Drawer Shelves
5 Materials
$5
3 Hours
Easy
There are many projects to be found, similar to this one, but it doesn't hurt to share another style or repurpose, now does it? :)
I found these very solid wood drawers at a country yard sale and got them for 50 cents each. Can't beat that!
They were old, to be sure, but I knew that some primer, paint and paper could spiff them up nicely. Here's what I did ...
I removed the old hardware and will keep them for another purpose one day. These drawers are heavy and solidly built, but they needed to be lightly sanded, cleaned and then painted.
I knew I could easily cover up those stains on the inside with some primer and either more paint or some paper.
Here they are, covered in two coats of primer. I use Zinsser BIN 1-2-3 latex primer. One of the drawers looked a bit yellow once the primer had dried, so it bled a little bit. No worries! I knew that there'd be more paint applied and it would be fine.
I used chalk paint on both drawers, Crooked Label (a company whose paint I just loved, but that doesn't exist anymore :( ) in "Calm" on the inside and "Moon" on the outside. I did two coats, but this photo shows what it was like after one coat.
I then papered the drawer that bled through the coats of primer. It looked fine with the added paint, but I wanted something different for the bathroom shelf, where this drawer was going to be used. I printed out free graphic images I found online and used Mod Podge to apply it and then seal it. I also applied a couple of light coats of a spray sealer.
It's nothing fancy, but this is at our cottage and it works beautifully! I love the added whimsy of the nautical-themed paper on the inside and it keeps things off the top of the toilet. I cut a piece of wood to create a small shelf, painted it and screwed it in on the sides, sinking the screw head a bit.
This is what I did with the second drawer. It is in our cottage kitchen and is a great place to display a few things (that used to be on top of our fridge which drove me crazy!).
Like the other drawer, this was chalk painted, then sealed with a spray varnish.
I had these antique looking glass knobs that I screwed into the existing handle holes on the side of the drawer for a touch of whimsy. I love it!
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2 of 106 comments
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Yesi am going to try it
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Great idea! I did it about two years ago for my spare bedroom- made for a cute display of pics and mementos.
Frequently asked questions
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On the bathroom one, did you fill the original holes from the hardware which ended up on the top? I have a BUNCH of old drawers, and I can't wait to try this! Thanks!
Since the front of the drawer is wider than the body of the drawer how did you hang it flush to the wall?
You did a great job! Very clever! My question is how to attach the shelf to the wall? What hardware did you use? Thank you