Mid-Century Modern furniture is one of the most rewarding categories to restore — but it’s also one of the easiest to damage if you treat it like a generic wood project.

Here are the five mistakes we see most often, and how to avoid them.

1) Sanding veneer like it’s solid wood

This is the big one.

A lot of MCM pieces use veneer — not because they’re cheap, but because veneer was a smart way to use beautiful grain patterns and stable construction.

Veneer is thin. If you sand aggressively, you can burn right through it, exposing the substrate underneath. Once that happens, the piece either needs major veneer repair or it will never look right again.

If you’re unsure whether it’s veneer, assume it is until proven otherwise.

2) Using a finish that’s too shiny (or too thick)

MCM tends to look best with a natural, warm finish that highlights grain without looking “coated.”

Overly glossy polyurethane can make an MCM piece feel plastic. Thick finishes can soften edges and fill grain in a way that changes the entire character.

The goal is protection and clarity — not a “bar top.”

3) Replacing hardware with something that doesn’t belong

Hardware is part of the design, not an accessory.

Swapping original pulls for modern, generic options can instantly make the piece feel off — even if the new hardware is “nice.”

If hardware is missing, we try to source period-appropriate replacements or choose something that fits the line, scale, and material palette of the piece.

4) Ignoring structure because “it looks fine”

A piece can look great and still be failing underneath.

Loose joints, drawer issues, racking frames — those problems don’t go away with a fresh finish. They get worse.

And fixing structure after refinishing can mean undoing work you just paid for.

5) Chasing perfection instead of authenticity

Vintage furniture is allowed to have character.

Not every tiny mark needs to be erased. Not every edge needs to be “corrected.” Some wear is part of what makes the piece feel real.

A good restoration balances:

• stability and function

• finish protection

• respect for era and materials

• honest character

The takeaway

MCM restoration is craftsmanship plus restraint. Done right, it elevates the piece. Done wrong, it erases the reasons people love it.

Call to action:
Got an MCM piece you’re thinking about restoring? Send photos before you start (especially close-ups of veneer and damage). We’ll tell you what you’re working with and how to approach it safely.