How to transform your old dresser into a modern masterpiece

Dresser makeover- Transform your old dresser into a modern masterpiece

How to transform your old dresser into a modern masterpiece-New life for an old dresser – Creative makeover idea that you will love.

Wait… Don’t toss that old dresser in the garbage just yet! If the bones are good that’s all that matters. Even if the dresser needs a few manageable repairs, it can be worth it. Let me show you how I transformed our old dresser into a modern masterpiece with a little creativity and elbow grease.

Remember the dresser I was transforming for the One Room Challenge? The plan was to update the old dresser till we ordered a new one for my daughter’s bedroom makeover.

But, once the old dresser was completed, my daughter fell in love with the new/old dresser.

So we held off from getting a new one for now. I definitely don’t mind saving a few bucks.

You can also see some of the fantastic room transformations from truly talented participants at the One Room Challenge.

I had a few DIY projects for this room makeover, but this dresser transformation is my favorite.

So let me show you how I updated this dresser.

Here are the steps to transforming this old dresser

Clean the dresser: Started by thoroughly cleaning the dresser to remove any dust, dirt, or grime. Use a gentle cleaner or a mixture of mild soap and water. Dawn dishwashing soap works great for this step.

Remove hardware and drawers: Remove any knobs, handles, or other hardware from the dresser. If the drawers are removable, it’s usually easier to work on them separately. This dresser had flower appliques on the sides of the dresser which didn’t go with the look I wanted. They were pretty for the original look of the dresser but not for the contemporary look I was going for. So I used a 2″ joint knife to pry off the appliques gently, It worked like a charm.

Repair any damage: Check the dresser for any damages like cracks, chips, or loose joints. Use wood glue to fix loose parts and fill in any cracks or gaps with wood filler.

Sand dresser: Sanded the entire dresser making sure to even out areas where I used wood filler. I used a 220-grit sand block to lightly scuff the surface for good paint adhesion and a smooth finish.

Wipe off dust: After sanding, I wiped off all the dust from the dresser with a clean cloth or tack cloth. This step will make sure the surface is nice and clean and ensure no gritty particle mix with the paint.

Apply primer: This dresser had painted floral motifs around it, I applied primer to the dresser and sanded it with 220-grit sandpaper.

Adding decorative elements:

I have been wanting to use pole wrap for one of my projects for so long and this was the perfect piece of furniture to add it to.

If you have never heard of pole wrap It is a pre-sanded thin oak-fluted wood panel with felt backing used to cover unsightly metal columns in basements.

Incorporating pole wrap gave such beautiful textural elements and visual interest to this dresser. The pole wrap took this dresser from a traditional to a contemporary piece of furniture instantaneously.

First, I measured the drawer front and cut the pole wrap to size using a compound miter saw. You can fold the pole wrap in half to make it easier to cut. You can also use a table saw if you have one.

When cutting the wood I would suggest using painter’s tape along the edge where you will be cutting to prevent any chipping.

Then I spread titebond glue onto the face of the drawer front and placed the cut pole wrap to fit the drawer front.

Paint base color:

Once the pole wrap was added to the drawer fronts, I painted the entire dresser and the mirror. Use a roller to apply an even coat of paint on the dresser and used a brush for the pole wrap drawer front to ensure that the paint gets in between the grooves. Allow the first coat to dry completely and apply more coats if necessary for better coverage.

Seal the finish: To protect the new finish and enhance durability, apply a clear topcoat. This step is particularly important for painted furniture.

Adding hardware: I opted for simple, sleek gold drawer pulls to create a contemporary tone. This type of hardware can enhance the dresser’s aesthetic without overpowering it.

Although this dresser and mirror have lots of decorative details, the casual tone of this paint color helped to simplify and calm it for a sense of comfort and ease.

Can you believe this is the same dresser?

It is so worth looking at an older piece of furniture you’re about to discard in a new light.

Why not give it a new life? Transform that old dresser into a modern masterpiece 🙂