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!
Dresser With DIY Retro Swagger

Give Your Dresser DIY Retro Swagger

Use a patterned decal sheet and colorful, vintage-inspired drawer pulls to create a retro-cool dresser like HGTV Magazine did here.

Photo by: J. Aaron Greene

J. Aaron Greene

By: Jessica Dodell-Feder

Materials Needed:

  • screwdriver
  • 2" angled paintbrush
  • paper towels
  • tape measure
  • scissors
  • old credit card
  • small nail or pushpin
  • paint (such as Kendall Charcoal by Benjamin Moore)
  • decal sheet (such as Frida Barlow weave ikat, spoonflower.com)
  • knobs (such as Ceramic pegs in orange, anthropologie.com)

Step 1

Remove the drawers and unscrew the knobs. Paint the dresser. We started with an unfinished wood dresser and gave it a dry-brush look. Dip just the tip of the brush into latex paint. Dab the bristles on a paper towel, then brush the paint onto the dresser with quick, light strokes so the wood grain shows through. Paint the entire frame, including the legs, using this method.

HGMAG014_Dresser-Decals-Process-2-4x3

Photo by: Barb Blair

Barb Blair

Step 2

While the paint dries, measure the dimensions of your drawer fronts. Cut the decal sheets into pieces a little bigger than each drawer front and stick them on, smoothing out air bubbles with an old credit card. Wrap any excess around the edges — you’ll still be able to close the drawers easily.

HGMAG014_Dresser-Decals-Process-3-4x3

Photo by: Barb Blair

Barb Blair

Step 3

From inside the drawer, use a nail or pushpin to poke a hole through the decal sheet where each knob goes. Screw in new knobs, and slide the drawers back into the dresser.

HGMAG014_Dresser-Decals-Process-4-4x3

Photo by: Barb Blair

Barb Blair

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