From Drab to Fab: DIY Dresser Makeover
The house was under DIY renovation since closing in late 2011. Finally, after two and a half years, we were able to relocate from our sleeping quarters from the upstairs guest/media room to the master suite on the first floor. Settling into the master suite felt awesome and the walk-in closest allowed me to thoroughly assess my storage situation. I quickly discovered I need a dresser (lived out of plastic drawer stacks for months).
During one of my DIY project hunts at local thrift store, I found this drab and dated chest of drawers. It was in overall good condition barring a few scuffs here and there. My "DIY-senses" were tingling. This piece was a perfect candidate for Tiffany's glam-inspired makeover.
After a couple of weeks of research (paint options, hardware choices, and styling inspiration) and good ol' fashion procrastination, I took one drawer and started to paint. I chose to spray paint the entire piece for several reasons:
- The color choices I'd envisioned for the dresser were stock and readily available at the store.
- Since the dresser didn't require much sanding or priming (spray paint was paint and primer in one), applying the color directly would not distort the overall finished tone
- In my mind, spray painting would take a lot less time overall, including drying time in between coats. My schedule requires task efficiency.
It had been some time since I'd last spray painted the first drawer was my test subject. I quickly remembered the importance of constant motion and even sweeping. The paint goes a lot farther and the finished look will be even and consistent. The five drawers required almost 4 cans of paint because I decided to paint the sides of each drawer as well. The the chest took only 2 cans since the new color was really close to the original. The new coating enhanced the details in the piece and gave it a more even and refined overall look.
The initial brightness of the color I chose for the drawers to a minute to get use to but once I placed the completed chest in its new home and completed the "glam-fab" look with complimenting accessories, the chest is one of the most beautiful furniture pieces in our home.
- Local thrift store dresser - $50 (negotiated price)
- Spray paint & hardware - $50 (Lowe's)
- Paint - Valspar Color Radiance Advanced Color Satin Paint + Primer
- Color (drawers) - Nautical
- Color (chest) - Morning Mist
