How to Turn Dresser Drawers into Shelves

Are you looking to breathe new life into an old dresser or simply want to repurpose its drawers? Turning dresser drawers into shelves is an innovative and sustainable way to tackle both needs. This creative DIY project not only helps reduce waste by recycling old furniture but also offers a cost-effective solution to expand your storage space. This guide will walk you through how to turn dresser drawers into shelves, providing tips and techniques to help simplify the task.

With a few simple tools and materials, you can transform these drawers into unique and functional shelves, giving your home a charming and personalized touch. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a beginner, this project is a perfect weekend endeavor that blends style with practicality.

Benefits of Upcycling Furniture

Upcycling furniture comes with a multitude of benefits that extend beyond merely aesthetic improvements. Firstly, it is an environmentally friendly practice as it reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. By repurposing old furniture, you contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle and help conserve valuable resources. Additionally, upcycling allows for personalization, offering the opportunity to create one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect your style and taste.

It encourages creativity and innovation, challenging you to think outside the box and find new uses for existing items. Economically, upcycling is cost-effective, as it often requires minimal financial investment compared to buying new furniture. Lastly, it can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, providing you with the satisfaction of creating something beautiful and functional with your own hands.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before you begin transforming dresser drawers into shelves, it’s essential to gather the necessary tools and materials to ensure a smooth and successful project. Here’s a list of items you’ll need:

• Screwdriver or Drill: For removing hardware from drawers and installing brackets or anchors.
• Saw: To cut the drawer to the desired size or modify it to fit your space.
• Sandpaper or Sander: To smooth rough edges and prepare the surface for painting or staining.
• Paint or Wood Stain: To finish and customize the look of your shelves.
• Paintbrush or Roller: For applying paint or stain evenly.
• Brackets or Shelf Supports: To mount the drawers securely on the wall.
• Measuring Tape: To ensure accurate measurements for placement and cutting.
• Level: To ensure the shelves are mounted straight.
• Screws and Anchors: To securely attach the brackets or supports to the wall.
• Protective Gear: Such as gloves and safety glasses, to keep yourself safe while working.

Having these tools and materials ready will help streamline the process and make your DIY project more enjoyable and efficient.

10 Methods How to Turn Dresser Drawers into Shelves

1. Remove the Drawer Front and Use the Base as a Shelf

One of the simplest methods to turn a dresser drawer into a shelf is by removing the drawer front and using the base of the drawer as the shelf. Once the front panel is removed, the remaining drawer base can be mounted directly onto the wall, creating a floating shelf. This minimalist approach works well for shallow drawers, and you can paint or stain the drawer base to match your decor. It’s a great way to display small items like picture frames, books, or plants.

2. Add a Back Panel to Create Boxed Shelves

For a more structured shelf, consider adding a back panel to the dresser drawer. This method involves attaching a solid piece of wood or MDF to the back of the drawer to create a boxed shelf. The back panel not only makes the shelf sturdier but also gives you more room to display items without worrying about them falling off the wall. Once the back is attached, the entire drawer can be mounted on the wall, either vertically or horizontally, depending on the look you’re going for.

3. Stack Drawers for a Multi-Tiered Shelf Unit

If you have multiple dresser drawers of the same size, you can create a multi-tiered shelving unit by stacking the drawers on top of each other. Secure the drawers together using wood glue or screws, and then mount the entire structure on the wall or place it on the floor for a free-standing unit. This method works well in living rooms, kitchens, or bathrooms where you need extra storage space. Each drawer can be used to store or display different items, creating an eye-catching and functional feature.

4. Mount Drawers Vertically for Unique Storage Cubes

Another creative way to use dresser drawers is to mount them vertically on the wall, creating storage cubes. This method is ideal for deeper drawers that can accommodate bulkier items. You can arrange the drawers in a symmetrical or asymmetrical pattern, depending on the style you prefer. Vertical drawer shelves are perfect for storing rolled-up towels, books, or decorative baskets. You can also add small hooks or pegs inside the drawers to hang items like keys, jewelry, or scarves.

5. Use Decorative Lining for a Pop of Color

If you want to add a decorative touch to your drawer shelves, consider lining the interior with colorful or patterned wallpaper, fabric, or contact paper. By adding a decorative lining, you can personalize the drawers to suit your room’s color scheme and design aesthetic. This method works particularly well if you want the inside of the drawers to be as eye-catching as the items you plan to display. Once the lining is in place, simply mount the drawer on the wall or stack it as part of a shelving unit.

6. Attach Legs to Create a Free-Standing Shelf Unit

Another option for turning dresser drawers into shelves is to create a free-standing unit by attaching legs to the drawers. You can purchase wooden or metal legs from a hardware store and attach them to the bottom of each drawer using screws. Once the legs are securely fastened, the drawers can be stacked to create a tiered shelf, or they can be used individually as standalone units. This method works well in entryways, living rooms, or bedrooms and offers a unique, custom furniture piece that combines storage and style.

7. Install Glass or Wooden Shelves Inside the Drawer

To maximize storage space, you can install additional shelves inside the drawer itself. By adding small glass or wooden shelves, you create multiple layers for storage, making the drawer even more functional. This is especially useful for deeper drawers that can hold larger items. The extra shelves also add visual interest, as you can display smaller items like books, vases, or candles on each tier. Be sure to measure carefully and use sturdy brackets to support the weight of the shelves and the items you place on them.

8. Incorporate Hooks or Knobs for Additional Functionality

For drawers that will be used as shelving in entryways, mudrooms, or bathrooms, adding hooks or knobs to the underside of the drawer can provide additional functionality. Install hooks for hanging coats, bags, or towels, while still using the drawer itself as a shelf for smaller items. Knobs can be attached to the front of the drawer for hanging jewelry or scarves. This method is particularly useful for creating multifunctional storage solutions in small spaces where every inch of storage counts.

9. Create a Shadowbox Display

For a more decorative approach, turn your dresser drawers into shadowbox displays. To do this, remove the drawer front and paint or stain the remaining box. Then, mount the drawer vertically on the wall, using the inside of the drawer as a display area for small decorative items like figurines, framed photos, or art pieces. You can add decorative lighting to highlight the items on display. This method turns the drawers into a unique piece of wall art while providing a space to showcase your favorite treasures.

10. Create a Wall-Mounted Bookcase

If you have several drawers from a dismantled dresser, consider turning them into a wall-mounted bookcase. This method involves arranging the drawers on the wall in a staggered or symmetrical pattern to create an eye-catching bookcase. The drawers serve as individual shelves for storing books, decorative items, or even plants. By mounting the drawers at varying heights, you can create a dynamic and functional bookcase that becomes a focal point in the room. You can leave the drawers as is for a rustic look or paint them for a more modern feel.

Conclusion

Transforming old dresser drawers into innovative storage solutions not only breathes new life into forgotten furniture but also adds a unique touch to home décor. With a little creativity and some basic tools, drawers can be configured in numerous ways to suit any room’s style and functionality needs. Whether stacked for multi-tiered storage, mounted as elegant shadowboxes, or converted into bookcases, these projects enhance organization and bring a distinctive flair to any living space. Be sure to follow all instructions on how to turn dresser drawers into shelves carefully, and always consult an expert when in doubt.