It’s no secret that our planet is overflowing with waste. If you have items around your home that you no longer need, like old furniture, it’s time to start thinking of ways to upcycle them instead of throwing them away. Upcycling is the process of taking something old and unused and transforming it into something new and useful. It’s a great way to reduce waste while also creating something unique that can add a touch of personality to your home. In this blog post, we will explore 10+ creative ways to upcycle an old chest of drawers that you may have lying around the house. From adding paint and wallpaper to using natural materials like wood or rope, there are plenty of ideas that can help you create one-of-a-kind pieces out of existing furniture without ever having to purchase anything new.
Chest of Drawers Entry Table
An old chest of drawers can be turned into a beautiful and unique entry table with just a little bit of creativity. All you need to do is remove the drawer fronts and add some legs or feet to the bottom. You can paint or stain the piece to match your decor, or even upholster the drawer fronts with fabric for a pop of colour. Add a few knobs or pulls to the drawer fronts for added interest, and you’ve got yourself a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture that will make a great first impression in your home.
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Industrial Style Chest of Drawers Side Table
An old chest of drawers can be upcycled into a stylish side table with a bit of creativity and elbow grease. First, remove the drawer fronts and any hardware. Next, sand down the surface of the dresser and apply a coat of paint or stain in your desired colour. Once the paint is dry, reattach the drawer fronts using new hardware. For an industrial-chic look, add some metal hairpin table legs to the bottom of the dresser. Finally, style your new side table with some plants, books, or decor items.
Upcycled Kitchen Island Cart
If you have an old chest of drawers that you're no longer using, upcycling it into a kitchen island cart is a great way to give it new life. All you need to do is remove the drawer fronts and hardware, sand down the surface, and paint or stain it to your liking. Then, add some caster wheels to the base, and voila—you've got yourself a stylish and functional piece of furniture!
Chest of Drawers Coffee Table With Storage
A chest of drawers coffee table is a great way to add storage to your living room while also upcycling an old piece of furniture. To make this project, simply remove the top two drawers from an old chest of drawers and attach them to the bottom of the chest using screws or brackets. Then, add legs to the bottom of the chest and sand or paint it to match your decor. Finally, fill the drawers with coffee table books, magazines, or other items you need to keep handy in your living room.
Toy Boxes For Kids Rooms
When it comes to upcycling an old chest of drawers, one of the most popular ideas is to turn it into a toy box for kids. This is a great option if you have young children in the house, as it can provide them with a place to store all of their toys. Plus, it can also double as a seating area for them to use when they want to play with their toys.
To turn an old chest of drawers into a toy box, you will first need to remove all of the drawers. Then, you can sand down the surface of the chest and paint or stain it in any colour you like. Once you have finished painting or staining the chest, you can then add some decals or stencils on the front to personalize it. Finally, add some caster wheels to the bottom so that your little ones can easily move the toy box around their room.
Drawers Turned Hanging Wall Storage
If you have an old chest of drawers that you're no longer using, don't just throw it out! Upcycle it into something new and creative. One great way to do this is to turn the drawers into hanging wall storage.
To do this, simply remove the drawer fronts and hardware, and then attach the drawers to the wall using brackets or hooks. You can paint or refinish the drawers if you want, or leave them as-is for a more rustic look. Then just fill them up with whatever you need to store – towels, clothes, linens, etc. – and you've got yourself some unique and stylish storage that'll help keep your home organized.
DIY Murphy Bed For Your Guest Room
If you have an old chest of drawers that you're no longer using, upcycling it into a DIY murphy bed is a great way to add extra beds to your guest room without taking up a lot of space. All you need to do is remove the drawer fronts and hardware, then add some heavy-duty hinges to the back of the dresser. Attach the hinges to a Murphy bed frame, and voila! You've got a stylish and functional piece of furniture that will make your guests feel right at home.
Multi-Purpose Storage Bench or Seat
An old chest of drawers can be upcycled into a multi-purpose storage bench or seat. This is a great way to add extra storage and seating to any room in your home. To upcycle an old chest of drawers into a bench or seat, simply remove the drawer fronts and sides, and attach the piece to a sturdy base. You can then add cushions, pillows, or fabric to make it more comfortable. This is a great project for anyone who wants to add a little extra storage and seating to their home without spending a lot of money.
Outdoor Planter with Chest of Drawers
One great way to upcycle an old chest of drawers is by using it as an outdoor planter. This can be a great addition to your porch or deck, and it’s a perfect way to show off your green thumb. To turn your chest of drawers into a planter, simply remove the drawers and line them with heavy-duty plastic. Then, fill the drawers with potting soil and your favorite plants. Be sure to drill drainage holes in the bottom of the drawers before adding the soil and plants.
Display Cabinet For Bathroom Storage
One great way to upcycle an old chest of drawers is to turn it into a display shelf for bathroom storage. This is a great way to add some extra storage space to your bathroom without taking up too much space. You can use the top of the chest of drawers for storing items that you want to keep out of sight, like toiletries and towels. The bottom drawers can be used for storing items that you want to keep within easy reach, like toilet paper and cleaning supplies.
Turn it into a TV stand.
If you have an old chest of drawers that you're no longer using, why not turn it into a TV stand? You can use the top surface to place your TV, and the drawers can be used for storage. This is a great way to make use of an old piece of furniture and save money on buying a new TV stand.
Create A Rolling Cart
When most people think of repurposing an old chest of drawers, they likely envision turning it into a bookshelf or nightstand. However, with a little bit of creativity, you can upcycle your chest of drawers into a rolling cart that can be used for a variety of purposes.
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To turn your chest of drawers into a rolling cart, start by removing the drawer pulls and sanding down the surface of the dresser. Once the dresser is prepped, paint or stain it in your desired finish. To add wheels to the dresser, attach casters to the bottom corners using screws or adhesive.
Once your rolling cart is complete, you can use it as additional storage in your kitchen, bathroom, or home office. You could also use it as a bar cart to serve guests drinks at your next party. Get creative and let your imagination run wild!
DIY Bathroom Vanity
Give your bathroom a unique look by upcycling an old chest of drawers into a DIY bathroom vanity. This project is easy to do and can be completed on a weekend.
To start, remove the top drawer from the chest and set it aside. You will use this drawer for the sink basin. Cut a hole in the center of the drawer front for the plumbing fixtures.
Next, attach the drawer front to the rest of the dresser using hinges. This will allow you to access the plumbing fixtures when needed.
Install your sink basin and plumbing fixtures in the hole you cut in the drawer front. Then, attach the faucet to the sink and supply lines to the appropriate water source.
Finally, add any finishing touches you desire to personalize your new bathroom vanity. Paint or stain the dresser to match your existing decor, or add hardware for a more polished look.
DIY Nightstand
Give your old chest of drawers a makeover with some paint and new hardware. This is a great way to add some personality to your bedroom without spending a lot of money, and make a creative nightstand or floating bedside table.
If you want something a little more unique, try decoupaging the outside of the drawers with pretty paper or fabric. This is a fun project that can be as simple or elaborate as you like.
Another easy way to update an old piece of furniture is to simply change out the drawer pulls for something new and interesting. This is a quick and easy project that can make a big impact.
If you’re feeling really ambitious, you could even transform your old chest of drawers into something completely different, like a bar cart or entryway table. Just use your imagination and let your creativity run wild!
DIY Kitchen Island
One of the most creative ways to upcycle an old chest of drawers is to turn it into a kitchen island base. This is a great way to add extra storage and counter space to your kitchen without spending a lot of money. Here’s how you can do it:
First, remove all the drawers from the chest and set them aside. You won’t need them for this project.
Next, use a saw to cut off the top of the chest so that it’s flush with the sides. If you don’t have a saw, you can ask someone at your local hardware store to do this for you.
Now, flip the chest over and attach four caster wheels to the bottom so that it’s easy to move around.
Finally, paint or stain the island base any colour you like and add some decorative hardware if you want. Then just add a countertop surface and you’re all set!
FAQs on "Upcycle an Old Chest of Drawers"
What is upcycling and how does it apply to a chest of drawers?
Upcycling is the process of transforming an old or discarded item into something new and functional. In the case of the chest of drawers, upcycling involves giving an old piece of furniture a new lease on life by transforming it into a unique and stylish piece.
What tools and materials do I need to upcycle a chest of drawers?
The tools and materials you will need to upcycle a chest of drawers will vary depending on the project. Some common items you may need include sandpaper, primer, paint, stencils, decorative hardware, and decoupage glue.
Can I upcycle a chest of drawers even if I have no experience in woodworking?
Yes, there are many upcycling projects that can be completed with minimal woodworking skills. For example, you can repaint a chest of drawers or add a decoupage to its drawers for a fresh look.
What are some ways to give an old chest of drawers a new look?
Some ways to give an old chest of drawers a new look include painting, adding decoupage, replacing the hardware, adding stencils, and even adding shelves or baskets for additional storage.
How do I choose the right paint or finish for my upcycled chest of drawers?
When choosing paint or finish for your upcycled chest of drawers, consider the style of your room and the existing decor. For a modern look, consider a high-gloss finish, while a shabby chic or rustic style may call for a distressed look.
Can I use decoupage on the drawers of my chest of drawers?
Yes, decoupage can be an excellent way to add a unique touch to the drawers of your chest of drawers. Choose decorative paper or images that complement the style of your room and use decoupage glue to attach them to the drawers.
How do I add decorative hardware to my upcycled chest of drawers?
To add decorative hardware to your upcycled chest of drawers, start by selecting hardware that complements the style of your room and the new look of your chest of drawers. Use a drill or screwdriver to attach the hardware to the drawers, and make sure it is securely fastened.
Conclusion
Upcycling old furniture is a great way to give an item a new life and make something unique of your own. With these 10 creative ideas for upcycling an old chest of drawers, we hope you have been inspired to transform one of your items into something totally different! Whether you decide on creating a secret storage compartment or using the drawers as individual shelves, there are multiple options when it comes to breathing new life into an old chest of drawers. So don’t let that beautiful piece go wasted—upcycle it today!
