Have an old dresser than needs a bit of an upgrade? Learn how to decoupage a dresser! Here are 20+ unique DIY dresser ideas . . . these will inspire you to get started!
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.
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.
DIY Dressers
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Use a roller (as opposed to a brush) to get the smoothest finish. Even with chalk paint, I like the way the roller finish looks. It’s pretty flawless!
Are you ready to jump into the DIY dresser ideas? Learn how to decoupage a dresser with one of the projects below!
How to Decorate a Dresser
It’s time to grab your Mod Podge formula (I recommend Hard Coat for furniture) and decoupage a dresser! It’s hard to know where to begin, so I’ve found over 20 ideas for you. Don’t wait any longer to revamp that dresser.
I know this sounds like an infomercial, but I’m passionate about Mod Podging furniture – as you might be able to tell. Scroll down to see the inspiration!
DIY Dresser Ideas
If you've never re-done a dresser, it's a fun project to tackle that you can be proud of! Get some great ideas for dresser makeovers using Mod Podge in this list.
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!
Wallpaper Birds
Fabric and paper are not the only thing you can use to Mod Podge a dresser - you can also use wallpaper.
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?
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.
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.
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.
Paper Patchwork
Learn how to cover an old dresser with patchwork - made out of paper! This unique idea is perfect for a kids' room.
Flowered Napkin Dresser
I love using napkins on furniture so much, I had to share another project! I love the color combination of chalk paint and napkins used in this DIY dresser project.
Upcycling a Dresser Front with Butterflies
Use a selection of butterfly punches and your favorite papers to decorate the front of this dresser.
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!
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.
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!
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!
Black and White Damask
I love the contrast of the black and white damask with the painted turquoise of this dresser revamp.
Decoupage Chest of Drawers
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mod Podge Map Dresser
Pick a set of maps from a special place or your favorite trip to customize a dresser.
Fun Fabric
Choose your favorite fabric and add to the fronts of dresser drawers using Mod Podge.
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!