Check out my sister’s awesome transformation of an old stinky dresser into a TV console. She chopped off the bottom drawers, added some moulding and turned the top two drawers into hinged doors to house video and gaming equipment. The remaining drawers hold all the videos and games. Love the pop of color when the drawers are open!
This project began with my needing an entertainment center for the game room. Since the game room is in the basement I am using lots of bright colors to make the space fun so I was looking for something funky and bright and cheap. I started perusing Craigslist and a few local thrift shops, dreaming of finding something with amazing bones for $5 like I have read about so many other people finding. Bad timing or bad luck, all I saw were nasty, cruddy bureaus and dressers that seemed really overpriced (a lot more than $5). Since I already own a nasty, cruddy dresser courtesy of the previous homeowners I thought I would see if I could turn this free bit of trash into a treasure, or at least an interesting and functional piece. For the most part I used scraps of wood and spare parts that I have kicking around my shop. I spent a total of $34 on corner molding detail pieces, bun feet, and paint.
So when I say “trash” I mean 4 layers of chipping peeling paint; 20 years of grime and stink, drawers lined with cracked poorly applied super sticky contact paper, plus a few dead moths and spiders. Oh yeah, it was gross.
First I needed to resize the dresser to an appropriate proportion for TV viewing. So I cut off the bottom row of drawers and then cut and nailed on a scrap piece of plywood for a new bottom. Next I used some scrap baseboard and mitered it to trim out the sides of the dresser. I used some 1 x 2 furring strips at the bottom and then I backed the trim off of the front sides about 1/2 inch so I could build up the trim on the sides. Then I used some corner molding pieces to trim the top and bottom of the front sides.
I spray painted the drawers a high gloss purple for some added fun and to lock away any remaining stink.
Since I want to use the dresser as an entertainment center I replaced the top two drawers with plywood shelves and then hinged the drawer fronts to hide my electronic components.
I don’t know if I would go so far as to call it a treasure, but for a total cost of $34, it’s not too shabby.
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[email protected] says
Talent runs in your family – you and your sister should write a book- Master Carpenter Girls or Master Carpenter Sisters!
Chantelle - ThousandSquareFeet says
So great!! I see talent runs in the family!!
Kala says
This is such a neat idea! I also have trouble finding the “treasures” at thrift shops for cheap. She did a great job!
Ayisha says
I agree with you. My goodwill/ Habitat and Salvation army all have those “treasures” marked up so high. I think I’m going to start hanging out in the supermarket parking lot where they pick up donations and start offering people $10 for the stuff that they plan on donating.
Anne @ Unique Gifter says
Cute!! I like how you completely reimagined the ends and gave it way more character. I never, ever would have thought of doing this.
Kimberly says
That is an AMAZING idea! I never liked the look of the xbox on the console, but we are netflix and hulu junkies. You are wrong that IS TOTALLY a treasure!
Jean says
Nicely done!
Jake's a Girl says
That is one fantastic makeover. $34 is not too shabby at all.
You and your sister totally rock!
Sandra @Beneath this Roof, Within these Walls says
I would call it a treasure! Kudos to your sister, she did a really great job.
brenda says
i am beginning to think the thrift stores are cking the blogs to see what is “current” and making their stickers accordingly. of course, i must say it looks as if they might be getting stuck with some overloads that are not moving due to high sticker shock.
Terry says
Amazing…I could say more but my mouth is still on the floor!
Lindsay Redd says
Wow! I painted and added knobs to a dresser and walked with my held high. That was nothing compared to this. Great vision!
Diana says
Amazing. I wish I lived next door to you!
TracyMB @ Crow's Feet Chic says
I’ve been on the lookout for the perfect piece to transform to a TV stand. LOVE the hinged top drawer idea… so brilliant, and the painted drawer edges are a wonderful surprise! TFS!
[email protected] says
I think it turned out awesome!!! What great ideas and for cheap~! I love it!! Thanks for sharing it !!
Jane Ellen says
So clever! Not to mention quite the bargin!!!
Amy Brown says
I realize this is an old post and you are probably DONE talking about it…but I JUST NOW saw it so I’d love a response. First – I LOVE this transformation piece. I have been studying an old dresser I own and brainstorming about how to turn it into an TV stand. I had a fairly good idea brewing but my vision didn’t take shape until I saw how you added the “feet”. This is the missing piece Ive been needing! I know this may seem obvious to most people how you did this – but as far as I can tell – it is not mentioned in your post. Can you help me with some specific pointers on this? I am still learning this “wood working” thing and I don’t want to mess up by not doing this part correctly. Love your blog!
Sandra says
The feet have bolts in them that screw into the base of the cabinet. Easy peasy. You cam buy furniture feet from home improvement stores or order them online.