10 Ways to Repurpose a Dresser

Repurposing an old dresser can be a creative and satisfying way to give it a new life. Whether it has sentimental value or your just can’t get anyone to take it off your hands, it has other potential uses. Here are ten ideas for transforming a dresser into something new and useful:

1. Entertainment Center: Remove the top drawers for space to place a cable box, DVD player, or gaming consoles, and use the remaining drawers for storing DVDs, games, and other accessories. 

Rearrange drawers- Depending on the dresser’s layout, you might need to remove one or more drawers to make space for media devices. If needed, remove a middle drawer and reinforce the inside of the dresser for stability.

Cut a board large enough to act as a shelf for each drawer that is removed so it can hold the electronic boxes. 

Cut a hole approximately 2 inches in the back of the back of the dresser to run your cords through to the wall plug.

2. Bathroom Vanity: With some plumbing modifications, a sturdy dresser can be converted into a unique bathroom vanity. Install a sink on top and use the drawers for storing toiletries and towels.

3. Kitchen Island: Add a countertop to an old dresser and place it in the kitchen as an island. It can provide additional workspace and storage for kitchen tools and ingredients.

If you have space for seating at the island, extent the countertop to extend approx. The standard height for a kitchen countertop is 36 inches. The recommended legroom clearance underneath a kitchen countertop is typically around 24 inches. This allows enough space for comfortable seating and leg movement for individuals sitting at the counter. Be sure to add a corbel for support to each end of the extended countertop.

4. Home Office Desk: Remove the top portion of the dresser and add a flat work surface. Keep the lower drawers for office supplies, and you have a new desk with plenty of storage. It, also, makes a great printer cabinet with additional space to hold your office supplies.

5. Bar Cabinet: Convert the dresser into a home bar by adding racks for wine glasses, a place for bottles, and an area for mixing drinks. The top surface can serve as a bar top, and drawers can store bar tools and accessories. Another option for the teetotaler, is to create a coffee bar cabinet and a shelf above the cabinet for coffee mugs.

6. Garden Planter: Remove the drawers, add some landscaping fabric, fill with soil, and turn the dresser into a unique garden planter for flowers, herbs, or vegetables.

7. Bookshelf: Take out the drawers and use the frame as a bookshelf. You can add additional shelves if needed, and even paint or decorate the frame to match your decor.

8. Kids’ Storage Bench: Cut the dresser down to a shorter height, and turn it into a storage bench for a child’s room. Add a cushion on top for seating and use the drawers for storing toys and books. You can leave the front open and create cubbies to hold shoes and backpacks as another option.

9. Crafting Station: Create a crafting hub by adding pegboard to the sides for tools, organizing supplies inside the drawers, and using the top as a work surface for your projects.

10. Wardrobe or Closet Organizer: Place the dresser inside a closet for added organization. You can use the drawers for folded clothes and add hooks or rods to the sides for hanging items.

Remember, many of these projects will require some DIY skills, tools, and maybe additional materials, but they offer a great way to upcycle a piece of furniture and reduce waste.