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In My Own Style

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How To Paint Drawer Pulls and a Dresser

June 4, 2010 · By Diane Henkler · 53 Comments

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How to paint a Classic Chest of Drawers Before and After Makeover 

I have a classic dresser,  you probably have one in your family, too. It is a classic  hand-me down that keeps getting handed-down one generation to the next.  It is not an antique, but so well made even after it takes a licking, it still functions perfectly.

Before this dresser gets handed down once again to my daughter. I am going to tweak it to her specifications and transform it with paint to decorate her college dorm apartment.

 How to paint furniture

She is going to be a junior in college and is moving into a house with 4 of her friends.  She needs furniture + we had this + I can paint = DIY INEXPENSIVE TRANSFORMATION  TIME.   She was not into the brown and brass.  I can’t blame her, so I got to work.

How to paint wood furniture

How to Paint Drawer Pulls

This is how the brass drawer pulls looked after I cleaned them to prepare for spray painting.  You can see the one at the bottom has a bit of silver on it.  I tried using RubN’Buff on that one, but I could not get it into the detail of the pull so I opted to use spray paint.

How to paint drawer pulls

Here is the desk that was currently in my daughters room at home.  She wanted it to match the dresser, so even though it looks pretty nice, I painted it.    I set up the two pieces in my garage, lightly sanded them and put two coats of Oil-Based Kilz on each piece.

Painted Furniture Tips and Tricks

Decorative brass pull on desk drawer.

How to change furniture hardware

Ready to unload  my daughters “stuff” into her house.  It has 5 bedrooms and she is in one that is tiny, tiny, tiny, but very bright and cheery.

College Apartment Decorating Ideas

If you have never been to Burlington Vermont it is definitely a destination to experience and explore.  It is right on Lake Champlain.  Gorgeous views everywhere.

Burlington Vermont Waterfront-Lake Champlain

Unique Shops

Storefront in Burlington Vt

And plenty of delicious restaurants that have outside seating in the summer months along Church Street.  This is my favorite place to eat.

Leunigs Bistro in Burlington Vermont

And a great place to study – The University of Vermont.

University of Vermont

Dresser Makeover Using Paint: AFTER

The color of the Valspar paint my daughter picked was  Seafarer.  You will find the process on how I paint furniture by clicking over to this post:  How to Paint over Stained or Polyurethane Finished Furniture

Furniture painting ideas

I used Rust-Oleum Specialty Metallic Spray Paint in Silver for the drawer pulls.  I applied 3 light coats, letting each coat dry thoroughly before spraying on the next coat.  They came out so much better than I expected.  I just love this brand of spray paint.

How to paint a metal drawer knobs and pulls

It is amazing how modern the pulls look now.

How to Spray Paint a Drawer Pull

Her desk came out great as well.

How to paint a Desk

Here  is the dresser in its new home.

College dorm decorating ideas

The desk is across the room, which is only about 2 steps away.  I found a beach towel at WalMart  to cover her IKEA chair with.  If you decide to do this make sure you wash the towel first – or you will end up with a butt covered in lint. If you would like to see how I covered the chair you can find in my post: How I Transformed a Not So Pretty Desk Chair.

 I took these photos right before we left for the 7 hour drive home to Pennsylvania.

College dorm decorating ideas

She was having fun organizing and setting up all of her stuff.  I wished I could have stayed longer and helped her more, but I think she has my “decorating” gene and was figuring it out on her own.

College dorm decorating ideas

I did fashion a sheer window scarf for her that I found at Walmart.  I didn’t use a rod.  There were two plant hooks on the ceiling that if we removed would have left huge holes.

Easy no sew window treatment ideas

I painted the hooks white and draped the scarf on them.  Then on each side I tied ribbons in all the colors used in the room around the scarf and hooked the ribbon on a nail on each side of the window trim.  I had to play with the folds to get each side even.  She was very happy with the results.  It is one very easy no-sew window treatment.

Easy no sew window treatment ideas

DIY Chalk Painted DeskA Family Affair: DIY Chalk Painted Desk
So easy... a much faster way to line a draw with decorative paper. No measuring tape needed! In My Own Style“The Easy Trick” on How to Line a Drawer
Gift Wrapped Table MakeoverBefore and After Decoupage Table Makeover
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Filed Under: Bedrooms, Decorating Ideas, Furniture Makeovers, How to Paint Anything, Paint Projects

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Comments

  1. Maura says

    02/24/2015 at 9:44 am

    Do you know the company that made the desk? I have one almost identical—I couldn’t find any markings on it.It was passed down to me by my mother and I would love to trace its origins.I have seen quite a few of that same style of secretary desk,just wondering if there were lots of companies who made them or just one or 2. Mine was from the 20s or 30s I think.

    Reply
  2. Carol Centracchio says

    05/05/2014 at 2:05 am

    I have a question. In have some latex paints in different colors my husband used on my walls. I like them, yellow, green, pink. Can I add a few drops of MICHAELS ARCYlC Paint to it to have a little difference to the color? Yes I use a Blender to mix my Plaster of Paris. Would I have to cut down on the water if I add arcrylic paint?
    I would love a response please. Doing it tomorrow.
    THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH
    CAROL

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      05/05/2014 at 9:02 pm

      Hi Carol – If you want to make chalk paint by mixing leftover latex paint with acrylic craft paint, then I would say no. This is because the acrylic in the craft paint may bind the latex paint when Plaster of Paris is added. If you are not making chalk paint and just mixing craft paint into latex paint to alter the color – then yes – I do it all the time when I want to tweak a color.

      Reply
  3. Amy says

    05/04/2014 at 8:03 pm

    P.S.- your daughter is very lucky to have an awesome mom like you helping her out!!!! :-)

    Reply
  4. Amy says

    05/04/2014 at 6:36 pm

    Hi there,
    I’m just wondering how you did the finish on the desk BEFORE you repainted it.
    I love the grainy “colour with white” effect but have no idea how to do it!

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      05/04/2014 at 7:52 pm

      Hi Amy – To get the color with white effect I used glazing liquid. It is sold at most craft and paint stores. Basically you apply your paint color -let it dry. Then make up a glaze mixture – 1 part glaze to 2 – 4 parts white paint. Brush it on and then use a dry brush to wipe through the paint – this removes some of the glaze and gives you the striated look. You can read more about working with glazing liquid in these posts:

      https://inmyownstyle.com/2014/03/painting-verdigris-finish.html

      https://inmyownstyle.com/2013/09/paint-age-furniture-without-chalk-paint.html

      https://inmyownstyle.com/2013/03/furniture-before-after-makeover-in-turquoise.html

      https://inmyownstyle.com/2013/03/before-after-mirror-makeover-using-glaze.html

      Reply
      • Amy says

        05/04/2014 at 8:01 pm

        Thank you so very much!!!
        I can’t wait to find a piece to try this with!
        I may be getting a new desk…. :-)

        Reply
  5. Donna says

    06/11/2013 at 7:26 pm

    Gorgeous re-do, your daughter is very lucky! This brought back happy memories, as I went to UVM for grad school in 1981…met some lifelong buds, walked to work/ school with the mountains on either side, and enjoyed the pizza at Ken’s on Church st.!

    Reply
  6. April says

    04/24/2013 at 9:22 am

    Hi – Love the painted chest of drawers and desk. I would like to do the same. Did you use spray paint for the furniture as well as the drawer pulls? If so what kind. Also did you sand off the old varnish first?
    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      04/24/2013 at 10:01 am

      Hi April – I wrote this post a few years ago and didn’t include a tutorial. I painted another dresser for my other daughter. I posted about it with a full tutorial on how to do it. You can find it here: https://inmyownstyle.com/2012/08/how-to-paint-an-old-wood-chest-of-drawers.html

      Reply
  7. Jano says

    03/24/2013 at 6:02 pm

    Hi, I am wondering what type of paints and primers you use to paint the wood furniture, especially the teal dressers for your daughter? I am trying to paint an old desk, but the last time I did that, it started peeling and does not look good! Any suggestions? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      03/24/2013 at 7:34 pm

      Hi Jano –
      I am working on a page that will explain what I use, but it is not finished yet. Check out these two posts, they should explain my process of my tried and true paint and techniques. Check out: https://inmyownstyle.com/2012/08/how-to-paint-an-old-wood-chest-of-drawers.html and https://inmyownstyle.com/2012/07/how-to-get-the-perfect-paint-finish.html

      Reply
  8. Jamie says

    09/12/2012 at 10:25 pm

    Love the furniture, great color!!! I doing something similar thanks for the ideas!!! I also just moved to Burlington Vermont its one of the most fabulous places I have ever been!!!!

    Reply
  9. Diane Phillips says

    08/14/2012 at 8:59 am

    I love this. I am trying to go outside my comfort zone and move towards brighter colors. I have a small retro cabinet that I am planning to redo, and I actually picked a coral colored paint! Surprised even myself, lol. Can’t wait to see if it looks this good.
    You are very talented and creative.

    Reply
    • Diane says

      08/14/2012 at 11:08 am

      Hi Diane- The coral color sounds very pretty. If you prep, sand, use a tack cloth, prime and paint with light coats you should have success. Painting when the temp is around 75 and low humidity always helps too.

      Reply
  10. Kelli says

    07/29/2012 at 2:37 pm

    The furniture looks great. Thank you for the tips. My favorite is the curtain idea…pulls the room together.

    Reply
  11. Danelle says

    03/02/2012 at 12:42 am

    Diane,
    I love the dresser and desk color. We are re-doing our 14 year old daughter’s bedroom and are looking to repaint her dresser and desk. She loves these colors. Her bed has a silver metal frame and her comfortor is white. What color would you paint the walls assuming I paint the dresser and desk the color you did. The room is very small and only has one window which faces the west so doesn’t get much sun. Thanks for any advice!

    Reply
    • Diane says

      03/02/2012 at 3:56 pm

      Hi Danelle –

      I think since the room is small and not a lot of natural light, I would go with a soft pink color on the walls. Something like Sherwin Williams Diminutive Pink SW6588, Anemone SW 6567, or Glidden Heirloom #AO225. Just make sure it is is not a dusty pink as it will end up looking like the color of a Band-Aid when a lamp is on. I would then add lots of color pops in the way of pillows on her bed, art on the walls, and other accessories.

      Reply
    • Diane says

      03/02/2012 at 4:05 pm

      Hi again Danelle. I wanted to also tell you that could do an accent wall in a slightly darker pink on one wall and the softer pink on the other 3 walls. The accent wall should be on the wall where her headboard is, since the bed is usually the focal point of a bedroom.

      Reply
  12. piri says

    01/19/2012 at 4:23 am

    Hi Diane!

    I have pinned the pic of your finished mudroom organiser onto my pinterest profile just because I think it’s amazing, and also it deserves to be shared with the world!! The pic links directly back to your site, however if you’d like it removed then please let me know, and I will (somewhat reluctantly) take it down :).

    I have it here: http://pinterest.com/pin/26810560251444058/ notice other people repinning and /or liking it. Have a great day, piri.

    Reply
  13. Tasterspoon says

    11/07/2011 at 6:49 pm

    You are totally burying the lead here – I didn’t know you could recover that type of desk chair! My husband has one that is super gross that I would love to make over.

    Reply
  14. Lisa Lucas says

    11/02/2011 at 6:46 pm

    Isn’t Vermont the most beautiful place to live! Looking to spruce up a treasure I found, thanks for the great ideas fellow Vermonter!

    Reply
  15. Tasha stuemke says

    06/28/2011 at 6:57 pm

    I love the way it looks! I have been playing around with paint for years! I always need to be doing some form of art! Great website! How did you get your website started? Tasha

    Reply
  16. Jules says

    06/10/2011 at 5:53 pm

    I also have one of these dressers that my husband uses. Want his to match mine which is done in an ivory color. After applying the oil kilz did you use a spray or brush on color?
    My daughter lives in Williston,vt so I’m always visiting church st . Try the farmhouse restaurant ,fresh produce and great home brewed beers!

    Reply
    • Diane says

      06/10/2011 at 10:39 pm

      Hi Jules-

      Thanks for the tip about the Farmhouse restaurant. I used a roller and a 2″ angled Purdy brush to paint the edges of eh drawers smooth.

      Reply
  17. bichonpawz says

    01/24/2011 at 11:01 pm

    What a terrific job you did on this old dresser!!! I swear…I have that very same dresser sitting not two feet from me…it was a hand me down! I LOVE what you have done with it to bring it new life!! The color is exactly the same color as the walls of my cottage living room!! I stopped over from Heather’s blog.

    Reply
  18. Simple Daisy says

    01/23/2011 at 4:08 pm

    OH my goodness!!! Great job:):)
    Now…when you grow tired of that dresser….I WANT it!!!! I love it!!!

    Reply
  19. Tina says

    07/21/2010 at 1:11 pm

    I love this colour!! Can’t believe it turned out so well, good job!

    Reply
  20. [email protected] says

    06/14/2010 at 9:11 pm

    Yup I have the same dresser..maybe two of ’em…thanks for the great idea! It looks smashing!

    Reply
  21. Ela says

    06/12/2010 at 11:38 am

    They turned out fantastic!!

    Thanks for linking up to my Pajama Party! Please join me next week again =)

    ~Ela

    Reply
  22. [email protected] says

    06/09/2010 at 9:58 pm

    Absolutely awesome!! She is one lucky girl – and that color is to die for!!! Can’t believe how well the spray painted handles came out! It looks great!!!
    xoxo,
    Cat @ BudgetBlonde

    Reply
  23. miss corner cape says

    06/09/2010 at 1:57 pm

    that looks wonderful, especially those drawer pulls. love that metallic pop!

    Reply
    • Diane says

      06/09/2010 at 9:31 pm

      Metallic spray paint has come a long way since I started spray painting years ago. I have used many different brands and think the Rustoleum Metallic comes out great everytime. It never looks dull or cloudy. I found it at AC Moore. I am sure in a few more years metallic spray paint will get even better with new technology and materials.

      Reply
  24. Ela says

    06/08/2010 at 7:42 pm

    HI! I would like to invite you to join my new Pajama Party which starts Wednesday! (The link goes up tonight)

    http://lifeinmypjs.blogspot.com/p/pajama-party.html

    Thanks!

    ~Ela

    Reply
  25. Stephanie Lynn says

    06/08/2010 at 1:15 am

    Wow amazing transformation. I just adore the color and the hardware is gorgeous. Fantastic job! Congrats to your daugther! Thanks so much for linking to the Sunday Showcase party! I greatly appreciate it! Hope you have a fabulous week! ~ Stephanie Lynn

    Reply
  26. Jami says

    06/07/2010 at 10:35 pm

    I am lovin that paint color! Everything you did turned out great. I am totally impressed with the window treatment. How creative!

    Question for you. When you redo a dresser like that, do you put a clear coat over the paint? I am getting ready to re-do a hall table. Thanks.

    Reply
  27. Beach Vintage says

    06/06/2010 at 8:12 pm

    Oh my oh my I want everything, I love the colour. That restaurant looks super cute.

    Reply
  28. ann says

    06/06/2010 at 1:46 pm

    Cute cute cute cute! I love the color and those pulls look amazing. Great job!

    Reply
  29. Karen Sacavage says

    06/06/2010 at 9:08 am

    Isn’t it fun to live vicariously through our daughters! We can’t go get an apartment for ourselves and decorate it ourselves but we can help them. I can’t wait for my daughter to move again!

    Reply
  30. Julie says

    06/06/2010 at 7:56 am

    Love the color, and your solution to the plant hooks was genius!

    Thank you for linking up this week!

    Reply
  31. the lovely paper blog says

    06/05/2010 at 2:56 pm

    how lovely! i love that idea with the chair! i must try it!

    Reply
  32. Michelle @ Sweet Something says

    06/05/2010 at 10:16 am

    Fantastic color!! I love the little desk with the office chair~that looks awesome! So fun! Great job!

    Reply
  33. cassie says

    06/04/2010 at 10:54 pm

    what a fresh and bright room your daughter has! love what you did with the furniture and the color- they really make the room!

    Reply
  34. Decorchick says

    06/04/2010 at 10:29 pm

    Wow, I love everything you did here!! That blue color is swoonworthy, and the new metallic hardware looks great! And great job on that window treatment too! I never would have thought to do that with just plant hooks. Very creative. Visiting from Frugal & Fabulous. :)

    Reply
  35. Suzanne says

    06/04/2010 at 12:04 pm

    I love the colors! The beach towel chair turned out well, too.

    That silver spray paint is good! The pulls don’t look cheap and fakey like most silver paint would have made it look. After seeing how good those look, I think I’ll have to give it a whirl!

    Reply
  36. Lisa~ says

    06/04/2010 at 10:12 am

    Really, really great. I love the color, I love that you did it together. You’re training her to be a do it yourselfer….I love it! Lisa~

    Reply
  37. Cindy Rand says

    06/04/2010 at 9:55 am

    Love the paint color. Looks so fresh and young! And the window treatment was a wonderful finishing touch. LOVE IT ALL!
    ~C~

    Reply
  38. Julie says

    06/04/2010 at 8:00 am

    Great job…and what a lucky daughter you have! Burlington, VT is one of my favorite cities…and we’ll be there this Summer! Can’t wait!!

    Reply
  39. Shaunna says

    06/04/2010 at 7:43 am

    Oh, and I’d love to feature this post on my saturday shout out tomorrow. Come check it out!

    Reply
  40. Shaunna says

    06/04/2010 at 7:42 am

    How absolutely adorable!! What a wonderful memory for you and your daughter! I love that you have the vision and ability to do something like that for her and she has the wisdom to trust you and experience something fun together. Good for you guys. :) Plus, you know I’m a furniture junkie so I just love the pieces!! -shaunna :)

    Reply
  41. sarah of handbagsnpigtails says

    06/04/2010 at 7:24 am

    Yup, we have that exact same dresser as well as one that goes with it. I always love to see someone with the same piece so I know what mine would look like. Since ours is my hubbys dresser I dont think he’d be too into the turquoise-y color but I love it!:)
    And youre such a cute patootie momma! Alot of bloggy moms have been sending their kids off to school lately.:( Something I dont even want to think about yet!
    Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  42. Linda @Nina's Nest says

    06/04/2010 at 6:17 am

    I think I have the companion dresser to yours! We have painted some furniture in our house, but not sure I would ever have the nerve to paint it (though I am sick of brown furniture). However, after looking at your results, I might reconsider. Beautiful job. Linda

    Reply
  43. abeachcottage says

    06/04/2010 at 3:08 am

    I love the colour of that paint…it turned out fab!

    Reply
Diane Henkler Blogger In My Own Style
I love all things creative, colorful, and DIY. It is just the way my brain is wired. I can't add 2+2 to save my life, but I can help you decorate your home in a style that you will love...YOURS! LEARN MORE
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