9 Ways to DIY a Dresser on a Dime

Dressers do a lot more than just hold our T-shirts and workout pants—they can also add character to the bedroom. If you just can’t find what you’re looking for in a furniture store or you have an itch to create something one-of-a-kind for yourself, you may find that one of these 9 DIY dressers has just what you need.

By Jamie Birdwell-Branson | Updated Jan 16, 2017 12:31 PM

Creative Crates

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DIY Crate Dresser

This Pottery Barn-inspired DIY dresser and toy crate may look expensive, but it couldn’t be simpler to make—or easier on your wallet. With just a sheet of plywood, a few boards, and some crates for the drawers, you can construct this rustic storage unit in an afternoon. Finish the piece off by applying a dark stain to the wood for rustic appeal. Learn more about the creative project here.


Related: The 15 Best Cheap Furniture Makeovers We've Ever Seen

sawdust2stitches.com

Chic Chevron

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DIY Dresser Chevron

Perfect for a gender-neutral nursery, this seven-drawer dresser makes a great changing table and storage unit for baby. The DIYer constructed this classic with a twist, using free pallet wood to build the frame. For all its ingenuity, the most distinctive feature of this piece of budget furniture is the modern chevron design across the top drawers. The blogger created the look by gluing together short lengths of a 3/4-inch board, cut at a 45-degree angle. You can get a good look at the design here.

hertoolbelt.com

A Midcentury Drawer’s Dream

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DIY Dresser Crate and Barrel Replication

When you want Crate & Barrel style but aren't on a Crate & Barrel budget, this DIY Steppe dresser will do the trick. The dresser features all the hallmarks of midcentury modern design—clean lines, subtle craftsmanship, and angled legs—and can be built using inexpensive materials.

makelyhome.com

Room for Rustic

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DIY Rustic Dresser

Inspired by a dresser in the Pottery Barn teen catalog, this DIY rustic creation is probably plenty big enough for your teen’s entire wardrobe. The secret behind the dresser's rough-hewn appearance? The resourceful blogger ran an angle grinder over the front of the boards to mimic the look of saw marks.


Related: Reinvent Your Furniture with 9 Colorful DIYs

addicted2diy.com

Open Concept Dressing

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DIY Dresser With Open-Shelved Bottom

This DIY dresser's clever bottom shelf provides any clotheshorse with space to stash wayward attire and kicks. The bottom shelf could also be used as a built-in shoe rack, or as a spot to store overflow from the four drawers above. Although the dresser draws its inspiration from the Pottery Barn Kids Collection, it would fit nicely in any grown-up’s bedroom.


Related: 8 Nightstands You Don't Need to Buy

ana-white.com

Polished Patterns

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DIY Herringbone Dresser

What do you get when you deconstruct a set of IKEA deck tiles? The materials needed to create this DIY dresser, of course. To get the look, first stock up on deck tiles, then carefully remove each of the wooden slats. Arrange the wood slats in a herringbone pattern, and affix them to a piece of plywood with wood glue. Once your pattern is complete, saw the board to fit the drawer fronts, and finish it off with a light coat of stain.

thepursuitofhandyness.com

Scroll-Sawing Through Europe

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DIY 6-Drawer Dresser

With the right tools and a little bit of imagination, you can create this one-of-a-kind dresser on a dime. The curved moldings on the drawer faces give this piece a custom look and can be replicated by tracing a pattern with a scroll saw. Add sleek furniture knobs and rounded legs for a stately appearance.


Related: Beyond the Brush: 7 Other Tools You Need to Refinish Furniture

jenwoodhouse.com

Clearance for Cocktails

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Small DIY Dresser

Antique hardware and a sleek midcentury modern design make this dresser look like it was pulled straight from Don Draper’s bedroom. Though small in stature, the dresser could easily be used as a large nightstand, particularly given its open shelf—the perfect spot for books, gadgets, or decorative objects.

thepursuitofhandyness.com

Traditional on a Budget

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DIY Dresser with 9 Drawers

With a traditional design and enough space to hold all your old band T-shirts and more, this nine-drawer DIY dresser would complement any classic bedroom. Thoughtful details like rounded bun feet and decorative trim on the drawer fronts give this DIY dresser a furniture store look without the showroom price tag.


Related: The 21 Best IKEA Hacks of 2016

jenwoodhouse.com

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