Reusing dresser drawers can be a great way to repurpose and upcycle existing furniture while adding a personal touch to your decor. Depending on the size of the drawer, you can use it for a variety of craft and storage projects.
Some ideas include: transforming it into shelving or a planter box, upcycling it into a mini bar or tea station, creating a jewelry box or display shelf, or using it as a nightstand, vanity, or table.
For a more decorative touch, consider transforming the drawer into a photo frame, bulletin board, or even a bedside lamp. With the right materials and a bit of creativity, the possibilities are endless.
What can drawers be used for?
Drawers can be used for a variety of storage purposes, such as organizing clothes, storing kitchen items, or housing office supplies. Many people prefer drawers because they can easily be opened and closed while still providing plenty of storage.
They also often come in a variety of sizes and shapes, allowing you to find the right size drawer to fit your needs. Drawers can also be used for organization within a room. For example, a dresser with several drawers can be used to separate clothing items such as shirts, pants, and sweaters into different compartments.
Additionally, people often use a few small drawers to organize other odds and ends around the house, such as tools, craft supplies, toys, small electronics, and even toiletries. Drawers can also provide an aesthetically pleasing look to a room; many dressers and other furniture with drawers feature an attractive design that can further enhance the look of a space.
What can you make out of an old dresser?
An old dresser can be repurposed into a variety of creative and practical items. One idea is to repurpose it into a kitchen island. You can temporarily remove the drawers, sand it down, apply a fresh coat of paint, and then secure the drawers back in place depending on the design of the dresser.
It would provide additional counter space, storage, and a beautiful center island for all of your kitchen needs.
Another great repurposing idea is to turn the dresser into a TV console. If you wedge in a piece of wood between the dresser drawers you can use it as a platform to secure a TV frame. Then use the drawers to store movies, games, or other electronics.
You can also use the top of the dresser to place items such as remote control holders and decorative pieces.
You can use an old dresser to create a unique headboard for a bed. Simply attach the dresser to the wall and then add some finishing touches with paint and hardware. You will have an instant headboard that is much more unique and cozy than a conventional headboard.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can also make a bathroom vanity out of the old dresser. You will need to remove the drawers and then add plumbing, a basin, and faucet. Plus, you can add extra shelves and finishes to customize it the way you want.
How do you make shelves out of old drawers?
Making shelves out of old drawers is a great way to upcycle old furniture and turn it into something useful and decorative. The process is relatively simple and does not require a lot of specialized tools or materials.
First, you’ll need to remove the drawers from the furniture. You can do this by carefully removing the screws that hold the drawer in place or simply pulling it out if it’s not tightly secured in place.
Once the drawer is out, you’ll need to measure the hight and width you’d like to make the shelf. The measurements will depend on where you plan to hang the shelves, so you’ll want to make sure they fit in the designated space.
When you have the measurements, mark the sides of the drawer and use a saw, jigsaw, or a handsaw to cut along the lines. Unless you’re an experienced carpenter, a handsaw is generally the easiest option to use.
After you have the shelf built, you’ll need to sand down any rough edges to avoid splinters as well as to give the shelf a nice finished look. After that, you can stain or paint the wood to match the rest of your home décor.
The last step is to attach a hanging bracket to the back of the shelf for easy mountings. Make sure to double check the weight limit of the bracket to make sure that it can hold the shelf securely.
Once you’ve attached the bracket, hang the shelf on the wall and display whatever items you choose. Making shelves out of old drawers is an easy, cost-effective way to upcycle furniture and add a unique touch to any space.
What can I do with a broken dresser?
A broken dresser can be used in a variety of upcycling and crafting projects. You can use the dresser drawers to store items in your bedroom, or you can use the wood to create customized storage solutions for your home.
If you’re feeling creative, you could even turn the dresser into a bookcase for your living room. If the dresser is too far gone for such uses, however, you may be able to break it down and use the individual pieces for any number of crafting endeavors such as birdhouses, clocks, furniture, or decorative items.
You could also paint the piece and use it as wall art. Ultimately, the possibilities are bound only by your imagination and skill set.
How do you modernize an old dresser?
Modernizing an old dresser can be done through a combination of paint, refinishing, and reconfiguring its design. Begin by giving the dresser a good cleaning to ensure that the paint, veneer, and hardware are in good condition before any work begins.
If the dresser is in need of refinishing, sand the drawers and cabinet to remove the existing finish and prep for painting. If a complete refinish is desired, apply a high-quality stain prior to painting.
For a more contemporary look, select a bold colour such as navy, burgundy, or black to paint the dresser. To prevent chipping, always use a primer before painting.
Finally, while the coat of paint is drying, rearrange the hardware on the dresser. If the dresser has pre-existing handles or knobs, consider replacing them with a more modern option. Metallic hardware in gunmetal, modern geometric shapes, or long, linear designs are all great options.
And if the dresser needs storage, consider adding baskets or unique boxes that fit into the drawers. This can help to add texture and depth to the piece.
By combining paint, refinishing, and reconfiguring the design, you can modernize an old dresser to give your living space a fresh look.
How do you repurpose furniture?
Repurposing furniture is a creative, sustainable way to revitalize an old item or give it a new life. There are many ways to repurpose furniture and the goal is to make old furniture look new and perform different functions.
Here are some tips to help you get started on repurposing your furniture:
1. Determine the function of your furniture. Think about what you need the furniture to do, who will use it, and the space you will have to fit the furniture.
2. Choose a color scheme. This will help you to determine how to repurpose your furniture. Consider colors that will add visual interest to your room and make sure to pick a color scheme that complements the room.
3. Choose the type of material you want for your furniture. If you want a more rustic look, you might consider using natural materials, such as wood. If you want a more modern look, you could use metal or plastic.
4. Start repurposing. You can paint, install hardware for additional storage, or even use fabric to upholster an old piece. If you want to add texture to a piece, you can use stencils or decoupage.
5. Consider accessories. Consider adding knobs, pulls, or other decorative elements to give your furniture a unique look.
Repurposing furniture is a great way to save money and give an old furniture a new life. With some creativity and imagination, you can transform a tired, old piece into a beautiful piece of furniture.
How do you upcycle furniture for beginners?
If you’re a beginner looking to upcycle furniture, the most important thing to do is to start simple! Choose furniture items that are in reasonably good condition and focus on transforming them with paint, decoupage, or distressed effects.
Start by selecting a piece of furniture that you’d like to upcycle. Make sure to thoroughly clean and prepare the furniture piece before beginning any sort of upcycling project. If there are any blemishes, touch them up with wood stain, filler, or sandpaper.
When it comes to adding colors, you can either choose from a variety of paint colors or stain colors if you’re going for a more natural look. Depending on what type of look you’re going for, you may consider doing a coat of primer before adding the color coats.
Once the paint is dry, it’s time to add decorative elements. This can include decoupage, stenciling, and distressing.
When you’re ready to give your piece of furniture the final touches, consider adding new hardware, like handles and knobs, to give it a more finished look. Finally, seal the painted furniture to ensure its lasting durability.
With these easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be an upcycling pro in no time!.
How do you give old furniture a modern makeover?
Giving old furniture a modern makeover is a great way to breathe new life into pieces that you love or have been passed down through generations. First, choose the item you want to give a modern makeover to and decide what you would like to change about the piece.
Then, take the item apart and sand it down to the bare wood, removing any old paint or finishes. Once sanded, you can paint the piece in a modern color, such as white or black for a clean, contemporary look.
Or you could use a bright color for a pop of modern energy. Consider decoupaging with a modern patterned design or applying metallic leafing for a glam look. Get creative! You could also change out the hardware for something more modern in style to further update the piece.
Finish off the makeover with a couple coats of sealer and your old furniture will have a modern, new look.
What do I need to refurbish a dresser?
Refurbishing a dresser can be a rewarding, do-it-yourself project that transforms the look of any room. To get started, you will need some basic tools, supplies and materials.
Tools:
• Drill – for removing hardware, making pilot holes and driving screws
• Screwdriver – Phillips head and flat head
• Hammer
• Pliers
• Sandpaper – both courser and finer grits
• Paintbrush
• Tack cloth
Supplies:
• Wood filler
• Primer
• Paint
• Water based polyurethane
Materials:
• Replacement knobs
• Drawer liners
• Replacement wood pieces
• Stain
Once you have all of your supplies and materials, the steps to refurbishing the dresser will include:
1. Remove all hardware such as knobs and handles, and set aside.
2. Clean the entire surface of the dresser, removing any dust and debris.
3. Sand the dresser, starting with courser grit sandpaper and then moving to finer grits.
4. Fill any holes or dents with wood filler.
5. Wipe the entire surface of the dresser with a tack cloth to remove any dust or residue.
6. Prime the entire dresser with a quality primer.
7. Paint the dresser, using a brush for the corners and crevices, a roller for the flat surfaces, and a foam brush for the details. Allow painted surface to dry completely before adding a top coat.
8. If desired, stain the dresser before adding the water-based polyurethane top coat.
9. Place a few coats of water-based polyurethane on the surface of the dresser. Allow each coat time to dry before adding the next.
10. Replace knobs and drawer liners.
With the right tools, supplies and materials, and a bit of patience, you can successfully refurbish a dresser and update the look of any room.
How do you restore a dresser without sanding?
If you’re looking to restore a dresser without sanding, you have a few options.
The first is to simply give the dresser a good cleaning. Use a damp towel or rag to remove dirt and dust, then use a product like mineral spirits to strip away old paint or varnish. The product might not work on all surfaces but it can be effective, provided you allow it to vaporize long enough before wiping.
The second option is to use a liquid sander deglosser or an aerosol sander. This is a type of chemical which you apply to the surface of the dresser, then you simply wipe it clean. Just be sure to use a soft cloth and use it sparingly—it could strip away too much of the finish.
You could also try using a chemical stripper and steel wool to lightly strip away old paint and varnish. However, be sure to check the instructions carefully—if not used properly, it could damage the dresser.
Finally, you could also try using a paint scraper or a power sander with a fine-grit sandpaper. This takes some skill, but it can be effective at removing years of layer of paint and varnish and creating a smooth, fresh surface.
Whichever approach you use to restore a dresser without sanding, make sure to wear protective gear and work in a well-ventilated area. Good luck!
How do you convert a normal drawer to soft close?
Converting a normal drawer to a soft close drawer is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a few steps. First you will need to purchase the appropriate hardware to complete the job. Depending on the type of cabinet and drawer, you may need a special adapter, bottom mount slides, two soft close dampers, two door guides, and four mounting screws.
Next, you will need to ensure the drawer is correctly sized for the soft close hardware. Once you have the correct size hardware, you will need to begin installing the hardware. Start by measuring and cutting the adhesive backed drawer slide and attaching it to the drawer.
Then, attach the drawer side guides to the inside of the cabinet and adjust to fit the drawer. Install the soft close dampers to the bottom edge of the drawer and then attach the base mount slides to the bottom of the cabinet.
Once everything is in place, you can secure the drawer with the mounting screws. Finally, adjust the soft close dampers to ensure the drawer closes smoothly.
With a little patience and the right tools, you can easily convert a normal drawer to a soft close drawer.
Can you change drawer fronts?
Yes, you can change drawer fronts. Depending on the kind of drawer or furniture you have, you may be able to just change the drawer fronts without taking the entire piece of furniture apart. For example, kitchen cabinets often have drawers with only the fronts attached for easy replacement.
To change the drawer fronts, begin by removing the old fronts. Most of the time, you’ll be able to use a screwdriver to unscrew the drawer fronts from the drawer sides. Once the old fronts are removed, measure the drawers to find matching drawer fronts to fit the measurements.
When you have new drawer fronts to install, align them to the openings and attach them with screws or nails, depending on the weight of the fronts. Afterwards, use sandpaper to remove any excess material or decking before staining and finishing.
Can cabinet drawers be replaced?
Yes, cabinet drawers can be replaced if they are worn out or damaged. The process of replacing a cabinet drawer varies depending on the type of cabinet, but the basics are generally the same. First, you will need to identify the screws or fastenings that are holding the drawer in place and undo them.
Then, you can simply slide out the old drawer and replace it with a new one of the same size and shape. Finally, you will need to reattach the screws or fastenings on the new drawer in order to secure it in place.
In some cases, you may also need to adjust the slides or tracks on which the drawer sits, depending on the type of cabinet and drawer you are dealing with.
