How to Make a Breakfast Bar Out of a Dresser

Remove the drawers from the dresser and take off any old hardware and set it aside. Wipe the dresser with a damp cloth to remove dust and grime. Strip off the old paint from the dresser frame and the drawer fronts with chemical paint stripper or sandpaper.

Measure length from side to side and the width from front to back of the top of the dresser. Add at least 4 inches to the length measurement for a 2-inch overhang on each side. Add at least 12 inches to the width. You will store the bar stools under this overhang so make sure to add enough for your particular stools.

Cut a piece of wood at least 1-inch thick to the measurements you determined in Step 1. This will be the new top of your breakfast bar. It can be solid wood, plywood or MDF (manufactured hardboard). It must be flat and strong enough to stand up to breakfast items and people leaning on it.

Position the new top on the dresser so that the overhang is even on both sides and the back of the wood is flush with the back of the dresser. If the old dresser top is warped or not level, you may have to carefully pry off the old top before installing the new one. If you have to do this, check the height to make sure the stools still fit under the new top. Drill pilot holes through the wood into the four corners of the dresser and screw it down with wood screws to secure it.

Lightly sand the dresser and drawers and remove dust with tack cloth. Apply stain or a primer and paint as desired. Follow the label directions on the stain, primer and paint cans, allowing sufficient drying times between coats.

Line the inside bottom and sides of the drawers with decorative shelf liner. Use double-sided tape to hold it in place. Reinstall the hardware or replace it with new hardware.

Move your new breakfast bar to the dining area. Install the drawers and stock them with silverware, linens, plates, candles and other dining supplies. Slide the stools under the overhang. Place decorative items on top of the breakfast bar when not in use.