18+ Stylish Dresser Ideas for a Trendy Makeover

Dressers are not just for storing clothesâtheyâre a canvas for creativity and functionality. Letâs explore some fun and stylish ways to breathe new life into this humble piece of furniture.

1. Paint It Bold

A bold coat of paint can turn your dresser into a room's focal point. — A bold coat of paint can turn your dresser into a roomâs focal point.

A fresh coat of paint can completely transform a dresser. For more inspiration, explore these painted chest of drawers ideas. Choose a bold color that complements your room for a vibrant update. Iâve painted a dresser navy blue for a client, and it became the centerpiece of their bedroom.

Give these a look:

Navy Blue Furniture Paint: High-quality paint designed for furniture, offering a durable and vibrant finish perfect for a bold dresser transformation.
Paintbrush Set for Furniture: A set of paintbrushes in various sizes, ideal for achieving a smooth, even coat on your dresser.
Protective Finish for Painted Furniture: A clear protective finish that helps to seal and protect the paint on your dresser, ensuring longevity.

2. Vintage Charm with Milk Paint

Milk paint offers a rustic charm that adds character to any room.

Using milk paint gives a dresser that charming, vintage look. Its matte finish is perfect for creating an antique vibe, similar to what you might find in these charming antique booth ideas. I once used a soft green milk paint on a thrifted dresser, which added a touch of nostalgia to a clientâs living room.

Items that may come in handy:

Soft Green Milk Paint: This paint offers a vintage, matte finish perfect for giving furniture a charming antique look.
Antique Brass Drawer Pulls: Enhance the vintage look of your dresser with these stylish brass drawer pulls.
Natural Bristle Paint Brush: Ideal for applying milk paint smoothly and evenly to furniture surfaces.

3. Go Monochrome

A monochrome scheme offers a sleek and cohesive aesthetic.

For a sleek and modern look, try a monochrome scheme. Painting the dresser and its surroundings in similar tones can create a chic, boutique-style look. I used this technique in a minimalist apartment, and the result was stunningly cohesive.

Possibly handy products:

Matte White Paint: High-quality matte white paint ideal for achieving a sleek, monochrome look on furniture and walls.
Modern White Ceramic Vase: This elegant ceramic vase complements a monochrome scheme and adds a touch of sophistication.
Minimalist White Picture Frame: A simple and elegant white picture frame to seamlessly integrate photos into your monochrome decor.

4. Decoupage Delight

Decoupage allows for a personalized and artistic touch.

Add a personal touch with decoupage. Use maps, book pages, or even family photos to create a unique design. In addition to decoupage, you can find other DIY dresser makeover ideas to try. I once decoupaged botanical prints onto a dresser, giving it a fresh and artistic flair.

Explore these options:

Decoupage Paper Kit: A collection of beautiful papers ideal for creating unique decoupage designs on furniture. Includes a variety of patterns such as florals, maps, and vintage prints.
Mod Podge Decoupage Glue: A versatile and easy-to-use glue specially designed for decoupage projects. Perfect for sealing and protecting your creative work.
Decoupage Brush Set: A set of brushes specifically designed for smooth application of decoupage glue and paper, ensuring a flawless finish.

5. Wallpaper Wonders

Wallpaper can instantly add elegance and interest.

Cover your dresser with wallpaper for an instant update. Itâs a simple way to incorporate patterns without committing to a full wall, and this technique is also great for smaller projects like these DIY nightstand ideas. I used a floral wallpaper on a dresser in a guest bedroom, and it brought a lovely touch of elegance.

These products might be useful:

Floral Peel and Stick Wallpaper: An easy-to-apply wallpaper that adds a touch of elegance and charm with its floral design. Ideal for updating dressers without permanent commitment.
Wallpaper Smoothing Tool Kit: A set of tools designed to help you apply wallpaper smoothly, ensuring a bubble-free and perfect finish on your dresser.
Decorative Drawer Pulls: Elegant drawer pulls that complement the floral wallpaper, providing a cohesive and stylish look to your dresser.

6. Stencil Magic

Stencils can transform a dresser into a statement piece.

Use stencils to add unique painted patterns or meaningful words to your dresser. This technique can turn a plain piece into a statement. Iâve stenciled geometric patterns on a clientâs dresser, giving it a modern edge.

7. Add Trim for Detail

Trim adds depth and a bespoke feel to any dresser.

Incorporate trim or molding to give your dresser a refined look. It adds depth and character, making it look bespoke. For other ways to add character, see these inspiring wood bedroom ideas. I added trim to a plain dresser, and it instantly looked more sophisticated.

These products might help:

Decorative Molding Trim: Enhance the edges and frames of your dresser with this easy-to-apply decorative molding, adding a touch of elegance.
Wooden Appliques and Onlays: These intricate wooden appliques can be attached to the dresser to create a bespoke, antique look.
Adhesive Backed Trim: A user-friendly adhesive backed trim that can be cut to size for quickly customizing your furniture with minimal tools.

8. Hardware Update

New hardware can give your dresser a chic new look.

Sometimes, all it takes is new hardware to completely refresh a dresser. Opt for unique knobs or handles that reflect your style. I swapped out old handles for brass ones, and it gave a clientâs dresser a chic new look.

Some handy options:

Brass Drawer Pulls: Upgrade your dresser with elegant brass drawer pulls that add a touch of sophistication and modern style to any room.
Unique Decorative Knobs: Enhance your furniture with unique decorative knobs that offer a personalized touch and a chic look.
Leather Cabinet Handles: Add a luxurious feel to your dresser with leather cabinet handles that offer both a modern and classic appeal.

9. Repurpose as a Vanity

Repurposing a dresser as a vanity adds uniqueness to your bathroom.

Turn a dresser into a stylish bathroom vanity. Itâs a practical way to reuse furniture and adds a unique touch to your bathroom. Finding clever ways to add storage is also key for spaces like those in these basement closet ideas. I converted a vintage dresser into a vanity, and it became the highlight of the bathroom.

Try these:

Vessel Sink: An elegant vessel sink can transform your dresser into a stunning centerpiece for your bathroom. It blends functionality with style.
Bathroom Faucet: A vintage-style bathroom faucet will enhance the antique look of your vanity dresser. Opt for a durable finish that matches the roomâs aesthetic.
Waterproof Wood Sealer: Protect your wooden dresser from water damage with a high-quality, clear wood sealer, ensuring longevity.

10. Add a Mirror

Adding a mirror can transform a dresser into a focal point.

Pair your dresser with a mirror to create a bedroom vanity or entryway focal point. It adds dimension and functionality. I added a mirror above a dresser in an entryway, and it makes the space feel more inviting.

A few choices to try:

Ornate Wall Mirror: An ornate wall mirror adds elegance and depth to your entryway, enhancing the space while offering functionality.
Table Lamp with Decorative Base: A decorative table lamp provides ambient lighting to complement your mirror setting, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Artificial Flower Arrangement: An artificial flower arrangement adds a touch of nature and color to your dresser, maintaining beauty without maintenance.

11. Create a Reading Nook

A reading nook with a dresser creates a cozy retreat.

Place a dresser in a cozy corner to create a reading nook. For a similar vibe, explore these rustic nightstand ideas. Stack books and add a lamp for a welcoming space. I set up a reading nook in my living room, and itâs now my favorite retreat.

Products that could assist:

Cozy Table Lamp: A warm table lamp that provides soft lighting, perfect for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your reading nook.
Plush Floor Cushion: A comfortable floor cushion for added seating or as a footrest, enhancing the coziness of your reading nook.
Decorative Picture Frame: A stylish picture frame to display your favorite artwork or photos, adding a personal touch to your reading nook.

12. Dress Up with Panels

Panels add texture and a designer touch to a dresser.

Add panels to the sides of a dresser for texture and interest. It can give a plain piece a designer look. I added beadboard panels to a clientâs dresser, and it dramatically changed its appearance.

A few suggestions:

Beadboard Paneling: These beadboard panels are perfect for adding texture and depth to your dresser, creating a classic and stylish look.
Woodworking Trim and Molding: Enhance the edges of your dresser with decorative trim and molding for a more sophisticated appearance.
Wood Panel Adhesive: Reliable adhesive for securing beadboard panels and trim to your dresser, ensuring a durable and long-lasting attachment.

13. Minimalist Approach

A minimalist dresser offers simplicity and elegance.

Strip down a dresser to its bare essentials for a minimalist look. While this raw style is beautiful, painted nightstand ideas offer a completely different aesthetic. Sand it for a raw, natural finish. I did this for a client who loves clean lines, and it fit perfectly in their modern home.

Might be a good match:

Wood Sanding Kit: A comprehensive sanding kit to achieve a perfect raw, natural finish on wood surfaces.
Matte Wood Sealer: This sealer provides a protective matte finish, maintaining the natural look of the wood.
Minimalist Ceramic Vase: A simple and elegant ceramic vase to complement the minimalist aesthetic of your dresser.

14. Mix Modern and Antique

A mix of modern and antique creates a unique dresser.

Combine modern and antique elements for a unique dresser. If you love antiques, you might find inspiration in these unique antique booth ideas. Paint parts of it while leaving some wood exposed. I did this in my own home, and itâs a conversation starter among guests.

Consider these options:

Wood Stain and Finish Set: Warm stains and finishes to enhance the antique wood parts of your dresser for a timeless look.
Chalk Paint Set: A set of vibrant chalk paints to create a modern touch by painting parts of your dresser.
Antique Brass Drawer Pulls: Elegant drawer pulls that add an antique touch, complementing both modern and classic elements.

15. Chalk It Up

Chalk paint offers a velvety, shabby chic finish.

Use chalk paint for a matte, velvety finish on your dresser. Itâs perfect for achieving a shabby chic look. I used chalk paint on a clientâs dresser, and it became the darling of their cottage-style bedroom.

A few helpful options:

Chalk Paint Set: This chalk paint set offers a matte, velvety finish, ideal for achieving a shabby chic look on furniture like dressers.
Furniture Wax: Use furniture wax to protect and seal your chalk-painted dresser, enhancing its durability and giving it a soft sheen.
Paint Brushes for Chalk Paint: High-quality brushes designed specifically for chalk paint help you achieve a smooth and professional finish.

16. Add a Pop of Color

A pop of color on the drawers adds a cheerful touch.

Introduce a pop of color by painting just the drawers. Itâs a subtle yet effective way to add interest. For more inspiration, check out these painted chest of drawers ideas. I painted the drawers of a dresser in bright yellow for a clientâs nursery, and it added a cheerful touch.

You might give these a try:

Bright Yellow Chalk Paint for Furniture: Add a vibrant touch to your dresser drawers with this easy-to-use, durable chalk paint that provides excellent coverage.
Multi-Surface Painterâs Tape: Ensure clean and precise edges for your painted drawers with this versatile painterâs tape.
Furniture Paint Brush Set: Achieve a smooth finish with this high-quality set of paint brushes designed for painting furniture.

17. Layer With Texture

Layering textures adds depth and interest to a dresser.

Layer texture with different materials like wood, metal, and fabric. This approach is common in rustic nightstand designs. It creates a rich, dynamic look. I combined these textures on a dresser in a clientâs study, and it brought warmth and depth to the space.

Possibly helpful picks:

Decorative Wood Panels: Add a natural element to your dresser with these wooden panels, enhancing warmth and texture.
Industrial Metal Handles: Upgrade your dresser with metal handles to introduce an industrial touch.
Textured Fabric Drawer Liners: Incorporate fabric liners in your drawers to add a soft, textured feel to your dresser.

18. Customize with Transfers

Rub-on transfers allow for easy and personal customization.

Use rub-on transfers to customize designs on your dresser. They are easy to apply and add a personal touch. I used floral transfers on a dresser in my daughterâs room, and she absolutely loved the bespoke feel.

Maybe worth checking out:

Floral Rub-On Transfers: These floral rub-on transfers are perfect for adding a delicate and bespoke touch to your dresser. Easy to apply and durable.
Transfer Application Tool: Ensure a smooth and bubble-free application of transfers with this handy tool. It makes the process easier and more precise.
Protective Finish Spray: Use this clear protective spray to seal and protect the rub-on transfers on your dresser, ensuring longevity and durability.