Today’s Thrift Store Décor project is a Vintage Drawer Shelf —using an old dresser or vanity drawer to make a simple wall shelf that also looks nice sitting on a console table. It’s a fairly easy project, especially if you save a lot of scraps like I do.
Repurposed vintage drawer
I got this pretty vintage drawer from John’s booth at Vendors’ Village while I was there checking on my booth. He had several, but since I really didn’t have a project in mind for it, I just purchased one. That was a couple of months ago.
Use old drawer parts for shelves in vintage drawer
Remember when I said I don’t throw anything away? I purposely dismantle and save old parts such as these drawer parts from a cheap dresser. Notice how thin the wood is, much thinner than a 1x4—which would have looked out of place on this project. This piece fits right in with the original design of this drawer.
After a dry fit to make sure it fits perfectly . . .
Secure new shelf boards in vintage drawer shelf
. . . I secured it with my nail gun. Easy Peasy!
Paint vintage drawer shelf
Time for paint. I used some really flat off-white oops paint and a cheap chip brush to do a quick coat of primer on it. (I removed the hardware while I painted)
While at SNAP conference I got some Deco Art Chalky Finish Paint. Again, I used the chip brush. I LOVE these brushes—they are my go-to because they clean up so quick and easy. I know a lot of people toss them, but I find the older the get the better they are. (after they quit shedding)
Project ideas and a video of "how to glaze painted furniture and more"
Add glaze to painted drawer shelf
Here’s another great find at SNAP. When the conference shut down the Rust-oleum booth was like a “free-for-all”. Literally! I scooped up this Chalked Decorative Glaze and it’s quickly become my new best friend! You may remember I used it on the Blue DIY Entry Table in May. The Chalky Finish paint is very flat, and this smoked glaze does a fabulous job glazing AND sealing the original paint. I brushed the glaze on, then used a rag to wipe it back. You’ll be seeing this glaze in many more upcoming projects.
Watch my video of How To Glaze Painted Furniture
It’s a wall shelf, perfect for a small space like a power room or guest room.
Not shown: I worked my fingers to the bones to clean up the handle. I used a small wire brush, sand paper and a sanding sponge along the way.
It’s very petite and needs small items to display.
Not only is it a wall shelf, but it’s a perfect little piece to do some layering on a console table. I love how it turned out and now I’m wishing I had bought the other drawers in John’s booth.
See over 100 Awesome Thrift Store Projects here
Be sure to check out the awesome projects from my Thrift Store Décor Friends below:
Paint a Fabric Ottoman from Refresh Restyle
Blue Lamp Makeover from Our Southern Home
Butterfly Wreath from Petticoat JUNKtion
Gaudy Mirror gets a Makeover from Domestically Speaking
Vintage Drawer Shelf from My Repurposed Life
Picture Frames Transformed from My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
gail
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.
Kathy Owen
That chalked decorative glaze looks cool. Have to hunt for it. Great project Gail!
JaneEllen Jones
Your drawer looks pretty doggoned snazzy to me,love how you styled it also.That glaze gives drawer/shelf a nice antique look. Did notice how clean and pretty the drawer hardware looked, great job. Think might need to try some of that glaze myself, always open to new ideas and techniques. Think sea shells would look pretty on shelf with contrast.
Have good rest of week
Gail Wilson
Awww, thanks so much. I have used that glaze on many more projects since this one. I can't stop! Ugh, I worked my tush off on that hardware with anything that would help. Wire brush, sandpaper, sanding sponge-you name it!
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment. It's very much appreciated.
gail
Angie @Knick of Time
I love the shape of this drawer. It looks amazing repurposed as a shelf, Gail!
Marj R.C.
I just love what you did to this drawer! I've done the same on two and want to make more, but would love to hear how you attach your shelf to the wall. I guess it's easiest when the drawer front is flush with the bottom of the drawer, which is not my case. Please help! š
Gail Wilson
Marj
I'm a little confused. Most drawers would lay flat and hang on the wall.
I'm trying to wrap my brain around the exact problem. I typically use d rings for hanging all of my projects. If the problem is the top of the drawer is pushing the drawer further from the wall than the bottom, you could add a small piece of wood on the bottom, or use small pieces all around the sides and bottom of the drawer to sort of "frame" it in.
Gee, I hope that helps. You can always write me an email and include a picture.
gail
Marj R.C.
Thanks, Gail. Actually, all 3 different styles of drawers I have repurposed so far have fronts that surpass the drawer bottom both at the top and the bottom of the drawer front, creating a space when trying to hang it to the wall. It was a pain, but we did add wooden spacers to the back of it all, then hung them that way. I hope to finally find some that are flush so I don't have to over think the installation. Yes, I'd choose D-rings as well and think that's a great way to hang them. Thanks for your help!
Maryann
Genius! Such a cute shape for a shelf.
kristin salazar
What an awesome transformation! I love the curve of the drawer, perfect for a hanging shelf!
GirlfromWva
I love how u repurposed it into a shelf. I love drawers, especially vintage ones with curves.
I have used a drawer for a small bookcase, and put casters on 2 others for using as storage underneath my night stands.
Gail Wilson
Thanks Nova! I love, love, love drawers. I have lots of BIG drawers just waiting, but this small one seemed so special. š
gail
Wendi@H2OBungalow
Creative makeover as always! I never know what I'll find when I stop over but I know it will always be good. Love the color you choose. I can see tiny sea shells displayed on it in my office...LOL That would be if it were here with me! Pinned š
Gail Wilson
hahaha Thanks Wendi! Sea shell would be PERFECT for this! I should have used some on it for the photos. I never think "beachy". š
Thanks for pinning!
gail