Revamp an old dresser
With just a few simple changes, this hand-me-down looks tailor-made.
Tools & Materials
Wood filler
Paintbrush and roller
Putty knife
Screwdriver
Craft knife
Low-grade sandpaper
Spray-paint primer
White water-based latex interior paint
Drill
Drawer knobs
Vinyl decal
Burnisher
Painter's tape
BEFORE
STEP 1: After removing the drawers from the chest, unscrewed the drawer pulls and press quick-drying wood filler into the holes. Smooth away the overflow with a putty knife, but a stiff spatula could work as well.
STEP 2: Gently sand the surface of the bureau's drawer fronts and frame before spray-painting them with primer. Two hours later, go over everything with two coats of white water-based latex interior paint in a semigloss finish. Try applying the first layer of paint with a roller for quick coverage and the second with a paintbrush to create a slightly textured effect.
STEP 3: Allow the paint to dry for several days, and then measure and drill holes for the new knobs. Here we used drawer pulls in a variety of sizes and patterns (from $6 each; anthropologie.com ), but stuck to a single color for unity and to allow the decal to stand out. After drilling the holes, screw in the new handles.
STEP 4: Before applying wall decals, affix them with painter's tape to find the best arrangement. For similar decals, visit: What Is Blik; whatisblik.com , or Target; target.com . We centered our 16- by 39-inch decal and adhered it to the dresser with a burnisher (a credit card would also do). Then slice the sticker along the drawers' edges with a craft knife so the drawers will open.
STEP 5: To protect clothing while adding a touch of unexpected style, place a liner, like these perfumed and decorative sheets, inside the drawers. Green Tea scented drawer paper, $28/six sheets; soapandpaperfactory.com .
More from Country Living:
More Furniture Makeovers
Budget Makeover Projects & Makeover Ideas
Easy Spring Crafts
Decorate with White
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