Transform a Dresser Into a Potting Bench + Buffet Station

Before you kick that old dresser to the curb, transform it into a vibrant, outdoor potting bench that also doubles as a party-ready buffet station.

Upcycled Potting Bench and Bar
Loading Video...

Materials Needed

  • old dresser with attached mirror
  • 4' x 4' piece of pegboard
  • drop cloth
  • pliers
  • drill
  • 1/2" drill bit
  • flat-head screwdriver
  • sander with fine-grit paper
  • 2 shades of exterior paint
  • damp cloth
  • 2 paintbrushes
  • 2 paint trays
  • work gloves
  • pencil
  • jigsaw
  • safety glasses
  • 3/8" sisal rope
  • scissors
  • measuring tape

Remove Mirror

After taking off the mirror, remove the mirror from the frame by gently prying the backing off using a flat-head screwdriver (Image 1). Don't damage the backing, as it will serve as a template for the pegboard later. Be sure to dispose of the mirror safely (Image 2).

Prep for Painting

Remove all hardware (Image 1), then give the dresser and mirror frame a good sanding with a fine-grit paper (Image 2). Wipe it down thoroughly to remove excess dust (Image 3).

Trace + Cut Pegboard

To ensure the pegboard fits into the mirror frame perfectly, use the backing as your template (Image 1). Trace around the backing (Image 2), then cut the pegboard out using a jigsaw (Image 3).

Paint Dresser + Pegboard

Remove all the dust, then paint the mirror frame and dresser inside and out (Images 1, 2) with a bright coat of high-quality exterior paint. Allow the paint to dry overnight.

Paint + Install Pegboard

Paint the pegboard. We chose a crisp, clean exterior shade of white (Image 1). Allow to dry, then secure the pegboard into the frame, using small wood screws (Image 2).

Add Rope Pulls

Instead of re-installing the original hardware, go with something a bit more imaginative like these simple rope pulls. Using a drill and a 1/2-inch bit, make the existing hardware holes larger to accommodate the rope. Then, take a 12-inch section of rope, knot it at one end, push it through the hole and tie it off again snuggly on the other side of the dresser front. Tie off another knot 6 inches down, push it through the adjacent hole and tie it off again snuggly on the inside of the drawer (Image 1). Snip off the excess rope on the inside of the drawer (Image 2). Now you’ve got a clever and inexpensive drawer pull (Image 3).

Multipurpose Rules!

Once you’ve finished upcycling your dresser, you can easily take it from a storage-packed potting bench to a posh, party-ready buffet station with just a few minor styling tweaks.

Potting Bench

DIY Repurposed Outdoor Potting Bench Buffet STation
Brian Patrick Flynn, Flynnsideout.com

Buffet Station

DIY Repurposed Outdoor Potting Bench Buffet STation
Brian Patrick Flynn, Flynnsideout.com

DIY Repurposed Outdoor Potting Bench Buffet STation

Before you kick that old dresser or vanity to the curb, consider upcycling it into a vibrant multifunctional piece of outdoor furniture with storage galore!

Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn, Flynnsideout.com

DIY Repurposed Outdoor Potting Bench Buffet STation

Before you kick that old dresser or vanity to the curb, consider upcycling it into a vibrant multifunctional piece of outdoor furniture with storage galore!

Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn, Flynnsideout.com

Next Up

Make a Mobile Outdoor Coffee Table From Wooden Crates

Perfect for parties and totally kid-friendly, this mobile coffee table packs a stylish punch without denting your wallet. Just wait until everyone finds out you made it.

Add a Recessed Planter to an Outdoor Table

Create a spring display of greenery by integrating a planter into a wooden outdoor table.

DIY Outdoor Nesting Tables

In need of more outdoor furniture? These sturdy nesting tables can also serve as extra seating for any outdoor space. Check out the step-by-step instructions for this simple woodworking project.

Easy Woodworking Project: Build a Simple Garden Bench

Get step-by-step instructions on how to make a simple yet sturdy garden bench.

How to Build a Modern Outdoor Bench

Looking for more outdoor seating or a decorative bench for your porch? Try your hand at this easy woodworking project that can be built in less than a day.

Turn a Vintage Dresser Into a Bathroom Vanity

Customize any bathroom by using a vintage dresser or buffet instead of a builder-grade vanity. Scour thrift stores, yard sales and flea markets for a piece that is the right size for your space. You may even be able to shop your home!

How to DIY a Grass Cloth and Nailhead Dresser

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

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 Paint a Dresser to Look Like a Stack of Suitcases

Jen Crider, author of Amazing Furniture Makeovers, shares instructions on how to transform a plain dresser into a stack of charming vintage luggage.

How to Paint a Retro Floral Design on a Dresser

See how we used ice cream sticks to give an old dresser a funky 1970s-inspired look.

More from:

HGTV Spring House

What's New in Handmade

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

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