Any suggestions on how to redo an oak dresser?

I would paint it with a chalky paint and then sealer. You can add knobs and this dresser will look gorgeous!

If you are going to paint your dresser, you'll have to sand to have a surface for the primer to adhere to.

It is best to prime all painting surfaces to prevent stains from bleeding through the new paint.

• Primer must match the type of paint you have chosen. For furniture, it's best to use a satin or semigloss finish in either a latex or an oil-based paint. Never leave primer unpainted.
• If you choose a latex paint, a latex primer is an excellent choice for most uses. It goes on easily and blocks most stains, and it doesn't have the odor of an oil-based primer.
• Although you can use oil-based primers with latex paints, you must use an oil-based primer with oil-based paints. Oil-based primers offer superior adhesion and stain blocking, but they do have a strong odor. When using oil-based primers and paints, make sure you have good room ventilation.
• When you're painting, start at the top and work down, smoothing paint drips as you work downward.
• Latex paint comes in a variety of sheens, including flat, low sheen or satin, semigloss acrylic latex and oil-based enamel. Oil-based paint can be used for both exterior painting and interior trim work; it's also very durable and easy to clean.

For chalk paint, you do not need to sand the original wood surface, but do finish up with a wax layer or a sealant, Chalk paint will chip off if left unprotected.

ref: https://www.hgtv.com/how-to/home-improvement/how-to-paint-wood-furniture

You could fancy up this piece with a furniture wood transfer design:

https://ironorchiddesigns.com/diy/furniture-transfers/

What about painting just the drawer faces and leaving the top, sides and handles natural?

You could paint part of it and leave the wood in some areas, like the top - even staining it a darker color. Another option is stenciling over the wood in white, or use wallpaper on the drawers.

Interesting ideas! Thank you!

I'm also a fan of leaving the wood in some areas. Just painting the drawer fronts (or all of it but the top) would really look pretty with some new hardware.

Hello. Very exciting project. Would you consider using paint—chalk paint can be very trendy. I can also be combined with the use of mold and transfers to make a custom design.

Please consider popping by this bloggers website for her wonderful accessories and furniture chalk painted rehabs. She details useful repair products, techniques and has a nice result. Many items are from the thrift store or furniture pieces donated to her are given a glorious new life.

From the link below -You will see an overwhelming library of her chalk painted projects

https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/diy-gallery/

Her preferred paint products

https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/dixie-belle-product-reference-guide/

paint it even chalk or milk paint would work and add handles it will completely change the look change the color of the top or use a piece of stone for the top

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2ci1-GjWVU

Ideas from other Hometalkers

https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=paint%20dresser

15 Inspiring Dresser Redo Ideas That Go Beyond Just Paint

https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/best-diy-dresser-redo-ideas-36733600

Adding hardware will definitely inject energy to the piece, as it presently looks dull and lifeless. Here are some examples of unusual hardware, which may or may not appeal, depending on your decorating style and preferences.

https://topdreamer.com/low-cost-diy-drawer-pulls-knobs-and-handles-you-can-easily-make/

https://artzyfartzycreations.com/diy-furniture-hardware/

Gel Stain Just the Handles, or maybe add some handles, I think the grain of the wood is supposed to be the beauty of this piece! Maybe Display something more colourful on top of it. Piece of Art ? Flowers

You could paint it or add a stenciled design to the drawers

Two tone going with a wedgewood blue on the faces and dark stain or black on the trim and exterior. You could add bold black drawer pulls in the center.

I think it's lovely the way it is. You can't get nice wood pieces like it anymore. They make gorgeous hardware that you could embellish it with.....you could give it lots of character that way.

https://www.simplenaturedecorblog.com/how-to-transform-a-buffet-cabinet-into-a-bedroom-dresser/

I used a gel stain in walnut on the bases and white washed the drawer fronts.

Chalk paint whole thing .. add stencils or transfers