How to Spruce Up a Dresser

Dress up that old dresser

If you have a dresser that is less-than-stylish, damaged, or simply outdated, don't throw it out. Follow these simple and affordable steps to spruce up your dresser.

Things You'll Need

• Decorative fabric or paper and a piece of glass cut to size
• Chalkboard paint
• Small toys, bolts, and nuts
• Latex paint, sponges and stencils

Instructions

1. Find decorative paper or fabric that complements your decor. Cut a piece the size of the top of the dresser. Top with a piece of glass cut to the same size.

2. Paint the dresser drawers and sides and top with chalkboard paint. Embellish with whimsical drawings or let the kids go to town.

3. Need a way to use up those little kids meal toys? Using a hot glue gun or super glue, affix small toys to heads of bolts. Replace the drawer pulls with your newly made toy drawer pulls.

4. Need a more grown-up look? Use other items as drawer pulls to spruce up your dresser. Find items that match your style or personality. Nature lover? Maybe some lovely twigs or river rocks. Crafter? Perhaps beaded wire. Use your imagination.

5. Using stencils, sponges and brushes, apply light-hearted decorations to the dresser. Sand first if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't discard that sturdy old dresser at the second-hand store. Think of ways you could spruce it up and have a truly original piece of furniture for a fraction of what you'd pay retail.