In this DIY Geometric Dresser Makeover: Transform an Antique Dresser on a Budget, I breathe new life into an inherited dresser without spending a fortune. We all know how expensive it is to buy a house, let alone furnish it.

When my daughter asked me to match her new dresser to a recently revamped geometric headboard, I accepted the challenge, even though the dresser arrived looking great in photos, but frankly, in need of serious TLC.

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DIY Geometric Dresser Makeover: Transform an Antique Dresser on a Budget

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Materials Needed

• Antique or second-hand dresser
• Paint stripper (optional)
• Heat gun and paint scraper
• Orbital sander with 60, 120 and 320 grit sandpaper
• Wood glue and large clamps
• Wood filler and a putty knife
• Nail gun or finishing nails, and hammer
• Beeswax and rag
• Baking soda, an old pan and a small brush
• Chalk paint (white, grey and charcoal )
• Painter’s tape
• Paintbrushes and a foam roller
• Water-based polyurethane
• Screwdriver for hardware

Strip Off Old Paint

Years of paint layers created a crackle effect, not the modern distressed look you want. I tried paint stripper under cling film, but saw little change.

An orbital sander with 60 grit also fell short. Finally, I applied a heat gun and paint scraper. Although this leaves minor marks, they hide under fresh paint. This took a few hours but revealed the true condition beneath.

Repair and Reinforce Structure

The dried-out wood had split in two.

I applied wood glue to every crack and clamped the sections until the glue was dry. I filled the remaining gaps with wood filler.

The same process secured loose drawer runners, cabinet joins and the mirror support.

Once the filler dried, I sanded all repairs smooth with 320 grit.

Dried-out wood runners often cause drawers to stick, so be sure to test each drawer for smooth operation before reattaching the top. Once it’s secured, accessing and adjusting them becomes much trickier.

Rub beeswax onto the drawer sides and runners using a rag. Warm the wax with a heat gun so it soaks into the wood. Once the drawers slide freely, glue the top back on and secure it with a nail gun.

Fortunately, the mirror itself was in excellent condition despite the dresser’s poor state. I carefully removed the backing and lifted out the glass before repairing and repainting the frame. Having cracked mirrors before, I didn’t want to take any chances.

Restore and Paint Hardware

Hardware bore as many paint layers as the dresser. To revive it, simmer pieces in a pan with half a cup of baking soda and just enough water to cover.

After 30 minutes, lift the hardware with tongs and wipe the paint away with a tissue.

Use a small brush for recesses.

Once clean, apply spray paint designed for metal.

Painting the dresser

Chalk paint conceals dents and scratches, so two even coats of white were applied as the base layer.

I applied painter’s tape across the drawer fronts in random triangle shapes—no measuring required. Press each strip firmly to seal the edges and prevent paint from bleeding under the tape.

Paint alternating shapes in grey and charcoal. Let one colour dry fully before the next.

Peel tape carefully and touch up any gaps.

Seal and Reassemble

To protect your work, brush on two coats of water-based polyurethane. Once cured, reattach the hardware and mirror. Step back and admire your budget-friendly geometric dresser.

And that was the makeover complete. You can find more restoration tips in my other restoration projects.

Here is the headboard with the geometric makeover to go with the dresser.

If you’re up for a bigger challenge, try this barn-quilt headboard—hundreds of wood pieces precisely cut and assembled like a jigsaw puzzle for a stunning focal point.

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