5 Darling Ways to Dress Up Old Dresser Drawers

Transform old dresser drawers into designer accents with these smart ideas.

By: Briana Mowrey

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Sometimes nothing but (nearly) instant gratification will do when it comes to craft projects. So, here are some super easy things you can do with old dresser drawers. Guys, you don’t even need the whole dresser. Less muss and fuss, but with all the crafting rewards! Don’t say I never did anything for ya.

Old Dresser Drawers = New Bathroom Storage

Vintage Drawers Contain Bathroom Clutter

Contain Bathroom Clutter With Vintage Wooden Drawers

It's easy to spot vintage wooden drawers everywhere these days — antique shops, vintage Web shops, flea markets, you name it. Little wooden drawers make a great storage solution in the bathroom to organize and display your collection of perfume bottles or must-have toiletries. The drawers, originally part of a hardware store cabinet and a sewing desk, now contain the bottles to keep your bathroom counter clean and clutter free. Design by Jen Jafarzadeh L'Italien

Photo by: Photo courtesy of Jen Jafarzadeh L'Italien

Photo courtesy of Jen Jafarzadeh L'Italien

This bathroom storage idea from Jen Jafarzadeh L’Italien could not be easier. Here’s what you do: Find an old dresser, yank out some of the drawers and use them to corral your toiletries. Everything is tidy, but still accessible. Genius, I tell you.

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Old Dresser Drawers = New Stationery Solution

Small Drawers Repurposed as Desk Organizers

Not convinced your dresser is worth salvaging? Give the drawers a chance, at least. Use them to house craft supplies, your rubber-band collection or other free-floating desk clutter.

Here’s a similar idea. Instead of organizing your lotions and potions, swap in some stationery and stamps. Your correspondence will be top of mind and you may even get those thank you notes out in record time. Hey, it could happen!

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Old Dresser Drawers = New Shelves

Wall Storage From Mounted Miniature Dresser Drawers

Create art that doubles as storage and storage that doubles as art. Take the drawers out of a miniature dresser and mount them on the wall to create a unique shelving solution for any room in the house. Designer sisters Jennifer and Kitty O'Neil suggest adding a favorite picture in each drawer for embellishment and even attaching looped pieces of wire to hang jewelry. They're thrifty and space-saving! Photo courtesy of Jennifer and Kitty O'Neil

Dresser drawers can easily be repurposed as shelves and arranged in all sorts of interesting configurations on your walls. If you really want to get creative, adorn the backs with decorative paper or photos and add trinkets for a shadowbox-like effect.

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Old Dresser Drawers = New Dog Beds

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Susan Teare, Joanne Palmissano

Even your dogs can appreciate old dresser drawers. (Unless you’ve got a Great Dane. Sorry, Marmaduke! These pet beds are probably best for small and medium dogs.)

Old Dresser Drawers = New Planters

These beauties I spotted on HGTVGardens are just more proof that if you use your imagination and add proper drainage holes, you can turn practically anything into a planter. You can add legs to the drawers for some height or keep them right in the dresser or desk, if you’d like.