Here is what I started with.
by Alicia
French Provincial Dresser Re-purpose
I had a dresser that wasn't reparable for dresser use. I wanted to do something with it because it still had good wood structure and the style is very unique.
Horrible water damage to it's top and sides.
Horrible particle board top. This dresser was both real wood and particle board.
Lining the decorative backing was very difficult but i managed. I had to build wood sides to attach the backing to because it was all hollow.
I wanted to do a re-purpose from a dresser to a bench for a long time and waited for the right one to convert and this one was the one. I'm sorry I didn't get many pictures as to the support system I built but it's very standard. I had actually built two layers of weight support throughout the side framing. I needed the two front sides and decided to cut out the drawers and made a curved look.
Sanded the drawers for a nice smooth clean look and that new wood smell.
I didn't have one large piece for the top arm rest but I decided to draw cut and create my own.
My jigsaw works very well and was able to give it a clean straight cut.
Here is my cut before a light sanding.
I originally wasn't going to bother with cushions but I couldn't help myself.
Measuring and cutting the foam :)
Bottom cushions sized and cut.
I also made 3 throw pillows as well.
A complete Transformation. I'm no professional in wood working but, I must say, I think I did good with this one. I have a small house, a small place to work and a small amount of tools, no pretty background & setup for pictures but I always just do my best with what I have. Always growing my knowledge for wood working. I'm sorry I didn't get many follow along pictures for this one, i tend to forget because I get so deep in to my work! I will be sharing more projects and taking more pictures throughout the process. Thanks for looking :)
I was originally going to paint the drawers along with the frame but the wood was entirely to nice and went with a partial stain & paint.
I made Removable/Washer safe Envelope Cushion Covers. Very easy to clean and they are very durable.
Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Hometalk may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page. More info
Top Hometalk Projects
These Upcycling Ideas Will Blow You Away!
3 Great Projects To Flip Your Cookie Sheet Pans
30 Address Signs That'll Make Your Neighbors Stop in Admiration
31 Amazing Furniture Flips You Have to See to Believe
The Top 9 Kitchen Countertop Makeovers People Are Doing Now
31 Tricks To Help You Fix The Wood In Your Home:
Check Out These 30 Incredible Sharpie Makeovers
Popular Project Book
Join the conversation
2 of 583 comments
![Becky Dellinger Robertson]()
Becky Dellinger Robertsonon Jan 30, 2021Love it!!!
![Nomie]()
Nomieon Jan 30, 2021You did an amazing job!!!! I’m just starting to do woodworking and upcycling so seeing you do this, I’m excited to get more into it. Thank you for sharing
Your comment...
Popular Project Book
Have a question about this project?
Looks beautiful,so jealous 😊
Is this going to be used outside? Too pretty to be damaged by the weather.
Alicia, I just love it + I’ll be looking for something in the trash, yd sale, etc that I can do the same... I wish that you were my neighbor because I’m a visual, hands on learner + my skills + your lack of pictures make me question some of the steps involved. I’m not judging because I’m the same way when I’m designing something.
I’m so ADD + I’m always multitasking, that if I’m taking scraps to my compost, checking the mail, etc... I’m in trouble if a design ideal pops in my head... I can loose all track of time! My QUESTION is... Do the drawers you left in your chair, still functional? I would want that so I’d have magazines, my Bible study stuff, manicure set, etc handy so I don’t have to go + get. Then store neatly out of sight... If we were neighbors I’d have the yd + beautiful plants to stage your beautiful chair!!!! 👋