он даже не был таким красивым в 1938!!! Приятно наблюдать за вашей бережной работой. И очень поразил меня этот ваш забавный инструмент с выдвижными маленькими металлическими проволочками, с помощью котрого вы копировали и восстанавливали мелкие повреждения! Чего только не придумают находчивые люди! ❤

[@ТамараКоролева-у9м]

Тоже в восторге от этого инструмента, придумают же.😊

[@sophiachristo7546]

Stunning piece! Impeccable Restoration! It's so nice that furniture like this one find their place in a new home and will be inherited to the next 3 generations and last for another 100 years! Watching and enjoying your videos from Greece.

[@caroledwards1182]

Such a beautiful piece of furniture and a great restoration.

[@SultanaP]

On my furniture projects, my husband LOVES to scrape... lol love the flat blades!

[@marcusott2973]

Much awaited, much appreciated looking forward to excellent work as always from you.

[@LucyJG]

Gorgeous! The design is spectacular & your repairs, flawless.

[@Fionasichanie]

I love your work!❤ beautiful craftsmanship restored perfectly & video editing, Seattle 🇺🇸

[@suzml8106]

Really gorgeous. So beautifully repaired ❤

[@rowejon]

Very nice, as always! I think the piece looks more like a telephone table for an entrance hall than a vanity table.

[@maryleeswope3353]

Im sure it is a hallway telephone table. I have seen others like it.

[@sharontrujillo]

How is it used??? You definitely can't sit on that glass !!! 😮

[@fredbloggs8072]

I agree, I think it's a hallway item. The mirror is to check your appearance before walking out the door.

[@beckawilk]

Looks exactly like my Aunts telephone table from this time period.

[@Chestnut442]

@@sharontrujillo There was usually a small, low-profile matching simple chair that sat beside these pieces, the more 'upscale' version fitted with a padded upholstered seat.

[@robertgriffith9703]

Gorgeous Restoration! Just Watching You work is a Pleasure! Oregon, USA.

[@brycecrousore1985]

What a stunning result! Happy holidays from frigid Minnesota, USA!

[@charleneblake1146]

That cabinet is gorgeous. Well done, as usual🎉🎉🎉

[@nikkikingtatsuno3492]

I watch your videos from Colorado, USA. Half my family was from Belgium. My Belgian aunt was married in the 1930s and had furniture like this. I’m always impressed by you attention to detail and the depth of your knowledge about furniture.

[@mollysheridan7134]

Hi from the USA. That tool you used to get the shape for the veneer repair is brilliant. I’ve never seen it before. That vanity turned out spectacular!

[@scottcates]

contour gauga

[@mollysheridan7134]

@ Thanks!

[@kadran3263]

Beautiful piece of furniture. The Art Deco proportions always sing to me. Wonderful rejuvenation, too, good sir!

[@jfulysse9629]

As every time you did a very good job. Congratulations from France !

[@kayhenry6293]

That is absolutely gorgeous! It looks to be a well constructed piece of furniture and I wish it belonged to me. You did an amazing job on it. Watching from Texas, USA.

[@Яукраїнка-г3с]

Це просто неймовірно! Я дуже люблю дивитись, як ви робите шедеври з того, що вже, іноді, здається, не підлягає відновленню! У вас талант і золоті руки!❤ Я з України, а в Естонії живуть мої дядько і двоюрідна сестра, яких я, на жаль, ніколи не бачила. Але знаю, що Естонія чудова країна з добрими і працьовитими людьми!❤️

[@diannebernau3293]

Art Deco is my favourite era and I love this piece of furniture. Thank you for sharing your skills with us. Best wishes from Australia 😘🇦🇺.

[@tamarafruntasu4171]

Ну очень красиво....супер!!! Спасибо за прекрасную работу ❤

[@kailee5694]

Watching from south Florida, USA. It’s always amazing to watch a master at work.

[@vbee3571]

Wow - I didn’t think it would turn out to be so beautiful. Excellent veneer repair., Also, thank you for the history that you tell us in your videos. I had never heard of Crystal Night, so I looked it up. How horrible!

[@leewood729]

So many of these sorts of pieces get "upcycled" instead of restored - very nice to see you honour its history and integrity. Great veneer repairs, really had to look for them. Kia kaha from Aotearoa New Zealand.

[@lukasmarks6504]

Didn't expect the Spaceballs reference. Gave me a good chuckle 😄

[@jenniferburns9186]

Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina ❤ I love watching you work as I’m getting ready for bed. You do such an amazing job, being so precise and professional.

[@KazzamPsycho]

Yeeees a new video! Always look forward to these 😊

[@gretchen_needs_a_dog]

Maryland, USA - I love watching all of the repairs and particularly enjoyed the angled corner clamps and skyline-shaped veneer cut. Thank you for sharing your work.

[@LoriM222]

That came out so gorgeous!!!! I love it ❤

[@chrisT5259]

In the USA. Another fantastic restoration. You are a true artisan and craftsman. The veneer repair was outstanding!

[@kvitkaqueenly8029]

Как всегда суперское видео! Просто релакс наблюдать за вашей работой 😊😊😊❤❤❤

[@frazzledhaloz3184]

Beautiful job! Stunning piece of furniture!❤

[@christinebrady6842]

When I saw this vanity at the beginning I thought it was an ugly piece of furniture. Your restoration made it beautiful to me.

[@cecoya]

What a beautiful piece of furniture and the Matster has restored it to perfection. How amazing. Have a wonderful Holiday season

[@EmmieC]

Brilliant! As always. 😊

[@avivat3010]

I had no idea that PVA can be heat activated! I always learn so much from you. The lessons are innumerable. I am curious as to why you use a rotary sander inside the cupboard and sand with the grain on the veneer when the wood is unfinished. I gather there must be a reason. As always, the end result of your work is beautiful. I love the bakelite knobs - Art Deco finishes are still delightful. Thank you so much for your delicate "reflection" on Kristallnacht. It is a sobering one. I never thought we could return to such a dark and hateful time. I thought we would learn from our mistakes. As Shylock says, "...if you prick us, do we not bleed...?" It makes me so sad. People are so much more the same than different from each other; our differences are so interesting and enlightening. I do hope that love wins out. Viewing from Toronto, Ontario, Canada

[@markbrownfield437]

I am no master but may I offer, that the rotary sander can leave swirly scratches on the surface that are more obvious when the finish is applied. Also the sander can be aggressive and eat through veneer in a flash, but he may have needed that to get through the stains. Hand sanding is slow and controlled and gives a more beautiful finish. I agree 100% with your sentiments as well.

[@avivat3010]

@@markbrownfield437 Thanks!

[@kathleennagwak1761]

Beautiful job, you respected the piece beautifully. Great repair. Viewing from NY, USA.

[@ewalizardalilu7634]

I love old furniture like this, beautiful work👍👍👍

[@barbaraclark1833]

You are a true craftsman who stands out. This is not furniture flipping but true restoration.

[@lauralake7430]

Thank you for mentioning Crystal Night. May the memories of the lost Bless us. Your heart is amazing. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@RissaFirecat]

Oh, how beautifully you restored this piece of furniture. What you found was chilling, and I am glad you still restored this.

[@RamonaAnne]

Kristallnacht - what a chilling reminder. It gave you grim thoughts while you were working, I imagine.

[@tgflux]

...and on a (big) piece of GLASS! 😬

[@bowiefaniamiam8118]

Wow! That looks amazing. You're very skilled at what you do. Beautiful piece of furniture😊❤

[@PINTandDALE]

Beautifully done - as ever!

[@judithmyers3039]

You are very meticulous, knowledgable, and tenacious. I imagine this took quite A bit of time to repair and renovate this lively piece of history!

[@teresafierro1789]

Lo Felicito Por Su Hermoso Trabajo .

[@Mable2004]

Dieser Mann ist der Hammer, ich schaue immer wieder gerne deine Videos an wie Du Möbel restaurierst und sie wieder in neuem Glanz erstrahlen lässt. Du bist ein Künstler und du verstehst dein Handwerk!!!

[@sarahlogan2075]

Beautiful!

[@hazelreece4201]

Absolute stunning restoration of a gorgeous vanity. From UK

[@WINDYJEAN]

Very beautiful.

[@iulianabrezeanu8001]

Sunteti un profesionist! Aveti toata admiratia mea. Imi pare bine să vă urmaresc.

[@ЕкатеринаФедотова-и3д]

Как всегда Вы на высоте👍💪

[@kaycox5555]

Such a lovely and unusual piece! You brought it to life in an excellent fashion. So very, very well done!! Congratulations. I am from the USA/California/in the middle!! Blessings - always watch your channel because you are so talented!

[@gwenm6582]

Absolutely gorgeous!!!!! You did a fantastic job!!!!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@dinkohrvat344]

I bought a small bedside chest of drawers in very good condition in a second hand shop . I found a old letter dated 1953 where a woman was advising her friend /relative she was planning to leave her husband and the marriage was over . Loved the video !! Art Deco is really lovely .Thanks

[@KathyStrickland-nh9vx]

The skill you possess is amazing. It's such a joy to see what you are capable of when restoring pieces. Watching from Florida, USA.

[@anniealaverdov554]

Magnifique! J'adore les meubles des années 1930, l'esthétique, leur fonctionnalité, tout me plaît, restauration superbe bravo à vous pour l'amour que vous mettez dans ce que vous faites !

[@RegineHildebrandt-v1w]

It's so amazing to see you working with all your equipment/tools. And what comes out is a wonderful work

[@catherinetetrault4789]

Incredible restoration as always. I definitely love this piece and especially love the hardware. My favorite restoration Master, Ahti. Watching from North East Connecticut,USA. Have been watching you for years and look forward to the next notification ☺️💓😊😅❤🎉

[@shirleyannconfer9651]

The new glass was a great choice, and I’m glad you could keep the original mirror. This is beautiful work.

[@robertm348]

Beautiful piece and a wonderful restoration. Thank you for preserving history!

[@TheDivasoprano]

Canada. I love your work. I have a cedar chest that was my grandmother’s. It’s from the 30’s as well. I need to refinish it. I’m glad I have good artisans to watch.

[@Grimmbutscrappy]

Stunning transformation, your craftsmanship is always top notch. It was so exciting to see a new AT Restoration video pop up. ❤ from Maryland USA.

[@carolbjornsen487]

Season’s greetings from NJ. Beautiful piece of furniture.

[@babbygirlk]

what i love is sometimes you get a piece a history hidden too and that you tell us a history fact that went along with that too. that is so cool too! i love watching how you bring it back from the ""dead" so to speak. thank you and its never over done its always the how it was suppose to be.

[@gitie1791]

I am from eastern Canada It is a great pleasure to watch your videos…you are very talented. Regards

[@pamsheets632]

When I saw this piece I thought of my goodness 😂! I knew you would make it beautiful! But no you made it gorgeous! This is an amazing beautiful piece! The wood grain is gorgeous! Fantastic job transforming this to be used for years to come! 😊❤️

[@samanthadean1083]

Awesome job!!! ❤️❤️❤️👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Much love from Canada!!! Happy Holidays!!!

[@maeverobertson1108]

Amazing restoration as always. Oddly enough what I really enjoy is your skill with the chisel. Tucson Arizona USA.

[@RoxannaCanarr]

Fantastic, I loved watching this piece be restored! Great job!

[@kenolive921]

Thank you for describing what you are doing. Lovely work.

[@constance4105]

Unique little piece...love the knobs. Many thanks.