Revamp an old dresser


With just a few simple changes, this hand-me-down looks tailor-made.

Tools & Materials

  1. Wood filler

  2. Paintbrush and roller

  3. Putty knife

  4. Screwdriver

  5. Craft knife

  6. Low-grade sandpaper

  7. Spray-paint primer

  8. White water-based latex interior paint

  9. Drill

  10. Drawer knobs

  11. Vinyl decal

  12. Burnisher

  13. 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
Limited Time Offer - Order Country Living & Save up to 81%


Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.