If you’re thinking of throwing out your old dresser, you might want to think again. Dressers are a mainstay in almost every bedroom, and even though they might be subject to daily wear and tear, that doesn’t mean they can’t be repaired. You can give it life as a bench from upcycled dresser.
When it’s time for a new dresser, don’t just toss the old one away. Instead, come up with a trendy way to upcycle the venerable piece of furniture. With a little effort, you can make your old dresser into a new bench.
Upcycling is one way of giving new life to a dresser. If you have an old dresser lying around somewhere, its bulk and length will make it perfect for conversion into a bench or a daybed!
You can simply repaint it and add some new hardware to give it a fresh new look, or you can get creative and add some fabric or trim to really make it stand out.
Either way, a bench from upcycled dresser is a great way to save money and get a unique piece of furniture for your home.
Furniture design can be a creative challenge because it tends to be dated after a while. Hence, conversion to something more contemporary can be difficult.
Now unless your dresser is an heirloom or a collector’s item, usually you would either throw it away or keep it in storage for future use. Oftentimes, the future use we envision for an item will not come to fruition until it’s time to dispose of it. We may hang on to something because we think we’ll need it someday, but that day may never come.
Even if you do have a sentimental attachment to the dresser, chances are you will never use it again and it will just take up space in your home. If you’re really attached to the dresser, you can try to sell it or give it away, but most likely you will just end up getting rid of it eventually.
If the piece of furniture is an antique or a family heirloom, the challenge is to maintain the authenticity of the piece while making it more modern and relevant.
Adding a storage drawer to a bench will increase its importance by allowing the user to store items beneath the seat. This can be useful for storing excess clothing, shoes, blankets, or other items that might otherwise take up space in the room.
By having a designated storage spot for these items, the bench can help to keep the area tidy and organized. Additionally, the drawer can help to protect stored items from dust and dirt.
Well, those old dressers deserve a second chance and turning them into benches or if it’s deep enough, a day bed with storage space at the bottom would be ideal. You can make it a weekend DIY project!
Some carpentry, repainting, and throwing in a seat cushion can make it a welcome addition to your living room, bedroom, or home office. Plus, it’s a great way to recycle old furniture instead of throwing it out.
Check our gallery below for inspiration.
Do you have an old dresser that you can convert into a bench? Follow the link for the tutorial and you’re well on your way to having a bench made from an old dresser.
Building a Bench From Upcycled Dresser
Materials
- ¾” Fibreboard
- 1×4 MDF
- Paint
- Sand Paper
Tools
- Reciprocating Saw
- Drill
- Hammer
- Nail Gun
- Paint Brush
Instructions
Step 1: Planning and Design
- Measure the space where you plan to place the bench to determine the size.
- Sketch a basic design of your bench, including dimensions. Decide on the height, width, and depth.
Step 2: Disassembling the Dresser
- Remove all drawers and hardware from the dresser.
- Evaluate the structure to decide which parts to keep for the bench frame.
Step 3: Cutting and Preparing the Frame
- Using the reciprocating saw, cut away unnecessary parts of the dresser. Typically, this includes the top part and possibly some sides, depending on your design.
- Sand down all surfaces of the remaining frame to prepare for painting.
Step 4: Building the Bench Seat
- Measure and cut the ¾” fibreboard to create the seat of the bench. It should fit the top of the dresser frame.
- If additional support is needed, cut the 1×4 MDF to fit inside the dresser frame for extra stability. Secure these pieces using the drill and screws.
Step 5: Assembling the Bench
- Place the fibreboard on top of the dresser frame. Use the nail gun to securely attach the seat to the frame.
- For a more finished look, you can add MDF boards around the edge of the bench seat, creating a border.
Step 6: Sanding
- Sand the entire bench thoroughly to ensure a smooth surface. Pay special attention to edges and corners to avoid splinters.
Step 7: Painting
- Apply a coat of primer to the bench, allowing it to dry as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Once the primer is dry, paint the bench with your chosen color. Apply multiple coats as needed, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.
Step 8: Finishing Touches
- After the paint has dried completely, inspect the bench for any missed spots or areas that may need a touch-up.
- If desired, you can add cushions, fabric, or pillows to the bench seat for added comfort and style.
Benefits of Upcycling in Home Decor
Upcycling has become a popular trend in home decor, merging creativity with environmental consciousness. This sustainable practice involves repurposing old or discarded items into beautiful, functional pieces for the home. One exemplary project that embodies the essence of upcycling is transforming an old dresser into a new, chic bench from upcycled dresser. This not only breathes new life into the piece but also adds a unique touch to home decor.
Let’s explore the benefits of upcycling in home decor.
Environmental Impact
- Reduces Waste: Upcycling significantly reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills by repurposing materials that might otherwise be discarded. For instance, creating a bench from upcycled dresser prevents the dresser from ending up as waste, promoting a more sustainable approach to home decor.
- Conserves Resources: This practice decreases the demand for new raw materials, conserving natural resources. It also saves energy that would have been used in the manufacturing of new furniture.
Cost Efficiency
- Saves Money: Upcycling old furniture, like converting a dresser into a bench from upcycled dresser, is often more cost-effective than purchasing new items. It provides an opportunity to refresh your home decor without breaking the bank.
- Enhances Value: Upcycling can increase the value of old items through creativity and effort. A bench from upcycled dresser, for example, may become more valuable and functional than its original form.
Personalization and Creativity
- Fosters Creativity: Upcycling encourages creativity, allowing individuals to express their personal style through custom modifications. It provides a blank canvas for experimenting with designs, colors, and functions.
- Unique Decor: Each upcycled project, like a bench from upcycled dresser, is one-of-a-kind. This uniqueness adds character and a personal touch to home decor that mass-produced items cannot match.
Educational Value
- Promotes Learning: Engaging in upcycling projects teaches valuable skills such as woodworking, sewing, and painting. It also educates on the importance of sustainability and resourcefulness.
- Encourages Community Engagement: Upcycling can be a communal activity, fostering a sense of community. Sharing upcycling projects, like a bench from upcycled dresser, inspires others to consider sustainable practices in their home decor.
Upcycling offers many benefits for home decor, from reducing environmental impact and saving money to fostering creativity and personalization. Projects like creating a bench from upcycled dresser exemplify how old items can be transformed into functional, stylish pieces, adding a unique charm to any space. This sustainable approach enhances our homes and contributes to a healthier planet.
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Design Ideas and Inspiration
In home decor, the transformation of an old dresser into a bench from upcycled dresser stands out as a testament to creativity and sustainable living. This approach breathes new life into forgotten furniture and injects a unique charm into your living spaces.
Here are some design ideas and inspiration to guide you through creating a distinctive bench from upcycled dresser, tailored to your personal taste and home aesthetic.
Classic Elegance
Embrace the dresser’s original charm by retaining its vintage details. A fresh coat of pastel paint, combined with the original knobs or handles, can highlight the bench from upcycled dresser’s classic beauty. Upholster the seat with a luxurious fabric that complements the piece’s antique appeal.
Opt for neutral colors like white, grey, or black for a more sophisticated look. This palette can transform the bench from upcycled dresser into a versatile piece that fits seamlessly into any room. Add a cushion in a high-quality fabric like velvet or leather for a touch of elegance.
Rustic Appeal
Achieve a rustic farmhouse look with chalk paint and distressed finishes. A bench from upcycled dresser with exposed wood elements, combined with a burlap or tweed seat cushion, can evoke a warm, country charm ideal for cozy interiors.
Incorporate metal accents or hardware to introduce an industrial vibe to the bench from upcycled dresser. Staining the wood in dark tones and adding metallic legs or handles can create a bold statement piece.
Modern Twist
For a modern minimalist aesthetic, paint the bench from upcycled dresser in a monochromatic scheme. Clean lines, hidden storage, and a simple, cushioned seat can transform the piece into a functional, stylish addition to contemporary homes.
Inject vibrancy into a room with a bench from upcycled dresser featuring a bright, bold color. Think electric blue, sunny yellow, or fiery red. This approach turns the bench into a focal point, adding energy and personality to the space.
Whimsical Creativity
Unleash a bohemian spirit with a mix of patterns, colors, and textures. Adorn the bench from upcycled dresser with a patchwork cushion and eclectic accessories to reflect a free-spirited, artistic vibe.
For a touch of whimsy, theme the bench from upcycled dresser around a favorite fairy tale or story. Use decoupage techniques to add illustrations, or choose fabrics and paints that evoke the magical world of the story.
Outdoor Oasis
Convert the bench from upcycled dresser for outdoor use by choosing weather-resistant paint and fabrics. Decorate with outdoor pillows and place in a garden or patio area for a charming spot to enjoy nature.
A bench from upcycled dresser can also find a home on your front porch. Paint in cheerful colors to welcome guests and add a cozy cushion for comfort. It’s the perfect place to relax and watch the world go by.
Coastal Retreat
Capture the essence of the coast with a bench from an upcycled dresser painted in soft blues, greens, and whites. Add cushions or pillows in stripes or nautical motifs to complete the seaside look, perfect for a breezy, light-filled sunroom or entryway.
Embrace a beachcomber aesthetic by adorning the bench from upcycled dresser with found objects like seashells, driftwood, and sea glass. A finish that mimics weathered wood, paired with a sand-colored cushion, can transport you to the shore.
Global Fusion
Draw inspiration from worldwide by incorporating bold patterns, vibrant colors, and ethnic fabrics into the bench from upcycled dresser design. Think African mud cloth, Indian ikat, or Mexican embroidery for the seat cover, creating a piece that tells a global story.
Infuse your space with the allure of Moroccan design by painting your bench from upcycled dresser in jewel tones and adding intricate stencil patterns. Cushions covered in rich, patterned textiles can add comfort and visual interest.
Art Deco Revival
Channel the sophistication of the Roaring Twenties with an Art Deco-inspired bench from upcycled dresser. Use geometric patterns, metallic finishes, and luxurious materials like velvet or faux fur to achieve a glamorous, vintage look.
For a subtler take on Art Deco, opt for the streamlined elegance of the Streamline Moderne movement. Paint the bench in sleek, glossy finishes and choose hardware and accents with aerodynamic designs.
Nature-Inspired Nooks
Turn the bench from upcycled dresser into a nature-inspired retreat by incorporating botanical prints, natural wood finishes, and earthy tones. Adding planters or terrariums nearby can enhance the garden feel.
Create a cozy, enchanted forest vibe by painting the bench in deep, earthy greens or browns and adorning it with motifs of leaves, acorns, or forest animals. Soft, plush cushions in woodland hues complete the inviting look.
Techno Chic
For a more contemporary industrial look, consider a bench from upcycled dresser with a minimalist design, featuring metal accents and a monochrome color palette. Raw, unfinished textures and sleek lines offer a chic, urban edge.
Push the boundaries with a futuristic design for your bench from upcycled dresser. Use high-gloss paints, LED lighting accents, and materials like acrylic or metallic fabrics to create a piece that looks ahead.
Utilizing the Bench in Home Spaces
Integrating a bench from upcycled dresser into your home adds a unique piece of furniture and offers versatile functionality across various spaces. This creative endeavor transforms an ordinary dresser into a stylish and practical bench, proving that sustainable choices can lead to beautiful, multi-functional home decor.
Explore the diverse ways you can utilize a bench from upcycled dresser throughout your home, enhancing aesthetics and utility.
Welcoming Entryway
Position the bench from upcycled dresser in your entryway or hallway to create a welcoming atmosphere. It is the perfect spot for guests to remove shoes or place bags, combining convenience and style. Add a few throw pillows or a soft cushion to make the space inviting.
Cozy Living Room
In the living room, the bench from upcycled dresser offers extra seating without the bulk of traditional sofas or chairs. Place it against a wall with art or photos above for a cohesive look. It can also double as a bookshelf or display area for decorative items when not in use as seating.
Functional Bedroom
Enhance the functionality and appearance of your bedroom by placing the bench from upcycled dresser at the foot of the bed. It’s ideal for laying out the next day’s clothes, sitting while putting on shoes, or simply adding decorative elements like blankets and pillows to tie the room together.
Dynamic Dining Area
Swap out traditional chairs for a bench from upcycled dresser in your dining area or breakfast nook. This can save space and accommodate more guests, adding a casual and communal feel to meal times. Ensure the bench is appropriately cushioned for comfort during longer sittings.
Productive Home Office
Use the bench from upcycled dresser in your home office as a seating option or a place to spread out projects and papers. Its flat surface can also serve as a makeshift side table for holding office supplies, printers, or decorative plants, enhancing the workspace’s functionality and appeal.
Tranquil Outdoor Spaces
If treated for outdoor use, the bench from upcycled dresser can provide a quaint seating option in your garden, balcony, or patio. Adorn it with weather-resistant cushions and enjoy a peaceful retreat amidst nature.
Versatile Children’s Room
In a child’s bedroom or playroom, the bench from upcycled dresser can be a practical yet playful furniture piece. It’s ideal for storing toys and books while offering a comfortable spot for reading or putting on shoes. Decorate it with colorful cushions and fabrics to match the room’s theme.
Multipurpose Hallways
Utilize the bench from upcycled dresser in wide hallways to display art, photos, or collectibles. It can also offer a momentary respite or a quiet reading nook in less utilized home areas.
Placing a bench from upcycled dresser into your home decor is not just about adding furniture; it’s about embracing creativity, sustainability, and functionality in one harmonious design. Each space in your home can benefit from its versatility, style, and practicality, making it a cherished addition to your living environment.
Conclusion
Building a bench from an upcycled dresser gives new life to old furniture and adds a unique and personal touch to home decor. This creative project promotes sustainability, reducing waste and stylishly conserving resources. The versatility and functionality of the resulting bench enhance any room, proving that practicality and beauty can go hand in hand.
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