How-To: Multi-Striped Dresser

Follow these steps from HGTV Magazine to update your plain dresser with cheerful stripes, and best yet, this DIY can be done in just a day!
Dresser With Cheerful Stripes

Dresser Painted With Cheerful Stripes

Update your plain dresser with cheerful stripes, as HGTV Magazine did here. Use up leftover paint from previous DIYs or buy affordable sample-sized containers.

Photo by: J. Aaron Greene

J. Aaron Greene

By: Jessica Dodell-Feder

Materials Needed:

  • screwdriver
  • 4" foam roller
  • measuring tape
  • pencil
  • delicate-surface painter’s tape
  • utility knife
  • 1" paintbrush
  • paper cups
  • paint (base color and stripe colors used above can be found in steps 1 and 4)

Step 1

Remove the drawers and unscrew the knobs. Use a small roller to paint the drawer fronts and the entire frame with one color of latex paint. Let dry, then slide the drawers back into the dresser. (Base color: Mantis Green by Benjamin Moore)

HGMAG014_Dresser-Stripes-Process-2-3x4

Photo by: Barb Blair

Barb Blair

Step 2

Tape off your first stripe: To make sure it’s straight, use a measuring tape to make pencil marks every few inches, starting at the back of the dresser’s top and working down the front. Apply delicate-surface painter’s tape along those marks. Repeat with another piece of tape, running it parallel to the first piece. Use a utility knife to slice the tape between the drawers, pressing down the edges.

HGMAG014_Dresser-Stripes-Process-3-3x4

Photo by: Barb Blair

Barb Blair

Step 3

Paint the first stripe with a brush. Peel off the tape while the paint is still wet. While the stripe dries, tape off and paint another one a few inches away.

HGMAG014_Dresser-Stripes-Process-4-4x3

Photo by: Barb Blair

Barb Blair

Step 4

Repeat with as many stripes as you want, eyeballing the distance between each one. You can even paint thin stripes over wide ones — just make sure the first coat is dry before applying tape. (Stripe colors: Deep Carnation by Benjamin Moore, Buttered Sweet Corn by Glidden, Lunch Bag by Martha Stewart Living Paint, Blue Danube by Benjamin Moore, Nancy’s Blushes by Farrow & Ball, Holly Leaf by Martha Stewart Living Paint, Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore)

HGMAG014_Dresser-Stripes-Process-5-3x4

Photo by: Barb Blair

Barb Blair

Step 5

Place paper cups upside down and poke the drawer knobs through the tops to hold them in place. Paint each knob the same color as the stripe it matches up with on the dresser. Let dry, then screw them back in.

HGMAG014_Dresser-Stripes-Process-6-4x3

Photo by: Barb Blair

Barb Blair

Next Up

How to Paint Wood Furniture

Learn how to strip, sand and paint wood furniture.

How to Whitewash Wood: Whitewashing and Pickling Techniques

Easily brighten and add rustic charm to furniture and a variety of wood surfaces with these budget-friendly whitewashing and pickling techniques.

How to Clean, Condition and Protect Leather

Learn tips and homemade solutions for cleaning leather, including white leather. Plus, find out how to remove water stains, oil, mold, ink and road salt from leather.

How to Clean Wood Furniture

Say goodbye to water stains, ink marks and polish buildup on your wood furniture by following these simple cleaning tips and tricks.

How to Paint a Tile Backsplash

Give your kitchen a facelift this weekend with a little elbow grease, some 220-grit sand paper and a lot of epoxy paint. Find out how to paint a tile backsplash with this step-by-step guide and shop everything you need to get started from our comprehensive materials list.

How to Reupholster an Arm Chair

Upholstery can be an intimidating project, but it seems more complicated than it actually is. A thrift store arm chair with simple lines, a sturdy frame and good padding makes a perfect subject for a novice upholsterer.

How to Paint Key Drawer Pulls

The DIY experts at HGTV Magazine recreated this flea market find. Here’s how you can, too.

How to Stripe a Dresser

The DIY experts at HGTV Magazine recreated this flea market find. Here’s how you can, too.

How-To: Patterned Decal Dresser

Follow these steps from HGTV Magazine to update your plain dresser with decals, and best yet, it only takes a few hours!

How-To: Monogrammed Decoupage Dresser

Have some free time this weekend? Follow these steps from HGTV Magazine to update your plain dresser to a preppy look with florals and a monogram.

What's New in Handmade

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.