A Dresser Drawer Gets A New Life As An Address Plate

Kimberley's Joy
by Kimberley's Joy
6 Materials
$3
3 Hours
Easy

The house number on my front door came off sometime ago leaving an ugly unpainted area so new numbers have been on my to do list for sometime.

About a year ago one of my neighbors put dresser drawers out to the trash and for some reason I felt compelled to take them home icon . They've sat in a closet among many other project items for which "I'll use someday".

Now that I'm home all the time I see the plethora of items being thrown away and I can't believe how disposable our culture has become. Also since I have nothing but time I figure I can keep myself busy (when my illness allows) by rehabbing some of the items doomed for the landfill. It's become almost an obsession though and Jeff has now officially nicknamed me "Lamont" LOL, you youngsters probably don't get the joke.


With prices skyrocketing and my garbage collection threatening to get me on an episode of hoarders, I'm working hard to use items I already have on hand.


Finally inspiration hit and I decided to use one of the drawer fronts as a number plate. See below for step by step instructions and pictures of how I did it.

Inside of drawer

I really liked the look of the natural wood so I decided to sand down the stain.

Step 1: Fill the three holes with wood filler. I used saw dust mixed with wood glue since the holes were small.

After wood filler

Step 2: I used a medium grit sand paper and hand sanded the finish down.


Step 3: Measure out the area for your number placement and mark the lines in with a white colored pencil. Once I had the perimeter was measured I marked out equal sections as guides for my numbers then just free handed them in. Super easy to erase if you want to correct something icon

Step 4: Erase the guide marks

Step 5: Customize your numbers. Use your own style and imagination, there is no right or wrong. You could make them all the same color, different colors, solids, stripes, polka dots etc. Your choice of medium is also optional. You could use markers, stick on numbers, paint, glitter, you name it. The options are endless.

**My front door is inside my screened lanai/garden so I went with a flower and vine design in acrylic paints using a paint brush.

Step 6: I outlined the numbers so they'd pop

Used this for a top coat

Step 7: I brushed on one coat of DecoArt Triple Thick over the entire front surface to add both shine and durability. [This is $6.99 20% off at Michaels you need one thin coat https://www.michaels.com/americana-triple-thick-gloss-glaze/10546266.html?r=g&cm_mmc=PLASearch-_-bing-_-MICH_Shopping_US_N_Crafts%26Hobbies_N_Smart_BOPIS_TopSKUs-_-&Kenshoo_ida=&kpid=bi_cmp-414413244_adg-1230353750637269_ad-76897248487508_pla-4580496733118677_dev-c_ext-_prd-10546266&msclkid=82cdea87a25d1f981b7b889e9e9c8341&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=MICH_Shopping_US_N_Crafts%26Hobbies_N_Smart_BOPIS_TopSKUs&utm_term=4580496733118677&utm_content=Crafts%20Top%20SKUs]

Adhesive Magnet Stips

Step 8: My front door is metal and due to be painted by the home owners association soon so added magnets to the back for easy removal as needed.

[These are $2.08 for a pack of two at Walmart https://www.walmart.com/ip/Go-Create-Adhesive-Magnetic-Sheets-2-Pack-Create-Your-Own-Photo-Magnets/19525326 you wouldn't even need one full sheet for this project]

**They are self adhesive but I added some wood glue for extra durability, especially with the Florida heat and humidity

Door as it currently is
Door after the addition of new numbers
Close up of the finished product on the door

Super easy and moveable if I need to clean, paint or decide to put up a wreath.


I hope this has inspired you to create something new out of something old. Please note that I did not purchase anything for this project, I used only items I already had but you could easily recreate this using a piece of wood, paint or markers and a hook for less than $5

Suggested materials:
  • 3M 150 Grit Sand Paper   (Home Depot)
  • Wooden Drawer Front   (Trash)
  • Ruler   (Dollar Tree)
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 2 comments
  • William William on Feb 27, 2022

    I love it. What a great save and creative. Drawer fronts make a great plaque. Some have decorative edges too. So many possibilities. Child's name for their room door or on a wall. A saying mounted on a wall using individual drawer fronts for each word. I also am a "collector" as I call it. I am shocked of what people throw out. Solid doors with locksets, hollow core doors, buffet and hutches, bed frames, weathered fence boards, etc.

    • Kimberley's Joy Kimberley's Joy on Feb 27, 2022

      Thank you for your reply, William. You're right, so many beautiful things are discarded. I wish I could rehab them faster. Great ideas for kids names!! Mine are grown but we have a puppy. I think you've sparked an idea!

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