Revamp Old Drawers into Trendy Floating Shelves
Revamp Old Drawers into Trendy Floating Shelves
Learn how to transform vintage drawers into stylish and functional floating shelves with our detailed upcycling guide. This cost-effective project will boost your kitchen’s storage and enhance its aesthetic appeal.
Materials Needed
- Vintage chest drawers
- Plywood for shelving (minimum 18mm thickness)
- Screwdriver and/or wrench
- Measuring tape, saw, and drill
- Wood filler, sander, and sandpaper
- Paintbrushes of various sizes
- Quick-dry waterborne primer undercoat
- Low sheen waterborne enamel in a milk white finish
- Wood stain in a deep oak shade
- Waterborne urethane varnish
- Small screws for shelving and liquid wood glue
- Hooks for cups and brackets for wall mounting
Step-by-Step Guide
Preparation
- Carefully remove all handles from the drawers.
- Measure the depth and width of the drawers and cut the plywood to fit snugly as the shelf.
Refinishing the Drawers
- Fill any gaps or holes in the drawers with wood filler, allowing it to dry completely. Sand the surface to expose the natural wood and create a smooth base for the primer.
- Apply a quick-dry primer undercoat to the drawers. If necessary, apply a second coat after lightly sanding the first.
- Once the base coat is completely dry, sand it lightly and finish with a low sheen enamel. We recommend using a milk white finish for a clean, modern look.
Creating the Shelf
- Ensure the wooden shelf surface is smooth, sanding if required. Stain the shelf with a deep oak wood stain. For best results, apply the stain with a large brush and quickly wipe away any excess with a cloth.
- After the stain has dried, finish with a waterborne urethane varnish to protect the surface.
Designing the Drawer Front
- Paint the back of the drawer with a color that will serve as the background for your design. We suggest using a grain brown shade.
- Sketch your design onto the drawer front with a pencil. Draw inspiration from abstract art or other creative sources.
- Using test pots, fill in your design with the chosen colors, allowing each color to dry before moving on to the next.
Assembling the Floating Shelves
- Measure and mark the position of the shelf evenly on either side of the drawer, ensuring it is straight and has enough space above for storage.
- Mark the points for screws to hold the shelf in place. For added security, use liquid wood glue. Drill holes and screw the shelf into position.
- Fill the screw holes with wood filler, allow it to dry, and sand the surface. Touch up the paint with a small brush.
- If desired, add hooks to one of the drawers for hanging cups or other items.
- Choose brackets that can support the weight of the drawers and their contents. We recommend using flush mount hangers or L-shaped brackets for extra support.
For more project ideas and inspiration, visit your local paint shop.
