Dressers are an essential part of every home, but some of the options available are fairly plain and boring. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to add personal touches to these plain furniture pieces. Here are ten simple ways to upcycle an old dresser into something more new and exciting.

Simple Paint.

The easiest way to transform a piece of furniture is just to paint the whole thing. This can cover up imperfections and make the piece match your space better. You can paint the dresser one uniform color or paint the base and the drawers differently for a more standout look.

Stencil Design.

If you want something a little more intricate, there are plenty of small stencils available to help you add geometric or artistic designs to your furniture pieces.

Replace Drawers.

Another option to spruce up an old dresser is to replace each of the drawers. You can replace them with other types of drawers, baskets, or even old suitcases for a vintage look.

Lose the Drawers.

Or you can simply take the drawers out and not replace them. This will create more of a bookcase look than a traditional dresser, but it can be a great way to help you store or display your favorite items.

Create a Focal Point.

If you want a really unique statement piece, consider choosing one part of the dresser to really play up. You can do this by painting the entire dresser one color and then adding a design to one part, such as the top of the dresser or just the drawers.

Add a Cushion.

If you don’t need a full dresser in your room, consider creating a bench instead. You can still keep the lower one or two drawers, or just choose a dresser that sits very low. Then just add a cushion over the top of them and you have a multipurpose piece of furniture.

Use Wallpaper.

If you want a really intricate design and can’t find a stencil or paint to fit your needs, simply use wallpaper instead. Again, you can cover the entire dresser or just cover the drawers or the top of the piece.

Create an Ombre Effect.

Multiple drawers give you an easy opportunity to create an ombre effect for your dresser. Simply paint each drawer a slightly lighter shade than the one above or below it. You can do this with whatever color best complements the rest of your room.

Label Drawers.

If you have multiple people using one dresser, consider labeling each drawer or using chalkboard paint to personalize them. This can be especially useful if you keep a dresser in your entryway or common area to store hats and similar items for the whole family.

Create a Whole New Piece.

There are a few ideas mentioned above that allow you to turn a dresser into a new item, such as a bench or shelves. But there are plenty of other ways to repurpose a dresser or dressers into something that can work in other rooms. Simple changes like added hardware or a new top can transform a dresser into a kitchen island or even a vanity. Think creatively and the possibilities are endless!

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