When you are updating your home on a budget, it’s no secret that purchasing new furniture can quickly add up. If you are looking for ways to give your bedroom a more modern feel without breaking the bank, then try updating an old dresser that you might already have on hand. Better yet, grab an inexpensive dresser at the thrift store and give it some new life with just a few easy steps!
How to renovate an old dresser? First, add some new, modern legs. Then, attach some simple trim to the bottom. Next, fill in any holes. Give it a coat of fresh, new paint. Lastly, add some new knobs or hardware. You will have a new and improved modern dresser.
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How To Renovate An Old Dresser
There are many more reasons other than saving a few bucks, to find a used dresser at the thrift store for your bedroom. You can often find pieces that are sturdier and higher quality than a new piece from a big box store. Older furniture tends to be more well made than new pieces from places like Ikea or Target. Your older dresser will often last longer than a brand new, inexpensive piece.
Another reason to make over an old dresser rather than purchase a new one is that you can find a piece with more character. I love finding older pieces to bring some life and personality in my spaces. I think that spaces with a more curated feel, possess more personality and warmth than spaces were every single item is brand new.
Lastly, renovating an old dresser will add some uniqueness to your space. Have you ever walked into someone’s home to see that they have the same piece of furniture or artwork that you also found at Target? If you want your space to be different and reflect your own personality, then making over old furniture is the way to go. You will end up with a modern piece that no one else in the world owns!
Materials Needed To Update An Old Dresser
If you want to find out how to renovate an old dresser and it is your first time at trying a dresser makeover, it might seem like a daunting task. The good news is that you don’t need very many supplies. You will need a miter saw and nail gun, but these are tools that you could easily borrow from a friend or neighbor if you don’t already own them.
Here is what you will need to give your dresser a makeover:
- Old Dresser
- Furniture Legs
- Leg Kit
- Knobs
- Paint
- Trim
- Wood Filler
- Sand Paper
Directions For How To Refurbish A Dresser
1. First, remove any hardware and remove the drawers.
2. Remove any existing trim on the bottom of the dresser.
Many times, just simply switching out the trim for something more clean and modern will do wonders for updating your dresser. If you are happy with how your dresser already looks along the bottom edge, you can skip this step.
If you dresser doesn’t already have trim, you could add some yourself. This will make your life even easier because you can skip the step of having to remove existing trim!
You can find all kinds of trim at the hardware store to fit your personal style. I wanted the most simple and modern trim, but there are lots of more decorate options as well.
3. Attach new furniture legs to the bottom of the dresser.
You may need to add blocks of wood or shims to get your legs to fit and be even. Make sure to use a level to ensure that everything is even.
There are a few different styles of furniture legs to choose from. You can find mid century, farmhouse or simple wooden legs like I chose. You can either leave them as-is or paint them to match the rest of the dresser.
4. Cut new trim pieces with a miter saw and nail them to the bottom of the dresser.
5. Use wood filler to fill any nail holes.
Sand the trim pieces after the wood filler has dried.
6. Give your dresser a few coats of semi-gloss paint with a foam roller.
Use a foam roller and a small paint brush for the best, most even results. I used a small, 2 inch trim brush for the edges and grooves. Then, I went over the main areas with a foam roller.
Depending on the original color of your dresser, you may need to apply a few coats. I ended up doing three coats of the green.
If you dresser is unpainted, you will need to apply a coat of primer, then your semi-gloss paint.
7. After the paint has fully dried, add new knobs or hardware.
I love the look of these unfinished wooden knobs. They were extremely inexpensive and complemented the unfinished wood legs that I added. There are so many different options of knobs to choose from that you can find exactly what you need to complete the look of your new dresser!
I love the fresh and modern feel that my thrifted dresser has. It’s perfect for my son’s big boy bedroom!
If you want more tips on how to update a bedroom, check out how we painted the perfect black accent wall in my son’s room!
