Repurposed Drawers Bookcase

When a friend dropped off a dresser in rough shape, I took one look at those sad, beat-up drawers and couldn’t bear to toss them. Instead, I let them sit in my garage for a while—gathering dust, getting in the way, and nagging at me to do something. Finally, I decided: either they become a project, or they hit the curb. That’s what led me to build this repurposed drawers bookcase—a fresh new life for what looked like trash.

The options to make a bookcase out of drawers are endless. This set of reclaimed drawers includes an extra little shelf that involves a bit of woodworking knowledge. However, if you leave the shelf off, this is a straightforward build for any skill level.

Salvage Drawers From Junky Dresser

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 in the Design Stage

I stacked the repurposed drawers on top of one another to see if they would make a small bookcase. I cut a 2×6 to fit on the top. I even tried using that 2×6 for the bottom and changing out all the drawers. Note: I just realized that I only used three of the drawers; there must be one hidden somewhere in the garage.

 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 in the middle drawer 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.

Paint the Bookcase Made From Repurposed Drawers

 After applying a coat of the DIY chalky paint primer, I sprayed a coat of the paint, which did not contain plaster of Paris.

 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 applied two coats of the turquoise using a small, inexpensive chip brush and an artist’s brush to reach 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