This rustic dresser makeover was part of a themed makeover I used to do with a group of blogging friends. The theme for this project was “knock-off”. I started this rustic dresser makeover as an Anthropologie knock-off, but my plan didn’t pan out like I wanted and it became more of an “inspired by” piece with a similar look and feel.
My rustic dresser makeover was inspired by the numbered chest of drawers from Anthropolgie (no longer available).
I was drawn to the rustic elements it had. I also wanted to do a project with a piece I already had in my garage. The dresser was a recent Restore purchase. It was inexpensive and had good bones. The Anthropologie piece had a wood and chippy paint vibe.
I thought this dresser was going to be a dead-ringer for that same look. Then, I sanded down the drawers and found that the drawers were different wood types. The bottom two drawers almost looked like the wood from my favorite DIYers fashion accessory and the top two drawers were plain. Let’s just say, my knock-off plan became more of an inspiration piece at this point.
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Supplies Used For A Rustic Dresser Makeover:
Orbital sander
Fusion Mineral Paint in “Coal Black”
Fusion Mineral Paint in “Little Lamb”
Minwax stain in “Dark Walnut”
Painted Black Birch Knob from D. Lawless Hardware
Cricut
After I sanded the drawers and had to come up with a new plan, I decided to stain all the drawers “Dark Walnut” first. When the stain was dry, I dry brushed them with “Little Lamb” from Fusion Mineral Paint. I painted to rest of the dresser in “Coal Black” from Fusion Mineral Paint.
Once the paint on the drawers dried, I painted numbers with the same “Coal Black” as the outer shell of the dresser. To do numbers and letters on projects like this, I use my trusty Cricut. It cuts out the numbers I need and I trace them on my piece and hand paint them in. On a side note, if you don’t have a Cricut, I would highly recommend one.
I used my orbital sander to make the drawers look more rustic. I was trying to get the same vibe as the Anthropologie piece since my original plan didn’t work. When you DIY, you have to be flexible because a lot of times you have to make adjustments in your plans. It’s just part of the process.
The knobs from D. Lawless Hardware were perfect for this project. I didn’t want anything too fancy and nothing that stood out so these were perfect.
Even though this dresser makeover didn’t go as planned, I am so happy with it. Some girls from the local college were excited to have it in their space.
I had to get a little shot of the pieces I put on top of the dresser. Isn’t this fan amazing?! It was a yard sale find. The stamp was also a yard sale find. It was 10¢! My mom came over and told me it is just like the stamper she had to use in the grocery store she worked at in high school. She stamped different products with it during her shift. You all know I love the stories a lot more than the pieces I find sometimes.
Would you have picked up this dresser? What would you have done with it to give it new life?
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This is such a great chest! Love the rustic vibe combined with the numbers. A total homerun!! XO Susie from The Chelsea Project
Thanks Susie!
Your dresser turned out perfect, inspired by or knock off it’s fabulous! How crazy was it that there were two types of wood on the drawers? Fun accessories too by the way. Like you, I love the stories behind the items, that stamper is great!
Thank Wendi!
I absolutely love this! The way you painted the drawers and the numbers are perfection.
Thank you Amy!
I love how your version turned out, Lindsay! The numbers really add to it, and I love the stories and history behind the older things we find too! Next year I WILL be back to yard saling lol! XO
😉 Thanks!
I like it! It is beautiful ♥
summerdaisycottage.blogspot.com
Thanks!
How frustrating that the drawers were different wood types but in the end it sure did turn out great, almost identical to the look of your inspiration piece! Great job 🙂
Tami
Thank you Tami!
What a great makeover and I’ll have to say that I like your version better than the one that inspired you. I’ll bet that the college girl who now owns it shows it to all of her friends when they come over to her apartment.
Thank you so much Paula!
I think your dresser turned out better than your inspiration! Nice job. Loved that you worked around the different drawer problem!
Thank you Diane!
Lindsay, really love the rustic look of the drawer fronts! They pair so perfectly with the black. Love the way you staged the photo too. I remember using the same style date stamp for incoming mail back in the 70’s – every desk had one in our office!
This stamp is so great! I love it! THank you!
How cute Lindsay. I love the worn look with the numbers. I like it much better than the inspiration piece.
THanks Kathy.
Love the makeover and yes I would have purchased the piece. I especially would have bought it in its restored state. I have a thing for numbers and you have given me a great idea to try. I am so looking forward to it. I appreciated the staging for the photo shoot. I enjoyed it so much I would like to sit there and drink my coffee in the morning. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Thank you Joanne!
I would like to talk to you about a new website we are launching. Can you email me at the address below please?
Thank you
Julie