Chalk Painted Dresser: Trash to Treasure!
This post may contain affiliate links which won't change your price but will share some commission. Read more here.This ugly piece of furniture was found on a curb before it was transformed into a gorgeous chalk painted dresser with paint and a little bit of work!
If you follow me on Instagram you might remember this extremely ugly dresser with potential I found on the side of the road back in December.
It was such a busy time of year, with my husband’s two surgeries, the birth of our first grandchild and all the normal Christmas activities.
One Saturday as I pulled out of the driveway and drove up the street I glanced sideways at an ugly dresser but KEPT ON DRIVING.
Then promptly turned around and went back!
It was actually at a neighbor’s house about five doors down and I just HAD TO CHECK IT OUT.
Just in case.
I opened the drawers. Check.
I looked at all sides. Solid.
I counted the knobs. Two were missing but I could live with that.
I HAD TO HAVE IT.
Since this was after my husband’s surgery I knew my teenage son and I would be on our own.
Somehow we slung catapulted shoved it into the back of the van and drove home.
Five houses away.
My ridiculous strong son just wanted to heft it up the driveway but my doubting patient husband was nice enough to suggest taking out the drawers first.
Because this was me doing the other half of the work, I flexed my biceps prayed for strength and did my best.
And just because I lost my mind I could I decided to chalk paint, distress and wax it right before having company.
Because it was Christmas after all and that’s such a stressful relaxing time of year.
Chalk Painted Dresser
I have to admit Tim actually chalk painted the dresser with his left hand because he’s faster with his non dominant one than I am on with my dominant one!
Our neighbor told me he had actually tried to restore the piece but gave up. Their loss, my gain!
Tim used two coats of Annie Sloan Pure White and a clear wax, but I’ve also used Americana Chalky Paint from DecoArt on home decor accessories and it’s a cheaper option with tons of color options. (You can find the paint here, as well as the wax and a full tutorial here.)
This chalk painted dresser turned out differently than any others we’ve done. For some reason there is a pinkish tint to it even after two coats of chalk paint.
Can I just say I LOVE IT?!!!
The chest was missing the bottom handles so we bought two on sale half price at Hobby Lobby that I absolutely adore and switched them with the top ones.
Photographing food requires at least an inordinate a small amount of dishes and accessories as well as linens. My husband would say I have that all covered!
Our new dresser will be perfect for organizing and storing some of those goodies and is a great addition to my aqua and red kitchen.
And then it’s yard sale season and I’m back on the hunt!
More Chalk Paint Ideas
Practical painting tips for the home that anyone can use, including chalk painting, accent walls and choosing the right colors.
Love, love! It looks great there!
Thanks, Linda! Hope you’ll be able to see it in person soon! Love you!
What a great save – love the way you transformed it. The hardware is awesome. I love your whole room – so gorgeous. Thank you for sharing at Share It One More Time. Cathy
Thank you, Cathy. This is one of my favorite makeovers!
Love what you did with the dresser and how it looks in your room. You’ve inspired me to get out to some yard sales!
What a beautiful redo! I love the look of chalk paint but haven’t tried it yet. Better put it on my to do list!
Looks fabulous. I have had a few pieces get the pinkish or yellowish tent to them and I was told its because of the type of old wood and moisture trapped in the wood bleeding through… at any rate, Ive loved all those pieces anyway. 🙂 I paint with BB Frosch powder that I add to all my colors to make chalk paint. chalk painting is seriously the best!
Hi, Aurie. I’ve heard that about the type of wood now, too. I want to try the BB Frosch powder as well. I’m just going to have to find some more furniture on the side of the road!
I love the whole room, I think the touch of pink that it is giving off just adds to the room. Great find.
Thanks so much, Deedra!
I love looking at chalk paint before and after pics. I am planning on chalk painting an antique table this fall. I’ve never used chalk paint but looking forward to transforming the look of my formal. You did a great job creating a treasure! (visiting from Mom2Mom)
Hi, Valerie. Thank you for the compliment. Chalk painting is really so very easy and you can’t mess it up! It’s all up to your own preference and if you don’t like it you just start over!
Love your dresser. Wondered if you could help me know what to do for this cheaply made dresser. I’ve never done anything like this before. Not sure how to get a picture to you;( maybe if you email me I can email it to you. Thanks desperate to do this
One more thing to love.
Talk about transforming a ‘sow’s ear into a silk purse’! This is a beautiful piece you have the perfect spot for it. I love the drawer pulls and that detailing on the bottom.
Sorry to be so late responding, but thank you for the compliment on our curbside treasure! We love it!