Ugly Dresser to Kitchen Island

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Everyone has an old, ugly dresser that would be a better fit in a landfill than in a home. However, with a bit of spiffing up, they can make a great kitchen island! If you don’t happen to have an old ugly dresser on hand you can check garage sales or thrift stores for a cheap one. I went to http://www.remodelaholic.com for these great photos and tips.

You can make it as simple or as elaborate as you want, and you’ll want it to look as much like a piece of kitchen cabinetry as possible. In the sample here, a bead board was added to the back and an overhang/bar area extended from the top. To save on the cost of a work surface, this top is 2 pine board panels glued together that were sanded and stained and then trimmed with decorative molding. The main body was sanded, primed and painted to match the kitchen décor.

Here are some good ideas if you want to try this project:
1. Find a dresser with a combination of wide and narrow drawers. Wide ones are good for baking sheets and table linens. Narrow ones are great for cookbooks and cooking utensils.
2. Check the height of your kitchen counters. When looking for an old dresser you’ll want it to be the same height as your counters.
3. Find a dresser with a door to help it look less like a dresser and more like a piece intended for a kitchen. It makes great storage for small appliances such as a mixer or toaster.
4. Paint. Don’t try to stain anything but the top because it is made of so many different kinds of materials. Paint is the best bet: 2 coats of primer and 3 or 4 coats of a semi-gloss with a clear coat on top (and remember to sand first!)

Until next time …