Old dressers, with their graceful lines and roomy storage, make perfect candidates for a paint-and-hardware makeover. And it’s so affordable! Our project totaled a mere $49.

If you don’t have a great old dresser, here’s your excuse to hit the flea markets and antiques shops. Look for a piece with great scrollwork and carved spindles. Don’t be blinded by love, though. Make sure that your pick features solid construction and all the drawers slide easily.

Be Prepared
This project is easy—scout’s honor. You just need to take care of some groundwork first. Remove the old hardware, then fill holes with wood filler and let dry. Next, sand the dresser and remove dust using a tack cloth. Now you can apply the primer.

Paint It Pretty
The real fun begins when you decide on a paint color. We chose two shades of sunny yellow—the perfect complement to the blue hues that set a peaceful mood in our bedroom. Using two yellows makes the dresser’s charming details pop: Use the brighter of your two hues to accent the dividers between the drawers, the top’s narrow edge, and the carved spindles.

Finish with a Flourish
Handmade knobs are an easy way to display your personal style. Just buy 1/2-inch-thick round beveled-glass circles (at a crafts store) and flat metal or wood knobs that are slightly smaller than the glass circles. Cut scrapbook paper or card stock to fit the glass circles, then glue all layers using decoupage medium. Attach the glass tops to the knobs with epoxy, install the new knobs, and you’re done!

Materials Needed
1. wood filler
2. sandpaper and sanding block
3. tack cloth
4. latex primer
5. two shades of yellow semigloss latex paint
6. beveled-glass circles
7. scrapbook paper or card stock
8. decoupage medium
9. flat metal or wood knobs
10. epoxy  

MAKE IT PERSONAL
Paint isn’t the only way to express your individuality—and creativity—in a dresser makeover. Try these ideas on for size.
1. WALLPAPER Pick your favorite pattern and apply the paper to drawer fronts using decoupage medium. (Save some dough by digging out that extra roll of wallpaper you’ve had stashed in the basement.)
2. MONOGRAM Personalize your piece with a fancy monogram or other great stencil selection. Again, it’s easy and inexpensive.
3. DETAILS Dress up your dresser with eye-catching architectural accents such as rosettes or onlays. Made from wood or composite materials, these details can simply be glued on and painted.