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DIY Dresser Magic: 20+ Projects with Mod Podge

Have an old dresser than needs a bit of an upgrade? Here are 20+ DIY dresser ideas with Mod Podge that will inspire you to get started! Learn how to decoupage a dresser with ease.

Scroll down to the bottom of the post to get a video of a dresser project in action. Cathie and Steve will show you how to paint and cover a dresser with a post, using Mod Podge.

DIY Dresser Ideas with Mod Podge

Have you ever decoupaged a dresser? I’ve only done it once – but it was one of my favorite Mod Podge projects of all time! Making over a piece of furniture is very rewarding.

And I know that many of you have that dresser you’ve been eyeing at the Goodwill but you don’t know what to do with . . . or one that is out in the garage that you haven’t brought inside because it looks ugly.

Tips for Mod Podging Furniture

Before you jump in to revamping a dresser, you should know a few things. Two articles that are important for you to read are how to prep furniture for decoupage and Mod Podging fabric to wood furniture.

The first post is a must, and the second one is good even if you aren’t using fabric (but especially if you are!).

In addition to the tips in those posts, I’ve got some other important things I think you should know:

1. If your dresser has an existing finish that’s already smooth, sand with a 220-grit sanding sponge and then wipe clean with a moist cloth. For slightly rough surfaces, sand with 180- and 220-grit sanding sponges, and wipe clean.

2. Remove the drawers and tape off the furniture to paint. I like to use FolkArt Home Decor Chalk to cover my furniture pieces. It goes on smooth without a lot of prep work.

3. Use a small roller (as opposed to a brush) to get the smoothest finish when you paint. Even with chalk paint, I like the way the roller finish looks. It’s pretty flawless!

It’s time to grab your Mod Podge formula (I recommend Hard Coat OR Furniture Mod Podge for furniture) and get started.

Are you ready to jump into the DIY dresser ideas? Learn how to decoupage a dresser with one of the projects below!

1
missmustardseed.com
Sheet Music Dresser Tutorial
Marian used sheet music to make over the dresser that she got from an auction for $6. If I were going to decoupage a dresser, this is how I'd do it!
Get the Tutorial
2
mod podge wallpaper on furniture
Wallpaper Birds
Fabric and paper are not the only thing you can use to Mod Podge a dresser – you can also use wallpaper.
Get the Tutorial
3
Vintage postcard Mod Podge dresser
David Cheaney
Vintage Postcards
David carried over his love for vintage postcards into his revamped dresser project. Wouldn't it be fun to decoupage a dresser to commemorate your travels?
Get the Tutorial
4
Upcycling a Dresser
Barb Blair
Upcycling a Dresser
Create refreshed furniture from outdated items. Upcycle your dresser (or any other piece of furniture) with custom printed wallpaper and some elbow grease.
Get the Tutorial
5
Decoupage a Dresser with Floral Napkins
www.semiglossdesign.com
Decoupage a Dresser with Floral Napkins
Learn how to decoupage a dresser with napkins. This easy technique allows you to add patterns to furniture makeovers.
Get the Tutorial
6
Decorative Drawer Sides
www.paintedbykaylapayne.com
Decorative Drawer Sides
Some might choose to paint a dresser on the outside, but want to add a fancy touch to somewhere you can't always see! You can decoupage the insides of the drawers, or even the sides, for a fancy touch.
Get the Tutorial
7
DIY paper patchwork dresser
twigandtoadstool.blogspot.com
Paper Patchwork
Learn how to cover an old dresser with patchwork – made out of paper! This unique idea is perfect for a kids' room.
Get the Tutorial
8
Mod Podge DIY dresser with book covers
Book Covers
Use old book covers (or color copies) to decorate drawer fronts for a child's room.
Read More
9
Upcycling a Dresser Front with Butterflies
www.fiskars.com
Upcycling a Dresser Front with Butterflies
Use a selection of butterfly punches and your favorite papers to decorate the front of this dresser.
Get the Tutorial
10
Child's drawings on the front of dresser drawers
Easy Dresser Makeover with Children’s Art
Use your kids’ artwork to re-do a furniture piece in this fun dresser makeover. You’ll love decoupaging as much as your children love the drawing!
Get the Tutorial
11
sophiasdecor.blogspot.com
Dresser Makeover with Fabric
Kristen used a thick, linen-type fabric in this project to cover her drawer fronts. This shows you can just add a little something to the drawers and change the knobs for a completely different look.
Get the Tutorial
12
Dresser with Fabric Inlay
www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com
Dresser with Fabric Inlay
Christy did a cute yard sale dresser makeover with a fabric inlay treatment. You're going to love how easy this is, and you won't believe the before!
Get the Tutorial
13
Floral paper covered dresser with Mod Podge
garagesalesrus.blogspot.com
Pretty Floral
You'll be amazed when you see the before pictures of these dressers – the colors and papers that were chosen are really pretty!
Get the Tutorial
14
Black and White Damask Dresser
fussymonkeybiz.blogspot.com
Black and White Damask
I love the contrast of the black and white damask with the painted turquoise of this dresser revamp.
Get the Tutorial
15
www.hallmarkchannel.com
DIY Fabric Covered Dresser
Update the look of an ordinary dresser with this easy DIY. I love the bright and cheery fabric selected for this project.
Get the Tutorial
16
plaidonline.com
Audrey Hepburn Decoupaged Dresser
This is such a unique way to add a poster to the front of a dresser! You'll do it with Mod Podge and a simple technique.
Get the Tutorial
17
Gift Wrap Dresser Update
inmyownstyle.com
Gift Wrap Update
If you have been given hand me down furniture and need Ideas, look at this easy way to transform it using gift wrap.
Get the Tutorial
18
Decoupage dresser chest of drawers
Whimsical Paper
Learn how to decoupage dresser drawers with paper cutouts and Mod Podge. It's fun adding a little bit of extra branches with paint, too.
Get the Tutorial
19
Mod Podge Map Dresser
Debbie Westbrooks
Mod Podge Map Dresser
Pick a set of maps from a special place or your favorite trip to customize a dresser.
Get the Tutorial
20
Flickr user Sara Rodgers
Fun Fabric
Choose your favorite fabric and add to the fronts of dresser drawers using Mod Podge.
Get the Tutorial

Are you ready for your bonus project? Learn how to apply a poster to the front of some dresser drawers (using Mod Podge, of course!). Cathie and Steve show you how – just press “PLAY” in the center of the video in this post.

If you like these DIY dresser ideas, you’re going to love these decoupage furniture projects and table top ideas as well!

Lisa Worley

Thursday 3rd of March 2022

ThaNk you Both. I've learned so many new ways !!!! Ur the Best!!!

Laura

Sunday 9th of February 2014

Decoupage is such an underrated craft - I love these examples - I've seen quite a few where the outer has been quite plain, but the decoupage has been done on the inside of the drawers - I quite like that too.

jennifer

Friday 24th of January 2014

came across your site searching for an answer to re-doing some laminate booths at our restaurant. i am entertaining the idea of covering them with fabric and mod podge, but it has to be really durable and cleanable. do you know if this could work? anyone ever done a seat on a chair? thanks!

Amy

Friday 24th of January 2014

Hi Jennifer! I've actually seen a restaurant do it here in Atlanta with wood chairs. They used Fabric Mod Podge, but then they urethaned over the top so that the Mod Podge wouldn't get sticky when people's buns warmed it up. They used SEVERAL layers of urethane. And it worked great! My only concern is cleaning. I would ask that question when you buy the urethane from Home Depot or whatever hardware store - how should it be cleaned? Mod Podge is waterbase and not waterproof, so you can't spray it with cleaner over and over and have it hold up. You would definitely need something on top!