I'm going to show you how to make this repurposed drawers bookcase using the ugliest drawers ever!
turquoise and white bookshelf made from repurposed drawers
Last summer my friend Cathy dropped off this chest of drawers, it was in really bad shape. I removed the drawers and made the chest into a bookshelf. (see the picture at the end of this post)
I’ve been hanging on to the drawers ever since. While tidying up the garage, they were in the way, and I moved them one too many times. I was so tired of shuffling them, and decided it was either time to do a project, or toss them to the curb.
Stack Drawers
I stacked the repurposed drawers on top of one another to see if they would make a small bookcase. I cut a 2x6 to fit on the top. I even tried using that 2x6 for the bottom, and changing out all the drawers. note: I just realized that I only used 3 of the drawers--one must be hiding in the garage somewhere. 🙂
I thought the drawers would look better if I split one of them by adding an additional shelf. I used one of the leftover IKEA drawer parts to make that shelf. I ripped it on the table saw to match the depth of the existing drawers.
This photo shows how I attached each drawer to another. I secured the back of one drawer into the front of another, from the bottom up.
Secure Drawers with Screws
I secured the additional shelf with my Ryobi Stapler 
.
Add Feet to Bookcase
I added some discs I picked up at the Peddler’s Mall for small feet using Gorilla Wood Glue and one screw. Then I got ready to paint it using my DIY chalky paint primer and my Finish Max.
After a coat of the DIY chalky paint primer I sprayed a coat of the paint without any plaster of paris in it.
A year ago I made a large white door bookcase—painted it white with a gray back. I thought it was time to do it again, but this time I used a pretty turquoise.
Use a Pop of Color on the Inside
I did two coats of the turquoise using a small cheap chip brush and an artist’s brush to get into the corners.
I love easy projects like this repurposed drawer bookcase—that uses up old parts, and gives me a great project to share with you.
This simple repurposed drawer bookcase project would be great in a bathroom, guest room, or even the kids room. (please secure bookcases to the wall when children are in the house)
Repurposed Drawers into a Unique Bookcase
How would you use a bookcase like this?
You can see the actual repurposed dresser in my post Chest of Drawers Bookshelf.
gail
check out some of the easy, repurposed projects here
Gail Wilson is the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. She is obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believes that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again, including herself!
Gail reinvented herself during a midlife crisis and has found purpose again. She hopes you will find new ideas for old things and pick up a few tools along the way.
Doreen @ Altered Artworks
Once again, you've wowed me! Love the pop of turquoise. Pinned for inspiration.
Bliss
Now that's what I call thinking out of the drawer!
Alice
You do wonderful repurposing!
I would like to see you redo kitchen cabinet doors with chicken wire and cloth, please. Mimi have the idea, but not the knowledge on how I would do it.
Pam
Love, love, love it...and I really like the color. Great job lady.
Mindi
This is so awesome Gail! I had no idea your cute bookcase was made out of drawers! Of course I love the pop of color, my fave! Very cool repurpose!
Deb N
Thanks for the idea! Now I have to find a pile of scrap drawers. I just painted my 2 yr old grandson's toddler bed a pretty teal , and I want to make a book shelf and toy box to match. This is perfect!
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Happy you found My Repurposed Life! Did you see my toyboxes? one made from a crib and another made from cabinet doors.
https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/2012/06/repurposed-crib-into-toy-box-bench.html
https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/2013/08/toy-box-made-from-repurposed-cabinet-doors.html
gail
Patricia
Test reply
girlfromwva
awesome! love the colors!
Michele
That is truly cute, Gail.
Julie @ follow your heart woodworking
Wow, Gail you really have vision. I would have thrown that chest and the drawers away, not realizing I could use them for anything, and you make a cute bookcase!
Patricia
That turned out really cute!
I had a hard time wrapping my mind around the configuration until I read again... The drawers are FACE (of the drawer) DOWN.
It's cute - and I like the color.
I don't have room in my bathroom for one- but it wood be cute in a guest room. Maybe have extra towels, soaps etc for guests? I think little shelves are so useful- it's probaby why i have shelves in almost every room!
Patricia
Meari
What a great idea! The pop of color really makes it shine. I'd use it in my craft room since it matches my cabinets I repainted a few years ago.
Katie
Love love love this bookcase! And that pop of color.... Just puts it over the top!
Tracy@www.bluridgevintage.com
I am shocked at the transformation these drawers took. This is an absolute great way to use each piece of a project. Love this and the color is so bright and airy. Love the makeover.
jeanette ann
How nice is this? What a great way to recycle.