How to Create a Custom Dresser for Your Baby's Nursery

If you want to create a unique and beautiful nursery for your baby, customizing different pieces is the key. From decorations to furniture, add your own style by choosing your own colors, patterns and themes. Furniture usually comes in simple colors and styles, but you can paint it to match whatever theme you choose. With a little effort and creativity, you can create your dream nursery!

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An old dresser
• Sand Paper
• Primer
• Paint in base color
• Craft or acrylic paint in assorted colors
• Spray-on lacquer
• Paint Brushes
• Pattern(s) to copy
• New knobs or handles
• A place to work

1. Find an old dresser from a Garage sale or a relative. You might even have one in your house that you want to use. Make sure the drawers are working and there aren't any loose parts. Make any necessary repairs. Don't worry about cosmetic problems such as hardware or color.

2. 
   Turtle Bay by Cocalo

   Choose a theme for your baby's room if you haven't done so already. Your baby's crib bedding is a good place to start. Often times, the quilt that comes with your crib bedding set is the perfect place to find a variety of patterns and colors to use for your project. Purchase acrylic craft paints in the colors needed, as well as small and large paint brushes. You may also want to buy painter's tape if your design features a lot of straight lines.

3. Remove all hardware and dresser drawers. Arrange each piece so you can move freely from one to the next. Use a drop cloth if you are working in a space where you do not want paint to get on the ground/floor.

4. Begin by lightly sanding the dresser in order to remove scratches and dirt. Wipe with a damp cloth to remove dust. Allow to dry completely.

5. Prime the dresser with a quality primer. This will allow the paint to adhere well. Use even strokes in one direction to avoid creating unwanted texture.

6. 

   Paint the dresser in the desired base color. For my dresser, I chose a brilliant white in high gloss. I used cabinetry paint for durability.

7. 

   Paint your custom colors or patterns on each drawer front with your craft paint. Use tiny paint brushes for detail and painter's tape for straight lines if necessary. Sometimes it is helpful to draw your design with a pencil first, then fill in with the craft paint. Take your time since this is the most tedious step. Do not be afraid to make mistakes since you can always paint over them. You can paint all the drawers the same or you can paint a different design on each drawer.

8. After your designs have completely dried, spray each piece of the dresser with lacquer to seal it in and give it a beautiful high gloss shine. Use as many coats as specified on the lacquer container.

9. Choose matching hardware for your dresser to update the look. Your local hardware store or home improvement store should have a wide variety of knobs and handles to choose from.

10. 

    When everything has dried, install the new hardware and put the drawers back into the dresser. Enjoy your new custom baby dresser. Your friends and family will be amazed!

Tips & Warnings

• If you are not an artist, have a friend help you with the custom painting.
• Wear a mask while spraying on the lacquer. If you are pregnant, have a spouse or friend do this step. The fumes are not good for your baby.

Resources

• How to Create Custom Letters for Your Child's Room

[xrayness]

on 5/26/2009 Definitely a winner. We used to do this when our kids were younger, but now we let them decorate their own rooms.