How to Make a Dresser Into a Buffet

Purchasing brand new dining room furniture is expensive -- a complete set with a table, chairs and buffet server can cost well into four figures. Even if you just purchase a new table and chairs, quality pieces are pricey, and you still need a surface to hold serving dishes. Repurposing a dresser into a sideboard is one way you can recycle unwanted furniture or turn a yard sale or flea market find into something useful and beautiful for your dining room. The best part of a project like this one is that you can create a completely custom piece, and embellish the buffet as much or as little as you wish to fit your decor and personal style.

Dresser
Screwdriver
Sandpaper and sander
Paint or stain
Paintbrushes
Drawer pulls or handles

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare the dresser for refinishing. Remove the drawer hardware, and take the drawers out to make it easier to work. Sand off as much of the old paint or stain from all of the surfaces of the dresser, including the drawer fronts.
- 2
  Paint or stain the dresser to match your decor, following the manufacturer instructions for the paint or stain you choose. Allow the new stain or paint to dry.
- 3
  Add a coat of clear polyurethane to protect your buffet from moisture and heat. If you'll be serving hot foods or liquids on the buffet, the surface could be damaged if it is not protected.
- 4
  Replace the drawer hardware with stylish new drawer pulls or handles. If you choose to install new handles, be sure that the handles will fit over the holes left when you removed the old ones.
- 5
  Add a runner and some accessories to dress up your buffet while it is not in use. Fill the drawers with extra linen, silver or anything else you want to store in the dining room.

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