How do I update this dresser?

Janna: you could do the same process that I did on my table!

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/living-room/furniture/1960s-coffee-table-into-2020-44255352

A fresh coat of paint and new hardware will make a huge difference.

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/bedroom/dressers/vibrant-splatter-took-this-80-s-dresser-to-new-heights--22669474

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/entryway/table/chest-of-drawers-update-44259559

Paint and new hardware was my first thoughts. I would fill in the gap where the mirror once stood, or maybe add a back splash at that area.

You can sand this and then paint it, perhaps with some chalk paint. Or you can do something as simple as just changing out the hardware. Bin pulls would look nice on this in your kitchen.

I'd leave the top natural and paint the bottom your favourite colour. Go bold! :) You could spray paint the hardware or use rub n'buff in a metallic finish that you love. :)

I like it how it is. If it is damaged, you could paint it but I like the wood.

I agree with Morgan..l would leave as is...l think it is beautiful!

I would paint the case. Leave the top and drawers woodgrain. Change the hardware to metal pulls. I love the elegant look of wood and paint

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/bedroom/dressers/chic-painted-dresser-redo-3095463

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/bedroom/dressers/rustic-yet-sophisticated-dresser-3767767

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/bedroom/dressers/chalk-paint-dresser-makeover-18851973

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/bedroom/dressers/repaired-refurbished-mcm-dresser-3972003

Other options

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

I would recommend purchasing a piece of laminate counter top and mount it on the top. That way, the new top would be food safe, and easy to clean.

The curved 'backsplash' portion of the counter top would go over the back opening that you presently have, eliminating the gap where food and other items roll back into.

A quick and easy way to change the look of any dresser is to switch out the handles or knobs - either with pre purchased ones, or diy.

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

What colors are in your kitchen? I'd paint it to match! I know white is really in with a wood top, so maybe that would work. You could also update the hardware on it.

For the simplest of updates, replace the drawer pulls with something fun and shine it up with a product like Old English Scratch Cover or Rejuvenate.

If you want to go further, scratch the surface with fine steel wool then clean with denatured alcohol. Prime and paint with a fun color.

Honestly all of these ideals might be great but I hate to see wood covered my best suggestion would be simply just to polyurethane it so it's shiny and you can clean it because it's in the kitchen you want to be able to wipe it clean kitchens get greasy get some new hardware depends on what you like I think something possibly shiny might be really cute and even if you want you could even cover the top with like some paper put paper in the drawers contact paper I guess I should be specific then if you polyurethane it any messes that are made on it you can just wipe off

It’s going to depend on your goal for the piece of furniture and where you plan to use it. You can refinish or paint it. Check the search bar at the top left for lots of inspiration.

Home and Garden DIY Ideas | Hometalk

Hi Janna, if you have a whole bunch of old suitcases or even a briefcase you can give your dresser a one-of-a-kind makeover using this tutorial https://acraftymix.com/blog/epic-stack-suitcases/