Turning a dresser into a kitchen island is an easy and budget-friendly way to add some extra workspace to your kitchen. Here are some steps to help you create a custom kitchen island from an old dresser:
1. Start by removing the top portion of the dresser. You could either keep the piece intact and place it directly on the floor, or you can cut the top portion off and use it as a shelf on the new island.
2. Next, use a power sander to sand off any old residue or paints, and then clean the piece with some all-purpose cleaner to remove any dust and dirt. Allow the dresser to dry thoroughly before proceeding.
3. To add extra stability to the island, consider adding a couple of 2x4s to the underside or depending on the size of the dresser, you might need to attach a couple of saw horses or other sturdy supports.
4. You can now add a butcher block or wood countertop to complete the island. If you don’t want to purchase a countertop, you can make your own by piecing together leftover pieces of wood from various projects.
5. Lastly, to give the dresser a more finished look, add a few coats of paint or varnish and distress the edges with sandpaper. You can also add some decorative drawer pulls or handles to the drawers.
And there you have it – a kitchen island crafted from an old dresser. This is a great way to give a new home to an old piece of furniture and add some extra workspace for all your cooking and baking needs.
Can I cut dresser in half?
It depends on what kind of dresser you’re talking about. If it’s made from solid wood and is a solid unit, then you could theoretically cut it in half, but it would be difficult and time-consuming. You would need a saw or another tool that can make a clean and precise cut.
Alternatively, if your dresser is made from particle board or MDF, then cutting it in half would be much easier, as these materials are much more pliable and easier to cut. Whatever you’re cutting it with, make sure that you measure twice and cut once, so that you don’t end up making an uneven or lopsided answer.
Additionally, you should wear protective gear such as goggles and a dust mask while making your cut, as dust particles can be hazardous when inhaled. All in all, it is possible to cut a dresser in half, but it depends on the type of material it is made from.
What can you do with old dressers?
With a bit of creativity and some elbow grease, you can transform an old dresser into something both stylish and functional. Depending on the state of the dresser, you can turn it into a bookshelf, an entertainment center, a kitchen island, a shoe rack, a bench, a coffee table, a pet bed, a bedside table, a baby changing table, or a bathroom vanity.
You can transform the dresser by adding a fresh coat of paint, fabric, a new drawer pull, or even make the dresser taller or shorter with new legs. You can also remove drawers and use the shelf space for stackable storage baskets.
There are so many possibilities for what you can do with an old dresser, so get creative and have fun!.
How do you give a dresser a makeover?
Giving a dresser a makeover is an easy and fun way to give an old piece of furniture new life. First, start by removing any hardware and cleaning the surface of the dresser with a mixture of water and mild detergent.
It’s important to sand the surface of the dresser with a medium grit sandpaper to create a smooth base for the primer and paint to stick to. After the sanding is finished, you will want to prime the dresser with a quality oil based primer.
Once the primer is completely dry, you can choose a color of paint from a variety of options available at the store. Using a roller or paintbrush cover the entire dresser with the desired paint and let it dry completely before adding another coat.
Once the paint has had adequate time to dry, use sandpaper to distress the edges of the dresser to give it a vintage look. To complete the dresser makeover, you can replace the hardware or add a unique art or decal for an extra touch.
How do you make a dresser into a buffet table?
Making a dresser into a buffet table can be a creative and simple way to spruce up your dining room. To begin, you will want to remove all of the drawers and accessories, such as knobs and handles, from the dresser and give it a thorough cleaning.
From there, you can paint the dresser to match any theme you may want or you can stain or finish it with a protective coat. Once it has dried, you can return the accessories, such as the knobs and handles, to their rightful places.
Once secured, you will want to top the dresser with a piece of sturdy, decorative glass, or if glass isn’t your style, you can use an eye-catching table top instead. Finally, showcasing your buffet table with some beautiful centerpieces and dishes is the perfect way to make it the focal point of your dining room.
With these few simple steps, you can make a basic dresser into an inspiring and delightful buffet table that your guests are sure to be impressed with.
How do you make shelves out of dresser drawers?
Making shelves out of dresser drawers is an easy and creative way to repurpose old furniture pieces and add a unique touch to any room. Here are the steps to create your own shelves:
1. First, make sure to thoroughly clean the drawers with a dust cloth and disinfectant cleaner. This will ensure the shelves will be safe and clean.
2. Remove the drawers from the dresser, and cut any wooden dividers off the back of each drawer, if there are any.
3. Measure and mark the desired shelf heights on the side of each drawer. Use a saw to cut wood slats to the height you marked, and then attach the slats to the side of each drawer.
4. For a polished look, consider staining or painting the shelves and drawer fronts. Once you’ve completed this step, let the paint dry completely.
5. To attach the drawers to the wall, use pocket drill screws, or for an easier installation, use toggle or molly bolts. Make sure to drill holes in the drawers, so you can attach the screws directly into the wall.
6. Finally, add any decorative elements, such as baskets and buckets, to complete the look of your new shelves.
And voila! You’ve successfully created your own shelves out of dresser drawers.
Why is a dresser called a bureau?
A dresser is often referred to as a bureau because the word is derived from the French word “bureau”, meaning “desk”. The piece of furniture was first developed in the 16th century in Europe as a desk-style furniture with drawers.
During the 1700s and 1800s, dressers were designed with larger drawers and some were designed with two compartments lying on top of each other, making it similar in shape to a writing desk. Over the course of time, the furniture evolved and began to become more than just a desk, but a piece of furniture that could store items, such as clothes and other personal items.
Thus, what was once a desk-style furniture, evolved into the dresser that we know today, and as such, it is still referred to as a bureau.
Whats the difference between a dresser and a chest of drawers?
A dresser and a chest of drawers are both types of storage furniture for the bedroom, however, they are slightly different.
A dresser is typically wider than a chest of drawers and has several drawers stacked vertically. It usually sits close to the ground with a wide top, perfect for displaying knick knacks. In contrast, a chest of drawers is designed to stand taller and is typically more compact.
It traditionally has four or more drawers (or “bays”) that are arranged side by side instead of stacked vertically.
While you could use either piece of furniture to store clothes or other bedroom items, chests of drawers are often used to store folded items, while dressers are typically used to store clothes that require hanging.
Of course, there’s no hard and fast rule and either piece of furniture can be used for either purpose.
What kind of furniture is a bureau?
A bureau is a type of furniture comprising a chest of drawers with a mirror, typically fixed above the top drawer, and sometimes including a washstand and/or clothing closet attached to the base. It is typically rectangular in shape, with a flat top and several drawers, typically of equal size, on one side and a mirror on the other.
Traditionally, the drawers of a bureau were divided into two sections, with one section for clothing, jewelry, or other personal items, and the other for writing paper, documents, and other items related to correspondence.
In modern form, the bureau typically includes several drawers for storing clothing, documents, and other sundry items. The top of the bureau may be used as a writing surface or to display items, and some bureaus also include a specialized compartment for writing materials.
Bureaus are often made of solid woods, such as oak or mahogany, with metal hardware, such as drawer pulls and handles, often adding to its beauty.
What is a dresser without drawers called?
A dresser without drawers is commonly referred to as a cabinet. Cabinets are typically used as storage because they offer easy access to items stored inside. They can also be used to display items, and come in a variety of materials and styles.
Cabinets can be freestanding, built-in, or wall mounted, depending on the needs of the individual. They typically feature one or two shelves, shelves of varying sizes and shapes, and often feature doors and/or drawers.
Without drawers, cabinets create an open and airy feel to a room, while still providing plenty of storage options. They can be painted or stained to match the existing furniture or interior design, or simply left as is for a more natural look.
Whether used to store items or display decorative pieces, cabinets can be versatile pieces of furniture that provide both beauty and function.
What is another name for a dresser?
Another name for a dresser is a chest of drawers. A chest of drawers is a type of furniture that typically has multiple drawers – usually arranged in a column – and is used to store items such as clothing, bedding, and other items.
It usually stands relatively low to the ground and is typically used in a bedroom or closet. Some people will also refer to a chest of drawers as a bureau, commode, or tallboy.
What is drawer?
A drawer is a type of storage cabinet that is typically used for storing items in a variety of different rooms or in an office or garage. The cabinet may be built out of a variety of materials, including metal and wood.
Typically, drawers are designed with a system of tracks, rails, and slides that allow them to open and close smoothly while also providing a specific storage purpose. They come in a variety of sizes and finished designs to fit in any space.
The most common types of drawers are vertical, lateral, and pedestal, with each type having its own characteristics and uses. Vertical drawers are ideal for holding items that you need to have easy access to, such as apparel, documents, and small appliances.
Lateral drawers are wider than vertical drawers and are better suited for office supplies and documents. Pedestal drawers tend to be deeper and more suited to items that require long-term storage, such as tools and materials.
Drawers can also be used to store items in a way that is out of sight and can provide additional space in rooms that are becoming crowded.
What can I make out of an old chest of drawers?
An old chest of drawers can be turned into a number of interesting and creative projects if you have some crafting skills and a little bit of imagination. You can repurpose the drawers in a number of ways:
1. Create a unique variety of shelving by using each drawer to make open shelving for books, magazines, smaller collectibles, potted plants, and anything else you can think of.
2. Transform the chest of drawers into a pet bed. Cut out a large enough opening in the bottom of the chest and add some cozy bedding material and padding to make a comfortable nook for your furry friend.
3. Take the drawers out and repurpose them as freestanding shelves in a closet, a pantry, or in a separate room as wall shelves.
4. Secure together several drawers, legs included, and make custom drawers for an entryway bench or cushion the top and make a bedside bench.
5. Make a play kitchen set with the drawers and other items you can find around the house.
The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to upcycling an old chest of drawers. There are many creative and unique ways to add function and personality to your home.