Mid-way into this repurposed furniture project, it suddenly hit me that these bi-fold doors and dresser would make a perfect door coffee station cabinet. Originally I thought since it was a door project, that it should naturally be a hall tree. In any case it’s going to be a very functional piece for someone.
How to Turn a Dresser into a Door Coffee Station
At first glance the dresser (chest of drawers) doesn’t look so bad. It even looks like real wood until you take a closer look at the side. . .
Cheap Dresser
Look! It’s just paper. The dry brushed green and the gorgeous knots in the wood? PAPER!
*This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission., read more here. *
Cut the Dresser Down to Size
The first order of business was to cut off the damaged portion on the bottom of the dresser. NOTE: Whenever sawing furniture pieces, make sure you’re not going to run into an screws or hardware. Because of some well placed screws, I had to change up where I made my cut with this circular saw.
See? The bottom is in really rough shape, meaning some would have probably passed on this piece of furniture.
Making a Door Coffee Station
I grabbed a set of bi-fold doors out of my stash to see how they would look with the new dresser.
Attach 2 Bi-fold Doors Together
I decided to remove the hinges and give the doors a more permanent solution to hold them together. I used my Kreg Jig to drill pocket holes in several places down the door. These are hollow core doors, but there was enough on the edges to allow the pocket hole screws to connect. After securing the screws, I cut a board to length and used Gorilla Wood Glue and wood screws to hold the board(s) in place. One on the top, middle and bottom (back) of the bi-fold doors.
If you don't have a pocket hole jig, you can use mending brackets (plates). However, if you do a lot of projects, I highly recommend you investing in one of these jigs. For more details see my post How To Use A Kreg Jig
Now that the doors were permanently attached to each other, I needed to attach them to the dresser (chest of drawers). There was a cleat on the inside top of the dresser. I secured wood screws from the cleat, through the door, and into the back board (brace I added in the middle of the doors). In addition, I added wood screws through the door into the back of the dresser using my kreg multi-mark tool so I “hit my mark” with the screws. One last board was added on the underneath side of the dresser, securing it through the dresser, door, and into the bottom board (brace) I added.
For added security, I also used wood screws through the back boards, doors, and into the cleat, and bottom brace (under the shelf). So, basically the screws go from front to back AND from back to front.
Add Trim to Make Door Coffee Station
I typically add crown molding to the tops of my hall trees, but I’m running a little low, so I chose to add a 1x for a top ledge, then some other simple molding underneath it. I glued the shelf, and “tacked” it with my nail gun, and then used the wood screws for a better hold. The small white trim was glued and attached with finish nails.
I’m glad I removed the hinges, I like it a lot better. Can you see how nice this is going to be as a coffee station? So much room on the surface, and lots of storage room. Originally this furniture had some fake louvered doors covering the shelves, but my neighbor Rodney used them on a hutch he made for his wife.
Time to Paint
It was time to pain! I used my diy chalky paint primer made with plaster of paris and latex wall paint.
The Homeright Finish Max makes this job go quick. As always, I tip my piece back so that I can paint the underneath side of the coffee station first.
Paint a Base Coat | Black
If you have any paneled doors, using a Finish Max is the perfect way to paint them. None of that go this way, then that, paint the panels, then the outside, then the inside . . .
Doesn’t it look amazing after 2 light coats of the chalky paint primer. I always do a primer so the frankenfurniture is all the same color. Until everything matches, it’s difficult for me to see what color it should be. I’m really liking the Beluga (black), and remember, this is to be sold—so I need to find a color that will appeal to the new owners.
How to Get a Dry Brush Look with a Paint Sprayer
BUT! I decided to add some RED! I’ve only done this technique a couple of times with red paint, but I wanted this repurposed bi-fold door project to be unique. It was stressful, and I didn’t take any “in progress” pictures. I used a custom red (that I made with some off color red and a little GREEN) and lightly sprayed that in my Finish Max. I did this with such a light spray to mimic a dry brush effect. I didn’t want heavy coverage.
Seal with Wipe-on Poly
To protect, seal and deepen the color, I simply used some wipe-on poly on a rag.
This is the before and after. I imagine you could get the same look with wax, but my shoulder said NO to that!
Now for some finishing touches—single hooks from D. Lawless Hardware and a But First. Coffee sign, it’s now ready for it’s debut!
Red Door Coffee Station
Doesn’t it make the perfect coffee station cabinet? I suppose it would also be great for a baking center too.
Guess what?! I don’t drink coffee or BAKE!
Pin It!
It really offers a LOT of storage. I hope it finds a new home soon! This was a fun project and came together pretty easily.
gail
Rayne
I am just getting into repurposing things since we are moving into a place after being in a camper for 3 long year!! Yess!! Finally! I have a few questions. I recently made my own chalk paint using flat paint and calcium carbonate I sprayed it on with a sprayer but I am wanting to distress and add some antiquing wax made by valspar. So my question is would you distress then add the antiquing wax before applying the wipe on poly?! I'm so confused and want my tv stand to come to life, it's red btw ????????????
Gail Wilson
Rayne,
Sometimes it's easier to distress after waxing. But the Valspar wax might be more of a sealer, making sanding and distressing more difficult. You know I love red, don't you? 🙂
Poly would be last, but I'm thinking you may not need it after the valspar. I think you'll know when you're getting there.
gail
Linda
This is soooooo awesome!! It came out great =0) Love your inspirational work and can-do spirit!! Can't wait to get back in the garage and get to work once the temps are over freezing. Maybe I'll bring out a portable heater and get started sooner ;0)
Gail Wilson
I'm anxious for warmer weather too Linda! I'll work as long as it's sunny and about 48-50. The garage is cold, but I work on the driveway where it's sunny. Hoping to get a couple of projects done this weekend.
Thanks for your very kind comment about the coffee station cabinet!
gail
Melissa
You have such great vision! One look at that particle board and I would have put it to the curb. I love that color.
Gail Wilson
I'm sure a lot of people would have tossed it to the curb. I suppose that's why my neighbor gave it to me. 😉
gail
debbie Parrish
so cute. love the color. I would love to make one , going to pin it . thanks
Gail Wilson
Thanks for pinning Debbie!
Carole
Love how this turned out and that color is fantastic. I tend to welcome dark colors because they're calming. Now when I see cupboards like this I'll have to stretch my imagination, get out the skill saw and build fun. Awesome tips!
Gail Wilson
I rarely say no to any furniture but even I was wondering what I was thinking when I said yes to this! 🙂
Sawing furniture is my favorite.
gail
Rachelmary
Love your work. Look forward to reading your blogs, posts anything you do. So very creative.
Susan
That was genius and the coffee station is gorgeous! I love the color you chose Gail. Nice work as usual, you are such an inspiration 🙂
Gail Wilson
Thank you Susan, and I appreciate you pinning! 🙂
gail
Debra Morehead
You did a beautiful job !!!!!!! Really looks nice,