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Jessica Ackerman : Update Bedroom Dressers and Drawers

Easy Ways to Update Bedroom Dressers and Drawers

Get Creative!

By Jessica Ackerman

High-quality dressers and chests of drawers are expensive, and they are too costly to simply get rid of when redecorating or refurnishing a bedroom. Besides, why get rid of solid dressers and chests of drawers that are easy to update. Instead of investing in expensive new bedroom dressers and drawers, consider updating existing furnishings. With a few simple additions and a little creativity, you can transform ordinary bedroom dressers and drawers into unique and impressive designer home furnishings.

Add Color with Paint

A little paint can make a huge difference when looking for ways to update bedroom dressers and drawers, especially if they are in less than perfect condition. If the finish on the top of a chest of drawers or a dresser is damaged, considering painting only the top instead of refinishing the entire piece. Use blue painter's tape to cover edges, and begin by priming the top with interior latex primer. Follow product label directions, and finish by coating the top with high-quality interior latex paint in a color of your choice. This is one of the easiest ways to update the look of bedroom dressers and chests of drawers, and it will give ordinary furnishings a completely new look without going to the trouble of stripping and refinishing.

Stenciled Designs

Have you ever noticed small chests of drawers for sale with unique hand-painted designs? They are sometimes available in specialty furniture stores and businesses that sell handmade crafts. You do not have to buy expensive ready-made furnishings hand painted in unique and creative ways. Absolutely anyone can use stencils to update painted dressers and chests of drawers.

Begin by removing drawers and lightly sanding the furniture along the grain to give it a rough finish and eliminate any peeling paint or loose varnish. This will enable the primer and paint to stick to the surface. Cover the pieces with a base coat of latex primer and paint according to product label instructions. Use stencils and a stippling brush to apply latex craft paint in patterns and designs of your choice. Consider practicing on paper before applying designs to furnishings. Coat the finished pieces with latex varnish, and install matching knobs and pulls to complete the update. The painted and creatively decorated furniture will look completely different and exceptionally impressive.

New Knobs and Pulls

If the finish of outdated dressers and chests of drawers is in good condition, consider the appearance of knobs and pulls. Worn knobs and pulls will date a piece of furniture, and if they are out of style or damaged they can be replaced. Knobs and pulls are available in numerous styles and colors, and replacing them is the easiest way to update dressers and chests of drawers. For the widest selection, shop online from the comfort of home. From intricately designed polished nickel to colorful ceramic with painted designs, you will find just the right knobs and pulls to update old pieces of furniture while giving them an entirely new look.

Wood Carvings

Dressers and chests of drawers with plain fronts can be embellished with flat-backed wood carvings that are ready to paint or stain. They can be placed on both sides of a center handle or in the center of drawers with two handles. Look for flat-backed wood carvings in craft stores or woodworking stores. They are available in a wide range of sizes and styles. They are easy to finish and glue in place, and they are an affordable way to update drawers and give them a rich new custom designed appearance.

Decorative Wood Banding

The addition of decorative wood banding is also an excellent way to update dressers and chests of drawers, and it will effectively cover the edges of wood veneer that has been chipped or otherwise damaged. Wood banding is thin and easy to cut, and it can be glued into place with ordinary wood glue. Decorative wood banding that can be used to update dressers and chests of drawers are available in woodworking stores, and they come in many different sizes, colors, patterns, and styles. Update dressers and chests of drawers with wood banding for stylish new looks that absolutely anyone can accomplish. •

About the Author

Jessica Ackerman is an exciting and originative designer with vast experience in residential interior design. ...

11/16/08