DIY Old Dresser Makeover: How to Modernize an Old Dresser With Pole Wrap

DIY Old Dresser Makeover- Transform your old dresser into a modern masterpiece

Wait… Have an old dresser that feels dated but is still in great condition? Before you toss it, let me show you how to DIY an old dresser to give it a modern makeover. I transformed my daughter’s old dresser using paint, pole wrap, and sleek gold hardware to create a completely updated look for her bedroom.

This DIY old dresser makeover was surprisingly simple and saved us the cost of buying a new one for now. Below, I’ll show you step by step how I modernized this old dresser and created fluted drawer fronts using my go-to pole wrap.

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 on getting a new one for now. I definitely don’t mind saving a few bucks.

You can also see some fantastic room transformations from truly talented participants in 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.

DIY dresser makeover: Before and after

First, we need some supplies…

Supplies you’ll need for this dresser makeover

• Old dresser
• Mild soap/Dawn
• Wood filler
• Wood glue-Titebond
• 220-grit sandpaper
• Primer and Paint – Retique it
• Paint roller
• Paintbrush
• Pole wrap
• Painter’s tape
• Miter saw, or table saw
• Gold drawer pulls
• Clear protective topcoat

How to DIY an old dresser to make it modern

Step 1: Clean the dresser:

Thoroughly clean the dresser to remove dust, dirt, and grime. Use a gentle cleaner or a mixture of mild soap and water. Dawn dishwashing soap works great for this step.

Step 2: 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 appliqués on the sides, which didn’t match the look I wanted. They were pretty for the dresser’s original look, but not for the contemporary look I was going for. So I used a 2″ joint knife to pry off the appliqués gently. It worked like a charm.

Step 3: Repair any damage:

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

Step 4: Sand the dresser:

Sand 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.

Step 5: Wipe off dust:

After sanding, I wiped off all the dust from the dresser with a clean cloth or tack cloth. This step ensures the surface is clean and that no gritty particles mix with the paint.

Step 6: Apply primer:

This dresser had painted floral motifs, so to create an even base, I applied primer and sanded it with 220-grit sandpaper.

Step 7: Adding pole wrap to the drawer fronts:

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 added beautiful texture and visual interest to this dresser. The pole wrap instantly turned this dresser from traditional to contemporary.

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.

Step 8: Paint base color:

After adding the pole wrap 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 use a brush on the pole-wrap drawer front to ensure the paint gets into the grooves. Let the first coat dry completely, then apply more coats as needed for better coverage.

Step 9: Seal the finish:

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

Step 10: Adding hardware to the dresser:

I opted for simple, sleek gold drawer pulls to create a contemporary vibe. 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’s 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 🙂

Thank you for stopping by!