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How To Makeover your Dresser just like Cinderella

4/16/2018

38 Comments

 
Spring is finally here and I have sprung into action trying to finish up the girl's bedroom.  (You can see all of the bedroom makeovers at the end of this post.)  My girls need as much storage as possible because the house doesn't have much in general. And more importantly they are girls, and girls need lots of storage!!

So when I spotted this lovely (shhh...my dad is a wealthy source of old neglected furniture) I instantly grabbed it and took it up to their room.  You might even remember it when I shared the mirror makeover with you.  Today I'm going to show you how I gave it a makeover just like Cinderella. 
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Dresser Before, How to Makeover your Dresser Just like Cinderella theboondocksblog.com
Disclosure: I was compensated for doing this post with product.  However, all the opinions stated here are my own. I only use products I love and would recommend to my viewers. 
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This dresser fit in perfectly between the two Ikea bookcases, but the color left much to be desired. The exterior was laminate and had turned yellow and looked even worse next to the bookcases.  There were scratches everywhere and it looked like it had been kicked around a bit. In fact, my daughter complained that it was difficult to open and close the drawers and it made squeaky noises.

Well, how could I leave it looking like a sad Cinderella?  I was going to be its fairy godmother and give it a new outfit. 


Taking out the drawers and a look at the frame of the dresser, How to Makeover your Dresser Just like Cinderella theboondocksblog.com

What I Used:

  • DecoArt Americana Satin Enamel Paint in White
  • ​​DecoArt Americana Dazzling Metallics Pearl Black
  • Vinegar
  • ​Stainless Steel Scourer
  • ​a bar of soap
  • Mod Podge
  • Gift Wrapping Paper damask Black and White

The How To:

I started off by giving it two coats of my favorite paint in white. Since the dresser was  laminate this was the perfect way to do it.  As long as you let the paint cure for a few days, you will have no problems.  
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Painting the dresser, How to Makeover your Dresser Just like Cinderella theboondocksblog.com
Here you can see that it was giving me trouble so I just went over some spots with a third coat.  I also did the top with a third coat because I wanted a nice hard finish. 

And just so you know I did not use a sander at all, firstly because I'm lazy and secondly because it was not an option in this room.  Unlike Cinderella's hearth I could not afford to have soot, er, sand all over this room.
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Painting the side to get rid of spots, How to Makeover your Dresser Just like Cinderella theboondocksblog.com
The hardware was made of brass.  I took out the handles and drenched them in vinegar for ten minutes.  Then I just scrubbed them with some steel wool and this was the result.  This method did not totally remove all the patina but that is fine with me.  I wanted this piece to be eclectic.  A bit of new and old - just like Cinderella herself! 
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Cleaned up brass handles, How to Makeover your Dresser Just like Cinderella theboondocksblog.com
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​Disclosure: The items below are affiliate links. If you purchase any of these products through the links, I receive a small commission, that way I can continue to provide you with lovely content.  There is no extra charge to you for purchasing through my affiliate links.

​The rest of the hardware that was on the edges of the dresser was painted using the metallic black pearl that I had also used on the night stand.  I used both looks for the hardware because I wanted to keep it interesting.  Also, a bit of black is echoed in the handles.

See how when the light hits it looks more like a deep gray than a black. 
​
Brass handles and painted hardware on sides of dresser, How to Makeover your Dresser Just like Cinderella theboondocksblog.com
Of course, to add even more interest, because our Cinderella cannot go to the ball with just her glass slippers, I added this damask black and white wrapping paper to the sides of the dresser using Mod Podge. I have previously used this paper on boxes that are on a shelf near the corner of the room.  

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It is super easy to do.  Just brush Mod Podge onto the wood, place the paper over it and smooth it out.  Once it dries add a top coat of mod podge to the paper to seal it. 
​ 
Toile wrapping paper on sides of drawer, How to Makeover your Dresser Just like Cinderella theboondocksblog.com

​And let's not forget my girl's complaint about the drawers.  It was an easy fix, I just rubbed a bar of soap on the frame where the bottom of the drawer slides into the wood.  Easy peasy!

Here it is all done.  I think adding all those different elements keeps just enough interest. Cinderella is ready for the ball!
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Dresser makeover painted white with brass and black hardware, How to Makeover your Dresser Just like Cinderella theboondocksblog.com
She may not look like a classical Cinderella dresser with scrolls and pastel colors,  but she is a makeover beauty to me!
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angled view of upcycled dresser, How to Makeover your Dresser Just like Cinderella theboondocksblog.com

​And now you are probably asking why not use the toile that is all over the bookcases?  Well the idea was to have a bit of surprise because that's what you'd have expected of me - to use the toile.   I didn't want the room be too matchy-matchy. 
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Side view of upcycled dresser with Damask paper on the sides of drawers. How to Makeover your Dresser Just like Cinderella theboondocksblog.com
And that is the last piece of furniture in the room that has to be made over.  I am thinking of adding a chair but that can be done later on  ... or not!
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white dresser flanked by two bookcases, #diyproject #furnituremakeover #bedroomfurniture #furnitureupcycle #blackandwhitefurniture #brasshardware #damaskpaper How to Makeover your Dresser Just like Cinderella theboondocksblog.com
Sometimes all it takes is just a bit of paint to make something look new.  When I showed this piece to my dad his jaw dropped.  You have to remember that in person it looked a lot worse.  He said to me, he had always meant to paint it but had never gotten around to it.

​Well at least I know where I get my DIY genes from!
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Upcycled dresser with acrylic paint, #diyproject #furnituremakeover #bedroomfurniture #furnitureupcycle #blackandwhitefurniture #brasshardware #damaskpaper How to Makeover your Dresser Just like Cinderella theboondocksblog.com
This is how I made over my laminate dresser just like Cinderella. She is now ready for the ball. And I am so glad to have realized my vision of this unified storage area with the dresser and the two bookcases flanking it. 

Now tell me was a worthy of being a godmother to this lovely dresser? 

​Scroll down to see all the projects from the bedroom. 
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Picture
How to Makeover an old laminate dresser for the bedroom, using acrylic paint, metallic paint and damask decoupaged onto the sides of the drawers, #laminatefurniture #diyproject #furnituremakeover #bedroomfurniture #furnitureupcycle #blackandwhitefurniture #brasshardware #damaskpaper How to Makeover your Dresser Just like Cinderella theboondocksblog.com
If you really like what you see subscribe to my blog and get my adventures in your mailbox. The form is on the sidebar and on top.  Your e-mail will never be shared with a third party.
Picture
The Black and White Bedroom:
Decorating Plans for the Girl's Bedroom
Black and white painted lamps
Lamp Makeover
Black Bed Frame
A Bed Frame Refresh and Room Progress
Black painted wood mirror
Wooden Mirror Makeover
Night Stand
Revived Night Stand
A Tour of the Black and White Bedroom
​<< Night Stand Makeover                  HOME            Colorful Paper Packing Wreath >>

Linking up to these Link Parties

This blog is for entertainment purposes only; my DIY tutorials are not professional advice. Read my full disclaimer here.​

I love it when I get your comments and I will try to reply to every one of them. ​Please do not add a hyperlink to your comment, otherwise it cannot be published.
38 Comments
Lorin Small link
4/16/2018 05:13:01 am

The girls room is really coming together. Great makeover. I really enjoy your Facebook group it's fun and members are from all over the world.

Reply
Mary
4/16/2018 10:54:09 pm

Lorin I'm also enjoying it and it is so nice to have people from all over to get their perspective.

Reply
Kari Wagner Hoban
4/16/2018 07:54:38 am

I love this so much. Will you come make over my bedroom furniture?

Reply
Mary
4/16/2018 10:58:57 pm

Sure let me find my glass slippers first! ;)

Reply
Debrashoppeno5 link
4/16/2018 09:03:55 am

Mary, you have been hard at work getting the girls room looking so up to date and stylish. I love how the dresser fits right in. And how it looks like a built in. They really have a lot of storage.

Reply
Mary
4/16/2018 11:08:12 pm

Debra you have no idea how much stuff girls have. Boys are so much more simple. Anyway I think it was really smart to buy those two bookcases because they really helped with the storage situation and of course this dresser was the icing on the cake.

Reply
Michelle Leslie link
4/16/2018 10:09:06 am

With all the work you've done in the girls bedroom they must be feeling so much more at home now. Isn't it awesome that the dresser fits so perfectly between the bookcases. Thank goodness for Dad's that see the potential of hoarding and for a Mom, like you, that takes the time and effort to make something beautiful for their bedroom. And then they have the added special touch that when they open it up there's this beautiful damask pattern to show you went the extra mile too. So lovely

Reply
Mary
4/16/2018 11:26:46 pm

Thank you Michelle, It is the least I can do since this is such a huge change for them and they deserve to have a space all their own the way they want it.

Reply
Jackie,Smith link
4/16/2018 10:20:40 am

Fabulous makeover!! Love this newook.

Reply
Mary
4/16/2018 11:33:56 pm

Jackie I was so glad to see that yellow disappear once and for all!

Reply
Julie Briones link
4/16/2018 10:57:20 am

Quite inspiring, Mary! Love how the handle came out, and the damask 'surprise'!

Reply
Mary
4/16/2018 11:38:33 pm

Julie it has been a long journey in this room but I am so glad everything has come together so well.

Reply
Katrin link
4/16/2018 12:07:04 pm

This dresser looks so sophisticated with the brass edges and handles Mary, I love it! The coat of paint was necessary and well worth it, it is a beautiful storage unit!!

Reply
Mary
4/16/2018 11:44:12 pm

Never has the saying "the power of paint" been more evident then in this room. It was so dull and boring before with no focus at all.

Reply
Barbara Chapman ~ French Ethereal link
4/16/2018 12:30:07 pm

Mary, I LOVE all of the projects you've done to give your girls a bedroom fit for Cinderella ~ this dresser is just icing on the cake. <3 Really great makeover and I'm glad you left the patina on the brass pulls! I'm glad your dad liked how the dresser turned out, too. :)

Sharing on Pinterest and to my FB page,
Barb :)

Reply
Mary
4/16/2018 11:54:39 pm

Barbara thanks so much. Everything is falling into place now and aside from a few minor adjustments I should be ready to share the reveal soon.

Reply
Pam link
4/16/2018 05:32:35 pm

That looks FABULOUS!!!

Reply
Mary
4/16/2018 11:57:55 pm

Thank you Pam. I am really happy with how it's all coming together.

Reply
FLORENCE link
4/16/2018 09:51:06 pm

Well, well, well. Cinderella is indeed ready for the ball. The dresser looks ah-mazing now! Your TLC really did the trick. I like those brass corners & pulls. The paint has done wonders, and I knew about the soap trick. You can use a candle too. Clapping now for a job well done! Hope your daughters like it.

Reply
Mary
4/17/2018 12:12:27 am

Thank you Florence. I am really happy to have banished all that discolored white. Now the room look so fresh. I like that idea about the candle.

Reply
Stacey @ Poofing the Pillows link
4/16/2018 10:30:45 pm

Looks amazing, Mary! Pinning. :)

Reply
Mary
4/17/2018 12:10:43 am

Thank you Stacey, the whole room is now crisp and clean.

Reply
Marie link
4/17/2018 11:05:16 am

I love this campaign dresser, Mary! It looks so clean with a fresh coat of white paint. I love the pretty surprise when opening the drawers. Your daughter's must've been thrilled when they saw it. I love that your Dad is witnessing his hidden basement treasures being brought back to life and into the upstairs living area!

Reply
Mary
4/17/2018 11:41:09 am

Marie I too am thrilled that I found all these pieces of junk, ehm, treasures in the basement. You know this blogging gig is good for that, it helped me to develop an eye as to what is worth saving.

Reply
Nancy link
4/18/2018 12:20:49 pm

Wow, what a makeover for Cinderella! Just a little paint and pretty paper and she is looking classy! I love it! Especially the gorgeous drawers!

Reply
Mary
4/23/2018 07:42:12 pm

It was not a lot of work but it totally transformed the piece. It looks brand new.

Reply
Kim link
4/18/2018 10:00:25 pm

Mary, this is beautiful. Your furniture makeover always make me smile.

Reply
Mary
4/23/2018 07:47:39 pm

This one has to be my favorite Kim, but I always say that about all my furniture. haha!!

Reply
Wendi@H2OBungalow link
4/21/2018 07:02:13 am

What a fun makeover! I love the black and white theme of the room. Adding the color to the drawer sides was smart. So cute! I hope you get good weather soon! I can imagine NY must be beautiful in the spring! Pinned :)

Reply
Mary
4/23/2018 07:49:58 pm

Thanks so much Wendi, Spring finally made an appearance! I am really happy with the way this dresser turned out, now that the paint is dry it has a hard shine on top :)

Reply
Linda Terry link
4/22/2018 09:45:45 am

Mary what a great makeover! I absolutely love campaign furniture and have made over 2 campaign pieces myself!

Reply
Mary
4/23/2018 07:58:56 pm

Linda would you believe I didn't know what these types of dressers were called. Thank you for giving me the correct name. I know all about your beautiful dressers, they are very inspiring.

Reply
Linda at Mixed Kreations link
4/22/2018 07:15:14 pm

You been so busy with the girls room, and it's all coming together beautifully. I love the new pulls, and how you added the paper to the sides of the drawers. Super cute!

Reply
Mary
4/23/2018 08:00:41 pm

Thank you so much dear friend. I would have pulled my hair out if I couldn't have fixed it.

Reply
Debbie link
4/24/2018 01:30:15 pm

Hi Mary, I never get over how creative and clever you are when it comes to upcycling. You've done that dresser proud and I particularly like the touch of paper on the side of the drawers. That's something I've never seen before.

Popped over from #sweetinspiration

xx

Reply
Mary
4/24/2018 10:42:30 pm

Debbie I had to do something to keep it from being to plain. The room is simple enough but you want a few surprises here and there.

Reply
Brenda Young @ Unique Junktique link
4/25/2018 12:46:34 pm

Love the peek a boo damask, it compliments the storage boxes so well. Thanks for sharing your project at #FridaysFurnitureFix Mary, always a pleasure!

Reply
Mary
5/4/2018 12:28:25 am

Thank you Brenda! I had lots of fun with the dresser and its always good to have a surprise.

Reply

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     I'm Mary and I recently  moved to New York from beautiful Greece.  I like to re-purpose and up-cycle  anything that is old or looks like junk.  Join me as we use our creativity to spark some life into old things.  And do it frugally!  You will also see lots of photography of my Greece and New York.

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This blog is for entertainment purposes only; my DIY tutorials are not professional advice.
Read my full disclaimer here
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