Dresser makeover

 

I have seen a lot of really sweet dresser makeovers in blog-land and when we got our new TV several (like 10) months ago, I went back and forth about what I wanted to use as a TV stand. We thought about a fake fireplace, and a “real” TV stand but they were pricey and it would be a while before that happened. We have been using our old coffee table since we got the TV and I finally decided I wanted to make over a dresser to use like some of these I saw online:

I have scoured Craiglist and KSL for the past few months trying to find something that wasn’t huge or too pricey or in Provo (or somewhere too far away from us). Finally I found this beauty and got it home. Here she is before I got my hands on her:

And here she is now!

Here is our family room before the dresser with our old coffee table (also from KSL several years ago):

And now here is our family room with the newly made over dresser:

I also stenciled the top with a stencil I got at Hobby Lobby and I LOVE it. I used the same pearlescent craft paint I used to stencil our master bedroom wall here.

Here is a quick run-down of what I did:

1. I sanded the entire dresser with my electric sander. I just wanted to get the shine off so this didn’t take too long, but it was messy.
2. I filled in some cracks, the drawer handle holes and a swirly design on one of the drawers with wood putty. Then I re-sanded those areas.
3. Washed it down with a damp rag to remove the dust.
4. Sprayed the entire dresser and drawers with 3-4 light coats of KILZ primer.
5. Sanded the entire dresser and drawers lightly with a sanding block.
6. Wiped down the dresser with a damp rag.
7. Sprayed everything with several light coats of Rustoleum’s Heirloom White spray paint.

8. Stenciled design on top using craft paint and a stencil brush.
9. Sprayed everything with gloss enamel protective coat.
10. Put on new hardware
11. Removed one of the drawers to store our Blu-Ray and Cable box (I also drilled holes in the back for cords and venting).

I love the dresser and it fits really well in the room. With our darker couches, it brightens the room and there is tons of storage! We love it and it really wasn’t very difficult. Here is the cost breakdown (approximate):

-Dresser on KSL: $45
-3 cans KILZ primer: $12
-2 cans spray paint: $8
-1 can gloss paint: $4
-stencil: $10
-craft paint: free (leftover)
-hardware: $36

TOTAL: $115

It would have been much cheaper if I didn’t buy new hardware, but I love the look of it and that is still a great deal compared to buying one brand new. It’s a sturdy dresser and I’m sure I’ll do something similar for a future nursery/bedroom.