How To Turn A Dresser Into Shelves: A Personal Experience

As someone who loves to repurpose furniture, I recently decided to turn an old dresser into shelves for my living room. After some trial and error, I discovered the best way to do it. In this article, I’ll share my experience and provide a step-by-step guide on how to turn a dresser into shelves.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Remove Drawers and Hardware

The first step is to remove all the drawers and hardware from the dresser. This will make it easier to work on and give you a better idea of how the shelves will fit.

Step 2: Sand and Paint

Once you’ve removed the drawers and hardware, sand down the dresser to remove any rough spots or paint. Then, paint the dresser in the color of your choice. This step is optional, but it can give your shelves a more polished look.

Step 3: Measure and Cut Shelves

Measure the inside of the dresser and cut shelves to fit. You can use plywood or MDF for the shelves. Make sure the shelves are level and secure in the dresser.

Step 4: Add Trim

Add trim to the front of the shelves to give them a finished look. You can use decorative wood trim or molding for this step.

Step 5: Install Shelves

Install the shelves in the dresser and secure them with screws or nails. Make sure the shelves are level and secure before moving on to the next step.

Step 6: Add Backing

Add a backing to the dresser to keep items from falling behind the shelves. You can use plywood or beadboard for this step.

Step 7: Install Hardware

Install hardware to the dresser to give it a finished look. You can use decorative knobs or pulls for this step.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

Here are some tips and ideas to keep in mind when turning a dresser into shelves:

Choose a sturdy dresser with a solid frame.
Sand and paint the dresser before adding shelves.
Use plywood or MDF for the shelves.
Add trim to the front of the shelves for a finished look.
Install the shelves securely with screws or nails.
Add a backing to the dresser to keep items from falling behind the shelves.
Consider adding lighting to the shelves for a dramatic effect.
Use the shelves to display books, photos, and decorative items.
Repurpose the drawers into storage containers or decorative accents.
Have fun and get creative!

Pros and Cons

Here are some pros and cons to consider before turning a dresser into shelves:

Pros:

You can repurpose an old dresser instead of throwing it away.
Shelves can provide a functional and decorative storage solution.
You can customize the shelves to fit your space and style.

Cons:

The process can be time-consuming and require some woodworking skills.
You may need to purchase additional materials, such as plywood and trim, to complete the project.
The shelves may not be as sturdy as traditional bookshelves.

My Personal Review and Suggestion

Overall, I’m very happy with how my dresser shelves turned out. They provide a great storage solution for my living room, and I love the way they look. However, I did encounter some challenges along the way, such as finding the right hardware and ensuring the shelves were level. If you’re considering turning a dresser into shelves, I suggest taking your time and making sure you have all the necessary materials and tools before starting the project. It may also be helpful to watch some DIY videos or read tutorials to get a better idea of the process.

Question & Answer and FAQs

Q: Can I use any type of dresser for this project?

A: It’s best to use a sturdy dresser with a solid frame. Avoid dressers with a lot of decorative detail or flimsy construction.

Q: Do I need to paint the dresser before adding shelves?

A: No, you don’t need to paint the dresser. However, painting the dresser can give your shelves a more polished look.

Q: How do I install the shelves securely?

A: Use screws or nails to attach the shelves to the dresser frame. Make sure the shelves are level and secure before adding items.