When we saw the transformation Mindy achieved on an old dresser, we had to share the eye candy. Below is her note describing the project and the steps she took to bring new life to a thrifted piece.
I love your website and eagerly look forward to reading it every day. I just thought I would show you my dresser re-do! The hubs and I really needed a dresser but didn’t want to spend a lot. We like things that are solid and made really well. So, after finding this antique dresser on Craigslist I decided to fix it up. I took the handles off and filled the holes in, sanded the varnish off, primed it, then painted it with two coats of Behr’s “lime light.” Then I drilled the holes for the new knobs and lined it with contact paper. It was fun to do and I did almost everything in one afternoon (but left it to dry for 24 hours before putting the new knobs on). The dresser was $20, paint was $17, knobs were $19, contact paper was $5 which brings the total to around $60! Thanks for all your inspiration! -Mindy
Before: A Well-Worn Antique
Here’s the dresser before the makeover — a solid, older piece with obvious wear but good bones. The original finish and hardware showed their age, making it an excellent candidate for a thoughtful refresh rather than a full restoration.
After: A Fresh, Stylish Makeover
The result is striking: a bright, modern color and updated details that preserve the dresser’s structure while giving it a contemporary personality. The choice of a lively green paint and patterned contact-paper-lined drawers creates a fresh, inviting piece that looks custom-made.
How the Makeover Was Done
Mindy’s process is straightforward and repeatable for anyone comfortable with basic DIY. She started by removing the old hardware and filling any extra or unwanted holes to create a clean surface for the new knobs. Light sanding removed the varnish and smoothed imperfections so the primer and paint would adhere evenly. Priming is an important step—especially on older wood—because it seals the surface and prevents stains or old finishes from bleeding through the new paint.
After priming, she applied two coats of Behr’s “Lime Light” to get even coverage and a consistent color depth. Patience between coats is key; two thin, even coats provide a much smoother finish than a single thick coat. Once the paint was dry, she measured and drilled new holes for the replacement knobs and added patterned contact paper inside the drawers for a polished, custom feel.
Materials and Cost
Mindy kept the project budget-friendly by sourcing an affordable dresser and economical supplies. Her reported expenses were:
- Dresser: $20
- Paint: $17
- Knobs: $19
- Contact paper: $5
That brings the total to roughly $60—an excellent return on investment for a sturdy, attractive piece that now looks much more expensive than the sum of its parts.
Tips for a Successful Dresser Makeover
- Choose a sturdy piece: Solid construction makes a piece worth saving and ensures longevity after the makeover.
- Prep thoroughly: Remove hardware, fill holes, and sand; good prep = better paint adhesion and a smoother finish.
- Prime first: Use a quality primer to prevent stains and help the paint stick uniformly.
- Paint in thin coats: Apply multiple thin coats instead of one thick coat to avoid drips and achieve a professional look.
- Let paint cure: Waiting 24 hours or more before reassembling minimizes the risk of marring or fingerprints.
- Personalize with liners: Drawer liners or contact paper add a fun, practical detail that makes the piece feel finished.
Anyone who knows us knows we appreciate a crisp new paint job, and this transformation has us genuinely excited. Mindy, your dresser looks fantastic—bright, modern, and thoughtfully finished. Thanks for sharing your project and the beautiful photos. It’s a great example of how a little time and creativity can turn a worn piece into something fresh and stylish.