80's Dresser Turned Distressed Chest

Transform and modernize a dated 80's dresser into the perfect distressed chest! 

Are you starting to notice a theme with my recent furniture makeovers?

I'm kind of obsessed with transforming and modernizing dated 80's dressers.  I love painting MCM furniture,  but being able to build, transform and update unwanted or dated furniture is something that truly makes me happy.  Oddly enough,  I actually find painting and updating furniture relaxing and incredibly rewarding.  It's one of my favorite ways to relieve stress, so the more furniture I can redo the better.  

Just recently, I found a small dated dresser on Facebook Marketplace that needed a little updating.  The curved base and batwing hardware drastically dated the dresser, but it wasn't anything a little wood, paint and new hardware couldn't fix. 

 - SUPPLIES NEEDED TO UPDATE AN 80'S DRESSER -

(Affiliate links have been used)

- 1" x 4" x 8' wood board

- Miter saw

- Dewalt Orbital Sander

- Ryobi Nailer

- 80 and 120 Grit Sandpaper

- Kwik Wood

- General Finishes Twilight milk paint

- Amy Howard Antique wax

- Gorilla wood glue
- Purdy Paintbrush
- Putty knife

- Wax brush or lint-free rag

- Simple Green 

- Paper towels

- Screwdriver

- Drill and small drill bits

- Tape Measure

- HOW TO TRANSFORM A DATED 80'S DRESSER -

Dated furniture is great for updating if you can look past the curved bases and batwing hardware.  They're usually made of solid wood and have dovetail joints, making them perfect candidates for makeovers.

Luckily, the curved bases are usually only attached with a few screws and wood glue.  If you remove the screws and beat on the back of the wood with a rubber mallet the trim will easily pop off.

This particular dresser also had curved details on the sides.  I thought about cutting down the dresser and completely rebuilding the base, but decided to attach the new wood directly over the existing wood. 

I measured and cut down a 1" x 4" x 8'  board into three pieces for the base.  I cut the ends of each piece of wood at a 45-degree angle to form a mitre joint for a cleaner and more finished look.

I added wood glue to the back of the boards, clamped them in place then secured them using my Ryobi Airstrike Nailer.

I filled nail and old hardware holes with wood filler, sanded the dresser, cleaned it with Simple Green, applied two coats of General Finishes Twilight milk paint, heavily distressed the wood, sealed the paint with Amy Howard antique wax then added new brass pulls.

I went a little heavier on the distressing than I normally do, but I think it fits well with the new hardware and style of the dresser.  It definitely doesn't look like it's from the 80's anymore!

     

    

 DIY Apothecary Inspired Dresser Makeover

Dated Goodwill Dresser Turned Vintage Inspired Chest

FACEBOOK / PINTEREST / INSTAGRAM / TWITTER