Weekend DIY: Revamp Old Drawers With Paint
These easy tricks will transform a boring chest of drawers, desk or cabinet into a lovely piece of statement furniture
Becky Clarke
30 September 2016
As well as being a Houzz UK and Ireland contributor, I have been involved in creating beautiful homes and interiors for 15 years. A regular contributor to the UK's top interiors magazines with room makeovers, practical and inspirational guides and furniture upcycle projects I love to work out all the wonderful ways to make our homes even better than we dreamed. My website is www.beckyclarke.com and my blog is https://beckyclarkeinteriors.wordpress.com follow me on twitter: @diydivachick
As well as being a Houzz UK and Ireland contributor, I have been involved in creating... More
Got a plain chest of drawers that needs a revamp? A lick of paint could turn a dull piece into something eye-catching and gorgeous. Follow these simple tips that shouldn’t take long and won’t break the bank.
Make the most of tester pots
A subtle colour gradient, like the one on this chest of drawers, can easily be achieved with sample pots of paint. DIY shops usually have a display of card strips with varying shades of colour that can be mixed in-store. Choose your favourite colour strip, then buy sample pots in the same number of shades as you have drawers.
Take the drawers out of the unit and number them with chalk on the inside, just in case they’re slightly different shapes and sizes. Remove the handles and rub down any shiny paint or varnish with sandpaper. Paint the top drawer in the palest shade, then work your way down the drawers, getting darker as you go.
A subtle colour gradient, like the one on this chest of drawers, can easily be achieved with sample pots of paint. DIY shops usually have a display of card strips with varying shades of colour that can be mixed in-store. Choose your favourite colour strip, then buy sample pots in the same number of shades as you have drawers.
Take the drawers out of the unit and number them with chalk on the inside, just in case they’re slightly different shapes and sizes. Remove the handles and rub down any shiny paint or varnish with sandpaper. Paint the top drawer in the palest shade, then work your way down the drawers, getting darker as you go.
Help children to find their things
This plain, flat-fronted chest of drawers has been turned into a useful piece of furniture with clear labelling that will make it easy for children to get dressed – and even help them to put clean clothes away.
There are two ways to approach this project. You could paint the unit in blackboard paint, using a spray or brush-on variety, and label each drawer with coloured chalk. However, if you like the look but don’t want chalk dust all over the place, coat the unit in matt black paint, then use an artist’s brush and craft paint to write the words on top.
For smaller children who can’t read yet, you could also draw a picture of each item of clothing.
This plain, flat-fronted chest of drawers has been turned into a useful piece of furniture with clear labelling that will make it easy for children to get dressed – and even help them to put clean clothes away.
There are two ways to approach this project. You could paint the unit in blackboard paint, using a spray or brush-on variety, and label each drawer with coloured chalk. However, if you like the look but don’t want chalk dust all over the place, coat the unit in matt black paint, then use an artist’s brush and craft paint to write the words on top.
For smaller children who can’t read yet, you could also draw a picture of each item of clothing.
Flirt with a splash of colour
For an energising shot of bright colour, paint only the drawers in your piece of furniture. This means you get a lovely individual touch that won’t be overpowering. In the case of this project, a completely hot-pink desk might have been a step too far, or simply not worked with this mid-century style piece.
Take the drawers out and remove the handles. Give shiny surfaces a quick rub over with sandpaper, then paint with your chosen colour. Once the drawers are dry, apply a second coat. Replace the handles and slide the drawers back in. Be aware that two coats of paint may add enough extra thickness to affect the smooth sliding motion of your drawers, so be prepared to give the edges of them an extra rub down in advance.
For an energising shot of bright colour, paint only the drawers in your piece of furniture. This means you get a lovely individual touch that won’t be overpowering. In the case of this project, a completely hot-pink desk might have been a step too far, or simply not worked with this mid-century style piece.
Take the drawers out and remove the handles. Give shiny surfaces a quick rub over with sandpaper, then paint with your chosen colour. Once the drawers are dry, apply a second coat. Replace the handles and slide the drawers back in. Be aware that two coats of paint may add enough extra thickness to affect the smooth sliding motion of your drawers, so be prepared to give the edges of them an extra rub down in advance.
Bring colour to a white space
A white room works well as a light and bright backdrop, and a colourful piece of furniture will prevent it looking too clinical. With white walls, you’ll have free rein to choose whatever colour you please, so why not be brave and go bold? You could even choose a hue that’s one shade brighter than you would normally pick – after all, this is a statement piece, so you might as well really go for it!
This is a great time to change the handles, too, as it’s so easy to replace an old knob with a new one: simply slot it into the existing hole. You can find fabulous designs made from gemstones, battered metal or even hand-painted pictures.
Scandi style embraces colour
A white room works well as a light and bright backdrop, and a colourful piece of furniture will prevent it looking too clinical. With white walls, you’ll have free rein to choose whatever colour you please, so why not be brave and go bold? You could even choose a hue that’s one shade brighter than you would normally pick – after all, this is a statement piece, so you might as well really go for it!
This is a great time to change the handles, too, as it’s so easy to replace an old knob with a new one: simply slot it into the existing hole. You can find fabulous designs made from gemstones, battered metal or even hand-painted pictures.
Scandi style embraces colour
Design something unique
Finding a basin storage unit in a particular colour can be tricky, but by painting a set of drawers yourself and asking a plumber to fit a basin on top, you can have any shade you like.
For bathrooms, you’ll need to consider durability, so choose a paint finish that will withstand water splashes.
Finding a basin storage unit in a particular colour can be tricky, but by painting a set of drawers yourself and asking a plumber to fit a basin on top, you can have any shade you like.
For bathrooms, you’ll need to consider durability, so choose a paint finish that will withstand water splashes.
Reboot your kitchen on a budget
If you want to transform your kitchen without changing the whole thing, a simple solution is to paint the drawer fronts and cupboard doors. Several companies now do kitchen paints specifically formulated to adhere to the units and withstand everyday use. Follow the instructions on the tin, as all have slightly different methods.
This image shows how effective it can be to use a bold shade on a set of drawers, but you could also use this idea to make a dark wooden kitchen light and bright with white and grey paints instead.
See how to use bold colours in the kitchen
If you want to transform your kitchen without changing the whole thing, a simple solution is to paint the drawer fronts and cupboard doors. Several companies now do kitchen paints specifically formulated to adhere to the units and withstand everyday use. Follow the instructions on the tin, as all have slightly different methods.
This image shows how effective it can be to use a bold shade on a set of drawers, but you could also use this idea to make a dark wooden kitchen light and bright with white and grey paints instead.
See how to use bold colours in the kitchen
Get creative with masking tape
Chevrons are hot news at the moment and it’s not difficult to apply this trend to furniture.
Start with a wooden set of drawers and, as ever, give it a good rub down with fine sandpaper. Remove the drawers, wipe all the dust away and unscrew the handles. Paint the entire piece with the first colour, which is cream in this case. Allow it to dry and apply a second coat for solid coverage.
Once this is dry, put the drawers back in and use a tape measure and pencil to mark out the chevron-shaped points. Apply masking tape in a ‘mountain’ pattern, then use a ruler to make sure the next row of masking tape is parallel to the first.
Continue down the drawers, and add tape across the top drawers, too, if you want a horizontal stripe as on this unit. Paint the unmasked areas with your second colour – grey if you’re following this design – and don’t worry if you go over the tape slightly. When you’ve finished, carefully peel off the tape while the paint is wet, then leave the unit to dry before replacing the handles.
Chevrons are hot news at the moment and it’s not difficult to apply this trend to furniture.
Start with a wooden set of drawers and, as ever, give it a good rub down with fine sandpaper. Remove the drawers, wipe all the dust away and unscrew the handles. Paint the entire piece with the first colour, which is cream in this case. Allow it to dry and apply a second coat for solid coverage.
Once this is dry, put the drawers back in and use a tape measure and pencil to mark out the chevron-shaped points. Apply masking tape in a ‘mountain’ pattern, then use a ruler to make sure the next row of masking tape is parallel to the first.
Continue down the drawers, and add tape across the top drawers, too, if you want a horizontal stripe as on this unit. Paint the unmasked areas with your second colour – grey if you’re following this design – and don’t worry if you go over the tape slightly. When you’ve finished, carefully peel off the tape while the paint is wet, then leave the unit to dry before replacing the handles.
Unite mismatched items
A great way to make an area look well thought-out is to give it an element of cohesion through colour. It’s easy to make a little office area in a corner of your home by painting some drawers, adding a desktop and using the same shade to edge a memo board and shelving unit.
Random pieces of furniture are easy to source in junk shops or online. Choose items that are sturdy and wooden, and try to avoid MDF or flat-packed styles, as they are harder to paint. If you do want to use MDF, however, it’s not impossible – just use a specialist primer first so the top coat of paint will stick. Whichever material you choose, cover all the pieces with the same eggshell paint, then arrange them together in a neat group.
Check out more eclectic home office ideas
A great way to make an area look well thought-out is to give it an element of cohesion through colour. It’s easy to make a little office area in a corner of your home by painting some drawers, adding a desktop and using the same shade to edge a memo board and shelving unit.
Random pieces of furniture are easy to source in junk shops or online. Choose items that are sturdy and wooden, and try to avoid MDF or flat-packed styles, as they are harder to paint. If you do want to use MDF, however, it’s not impossible – just use a specialist primer first so the top coat of paint will stick. Whichever material you choose, cover all the pieces with the same eggshell paint, then arrange them together in a neat group.
Check out more eclectic home office ideas
Soften dark wood
A dark wooden chest of drawers can be lightened up with a lick of beautiful pale chalky blue paint. I would never suggest painting something that’s a lovely antique, but cheaper replica pieces are ideal for this look.
For a restful feel, chalky colours are always lovely. This blue is fresh and adds a subtle touch of colour. You could also go for pale green or grey-pink, or a timeless dove grey. If you want to add new handles, consider antique metal, cut glass, mother of pearl, or delicate ceramic.
A dark wooden chest of drawers can be lightened up with a lick of beautiful pale chalky blue paint. I would never suggest painting something that’s a lovely antique, but cheaper replica pieces are ideal for this look.
For a restful feel, chalky colours are always lovely. This blue is fresh and adds a subtle touch of colour. You could also go for pale green or grey-pink, or a timeless dove grey. If you want to add new handles, consider antique metal, cut glass, mother of pearl, or delicate ceramic.
Reinvent old drawers
If you think a unit you already own is past its best or isn’t sturdy enough for everyday use, repurpose the drawers and turn them into lovely display shelves. To do this, rub down old painted surfaces and prime any bare wood. Coat the drawer edges inside and out, but not the flat underside that will be against the wall, or the area to be papered. Once the paint is dry, use fine sandpaper to rub away at the edges and corners to reveal the wood beneath and create a distressed look.
Cut a piece of attractive wallpaper or wrapping paper to size and stick it to the flat drawer surface. Screw the drawers to the wall and use them as you wish. For a collection of items, such as pretty bottles or mugs, add a central strut of wood to act as an extra shelf.
YOUR SAY
What do you think of these ideas for painting a chest of drawers? Have you done anything similar in your home? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments below.
MORE
Read more fun Houzz stories
If you think a unit you already own is past its best or isn’t sturdy enough for everyday use, repurpose the drawers and turn them into lovely display shelves. To do this, rub down old painted surfaces and prime any bare wood. Coat the drawer edges inside and out, but not the flat underside that will be against the wall, or the area to be papered. Once the paint is dry, use fine sandpaper to rub away at the edges and corners to reveal the wood beneath and create a distressed look.
Cut a piece of attractive wallpaper or wrapping paper to size and stick it to the flat drawer surface. Screw the drawers to the wall and use them as you wish. For a collection of items, such as pretty bottles or mugs, add a central strut of wood to act as an extra shelf.
YOUR SAY
What do you think of these ideas for painting a chest of drawers? Have you done anything similar in your home? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments below.
MORE
Read more fun Houzz stories
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Hey all, don't forget to check out Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan as there's no need to sand or prime so you can paint over any old piece of furniture and instantly revamp it !
I wouldn't use Annie Sloan paint, it is hard to work with. Try an alternative like Autentico or Grand Illusions paint. You will probably need to Shellac your old piece of furniture to seal in any knots in the wood or old coffee/tea cup stains. Then remember if using chalk paint to sand between coats - oooh and use a hair dryer to dry coats, much quicker and somehow very satisfying to watch the paint dry! And wax afterwards - just a little goes a long way and it just needs a little buffing. That way you won't stain your lovely new piece of furniture. This little table was dark brown and totally revolting when I bought it at a second hand shop.
Happy painting!
Porters chalk paint is easy to use, binds to old prep on previous surfaces with only minimal sanding and can then be "distressed" by lightly sanding edges. Wax provided the perfect finish to this "side of the road find".