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How to Update a Hand Me Down Dresser

March 31, 2011 · By Diane Henkler · 169 Comments

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I have a hand me down furniture makeover for you today…one that you will love if you like pretty gift-wrap. I love anything and everything having to do with typefaces. So it is no surprise to me that I have had my eye on this vintage typographer gift-wrap ever since Emily over at Jones Design Company posted about it as well as many other pretty papers she uses.

Furniture Makeover Ideas

I wanted to find a way I could use this gift-wrap where I could enjoy the pattern in my daily life instead of only wrapping gifts with it and giving it away.  When I started to update my guest room I got an idea on how I could incorporate it into the room.   The gift-wrap comes in 20” x 28” sheets that cost $4.00 each.  I needed 3 to cover the top of my dresser and the drawer pulls.  You can find it here at  LuxPapeire.com

Before

This piece of hand me down furniture looks nice in this photo, but the top and left side have cracks in them. It would need too much work and expense to fix , so I am going to add my own style to it using the gift-wrap and paint.

Furniture-how-to-paint hand me down furniture

supplies needed:

  • Paint
  • Kilz Stain Blocking Primer – Original Formula
  • Glass Beads –  I got mine at The Dollar Tree
  • Mod Podge – Matte finish
  • Sandpaper
  • 2″ – angled Purdy paint brush
  • Paint roller
  • Clear Glue – I used Aleene’s Platinum Bond Glass and Bead

My color scheme for the room: white, beige, tan, black, and purple.

I painted the dresser white first. The paint is a mix of whites that I had a bit of each– Sherwin Williams Creamy and Alabaster. I added them together so I would have enough to cover the dresser.    I roughed up the wood just a tiny bit with sandpaper.  Cleaned it up with a tack cloth and then rolled on two coats of Original Kilz stain blocking primer. Kilz comes in a few different formulas, but the Original one is the best in my opinion. I let that dry and then I applied two light coats of the white paint I mixed together.  I used the best roller I could afford and an angled 2″  Purdy brush to paint the edges of each drawer and the trim on the bottom.

I didn’t like the drawer pulls, but it was not in my budget to buy new ones, so I had to come up with a way to make them more interesting.  I removed them from the dresser, washed and then spray painted them white.

How-to-paint-drawer-pulls

Since the gift-wrap has a tan background, I wanted to add a bit of it into the pulls. They also needed a bit of contrast and I was inspired to add the flat glass beads after seeing glass number knobs at Anthropologie.

1. Cut letters out to the shape of flat glass beads.
2. Use clear glue to attach the cut-outs to the back of flat glass beads.
3.  Glue beads on to center of drawer pulls and let dry.  Rough up edges of pulls with a small piece of sandpaper.
4. Attach to the dresser.

How-to-make-glass-alphabet-

Adhering the Gift wrap:

1.  Use Mod Podge to attach the sheets of gift-wrap to the top of the dresser. I figured out the placement of the gift-wrap first and then spread a thick coat of Mod Podge on the top of the dresser where the first sheet would go.

2.   Line up the paper and leave enough to turn over to the underside of the top.  Lay the sheet on and then use your brush and spread more Mod Podge on top of the paper.

3.  Make sure you press out all the air bubbles.  If you get an air bubble and you can’t remove it. Carefully cut the paper with a mat knife and then use the tip of the knife to hold the paper up so you can get some Mod Podge under the section.  Press it back down and smooth it over. Once it is dry you won’t notice. When using Mod Podge – especially on large pieces you are going to get a few wrinkles, but in this case – they look good  – like leather.   Use your brush or fingers to make sure that the gift-wrap is adhered to the underside of top.

4.  Repeat the process for each sheet of gift-wrap. I had to piece the back section as the sheets were not as deep as my dresser.  On the corners I left the excess hang over and then cut a diagonal line to the corner then turned the excess under and used more Mod Podge to make sure it adhered.

How-to-Mod-Podge-Gift-Wrap-

5.  After the first coat of Mod Podge was dry, I added a second coat.

Furniture-Transformations-g

After

Furniture-How-to-paint-and-

Furniture-how-to-after-ches

Furniture-How-to-transform-

I am thrilled with the way it came out. The most expensive part was the gift-wrap that cost me just under $15 with the shipping.

The glass beads were $1.00 for a pouch filled with them that I found at The Dollar Tree.

Furniture-Drawer-pull-close

Furniture-Transformations: Hand me down furniture

To learn how I attached the mirrors above the dresser in a 3D effect. you   You will find it:

How to Create a 3D Mirror Gallery Wall

***

More Furniture Makeovers:

Before and After Round Table with Woven Strips of Gift wrap

Trash to Dollar Store Treasure Dresser

Or see my Furniture Makeover Project Gallery

 

Mod-Podge-Dresser-Makeover-with-Gift-wrap

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
The best recipe for making chalk paintBefore and After Furniture Makeover in Turquoise
How to use craft paint to create faux Carrara MarbleFaux Carrara Marble Painting Technique
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Filed Under: Decorating Ideas, Furniture Makeovers, How to Paint Anything, Recycle, Reuse, Repurpose

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Comments

  1. Dekorizyon says

    08/23/2017 at 5:53 am

    I love it!!

    Reply
  2. Demet @evduzenleme says

    01/03/2017 at 9:48 am

    Again another great idea!

    Reply
  3. Carmen says

    11/29/2016 at 12:49 pm

    Great Job. Will you be able to put objects on top of dresser. What happens if someone spills water on it?

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      11/29/2016 at 11:25 pm

      Hi Carmen – You can put whatever you normally would put on the top of a dresser on the top. Right now I have it filled with Christmas decorations. If water spills, the sealer keeps the water from seeping into the paper. Just like a piece of wood furniture, you can’t let water sit, but it will not damage the top if you wipe it up as soon as possible.

      Reply
  4. Denise Hardy says

    08/26/2016 at 5:53 pm

    Hi – I absolutely love this dresser, the paper that you used and the glass pebbles with the idea of the letters and I also love your mirror arrangement.

    Reply
  5. Marnie says

    06/25/2016 at 3:50 pm

    Did you primer the top of the dresser as well (for the wrapping paper to adhere to) or just scuff it up a bit?

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      06/27/2016 at 11:41 pm

      Hi Marnie – I did prime it first so it would be white. I didn’t want the paper to have a color cast from the wood tone of the dresser. Once the primer was dry, I scuffed it up to make sure the gift wrap would adhere well. I made over that dresser over 6 years ago. It still looks great and is used all the time. :-)

      Reply
  6. Janell S. says

    02/13/2016 at 10:48 am

    Loved this re-do from the moment I saw it on Pinterest and am just finishing up my dresser re-do with the same wrapping paper top. Thank you for the inspiration!

    Reply
  7. Cathy Lawdanski says

    02/08/2016 at 7:32 am

    Clever & lovely!

    Reply
  8. Debbie How says

    09/01/2015 at 12:23 am

    Your home is lovely and you should have no difficulty selling it…I would buy it, but I live in Canada.

    I have pinned all your decorating ideas to try myself. Just wanted to say I think you are extremely clever. : )

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      09/03/2015 at 8:48 am

      Hi Debbie – Thanks so much for taking the time to leave me such a nice comment. XO I surely hope my home sells quickly, you just never know though. I am keeping my fingers crossed. Thanks for pinning my projects. I truly appreciate it!

      Reply
  9. Georgia says

    08/13/2015 at 6:45 am

    Hi can you do this with wallpaper

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      08/13/2015 at 9:08 am

      Hi Georgia – Yes you can use wallpaper to decoratively cover a dresser. It will work in the same way as the gift wrap.

      Reply
  10. blog inspiracion says

    01/25/2015 at 4:03 pm

    ¡Wow! I love it! Thanks! Your blog are beautiful ^^

    Reply
  11. Taylor C says

    12/05/2014 at 4:48 pm

    I totally want to do this to my bathroom counter… could I do this? Does anyone know? It’s an ollldddd style counter, I couldn’t tell you what it
    s made out of. But could I use wall paper? Does the Modge Podge make the paper water proof?
    Can someone let me know please? Thank you! :)

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      12/06/2014 at 8:19 am

      Hi Taylor – Original Mod Podge will not hold up if the counter gets wet a lot. If it does get wet on a continuous basis, it may wrinkle and or buckle. They have a newer version that is for Outdoor use. It has a green label and is called Outdoor Mod Podge. You can buy it at the crafts store or Walmart. I have not used it on a counter, but have heard good things about it. I would still wipe up any water that gets on the counter after using the sink. It will only help keep the counter looking nice.

      Reply
  12. Dez says

    10/12/2014 at 2:36 pm

    I like this idea a lot! I have a table that I want to decorate and was looking for inspiration and techniques. Thanks for sharing!!

    Reply
  13. Michelle says

    07/10/2014 at 11:11 pm

    I love it! It is beautiful! I like how you added the glass beads to the handles that is so creative. I use and paint these same drawer pulls all the time. Thanks or the painting tip!

    Reply
  14. Karen says

    09/24/2013 at 10:51 am

    I like the way you lightened up and transformed your dresser! I especially like the mirror collage on your wall above the dresser. That is really a great idea!

    Reply
  15. michelle says

    08/21/2013 at 4:58 pm

    Absolutly amazing job !!! I love what you did. Im in the same predicament with my dresser, same size as yours….just what i was looking for!!!! I am inspired….thank you..

    Reply
  16. Nicole says

    07/19/2013 at 10:39 am

    Thank you! I love the clear glass bead idea.

    Reply
  17. Rebecca says

    07/07/2013 at 1:44 pm

    I tried this on my own and it worked GREAT! I gave my foyer a whole new makeover with this piece. Thank you for all the inspiration!
    http://decoupawesome.wordpress.com/2013/07/07/dresser-makeover-decoupage-wrapping-paper/

    Reply
  18. Jill says

    06/17/2013 at 2:03 pm

    Hi, I am refinishing an old dresser with hardware that looks similar to what’s on this dresser. Recently I was looking at the hardware and it doesn’t appear to be screwed on with regular screws. Since I can’t see the backs of yours to see how they are held in place, I’m not sure how these were held in place on your dresser. But can you tell me how you removed them and just ignore me if they were secured in place with screws.

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      06/17/2013 at 9:48 pm

      Hi Jill – The pulls were screwed in from the back of the drawer front. Your pulls may be inset – you would have to pry them out of the front. There could also be a backing against the back of the drawer front. See if there is a seam along the top of the drawer that you can pry off to reveal the screws.

      Reply
  19. Kristyn says

    06/13/2013 at 4:19 am

    Again another great idea! Question…How easy would it be to change the paper on the dresser top if it became worn??

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      06/13/2013 at 11:01 am

      Hi Kristyn – No harder than removing wallpaper from a wall. Wet it well and then let it sit for about 10 minutes, then you can peel it off. A large Spackle knife would be handy to get under the paper when you first start to remove it. Once that is done, it should come off easy. I would sand any residue smooth with a sanding block.

      Reply
  20. Adrienne says

    06/01/2013 at 1:12 pm

    You did a great job on this! I just redid some of our cabinets and old hardware on our drawers and it made such a difference. But I think the paper top is a genius idea!

    Reply
  21. Jenn says

    05/08/2013 at 5:45 pm

    I did this and I found that spray adhesive won’t bubble the paper. Thanks for the inspiration! I picked up a nice enough bureau from a junk store and turned it into an amazing piece of furniture that I’m just in LOVE with! I put a few coats of Minwax’s Polycrylic on top to seal it. It dries clear, so no yellowing :)

    Reply
  22. dekor says

    03/08/2013 at 8:26 am

    Has been designed in an incredibly beautiful thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  23. Lisa says

    02/13/2013 at 10:59 am

    I came across your blog today.. let me tell you. It is ‘awesome’. I love it! The details, so concise, nothing held back and easy to follow. Great job! Keep it up :)

    Reply
  24. Susie @ Homemaker-mom.com says

    12/10/2012 at 11:50 pm

    Ok, this is amazing. I am in love with that dresser! What an inspiration you are! I have an old little dresser I could do this too! Thank you so much. When ever I stop by your site I am blown away each time.

    Reply
  25. Alanna says

    11/25/2012 at 2:20 pm

    I was so inspired by this project that I found my own wrapping paper that looks like sheet music and put it over my hideous counter tops in my kitchen that I have been wanting to replace forever! I just finished the first coat and it came out great!! Thank you for the awesome idea and the “how to” instructions!!

    Reply
    • Susan says

      09/16/2017 at 1:19 am

      I love love love your paper choice. Please share your finished product. I would paint the dresser the same color as is in the paper, which looks white.

      Reply
  26. Jen says

    11/07/2012 at 3:19 pm

    I love this idea. Thank you so much for sharing. My dresser is on the front porch drying from my second coat of primer and my luxe paper arrived in the mail today. Im kinda stuck on what color to paint the dresser thou.
    http://www.luxepaperie.com/eldeemgiwrsh.html
    This is the paper I chose. I was thinking an antique white. My bedroom is a light light blue. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      11/08/2012 at 7:39 am

      Hi Jen – Love your paper! You are going to have one pretty dresser. I think I would paint it the blue color in the paper. If the piece has a lot of nice detailing on it, maybe even apply a light glaze over it with the grey brown color to bring out the details. If it is too much blue because your room is blue – antique white will look just as nice, but I think lightly glazing over it with one of the colors in the paper will add more character to the piece. Either way it will look very nice. I would ask myself – What color would create a better color balance with the rest of the elements in the room?

      Reply
  27. LaRee B. says

    10/18/2012 at 9:18 pm

    I’ve had this post up on my browser for about a week now, and I finally mod podged some fancy giftwrap to an old sewing table that I picked up for free from a neighbor. Thank you so much for the inspiration!

    Reply
  28. Carole says

    10/16/2012 at 12:58 pm

    That is so cool on the dresser top!

    I recently came across this paper at a local paper store (not giving the name because I don’t want to lose my source! lol). As a paper artist and typography lover, I had to have a sheet. I used mine for wall art, but I love this!

    Reply
  29. natasha says

    08/25/2012 at 5:55 pm

    Hi I was wondering what type of roller did you use I’m waiting for my primer to dry…. I hate brushes…. I need a roller
    thanks for the great posts!!!

    Reply
    • Diane says

      08/26/2012 at 11:49 am

      Hi Natasha – I like foam rollers or high quality low nap rollers. You can see a photo of the brushes and rollers I use in this post.

      https://inmyownstyle.com/2012/08/how-to-paint-an-old-wood-chest-of-drawers.html

      They offer a smooth finish. It may take a little getting used to -as you can’t roll on with too much pressure or you will see roller edge lines and bubbles may show up with a foam roller if you press to hard. Just roll over the surface very lightly and if you do see a roller edge line show up – just roll over it gently to remove it. Most bubbles will go away on their own. If not – make sure to sand lightly and clean off the grit with a tack cloth between coats to smooth out the surface before applying the next coat of paint. If you have a nice dry 75 degree day out or are painting in an air conditioned space your paint and primer will dry fast.

      Reply
  30. Andrea says

    08/25/2012 at 5:14 pm

    I liked your idea to use the typography gift wrap that I did the same thing! Thank you so much for sharing your project!

    Reply
  31. Architecture Linked says

    08/18/2012 at 7:08 pm

    Beautiful work! I love the mirrors on the wall, too. Great eye for design!

    Reply
  32. Anomonster says

    08/03/2012 at 1:55 am

    this website has made me depressed, I find it terribly sad that someone made this in the first place, and then I scroll down expecting to see a column of comments reflecting my point of view and instead I see a whole lot of praise! What is the world coming to!? Seriously it’s 2012 and people still haven’t developed a sense of style!! I hope to god I don’t ever have to stay in a room so tacky. And srsly laughing over the mirror placement too….. what happened to intelligent design – this must be an American blog.

    Reply
    • Susan says

      09/16/2017 at 1:32 am

      I feel sad for you that you can’t see the beauty in this furniture. Everyone has there own taste but you shouldn’t put others down if it’s not your style. I think the mirror placement is cool, but this is my opinion. When it comes to making comments, I say follow the golden rule, if you don’t have something good to say then keep it to yourself!

      Reply
  33. Karen says

    08/01/2012 at 10:10 pm

    I love it I tried it with a different pattern and it came out excellent I will put it on face book for my friends and family to see. Thanks for the ideal

    Reply
  34. Jackie says

    07/13/2012 at 11:22 am

    Great job ! This is fantastic.

    Reply
  35. Grey says

    07/09/2012 at 4:27 am

    I prefer it as it was.
    I give the new design 1 year and you will be sick of it.
    Sorry.

    Reply
    • Jackie says

      07/13/2012 at 11:24 am

      And if she is, not too difficult to change out the paper on top. I like it

      Reply
  36. Jenny says

    06/28/2012 at 5:35 pm

    Oh my… I love this finished project more than I can say. You did a fantastic job Diane!

    Reply
  37. Becky says

    06/24/2012 at 2:26 pm

    Hi there, Inspired by your dresser, I am working on a book shelf for my daughter’s room. i just have one question: How much mod podge did you need for this?

    Reply
    • Diane says

      06/24/2012 at 4:56 pm

      Hi Becky –

      Two 16 oz bottles will be enough.

      Reply
  38. Alert Electrical says

    05/31/2012 at 5:19 am

    Really inspirational – I have an ugly white Ikea dresser in my bedroom and am trying to think of some way to brighten it up – something along the lines of this is perfect! And the glass beads with letters idea is just so unique

    Reply
  39. JewSunStar says

    05/29/2012 at 4:31 am

    Hello Diane, I love the new look and your creation. I think i’m falling in love with your blog. lol :)

    Reply
  40. Brittany says

    05/25/2012 at 2:34 pm

    Wow! I’m very impressed with the way this turned out, and for only $15.00! That is awesome. It looks fantastic, and I love the decor on and around it, it’s all so perfect. Good job!! ;)

    Reply
  41. TheAL says

    05/22/2012 at 10:48 am

    It’s beautiful. What a cool idea, and completely doable. It’s like a completely new piece! I’m also quite fond of the mirror arrangement. :)

    Reply
  42. Moi says

    05/16/2012 at 5:27 pm

    The dresser looked better before you made it over

    Reply
  43. Angela says

    05/15/2012 at 8:53 am

    This is such a gorgeous dresser. I used your tips and did one in my bedroom. It turned out so pretty. Thanks for such a great post!

    Reply
  44. Jules Klimek says

    04/30/2012 at 5:01 pm

    I have a dresser that has been doing it’s job holding clothes, but looks boring and ugly! I will try this!

    Reply
  45. Samantha says

    04/29/2012 at 3:50 pm

    Thank you so much, that is super helpful. I was originally just going to do laminate, but I haven’t found any laminate I enjoy. With the paint, I could do an interesting design

    Reply
  46. Samantha says

    04/28/2012 at 1:19 am

    I have some questions. First, you put a layer of the mod podge on top of the wrapping paper as well? Does that prevent the paper from tearing? I have been looking for something to make a kitchen island, and can’t find any laminate that I actually like, would this be capable of holding up against daily kitchen uses? I think this is an amazing design, and would love to use something similar!

    Reply
    • Diane says

      04/28/2012 at 10:44 am

      Hi Samantha-

      Mod Podge on a kitchen counter would not hold up in the long run. I would not do it. I only use it on furniture that just needs dusting or a damp rag to wipe clean. If you would like to use the gift wrap you would have to seal it with a few coats of polyurethane. This will protect it, but it also will darken the paper. It will end up looking a brown-orange color and ruin the look. There are water based polyurethanes that don’t yellow, but a kitchen counter takes lots of abuse and I think that there are better options to re-doing a counter. Have you looked into the Rustoleum brand kitchen counter paints. There are 16 colors and comes in a kit. There are a few colors to choose. Here is a link describing what it is and does: http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=208

      Reply
  47. Melodie @ thReaDs~n~StUFf says

    02/29/2012 at 8:49 pm

    This is amazing! I love it, and am SO inspired, I am getting ready to place an order for the paper and am doing the top of a coffee table….can’t wait! Thanks for sharing!!

    Reply
  48. Morgan @ A Bright Idea says

    02/25/2012 at 8:39 am

    This turned out so great! And very unique. I have a dresser that I’ve been thinking about painting – this gives me some ideas. Love your blog, will definitely be back. I’m over at http://www.justhadabrightidea.blogspot.com if you ever want to pop in! -Morgan

    Reply
  49. Diane - It's All Good Until You Burn Dinner says

    02/23/2012 at 11:21 pm

    I am in love with this dresser! I just don’t know if I could pull it off but it sure gets the creative wheels turning in my head! Thanks for the great idea and pics!

    Reply
  50. Michelle says

    02/23/2012 at 1:39 am

    I love the way the dresser came out. I love the mirrors you arranged above it. How did you do the different layers?
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Diane says

      02/29/2012 at 11:28 pm

      Hi Michelle – Thanks -you can see the tutorial for how I did the 3D Gallery Wall here:

      https://inmyownstyle.com/2011/02/how-to-create-a-3-d-gallery-wall.html

      Reply
  51. Andrea Arch says

    02/22/2012 at 9:31 pm

    First of all, that paper choice is amazing. Secondly, great idea to spruce up the drawer handles. Lastly, overall great job! I can’t wait until garage sale season is here to be able to refurbish some furniture using gift wrap!

    Reply
  52. Lapidus says

    02/18/2012 at 6:48 pm

    Like first,the name of a blog is a famous. Collection of this pictures are very interesting.I need one thing in my room like on pics.

    Reply
  53. Renee says

    02/17/2012 at 1:12 pm

    Oh my goodness….I am so very hooked to your site & ideas thank you so much for sharing not only what you do but how you do it! Loving what I am seeing today & loving that I found your site!

    Reply
  54. Roadster says

    02/09/2012 at 4:11 pm

    Tell me – will the the top be waterproof after the two coats of Mod Podge? I am thinking of using this for classroom furniture. Thanks

    Reply
    • Diane says

      02/09/2012 at 4:23 pm

      It won’t be waterproof, but wipe-able with out the paper getting damaged. I have a little table in my living room that I have done the same way. I have placed hot tea cups and have spilled drinks on it. At first – I see a ring or a buckle in the paper, but once it dries – they are gone.

      https://inmyownstyle.com/2010/09/before-and-after-table-makeover.html

      If you would like to make the furniture truly waterproof you could use a water-based polyurethane over it. 2-3 coats would do the trick. It may darken the paper just a bit, but it will give you a waterproof finish.

      Reply
  55. Trish says

    01/29/2012 at 9:03 pm

    I already have the dresser…LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your ideas!! Keep them coming!!!!

    Reply
  56. [email protected] Satori Design for Living says

    01/20/2012 at 10:02 am

    What a fantastic idea. The dresser looks 100 times better!

    Reply
  57. Jennifer says

    10/05/2011 at 11:47 pm

    Just beautiful, I have a similar dresser to redo so i just may have to “steal” this idea. Love it!

    Reply
  58. Lorraine Padden says

    09/29/2011 at 7:24 pm

    What a wonderfully simple makeover. I think I could pull this off. Faabulous.

    Reply
  59. yvette says

    09/28/2011 at 7:46 pm

    And note that her blog is called “in my own style”

    Reply
    • Diane says

      09/28/2011 at 11:52 pm

      Hi Yvette-

      Thanks for the nice comment -and notice of my blog title :) Much appreciated!

      Reply
  60. yvette says

    09/28/2011 at 7:44 pm

    Wow, elizabeth, that was mean! Didnt your mother teach you “if you dont have anything nice to say, dont say anything at all”? I think the dresser looks great. You did a nice job. You can tell you took your time.

    Reply
  61. Elizabeth says

    09/28/2011 at 6:53 pm

    The pattern of the gift wrap is too repetitive and boxy… The idea is great, but the execution is horrible. You destroyed a beautiful piece of furniture. I’m sure will see this ten years from now in “How to get ugly wrapping paper off a hand-me-down dresser.”

    Reply
    • Jane says

      10/30/2011 at 1:20 pm

      I have a dresser just like this one. They are a dime a dozen. You can pick them up for nothing on Craig’s List. I don’t think Diane will ever be sorry she did this. It is absolutely lovely & unique. And if she tires of it, I think its evident she has the creative talent to transform it once again!

      Reply
  62. AM says

    09/16/2011 at 11:57 am

    Goodness, you ruined it.

    Reply
    • AM says

      09/16/2011 at 11:59 am

      btw, nice blog though.. great stuff overall.

      Reply
  63. Melissa says

    08/19/2011 at 2:29 pm

    Your blog is such an inspiration! So many great ideas. Thank you!

    Reply
  64. Yvette says

    08/17/2011 at 7:27 am

    Beautiful!!! How did you get the wrapping paper not to bubble? That’s what happened to me when I modpodged a kids table with wrapping paper.

    Reply
    • Diane says

      08/17/2011 at 8:54 am

      Hi Yvette-

      The gift wrap I used was a higher quality than most. It is a tad bit thicker or in paper terms it has more weight. It is the kind you can buy in sheets, not rolls. Thin giftwrap from say the dollar store is very thin and will wrinkle. Even with the thicker wrap – I use very light coats of Mod Podge instead of one or two thick coats, but the real key is using heavier weight gift wrap or paper. I have used thinner and it does wrinkle, but if you put on light coats of Mod Podge and let it dry between coats the wrinkling goes away as it dries. Another thing to remember is to glue the back side of the paper down first and make sure there are no air bubbles in it. Then go over the top. I have also had success with brown kraft paper, old book pages, and the double sided gift wrap that kids sell as fund raisers – all of these are heavier weight paper – that is the key.

      Reply
      • Trish says

        02/09/2012 at 6:11 pm

        what about scrapbook paper…12×12 sheets? would those work?

        Reply
        • Diane says

          02/09/2012 at 6:17 pm

          Hi Trish-
          Yes – scrapbook paper would work perfectly. The sheets, not the cardstock type – that would be too thick.

          Reply
  65. JT says

    08/06/2011 at 4:56 pm

    Love this dresser, but I would advise against using Mod-Podge as a finish on any kind of functional furniture.

    It looks good right after you finish your project, but it doesn’t stand up to heat, moisture or scuffing.

    Unfortunately, I don’t have a suggestion of a better product to use, but I just wanted to share my own experience with Mod-Podge on furniture. Just doesn’t last.

    Reply
  66. Lee Ann G. says

    07/30/2011 at 1:54 pm

    I LOVE THIS!!!!
    Thank you for sharing.
    Lee Ann

    Reply
  67. jessie jacques says

    07/24/2011 at 7:49 pm

    As soon as I saw this, I ran out and bought a can of paint. I have the same dresser/buffet, and just had to re-do mine. Thank you so much for your inspiration.

    Best,
    Jessie

    Reply
  68. Sarah says

    07/19/2011 at 11:07 pm

    I love this dresser. You did a fantastic job and it is so creative. We’ve been trying to come up with an inexpensive way to dress-up our dresser and this may be perfect! Thanks so much.

    Reply
  69. DDekor says

    07/04/2011 at 3:13 pm

    Awesome, i love it!!

    Reply
  70. TBeads says

    07/03/2011 at 12:58 pm

    This is such an awesome idea! Beautiful work.

    Reply
  71. Sadie Lascelles says

    07/03/2011 at 2:23 am

    seeing this DIY project actually inspired me to refurbish my dresser i’ve had my whole life. Thanks for the idea ! It’s a really fun and exciting project (:

    Reply
    • Diane says

      07/05/2011 at 8:25 pm

      HI Sadie-

      Thanks. It will be nice to give new life to something that you have had for so long. Being able to add your own personality to it will make it extra special to you now.

      Reply
  72. Beverly {Flamingo Toes} says

    07/02/2011 at 1:02 am

    Found this through StumbleUpon and had to stop and say how much I love it!! The top is perfect – but I especially love the hardware. The white is perfect too! Great job!

    Reply
  73. yup yuppers says

    07/02/2011 at 12:47 am

    I thought the dresser was beautiful the way it was. The wood was a gorgeous color. I could understand maybe redoing the hardware, and I like the mirrors above it. I do not get the letter theme and the point of painting over such a natural beauty.

    Reply
    • Diane says

      07/05/2011 at 9:45 pm

      Hi Yup Yuppers-
      The wood looks ok in the photo, but it was badly faded and the top had a crack on one side that goes down on an angle along one side. There were also few water rings and damage when perfume was spilled on it years ago. I could have refinished it but that is too hard of a job with too many chemicals.
      Since it was a hand me down that I never truly liked and was not worth much on the resale market – I decided to put some of my own style into it. I am a lover of typography and the letter giftwrap lets me enjoy seeing type in unexpected places. Painting it makes the room look much more coordinated and brighter. I do like the simplicity of a nice piece of wood furniture against a white wall. I have another dresser like this one and a highboy in another bedroom that has a much nicer patina that I love and will never paint.

      Reply
  74. fajas colombianas says

    06/30/2011 at 11:42 am

    Amazing transformation, your idea is brilliant!

    Reply
  75. Federica says

    06/20/2011 at 2:37 am

    I love it!!

    Reply
  76. Elfy says

    06/09/2011 at 8:20 am

    Lovely and very clever!

    Reply
  77. David says

    05/04/2011 at 12:26 pm

    OMG! Inspired!

    Reply
    • Diane says

      05/04/2011 at 1:30 pm

      Hi David- Thanks. It was always just a “hand me down” and now it is one of my favorite pieces of furniture.

      Reply
  78. Kristina Abernathy says

    04/29/2011 at 6:13 pm

    I love it! I have a very similar dresser, and I’ve been trying to figure out what to do with it. You’ve inspired me – Thanks!

    Reply
    • Diane says

      04/29/2011 at 9:43 pm

      Hi Kristina-

      I think my dresser is from the 50’s from Ethan Allen. I loved the Typography gift wrap and knew I had to find a way to use it. I just saw it used inside the firebox in a mantel on Design Sponge.

      Reply
  79. Angela says

    04/25/2011 at 12:22 pm

    Very cool idea!

    Reply
  80. Donna says

    04/08/2011 at 6:23 pm

    It is absolutely beautiful. I have a spare bedroom that is in desperate need of updating with the same kind of dresser as yours. I just love it. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  81. ANDREA says

    04/08/2011 at 4:20 pm

    Wonderful Job!!! Great inspiration!!! Love it!

    Reply
  82. Stacey of Embracing Change says

    04/07/2011 at 9:27 pm

    That is a super cool idea – love it! nice job!

    Reply
  83. Krystine says

    04/04/2011 at 10:30 am

    That looks so good! You did such a great job!

    http://lucyluvinyl.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  84. Amanda @ Serenity Now says

    04/03/2011 at 10:38 pm

    Gasping! LOVE this makeover!! The dressertop is just amazing. Nice work, and a great tutorial!

    Thanks for joining my Weekend Bloggy Reading party. :) Hope you’ll visit me at Serenity Now again soon! :)

    Reply
  85. madison avenue says

    04/03/2011 at 1:46 pm

    wow! this is AMAZING!!!! when i saw it my jaw literally dropped! i love how it became so light opposed to a dark clump of furniture. i love how you did the pulls with the glass letters and i LOVE how you put a design on the top of the dresser! everything flows together sooo well i wish i had this in my house :) i also really like the way you layered your mirrors on the wall, it looks really nice. p.s. im your newest follower!!

    Reply
  86. beth says

    04/03/2011 at 10:47 am

    Oh, my goodness!! I love that! I never would have thought to do anything like that. Very clever!!
    Hope you have a great day.
    Beth.

    Reply
  87. Janine says

    04/03/2011 at 8:30 am

    Outstanding!! I love this dresser and also the rest of the guest room—what a tremendous job you did!! Wow!! The colors you chose for the room and the dresser itself are just stunning. (came here from Mod Podge Rocks)

    Reply
  88. Myra @ The Casabella Project says

    04/03/2011 at 1:15 am

    AMAZING job!!! I’m featuring your dresser makeover this week on my blog! :)

    Reply
  89. Nola says

    04/03/2011 at 1:10 am

    Love the new look! What a wonderful way to dress up an old dresser!!!

    Reply
  90. [email protected] says

    04/02/2011 at 11:11 pm

    Very cute and unique idea!

    Reply
  91. laurie says

    04/02/2011 at 10:17 pm

    Soooooo cool, Diane! Luv the tip on painting the handles! What an incredibly creative and unique dresser!!!

    xoxo laurie

    Reply
  92. Diane @ home sweet homemade says

    04/02/2011 at 8:50 pm

    Fabulous job! I love your paper selection for the dresser top and the creative way you embellished the drawer pulls! Splendid!

    Reply
  93. Becca says

    04/02/2011 at 7:45 pm

    This is perfection. I absolutely love it.

    Reply
  94. Brooke @ Inside-Out Design says

    04/02/2011 at 6:58 pm

    Wow, this looks amazing!!! I love this paper but I would NEVER use something this nice to wrap gifts in. :) Paper this pretty deserves so much more than to be trashed after a party. Thanks so much for inspiring me!! I bought some wrapping paper a few weeks ago to cover our ugly filing cabinet with. Now thanks to you I’m motivated to get started!

    Reply
  95. Gabriella {sensiblyluxe} says

    04/02/2011 at 5:02 pm

    Ohmygoodness, what a transformation! I would buy that dresser from a shop in a millisecond.

    Reply
  96. Kim says

    04/02/2011 at 1:59 pm

    I LOVE how it turned out!!! What a great idea!!

    Reply
  97. Vivienne @ The V Spot says

    04/02/2011 at 12:58 pm

    This is a fantastic make-over! Thanks so much for the tip about the toothpicks. I refinish a lot of furniture and I have never tried this. Brilliant! I love the little glass beads on the pulls and the top is fantastic. Here from SAS

    Reply
  98. Marriah @ My Life Unzipped says

    04/02/2011 at 12:15 pm

    wow. that came out so great. I love the buttons. http://www.mylifeunzipped.blogspot.com

    Reply
  99. Lori says

    04/02/2011 at 12:12 pm

    I loooooooooove the dresser! Fantastic makeover! Now I’m off to find some of that cool paper….

    Reply
  100. Sommer says

    04/02/2011 at 10:26 am

    Diane what an incredible piece! I love the paper and the sticky things on the drawer pulls! I’d love to have you link this to my VIP party today! http://designergarden.blogspot.com/2011/03/vip-party-9.html

    Reply
  101. Emma B says

    04/02/2011 at 10:18 am

    I am a new follower, I just had to say how beautiful your dresser turned out! I love it :)

    Reply
  102. cris says

    04/02/2011 at 9:58 am

    Amazing!! So so so cool!! I have an older dresser in my soon’s room.. I might try that! Her team is CARS so maybe I can get a checkered wrapping paper!!! Thanks for sharing!! I am now a stylish follower!!

    Reply
  103. Heather @ Local Fun for Kids says

    04/02/2011 at 8:59 am

    That is really beautiful. I saw your message on PSMM and wanted to stop by. You have a fabulous site with so many great ideas!

    Reply
  104. [email protected] Crafty Home says

    04/02/2011 at 7:52 am

    This came out great!! I hope you’ll share it at my linky party going on all weekend!

    Reply
  105. KSacavage says

    04/02/2011 at 7:43 am

    The dresser in my daughter’s room (who is off to college) is waiting for a “redo” such as this. It looks fabulous!

    Reply
  106. Seven Valley Hill says

    04/02/2011 at 5:30 am

    oh and p.s. I’m desperate for that wall of mirrors behind it!!! GREAT job!

    Reply
  107. Seven Valley Hill says

    04/02/2011 at 5:29 am

    Oh. My. Gosh.
    A. I love Emily Jones Design Co. too!
    B. LOVE this dresser
    C. totally copying it.
    D. found you on Tatertots and Jello weekend party thingy.
    and one more…. E. GREAT idea about the toothpicks! genius.

    Reply
  108. Glycérine says

    04/02/2011 at 4:01 am

    wow.. wonderful !!!

    Reply
  109. Becky U says

    04/02/2011 at 3:14 am

    This has to be one of the prettiest dressers I’ve ever seen. Beautiful!!

    Reply
  110. Funky Junk Interiors says

    04/02/2011 at 2:47 am

    Awesome Diane! That topper is so beautiful against my most fav wall ever. :)

    Donna

    Reply
  111. Nicole W. says

    04/02/2011 at 1:35 am

    Your dresser turned out beautifully! I love, love, love it! Thanks for sharing your great tutorial, visiting from Tatertots & Jello

    Reply
  112. Sherry says

    04/02/2011 at 1:08 am

    This dresser looks absolutely beautiful! What a great idea, thanks for sharing.

    Sherry

    Reply
  113. Kim says

    04/02/2011 at 12:43 am

    WOW WOW WOW…I am SOOOOO in love with this dresser. i just painted and distressed a white dresser in my bedroom, but it needs a little umph…I think I am stealing your idea! THANKS!!!!

    Reply
  114. [email protected] says

    04/01/2011 at 11:59 pm

    That is SOOOOO CUUUUTTTTTEEE! I love the way you dressed up the pulls as well. Great work!

    Reply
  115. Lucy Designs says

    04/01/2011 at 11:47 pm

    this looks awesome! I love the toothpick tip for the handles too…bookmarking that one in my head!

    Reply
  116. Kelsey says

    04/01/2011 at 10:49 pm

    This turned out SO cool! I love typography too. I should totally do this to my hubby’s dresser. Great job!

    Reply
  117. Courtney says

    04/01/2011 at 10:41 pm

    Awesome, love it! Think that my favorite feature is the glass beads w/letters on it, inspired!!

    Reply
  118. Carol-Anne: Use the Good Dishes! says

    04/01/2011 at 10:30 pm

    Holy Crap! This is bloody amazing….! (excuse the language, but it just looks amazing.)

    Reply
  119. Alison says

    04/01/2011 at 10:28 pm

    Hi, I’m a new follower! Coming over from Philly Social Media Moms! I’m a new-ish member myself…I mostly lurk since that’s all I seem to have time to do! Skim the posts, no time to comment! :)

    I wanted to say, I love your dresser makeover! I have a small end table that resembles your before photo (freebie from side of the road!) that is in desperate need of a make over. Any suggestions for a first time furniture painter (painting some old chairs this month)?

    Reply
  120. Candice says

    04/01/2011 at 9:51 pm

    Oh wow, I love the dresser so much! And thank you for the tip to wedge the toothpick in the drawer pulls. I tried to repaint some without doing that and it was a disaster. I can’t wait to redo them now!!

    Reply
  121. Carrie says

    04/01/2011 at 9:46 pm

    I love how you went beyond just painting the dresser and really put your creative energy into making it look totally different! Well done!

    {found you through PSMM, welcome to the group!}

    Reply
  122. Julie says

    04/01/2011 at 9:27 pm

    Very cute & original!!!

    Reply
  123. Mod Podge Amy says

    04/01/2011 at 9:10 pm

    I absolutely LOVE that paper and your treatment on those handles is awesome!

    Reply
  124. debi9kids says

    04/01/2011 at 6:52 pm

    Oh wow. I am so totally in love with the finished project. Very nice!

    Going to have to book-mark your blog :) LOVE your ideas!

    ps Popping over from Philly Social Media Moms.

    Reply
  125. Alissa says

    04/01/2011 at 3:31 pm

    Visiting from Philly Social Media Moms and I know I’ll be visiting often! Love your projects.

    Reply
  126. Colleen says

    04/01/2011 at 3:29 pm

    Oh My Word (Pun Totally Intended!) Awesome!!!

    Reply
  127. Life with Kaishon says

    04/01/2011 at 2:24 pm

    Wow! You did an outstanding job. This looks amazing! So glad you joined Philly Social Media Moms. Welcome. Delightful to meet you! : )

    Reply
  128. Beverly @ The Buzz says

    04/01/2011 at 12:06 pm

    Beautiful. Love the way it turned out. And it looks so good with the mirrors above.

    Reply
  129. Christine says

    04/01/2011 at 8:31 am

    I love it friend!!! Great job! My furniture never turns out quite this well:)
    Christine
    greatoakcircle.com

    Reply
  130. tracie says

    04/01/2011 at 8:29 am

    fun!

    Reply
  131. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says

    04/01/2011 at 8:14 am

    What a fun update! I love that wrapping paper. Great hardware. And I am totally going to use your toothpick trick – thank you!

    Reply
  132. Diana K says

    04/01/2011 at 7:25 am

    Diane-That looks fantastic. I love the way it came out…..very, very clever..and it matches everything beautifully. Thanks for the tip on spray painting the pulls. I have usually tried to hang them from something~ Hugs- Diana

    Reply
  133. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    04/01/2011 at 7:24 am

    The dresser looks so good, Diane! What a great paper and I love how it looks on the top. Wonderful idea to incorporate the letters into the handles. This is a beautiful transformation!

    Reply
  134. Madigan at madiganmade says

    04/01/2011 at 6:45 am

    Diane,
    A. That is great paper… what fabulous inspiration.
    B. Love the dresser! The details you added are perfect.
    C. I need to find out more about that gallery wall. (off to read more!)

    Wonderful job! I love it.

    Reply
  135. Sharon says

    04/01/2011 at 6:15 am

    Wow, I love it! What a neat idea.

    Reply
  136. Michael at Blue Vevet Chair says

    04/01/2011 at 3:35 am

    Absolutely love the top! What an inspiration.

    Reply
  137. tammy says

    04/01/2011 at 12:28 am

    the dresser is perfect. and i love the mirrors hung over it! how did you layer them like that? it looks great. thanks for sharing this at my party!

    Reply
  138. Sarah says

    03/31/2011 at 11:57 pm

    LOVE it! What a cute giftwrap. And I’m so glad I saw this post because I want to try using the tooth picks. Painting the hardware is always a pain. Thanks for the tips! And love the frames you hung.

    Reply
  139. Kim says

    03/31/2011 at 11:35 pm

    I love it!

    Reply
  140. Coastal Femme says

    03/31/2011 at 11:34 pm

    Hi Diane ,
    The dresser is gorgeous, What a great way to use a unique wrapping paper and the drawer pulls are the “icing on the cake” I like the black and white theme and can’t wait to see the whole room. What a difference painting the bed made too!

    Reply
  141. Laura @ Ms Smartie Pants says

    03/31/2011 at 11:13 pm

    This looks great! I’m thinking the black and white checks really pull it all together. Can’t wait to see the whole room!

    Reply
  142. Chrissie says

    03/31/2011 at 11:00 pm

    I love how you made the hardware! What a great idea!

    Reply
  143. Anita @ GoingalittleCoastal says

    03/31/2011 at 10:58 pm

    Diane, what a great idea. I think I need to do something like this to my son’s old dresser. Just need to find some paper that he will agree too. What a difference!

    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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