Simply Beautiful By Angela

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The Ugly Dresser Transformation

August 20, 2015

I have a confession to make. I have recently developed a new obsession–curb furniture. I find myself eyeing curb furniture everywhere I go! It’s kind of like seeing a stray pet that I want to pick up and take home haha. Unfortunately I don’t have the space to bring them all home or the time to work on all of them, so I have to pick and choose. But almost everything I see sitting out on the curb I find myself slowing down and thinking “wow, what could I do with that???”

A few weeks ago I spotted this poor abused dresser.

I immediately thought, “that would look awesome in a kids room!” I’m pretty sure the hubby had a hard time seeing past the marker and duct tape damage, but he loaded it up for me anyways.

It’s really sturdy and the inside of the drawers are near pristine. But I think it had been left outside because one side was truly disgusting. Besides being somewhat warped from water damage, it had hard black spots that were as hard as rocks. I’m also paranoid about mold, so I didn’t want to take any chances.

Ick!!

So Anthony ripped that piece out and we replaced it with a new piece of MDF from Lowes. We got a 2′ x 4′ sheet for less than $7 and had them cut it to size in the store.

(Oh, can you see my next project peeking out on the left? It’s a cute little night stand that I couldn’t pass up! Found curb side of course…)

With chalk paint you don’t really need to sand, but since it had all of that yucky duct tape residue I gave the entire thing a light sanding.

I then applied 3 coats of my DIY chalk paint using a foam roller and sanding lightly between coats. It probably would have been good with 2, but since it was such an easy piece to roll paint on (very few tricky spots) I did a third for good measure.

Here are the pretty new drawers.

 
And here is what the dresser looks like today!
 
๏ปฟ

Most of the old knobs were either missing or broken, so I purchased some new wooden ones from Walmart and spray painted them white. I also felt like the dresser needed something extra, so I framed each drawer with some inexpensive molding (around $2 for 8′ at Lowes).

I used some caulk in spots that had little gaps, including where the molding pieces met and I gave the entire dresser 2 coats of Miniwax polycrylic. For the knobs I used spray acrylic sealer.

I was originally going to use it as a changing table for the new baby, but it’s a little short.  And with the pretty rounded sides, I couldn’t really envision adding feet. So instead I gave it to Tristan while I use his current one for his little brother.  I like that it has more storage for his clothes that seem to be getting bigger and bigger each season (*tear!*)

We’re getting closer and closer to getting his big boy room set up.  We got most of the bed built  last weekend and I am now working on sanding it down and painting it (fun times I tell ya!)  I’m a little sad but also excited to be letting his baby room go!

Have a great rest of the week everyone!

Linking up to these awesome parties!

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Comments

  1. Samantha says

    August 20, 2015 at 3:23 pm

    OK, so this is amazing! Completely transformed! The moulding really brings it up a notch and makes the whole dresser!

    • Angela says

      August 20, 2015 at 3:57 pm

      Thanks Samantha, I couldn't agree more on the molding! I couldn't stop admiring it when I first put the molding on because it made such a huge difference ๐Ÿ™‚

  2. Clockwork Interiors says

    August 20, 2015 at 3:41 pm

    I agree with Samantha — so smart to add the molding! Real trash to treasure!!

    • Angela says

      August 20, 2015 at 3:58 pm

      Thank you! I love trash to treasure because not only is it free, it's a real challenge haha!

  3. Mari Corona says

    August 21, 2015 at 2:05 pm

    Beautiful results love it!

    • Angela says

      August 25, 2015 at 5:58 pm

      Thank you so much Mari!

  4. Liz Jo says

    August 21, 2015 at 6:12 pm

    Can't even tell that it was the same dresser! It's gorgeous!!

    liz jo @ sundays with sophie

    • Angela says

      August 25, 2015 at 5:58 pm

      Thanks Liz, that makes me so happy to hear that ๐Ÿ™‚

  5. Falon says

    August 21, 2015 at 7:40 pm

    This looks amazing! I love how versatile it is, it will really grow with your little one as he gets bigger!

    • Angela says

      August 25, 2015 at 5:59 pm

      Thank you Falon! I was going to get cutesy with the knobs but I'm glad I didn't for this very reason ๐Ÿ™‚

  6. meagan hughes says

    August 21, 2015 at 10:40 pm

    Love! I did my dresser not too long ago…I'm thinking of redoing it into a lighter color though! I love this!

    • Angela says

      August 25, 2015 at 5:59 pm

      Thanks Meagan! I love the way light colors make a room feel, I bet it will look great! ๐Ÿ™‚

  7. fabulosa says

    August 22, 2015 at 5:44 am

    Great job, love it and I also break for free furniture!!, welcome to the club. Hahahaha

    • Angela says

      August 25, 2015 at 6:00 pm

      Thank you! Haha it's a blessing and a curse!

  8. the cape on the corner says

    August 24, 2015 at 7:23 pm

    oy. yes, you have definitely given it new life! enjoy.
    b

    • Angela says

      August 25, 2015 at 6:00 pm

      Thank you so much!

  9. Christman's Creations says

    August 25, 2015 at 12:54 am

    You did a very nice job on this dresser! Thank you for sharing with us on Idea Box!

    • Angela says

      August 25, 2015 at 6:00 pm

      Thank you! And thanks for hosting ๐Ÿ™‚

  10. Mary K.- In the boondocks says

    August 25, 2015 at 6:27 pm

    This is great upcycle!!! Love it!

    • Angela says

      September 1, 2015 at 5:50 pm

      Thank you Mary K, I appreciate it! ๐Ÿ™‚

  11. Kate says

    August 25, 2015 at 8:07 pm

    Amazing job! Fabtastic upcycle. You must be so happy with how it turned out.

    Visiting from Too cute Tuesday

    • Angela says

      September 1, 2015 at 5:51 pm

      Thanks Kate, I truly am!!

  12. Julie says

    August 26, 2015 at 3:16 pm

    You definitely gave it new life!! Looks fabulous!

    • Angela says

      September 1, 2015 at 5:51 pm

      Thank you very much Julie, it's hard to believe this thing was going to the trash!

  13. Kelley says

    August 26, 2015 at 4:45 pm

    That is an amazing transformation. I too, eye furniture on the side of the road. However, my driving paths apparently don't take me past very many rich sources. Recently I found a desk in my neighborhood, which is now installed in my son's room.

    Thanks for sharing!

    • Angela says

      September 1, 2015 at 5:52 pm

      Thanks Kelly! I know what you mean about driving paths, but every now and then I really luck out!

  14. Evija Roberts says

    August 26, 2015 at 8:14 pm

    Absolutely stunning transformation. It is surprising how much a lick of paint can do! Thank you for sharing with OMHG Wordless Wednesday Link Party. Co-host Evija, From Evija with Love xx

    • Angela says

      September 1, 2015 at 5:52 pm

      Thank you so much Evija! And thanks for hosting a fantastic party ๐Ÿ™‚

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Hello, I am so happy that you're here! My name is Angela and I love to create simple beauty in our home on a budget. Here you will find DIY decor and home projects, furniture flips and other home inspiration!

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