I have a new repurposed furniture project to share with you today. It’s a hall table (sofa table) made out of a dresser. Do you remember last month when Mindi shared her blue dresser made into a bench? We were actually working on the same kind of project without even knowing it.
You know I love cutting up furniture. Although this one wasn’t really too hard, it was a little harder than I expected.
Here’s how it all started . . .
I picked up this $10 dresser at a yard sale last Fall. I didn’t really have a clue what I was going to do with it. Then last month I had an idea.
Designing the Upcycled Dresser into a Hall Table
I felt like it wanted to be a hall table, but I didn’t want to build a base for it. So, I started by removing some of the drawers.
I LOVE what I do! There’s something about furniture demolition that is really fun!
Cut the Sides from the Dresser
First, I used my jigsaw to cut out each end of the dresser. Not the best execution of a design…. but it’s all good!
These were the pieces that fell to the ground as I was cutting the sides to make a new hall table.
To do this, I drew a line right on the edge of the support pieces, then drilled a hole in order to allow my blade to start the cut.
Can you See the New Hall Table taking Shape?
This is what I was left with. Do you think it's looking like a hall table (sofa table)?
I used a scrap piece of plywood to create a bottom shelf.
There were definitely some veneer issues.
Time for Painting!
Next, I mixed up some DIY chalky paint primer using some blue oops paint from Home Depot.
This was the strangest oops paint I have ever used. When I opened the can, the color (see the lid) did NOT resemble the fingerprint on the lid. This can was very full, and I had a difficult time stirring it. You’ll see the messy can in the picture below.
EDITED TO ADD: On the top of the can, it says the name of this color is Dark Denim.
I had to stir, and stir, and stir to get the pigments to blend to make the correct color. Oops! I made a huge mess! But I finally got rid of the really bright blue paint, and got the prettiest blue ever!
I gave everything a light sanding and prepared to paint the new hall table with my Homeright Finish Max.
Using the Plaster of Paint mixture as a primer, I did two light coats of blue. I also did a primer coat of blue on a cabinet door that I was making into a But First. Coffee sign.
Sanding & Patching
I prefer to patch my pieces after the primer coat, so I can see exactly what is really showing up. I did two coats of spackle, sanding in between.
Then we had a couple of snow storms and this project was waiting patiently to be finished. Over the weekend, we had some pretty weather, and in between working on the DIY picket fence arbor, I was able to put two coats of paint on the dresser hall table.
I almost always paint the underneath side of my pieces—for a more finished look.
TIP: to get the best coverage on the top of a dresser or table, lay the piece down so you’re spraying vertically instead of horizontally.
This is after 2 coats of the chalky paint primer.
I was considering these great handles, but they were too big. for the small sections.
I know the drawers are in wrong here, but this is the way they fit best.
To get a nice smooth surface, I like to use some brown craft paper to sand the surface before spraying the top coat of paint.
Pretty Handy Girl loves this project!
I added some pulls on the former dresser, new hall table that I purchased from my friends at D. Lawless Hardware .
I would love it if you would PIN this!
Upcycled Dresser into a Hall Table
After seeing how Mindi painted the outside of her drawers, I decided to try it with this project. I typically don’t like to do this because the drawers tend to stick. I only did one light coat of the chalky paint on the sides of each drawer.
What do you think? I’ve made a lot of dresser projects, and I currently have one more “dresser in waiting”.
This dresser is in the queue for projects, what would you like to see me do to it?
gail
Sharing here: Refresh Restyle Inspiration Monday
Here are more repurposed dresser ideas.
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Connie
This is an old post, so this may never be read. However, I'm curious as to what you used for the top two coats? I saw you used that Oops blue paint to make some chalk paint primer, but is that the same thing you used for the top two coats? Love it and just now experimenting with DIY chalk paint. Thank you!
Gail Wilson
Connie,
Surprise! I read all my comments, no matter how old the post is. 🙂
To clarify, I used the oops paint mixed with Plaster of Paris as a primer.
THEN, I used the paint "out of the can" for the topcoats. It's been my favorite paint technique for years now. It's an easy way to primer with the same color you're using to finish the project.
I sure hope that clears it up.
Always here to help,
gail
SONJA HANSEN
Very clever. Thanks so much for sharing your inspiration and how-to's.
Gail Wilson
Thanks for stopping by to check out this project. It's really been quite popular on Pinterest. 🙂
gail
Mary Ross
I love the "blue"............I'm more of a cottage white or black, but this is a refreshing change. My question or comment is: I assume you like your Homeright paint sprayer...........I ordered on, but it did not spray as I had thought, I found it difficult to use and also kind of messy. I'm sure I didn't know what I was doing because SO MANY are using it, do you have any helpful suggestions?...............also I have been repurposing furniture for many years..........but I still love all the NEW ideas, .......especially the way you "take apart furniture"........LOVE IT
Thank you for always sharing
Mary
Gail Wilson
Ohhh Mary! I wish I could visit you and give you a personal lesson. You are so right, I love, love, love my Finish Max. Can you expand what you mean by difficult and messy?
In a nutshell:
Strain paint
Fill cup about 1/3 - 1/2 full
Dilute with a little water (for latex paint)
Attach paint cup to sprayer
Turn thumb screw all the way open (sprays more paint that way)
Plug in and Spray!
If you can be more specific, I'd be very happy to help you work through it.
glad you liked the blue!
gail
Sharon
I love this! I have been looking and trying to decide what kind of entry table I wanted, well this is it!
Hope to be able to get close to what you have done. Thank you so much.
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Awesome Sharon! I'm so happy to inspire you to try your own project. Good luck, have fun.
gail
Jenny
Love the step by step on this transformation and the end result is beautiful. The oops paint was a great color and looks beautiful in the finished pic against your wall which brings me to my question. What is the name of the paint color on your wall? We are in the stages of picking a new paint color for the walls in our home and I'm having the hardest time making a decision.
Thank you!
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Jenny,
Thanks for stopping by to check out my hall table made from a dresser! The gray on the wall is an oops color (mistint) at the store. I'm sorry, I can't give you a name or more information. The trick with grays is looking at the neighboring colors on the paint chip samples. I prefer grays that are with blacks. Some grays actually have a lavender hue to them, which I found how the hard way when I painted my kitchen island.
I hope this helps!
gail
Malissa - Southern Sawdust
This is beautiful! The color is fabulous and the details on the piece really stand out now. Great job!
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Thank you Malissa! It was different than anything I'd done. Good news is, it has already found a loving home.
gail
Kimm at Reinvented & Roadkill Rescue
Love it Gail! That color is beautiful, and I LOVE the gold drawer pulls with the blue. Have a great day!!
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Thanks so much Kimm! It was a nice project to take on, after wondering for months what I was going to do with it. 🙂
gail
Sherry
I love this!!! I have an old desk that I picked up for free.... solid wood, that I wanted to do something different with because I do NOT like fixing drawers. I think I may see if I can do something like this with it.
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Happy to inspire you Sherry! Good luck and have fun.
gail
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.
I've said it before, you have an amazing eye for seeing what something can be! Another great project. Featured at Be Inspired this morning. Thanks for sharing Gail!
Pat
This is my dresser! It was purchased for me with the complete bedroom suite when I was 10 years old (1974)! it was quality stuff in those days and I am amazed at how you transformed it! Currently my son is using my dresser. I wish I had you talent & vision, you did a beautiful job!
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
How special! I'm so sentimental, that I would never do these type of things to "family" furniture. 🙂
I had my moms antique dresser, and briefly thought about painting it-but my daughter asked me not to, so I refinished it.
gail
Sylvia
I love everything about this makeover. Great job. I'd love to have this in my home.
Terry
Brilliant makeover! This is gorgeous! Well done! I hope you have a great weekend!
Smiles!
Terry
http://thecuratorscollection.wordpress.com
Julie @ follow your heart woodworking
That is very cool with the bottom drawers taken out. I love the colour, too! I would be too nervous (chicken?) to cut out the sides like you did, but it really turned out beautifully.
P.S. A jigsaw cuts neater on the back side, but I'm not sure you could have gotten in there anyway. Another solution for stopping the tearing that occurs with plywood is to put masking tape, pressed on firmly, over the cut line and cut through the tape.
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Julie,
Yeah, I know both of those things about the jigsaw. I couldn't have done it from the inside, and when I've used tape, it didn't work so well. So I just went with it.
Thanks for the input for those who try this at home. 🙂
gail
Leanne
This is darling Gail! Your tutorial instructions are always impeccable! This is definitely on my share list! Pinned!
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
thank you for your comment Leanne! I appreciate you sharing (pinning) more than you know!
gail
Jeanie @ create&babble
I love how this table turned out Gail! You did a beautiful job. Pinned!
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
thank you Jeanie, and I appreciate you pinning!
gail
Patty
I love, love, love this piece, and that color is so gorgeous. Do you think you could ever replicate that color again, because I'm sure you are going to want to use it again. I love the way you cut the sides out instead of building legs and a base. I have often wondered if that could be done. Beautiful job.
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Patty,
I bought a gallon of this oops paint. I checked the can and it actually had the name of the color on it. That's rare for an oops paint. It is Dark Denim.
gail
Debbie Refresh Restyle
Beautiful results and I love using brown paper bags too! Huge transformation 🙂 Pinned!
Catherine
What a GREAT idea!
It looks FABulous!
-What is this "snow delay" you speak of?
We got 6.5" yesterday and looks like we'll finish at 6 more today. : p
h a t e i t.....(oh my aching back!)
Catherine
mj
Best makeover ever. I was doubtful at the beginning, but glad it turned out so well. Love the color, too. Well done! Pinned.
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Thank you for pinning!
Susan Mack
Love this! I will remember this idea the next time I find a dresser in distress!
Idea for your next dresser in waiting... a coffee station, or a wine rack/bar/cabinet.
Thank you for sharing your projects with us!
Will pin this one!
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Susan,
I appreciate your ideas for the dresser in waiting. It's so petite... I guess I need to beef it up a little.
thanks for pinning!
gail
Gail Staples
Hi Gail! I am so happy to have found your site! You always have the most original ideas and excellent taste in finishing things. I'm a new bee to the DIY world and I'm always jazzed to see what's trending . You and your fellow DIY bloggers are an inspiration and very helpful with instructions on how tos' . Keep up the good work!!!! Sincerely Gail S.
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
I am happy you found My Repurposed Life! I'm always here if you have any questions.
Thanks for your sweet comment.
gail
chris aka monkey
awesome sauce gail, what would i like to see you do with that other dresser .... turn it into a 3 bedrom 2 bath house i know you can do it ha ha xx
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
hahaha wouldn't that be nice... to work that magic on a dresser--make it a house! lol
Rita C at Panoply
Gail, you did a really great job on this - love the paint color as it turned out. I've never seen the trick with craft paper - thanks for sharing. You've got great skills!
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Rita,
I get so many packages from Amazon, that I don't even have to BUY that brown craft paper for sanding. Win/Win!
Jane @ urbanejane.com
Wow, what a creative idea, and amazing transformation! You've definitely inspired me to look at my dressers differently (I can already hear the 'uh-oh' from my husband...) 😉
Thanks for sharing!
Kate
Very clever and a nice blue. The only critique I have is that I would have taken off the bottom apron (is that what you call it?). It doesn't quite seem to match the clean straight lines of the rest of the piece, especially with the more modern drawer pulls.
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Kate,
I don't disagree with you.
I actually did it this way to KEEP that apron or skirt or whatever we should call it. But at the time, I didn't have a clue what kind of hardware I would be using.
thank you for your honest and sincere input. I truly appreciate it. 🙂
gail
Diane Cash
I disagree with this comment. Both on the skirt & hadles. I find both
Aesthetically pleasing. Very creative!
mj
I appreciate Kate's POV, but I'm voting with Diane here, Take off that skirt and it's just another plain table. Without distinction. Anyway, not many people will stand back and look right at the front from a distance and, more important, they won;t judge it. It would be a great piece to keep, but if you sell it, I hope you let us know how long it takes and if any lookers have a problem with it as it is........interesting market research and useful......
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Thanks MJ! I think I already have it sold. 🙂 And the lady didn't even mention the skirt with the pulls. 🙂
WendyB
I assumed you would need that piece to add to the stability of the table. As I was reading and looking at the pictures, I wondered about the new legs and how sturdy they would be. Don't most dressers rely on the drawer supports to keep them from beginning to lean one way or the other? Did you consider adding cross braces in the back before painting, or am I completely off base with my concerns?
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Wendy,
When you say "new legs" do you mean the existing legs, but are new because I did the cut outs? The dresser is very sturdy, and no it never occurred to me to do a cross brace.
I had the piece up on it's end several times as I was cutting it, as well as rolling it around on a furniture dolly without any sense of it not being sturdy. I believe a friend is buying it, so I'll be keeping an eye on it and will update the post if there is a problem in the future. 🙂
I appreciate your input, and concern. That's why I love reading comments--y'all think of things that I don't!
gail
WendyB
Yes, that's what I meant about the legs. I believe you when you say it was sturdy. Not that I have that much experience (or any really 🙂 ) with projects like this one, but the legs seemed thin for the potential weight of the drawers. That may be more a statement about my hoarding than your craftsmanship. For what it's worth, I think cross braces would have looked good. I think the piece is beautiful! Something I would proudly display and use in my home.
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
If the skirt were different, cross braces would look awesome! 🙂
girlfromwva
great end result. thanks for always having an easy to follow tutorial! love the blue!
Copper
That turned out very nice...I absolutely love the color...whenever you buy some oops paint you can asked them to shake it for you and also look at it b4 you buy,...and sometimes you can get the color combo and well so if you need again they can make it for you or at least color match...what coat did you out on top of the table?
Gail Wilson
Copper,
Thanks for your interest in this project. Whenever I use my DIY chalk paint, I always end with the topcoat (semi-gloss) so that the piece is properly sealed, no waxing needed. 🙂
It's the best thing about making your own chalk paint.
When I asked Home Depot about oops paint, I was told that it's up to the clerk that RE-mixes the paint that the customer declined or returned. That they generally just add a dark color to change the hue so that the original customer can't come back and get it at a discounted price. I generally just grab it and run. I recently got a gallon of the newer scuff paint (?) FREE Yep! can you imagine that!? I really grabbed that one and ran.
Becky
Gail, who would have thunk? Well, I guess you thunk, but I would not have come up with this! Awesome girl!
suzanne
I love this. The color and the end result is gorgeous. You make things look easy. Thank you for the detailed tutorials. I appreciate it so much!
Cathy
Damn you're good! Love it.
Mindi
Yay!! I have been waiting for this makeover!! Gail it is amazing!! I love that you kept the original dresser for the legs and notched out the sides, so clever!! And of course I love the blue, so pretty! You know I was looking at the dresser into bench that I made and was thinking the other day that I could have kept the legs longer and turned it into a soft table, I would have really like it that way... ha ha! Great minds... 🙂
Tami @ Curb Alert!
Great job Gail. It looks stunning in blue!
Melissa's Antiques
I've just started following your blog recently... and can I just say how inspired I am by how beautiful your pieces turn out. I'm obsessed with this piece - especially the handles!
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
I am so happy that you are finding things to inspire you here on My Repurposed Life! It's why I do what I do. The handles sort of chose themselves because of thos small little sections on the drawer fronts. It really limited me to what handles I could use. I've seen those vintage handles on a lot of pieces, but not quite that tiny!
Thanks for your sweet comment Melissa!
gail
Anne @ DesignDreams by Anne
Nice job Gail! I love this look!!
Melanie
Didn't realize that chalk paint could be made by adding plaster of Paris to paint.
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
I've been adding Plaster of Paris to make chalk paint for years. It's my favorite paint trick. Easy and frugal.
gail
cassie @ primitive & proper
this is an awesome makeover! the color is great, but i just love how this piece turned out over all!
Lisa Waggle
I love it. Love the color as well. Great job Gail.