I found a solid wood dresser at Habitat Restore several years ago for $20. Originally it was just a wood tone. I decided to paint it bright red and used it in our eating area in our San Antonio house. When we moved to Kanas City, I placed it behind our sofa, sort of acting at a console table. I use the dresser drawers for storage, which is so convenient!
Everyone always loved the pop of red in the space, but after looking at it for so many years, I decided I needed a change.
White.
I wanted bright white. And I wanted to update the hardware. Here’s how to paint a thrifted dresser white.
Here is the original piece before it was ever painted. It’s solid wood and I loved the details. How can you go wrong for $20?!
And here it is in the space, painted red, with the original hardware.
Type of White Paint Used
I ended up using “Pure White” by Sherwin Williams in their oil based enamel. This gives it a super shiny, hard coated finish. With the red, I painted the dresser in red latex paint. It always had a sticky feeling on the top, and it never had that “furniture” look to it.
I’m convinced that all furniture needs to be painted in oil based paint! You won’t regret taking the extra time.
Process of Painting the Thrifted Dresser
First, I lightly sanded the entire dresser with a sanding block. After wiping it down really well, I added 3 coats of the oil based paint. I didn’t prime over the red, I just added an additional coat of the white. I waited 24 hours in between each coat. This is one of the downfalls of using oil based paint.
Before painting, I took the drawers out and used a roller. I rolled the entire piece and used a paint brush for the details and the edges.
The final result is just what I wanted, light and bright and hard coated. It really pops against our dark hardwoods and our dark sofa.
Eventually, I would like to get something new for behind the couch, but for now, I’m loving the fresh change. The plan is for this dresser to be moved to the guest bedroom as soon as I find something, but I’m in no rush.
Gold Hardware
The original hardware on the top drawers is very specific so I decided to keep those. I bought four new handles and spray painted the gold so they all had the same tone. You can find that DIY blog post here!
I hope you liked seeing how to paint a thrifted dresser white! I’m loving the transformation. XO
It is GORgeous!! Both as red but REALLY as white!!!
Really loving the fresh white! I needed a change, but did love the red!
That is a great piece of furniture. Very unique — and I love the bright white!
Thanks Rachel!!
LOVE this!!
Thanks Sarah!
What a great find for 20$! It looks phenomenal either color.
Thank you Stacey! Glad you stopped by!
Oh my that is one gorgeous dresser! It's amazing how paint can make a such a difference! LOVE!
This is beautiful! I liked the red, but love the white! Good to know about the different types of paint. I know what you mean about wanting a furniture look. Thanks for sharing at The Makers!
Corey @ TInySidekick.com
It's a beautiful dresser! Great work. Please come share at the Anything Goes weekly linky, if you have not already. Happy Spring to you! Love the tassel accessory.
What a beautiful dresser and what a great find for only $20.00! I love the idea of having a dresser behind a sofa instead of a console table and this one works so well in the room. The white makeover is so crisp and really pops with your leather sofa. Gorgeous!
Marie @ The Interior Frugalista
Thank you for your kind words, Marie!
WOW, this transformation is incredible! It's so modern and pretty now and I just love how it turned out! Thanks so much for sharing at The Makers, pinned 🙂
looks great!
This is beautiful! Loved both colors. Pinning 🙂
Thank you so much!
This looks fantastic! I would love it if you joined and contribute your awesome posts at my link party at City of Creative Dreams on Fridays 😀 Hope to see you there at City of Creative Dreams Link Party
The white is beautiful and neutral and really makes the features of this dresser pop. Great job!
I love the white the best! Such an incredible deal…way to go! .Come link up to Centerpiece Wednesday and share this post with us http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/2014/04/centerpiece-wednesday-beautiful.html
Karin
Love, love, love! Thank you for sharing. You will be one of the features tomorrow at the Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Hope to see your prettiness again tomorrow at the bash! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
It turned out so pretty! Thanks for the tips on paint. I've had that sticky paint problem before…
I just love love love this! I'm a huge fan of painted furniture and the white you went with is stunning…and oh, the hardware! Thanks for linking up to the Link it or Lump It link party your dresser flip is one of my favorites and features this week!
Thank you SO much Melissa! Thanks for hosting and the feature!!
Thank you so much Christine!!