19 Creative Ways to Paint a Dresser

This weekend, turn an old bureau into a work of art. It's easier than you think and doesn't have to cost a lot.

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April 08, 2019

By: Jacquelyn McGilvray

Related To:

Paint and Decoupage a Dresser (With Wrapping Paper)

This old dresser - found at a re-sale shop - was painted in stripes then bold flowers cut from wrapping paper were decoupaged to the surface to provide a burst of color.

Get the How-To: How to Paint and Decoupage a Dresser

Midcentury Credenza

Angular paint patterns were used to cover up some damaged spots on this 1950s credenza. Sections without damage were left as is to show off the beautiful pecan wood grain.

Get the How-To: How to Strip and Refinish a Midcentury-Mod Credenza

Ombre Chest of Drawers

Use several shades of the same paint color to bring a colorful touch to a piece of furniture.

Get the How-To: How to Paint an Ombre Effect on a Dresser

Geometric Draw Fronts

Painter's tape and stencils were used to create a Moroccan-inspired design on this thrift-store bureau.

Get the How-To: How to Paint a Geometric Design on a Dresser

Landscape Your Furniture

Using a landscape painting for inspiration, treat your old furniture piece like a canvas and create a simple ethereal landscape of your own.

Get the How-To: How to Paint a Trompe L'oeil Landscape on a Dresser

Nautical Blue

Use two shades of paint and a roll of sisal rope to transform a humdrum wood dresser into a cottage-style masterpiece.

Get the How-To: How to Paint a Nautical-Style Dresser

Retro-Inspired Florals

Paint and ice cream sticks were used to transform an old dresser into a funky piece of new furniture.

Get the How-To: How to Paint a Retro Floral Design on a Dresser

Wallpaper Insets

If your dresser has recessed panels on the door or drawers, consider using a patterned paper to make a bold design statement.

Zigzag Drawers

Budget-friendly, sample-sized latex paints were used to create a chevron-inspired design on this old piece of furniture.

Get the How-To: How to Paint a Chevron Design on an Old Dresser

Midcentury Makeover

Two-tiered end tables and nightstands were all the rage back in the 50s. The design is very practical. With a new coat of paint, an old relic like this can become an indispensable piece of furniture.

High-Gloss Lacquer

To add one-of-a-kind flair, try updating a vintage credenza with a sprayed two-tone finish. To achieve a professional high-end look, rent an HVLP (high-volume, low-pressure) paint sprayer from a rental store, then paint the piece using high-gloss lacquer in contrasting colors.

Mudroom Organizer

Organize your entryway with a brightly colored dresser. Picture frames and chalkboard paint added to the center of each drawer front serve as name plates. This gives each family member a designated place to store their winter gear and accessories.

Get the How-To: How to Turn an Old Dresser Into Mudroom Storage

Hand-painted Chevron-patterned Dresser

Don't make it difficult by trying to get your stripes or chevrons the exact same size. Vary it up with different widths and colors.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Chalkboard Dresser

Chalkboard paint is perfect for a kid’s bedroom. The drawers can be labeled to keep clothes and other belongings organized.

Bold Chalkboard Dresser

Chalkboard paint doesn't have to be black. Try a bold color to turn an old eyesore into an artist's canvas — or use it as a way to label the contents of each drawer. Use chalk pens to avoid smudging and dust.

Try an Automotive Finish

Automotive paints applied to wood and metal furniture result in glossy, sparkly factory finishes. Strip the old paint with an electric sander, then drop the unfinished piece off at an auto body shop. Many body shops charge by the bay and the number of paint colors used rather than by the piece. By dropping off several sanded pieces in need of the same new paint color, homeowners can get more bang for their buck.

Chalk-Painted Dresser

This thrift store nightstand was made over with chalk paint and rub-on brass wax.

Just a Touch of Color

This old sideboard was given a shot of personality by painting one drawer bumblebee yellow and adding a mix of vintage drawer pulls.

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Photo By: Rustic White Photography, LLC

©Alex La Cruz

Photo By: Rustic White Photography, LLC

Photo By: 182029001303

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