Home Garden

DIY Dresser Ideas

A large part of turning your house into a home involves decorating it to suit your taste. In some cases, this could be as simple as changing the curtains, while in others it could involve tearing down walls. One way to update your bedroom's look is to add a dresser that you like. Buying such a dresser could cost hundreds of dollars. With some creativity and an old or plain dresser, however, you can undertake a project that leaves your bedroom looking just the way you like it.

Things You'll Need

  • Sandpaper, optional
  • Paint, optional
  • Varnish, optional
  • Screwdriver, optional
  • Replacement handles, optional
  • Decals, optional
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare the dresser for your redesign. Depending on its current state, this could involve stripping old paint or varnish, sanding the piece or repairing damage. If you intend to repaint the piece, read the instructions on your paint; some are designed to go over varnish, typically after a light sanding, while others require the piece to be stripped clean.

    • 2

      Repaint the piece if you wish. Again, read the instructions on your paint for necessary information, such as drying time. If you want a distressed piece, use two colors of paint. After the top layer has dried, sand through it gently in some places to reveal the color and wood below.

    • 3

      Stain the piece in a different color for a simple transformation. Varnish will leave it looking glossy and ready-to-use.

    • 4

      Replace the handles on the dresser for a simple but potentially dramatic transformation. Going from antique glass handles to modern chrome handles, for example, can give the dresser an entirely different look.

    • 5

      Use decals to give your finished piece a whimsical look. You can change these decals easily, so you can update the style of the piece in just a few minutes whenever you wish.