Two Projects From One Old Dresser

Rebecca Bender
by Rebecca Bender
14 Materials
$70
4 Weeks
Medium
I started with a curbside find, an old dresser that was missing a drawer. By cutting down the dresser's height, adding a seat and cushion, and adding width to the door with a 2 by 4's. I added a shelf, some hardware and voila! And made a beautiful Hall Tree Bench. But wait! That is not all, I also used the other part of the dresser and made another beautiful bench.

Sorry, but I forget to take pictures. Lol this was after I took the bottom off, which I am using on the first project.
This is the bottom piece of the dresser after I separated it from the top. I painted it white and added support and plywood for the bench seat and upholstered the cushion. I cut the edge off of two 2 by 4's to make a straight square edge and attached one to each side of the door. I then filled in the crack between them with wood filler, let dry and then sanded smooth. Sorry, I did have a picture of this process but alas I can't find it. I added crown molding to the top to give it the width and detail of the bottom so it was more ascetically pleasing. Then I painted it white to match the bench. Added a shelf and coat hooks, a door knob and I stenciled a french design on the door. Last but not least I used 2" screws to attach the door to the bench.
The first project is done, a beautiful Hall Tree Bench!
Next? Keep reading! Lol
By cutting off some more of the dresser, and only using the top two drawers I was able to make another beautiful bench. Because I used the top part of the dresser I had to strengthen the bottom which I did by cutting 2 by 4's to make a frame for the inside of the bottom. I added trim to the outside of the bottom and filled in the original holes where the drawer handles were, because I wanted a different look. and then painted it white. I decoupaged wrapping paper to the sides, and lined the drawers with matching paper. Upholstered the top and finished up with new hardware. Two for one and both for around $70
Suggested materials:
  • Old solid wood door   (The door was given to me by avery nice gentleman that was refurbishing a house on my street.)
  • An old dresser   (The dresser was a curbside find.)
  • 2- 2 by 4's   (purchased at Lowe's Hardware Store)
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