Updating an IKEA Dresser Using Flamingo Fever Wallpaper
I had an old chest of drawers from Ikea.
It housed my other half's clothes - his drawer if you like - before we moved in together.
I never really liked them. They were oak effect and didn't really fit in my room or my daughter's room which is now where it's found f it's new home.
It stood out like a sore thumb in a room full of white furniture.
I promised her I'd do something fun with it...
Like most little girls my 8 year old she is obsessed with flamingos and unicorn.
Her love for flamingos dates back to when she was 3. We went to a zoo and refused to leave the flamingo enclosure. She wanted to sit and watch them all day.
Fast forward nearly 6 years and she is still just in love with them. I decided with such a long lasting love affair, flamingos would be a safe bet (if she decides she hates them after this, I might disown her)
I found a print I thought would work well. Luckily I found it on eBay for £8.99 with free delivery. To my suprise it arrived within 3 days.
I bought some paint and some finishing spray for extra protection.
This project took me a long time to do.
Mainly because I hate lining up wallpaper and the chest was in use with all my daughter's belongings.
Basically I dragged my feet.
I started off with sanding the fronts drawer fronts and sides.
Then washed them down so there would be no dirt or greece on them.
Laying out the wallpaper I drew around the drawers and cut out the shapes.
I put modge podge glue over one of the cut out sections of paper and smoothed it over the drawer.
Repeat till each is covered.
I used a kitchen utensil from pamper chef. (No idea what it was meant to be for but it's great on wallpaper) using a sponge works too.
Next you will need to line the paper up before cutting.
I found that sticking the paper to the drawer front first was easier to line up the pattern. Then once dry, turning over onto a flat surface and using a Stanley knife to cut around the drawer.
I then chose to paint the rest.
Due to the material the chest is coated in I used rough sanding paper and gently rubbed against the surface.
Because Frenchic paint is thick it covers this without showing and of the grooves.
I also painted around the edges of the drawers too.
I have a few coats of paint. Extra layers where I felt would get used/knocked the most.
Once dry I sprayed it all with a glitter finishing spray. This will ensure the paint doesn't chip. Plus she loves glitter.
This has a very fine glitter so it shimmers rather then sparkles. It's subtle therefore tasteful.
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
You said you “painted the rest” of the bureau. However the sides don’t appear to be just one shade of pink. How did you get the effect there?
What was daughters reaction?
I too was wondering what your daughters reaction was? If she doesn't like I'll buy it and you can send it to Texas LOL cause I love it it is "very chic" as someone else said I have never seen wallpaper like that. To me this is a piece that she can even have in her room as a teen too because it is so chic looking. Good Job! Mom.