How to turn an old dresser into bench useful for the end of the bed, entryway or mudroom.
I found this old dresser by the curb. It had one drawer, and 2 drawer fronts. The top of the dresser had already been removed and was used for a window seat for the kittos.
I cut out the top 2 drawer areas. I used the 2 drawer fronts to make the back, in order to make it cohesive. Then I added some trim/molding to the top of the sides.
Lastly, I added a piece of plywood to make a seat.
I painted it (in the kitchen) with a nice brown (Espresso)
I had a piece of foam that I had gotten from a friend, this made a nice soft place to sit. A nice elderly couple bought this old dresser into bench. They put it at the end of their bed, because the Mrs. was unable to sit on the bed to put on her shoes and socks.If you LOVE a good repurpose, check out my door into a headboard, a nightstand into a child’s desk, or a coffee pot into a lamp.Want to see more benches made from repurposed items?
So, if you have an old dresser-they don’t make ’em like they used to, think about keeping it and repurposing it into a bench. Because our situations and styles change, chances are you have something in storage that you can use. However, if you don’t have something on hand, be sure to ask family and friends if they can help you out. Be sure to check out one of my favorite storage seating options made from a headboard!
gail
Alexandra says
August 30, 2018 at 1:00 pmHi Gail! I am thinking about something like this for my porch to double as seating and storage. I looked at anotber one of your dresser to bench tutorials, and saw all the supports you had to add, whereas with this one, I don’t see that you had to add any. Is this because this is not as wide as the other? Or just built more sturdy?
Gail Wilson says
August 30, 2018 at 1:57 pmI’ve done several of these and each have been different. The thick piece of plywood and the width of this dresser meant it didn’t need supports.
One of the others I did was mostly cardboard. You just never really know what you’re getting in to.
I wish you lots of luck and if I can be of any guidance just shoot me an email with pics!
gail
Tania says
May 19, 2016 at 1:41 amLord help me but I bought a dresser today that I want to convert it a bench for guess where…yup the end of the bed. And unlike it being for me, it’s for my bf who puts on his socks and shoes on the side of the bed while earthquakeing the rest of the bed…with me in it! So I said if I could find me a chest, things are gonna change. And thanks to Pinterest, I saw my project. A dresser turned bench! Will this Pinterest idea be a blessing or a curse? We’ll find out!
I also have a question. The dresser I have found has been through some alterations (horrible ones from the looks of it.) Have you run into a project where everything is all wood glued to death? I’m assuming most furniture is but when I whack at some pieces to get them off nothing budges. Is there an easy way to pry things loose? This suckers is pretty tight together. In the end it may not be an issue because I think I’m going to have to saw it up anyway to get it the height I want. So no rush on an answer.
Awesome look on your above project and great idea for its backing. Your project has further encouraged me. Again, blessing…curse? We’ll seeeee! 🙂
gail@myrepurposedlife.com says
May 19, 2016 at 9:18 amBlessing for sure Tania! 🙂
You must get a pry bar… I have two small ones and use at least one of them in EVERY demolition I do. Some call it a cat’s claw. You can see mine here: https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/2-chairs-plus-1-benchfailure/
In that post you will also see that I use a dremel multi-max when I need to bring out the small guns. Big guns? reciprocating saw!
You can do this! Please share your project with me when you’re done.
gail
Deauna says
September 6, 2013 at 10:50 amI’m late to this, but I LOVE this idea. I have an old clunky dresser that serves very little purpose for me as is and this is a great way to repurpose it since I need a place to sit in the room where it’s located.
gail@myrepurposedlife.net says
September 7, 2013 at 3:09 pmDeauna,
I have been wanting to do another one of these ever since I did this one (dresser to bench) Happy you found My Repurposed Life, thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment on this old post. I appreciate it.
gail
Jeannie-JB says
October 6, 2011 at 5:20 pmWow! Who’d a thunk it? Not me. Thanks amazingly creative!
´*•.¸(´*•.¸♥¸.•*´)¸.•*´
♥ .*Awesome ♥
¸.•*´(¸.•*´♥´*•.¸)´*•.¸
I love it.
Anonymous says
October 1, 2011 at 2:55 pmWOW is the first word out of my mouth. What total creativity, you rock!! This was a first ever for me seeing something like this. Well done!
Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating says
August 13, 2011 at 10:10 pmI love this! I’ve included it in my roundup of 12 ways to repurpose a dresser.
http://www.addicted2decorating.com/twelve-ways-to-repurpose-a-dresser-dresser-transformations.html
Thanks for the inspiration!!
Good Time Charlie says
July 17, 2011 at 6:16 pmThis is one of the best “redouxs” I have seen!!! I love converted furniture, and my favorites are always converted dresser. I never though of making it into a bench, LOVE IT! I am so trying this. Thank you so much for sharing this tutorial. -K
Toqua's Crafts says
July 3, 2011 at 10:55 pmGail, this is great! I can see it as a baby’s bed or bassinet if snugged right up next to Mom and Dad’s bed… I can see this as a “window seat” where one can snuggle in and read a good book… I LIKE IT! 🙂
Gloria Fox @ Potentially Beautiful says
July 3, 2011 at 2:18 pmWhat a great idea!! Looks awesome!
Anonymous says
April 7, 2011 at 10:17 pmI love your site…when I saw this I thought how about a bassinet…any ideas….
Blue Velvet Chair says
April 5, 2011 at 10:38 pmHi Gail – commenting on one of your older posts because it is so clever! I am a new follower, and hope you’ll have a peek over at my (newer) blog and follow if you like what you see. Hope to see you peeking around soon.
Michael
http://bluevelvetchair.blogspot.com
awal.ny says
March 5, 2011 at 2:51 pmThis is such a cute idea and I just love how you took the drawer fronts and put them on the back. I am so going to be looking for a cheap dresser to do this to. Thank you for the inspiration.
Stephanie says
March 5, 2011 at 1:06 pmWow! Such a great idea and it turned out so cute! Stopped by from FJI.
Tami Keith says
January 21, 2011 at 11:31 pmOH EM GEE! That is absolutely fabulous…what vision you have to re-purpose a dresser into a bench. Very clever and very useful! Thanks!
Barn Owl Primitives says
October 22, 2010 at 9:07 pmLove this!! I just shared this on my facebook fan page
http://www.facebook.com/barnowlprimitives
I know my “likers” will love it too!! Wishing you all the best!!
xoxo ~ kristi
Who "NEW" Creations says
October 15, 2010 at 3:52 pmLOVE THIS BENCH! Great idea!
Nikki@KreativeKnack says
October 14, 2010 at 6:58 pmI ♥ This bench! Great! Oooh I also want you to know that I given you and award!
http://www.kreativeknack.com/2010/10/starting-is-hardest-part.html
Have a Great Day!
Nikki
Marie-Andrée says
September 15, 2010 at 10:35 pmThat is creative! This is the first time I see that. congratulation. Wonderful idea and wonderful work. I think you know I love it!
Oklahomaredhead says
August 1, 2010 at 10:25 pmThat is a wonderful idea. Now if I could just find a great chest of drawers someone is getting rid of for free I’ll do the same. I love benches!! Thanks for sharing!!
Kara@ Creations by Kara says
May 2, 2010 at 3:40 pmThat is so awesome!! I totally love how it turned out!
House Queen says
May 2, 2010 at 4:32 amOMG…girl…that is genius!!! Way to go!
MICHELL says
May 2, 2010 at 3:35 amI LOVE it!! I’m gonna share this link on my facebook:) I’m your newest follower..
http://www.girlinair.blogspot.com
Mary Ellen says
May 2, 2010 at 3:32 amSuch a creative idea!! I have a chest of drawers that is missing one of the drawers and need to figure out what to do with it!
carolyn says
May 1, 2010 at 10:33 pmWhat an incredibly creative idea. And how nice that it went to that couple. Beautiful AND useful.
michelle@somedaycrafts says
May 1, 2010 at 9:29 pmThis is so cool! I’m totally diggin’ it! I am featuring this at somedaycrafts.blgospot.com tonight.
Child in Harmony says
May 1, 2010 at 1:57 pmwow terrific idea! I love it!
happy day!
~marcia
Shelbie says
May 1, 2010 at 4:34 amNice job on the dresser bench. What a good idea!
Coleen's Corner says
May 1, 2010 at 3:40 amWonderful! Very creative and beautiful. You are very kind to offer it to someone who needs it… I would have a difficult time parting with it!
Flea Market Trixie says
May 1, 2010 at 2:56 amWhat a cool idea, it’s wonderful!
Meg says
February 28, 2010 at 6:56 pmWow, that’s awesome. I would never have thought of that. And I love that you gave it to someone who could truly use it and appreciate it. What a nice gesture!
Teri says
February 28, 2010 at 6:53 pmWhat a sweet gift! I’m so glad this piece went to a good home. 🙂
Amy Jo says
February 27, 2010 at 6:36 pmwow! Great transformation! I’m very impressed!
Sonja @ Craft-Werk says
February 27, 2010 at 12:34 pmWow – this is a great roadkill rescue. You have not just renovated the dresser, you turned it into something else. Great idea and great vision! Love it!
Ann Marie @ Twice Lovely says
February 27, 2010 at 12:39 amLove this idea! Way to think outside the box!
Infarrantly Creative says
February 26, 2010 at 4:44 amTotally love that. How sweet that is sits at the end of an elederly couple’s bed. You amaze me with your power tools skills! I am jealous.
Sarah says
February 26, 2010 at 2:02 amWOW, what a great idea!
God’s blessings,
Sarah 😀
Jennifer says
February 25, 2010 at 5:47 pmOh my gosh… that is brilliant! It turned out adorable!! 🙂
Jennifer says
February 25, 2010 at 5:34 pmThis is beautiful! I have seen so many dressers, but could never think of anything to make with them.
Richella says
February 25, 2010 at 5:01 pmWhat a wonderful idea! You did a great job with this–you have wonderful vision. Great idea to use the drawer fronts to add detail to the back of the bench. Well done!
The Harris Family says
February 25, 2010 at 4:28 pmit turned out beautiful. I’ve been wanting a bench but I never thought to use a dresser-great idea. Also that is so sweet of you to give it away. I am sure they love it.
-Crystal
Mom in High Heels says
February 25, 2010 at 3:35 pmThat is amazing! What a great job you did. I will now be on the lookout for abandoned dressers to turn into benches.
katillacshack.com says
July 25, 2009 at 8:32 pmHi Gail!
Jamie sent me over!!! Fabulous re-visioning!! Love the bench!!
Stop by…. http://www.katillacshack.com
Lets be friends!
love, kelee