How to make a storage bench out of an old dresser
DIY makeovers are always more fun with friends
I shop my local Habitat for Humanity ReStore for more than just a good deal. I shop at Philly ReStore because I’m inspired by what I find. On any given day I’m juggling at least a half-dozen makeover and DIY projects in my brain, and have tons more on my “I wish I could find time to do this” list for myself and for friends.
When I’m at Philly ReStore, I get the opportunity to make matches happen for the projects collecting dust on that long wish list in my brain, and going with my friends is a perfect excuse to make a DIY project happen. DIY is always better with friends.
The story behind this makeover project
My friend Laurel asked me for help finding a little bench for her apartment, so I took her to the local ReStore. I knew we could find something that could become a bench. I just didn’t know what yet.
When I spotted a little white dresser, Laurel wasn’t sure what I was imagining, but quickly she was onboard. We selected the paint colors, fabric and worked through an idea to create a little shelf.
Since we wanted to do this project in just one afternoon, we used spray paint. With multiple light coats about every minute, the final coat of paint dries in about 10 minutes. By using spray paint, we were able to get a factory-like finish and make the cushion and shelf in less than three hours.
We loved this project so much that we’ve already picked a date to make something similar, but what we start with for the next makeover depends on what treasure we find at our next trip to Philly’s ReStore.
From a drab dresser to a colorful storage bench
This old dresser was only 15 at the Philly ReStore. The least expensive three-drawer dresser at another furniture retailer is about 70. Even without the makeover, it’s a good deal.
The first step to this makeover was taking out all of the drawers, lightly sanding the surfaces and then cleaning off any dust or debris before painting.
Then we primed the dresser, using light sweeping coats. When using spray paint, less is best. Applying too much paint in one coat can lead to drips. Drips are never a spray painter’s friend. No one wants to go back to the beginning and start sanding again.
Instead of using tape, a scrap piece of wood makes a time-saving guard for paint. Also, shaking a can of spray paint is important. It maximizes the paint’s potential.
We agreed that the inside would be more fun in a different color. The blue makes the inside more special and adds visual interest.
We then marked the boards for the shelf.
I used my new favorite portable saw to cut the boards to length – and yes, I put my serious face on when using any saw.
I call this DIY parallel play. Laurel finished painting the dresser while I finished cutting the boards.
I picked this bold striped yellow-and-white fabric because I had a hunch Laurel would love it. She did. So I started making a cushion for the bench top and used foam for the inside to make it flat and comfortable. Cushions make any bench look more friendly and welcoming, even if it’s just a bench used for putting on shoes.
After the boards were cut to size, I made a few pilot holes in the underside frame where I planned to attach the boards. If you can spy Laurel in the background, you’ll see her finishing sewing the cushion.
By fastening from under the shelf, those fasteners stay hidden.
Since I dismantled the interior of the dresser, I needed to make a few adjustments to the structure, including adding a few corner blocks for stability. Those blocks also doubled as a way to attach the faux drawer front. I wanted both sides of the bench to look the same, just in case Laurel ever decided to use the bench as a side table or something else in her apartment.
I’m still smiling after the transformation from an inexpensive dresser that was 15 at my local ReStore into this charming storage bench. Oh, and we blinged it up by painting the knobs gold. Even close-up it’s hard to believe those knobs were ordinary white plastic just a few hours earlier.
The dresser is no longer a wallflower. It’s a fun stunner of a multi-use DIY final product ready for Pinterest and Laurel’s apartment.
Theresa co-hosts the MyFixitUpLife talk show with her husband Mark, who is her partner at work and at home. She is the designer for Food Network’s ‘Save My Bakery,’ and designed for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. She is a licensed contractor, certified color consultant, and certified aging-in-place specialist with a focus on Alzheimer’s. She is an author of Do-It-Yourself Home Improvement, DIY Quick Fix, and Complete Guide to Shelves & Built-Ins.