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
Hi 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?
I'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
Lord 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! 🙂
Blessing 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
I'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.
Deauna,
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
Wow! Who'd a thunk it? Not me. Thanks amazingly creative!
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♥ .*Awesome ♥
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I love it.
WOW 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!
I 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!!
This 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
Gail, 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! 🙂
What a great idea!! Looks awesome!
I love your site...when I saw this I thought how about a bassinet...any ideas....
Hi 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
This 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.
Wow! Such a great idea and it turned out so cute! Stopped by from FJI.
OH EM GEE! That is absolutely fabulous...what vision you have to re-purpose a dresser into a bench. Very clever and very useful! Thanks!
Love 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
LOVE THIS BENCH! Great idea!
I ♥ 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