Dresser To Kitchen Island – Upcycled Furniture DIY

This post contains links to affiliate websites, such as Amazon, and other affiliates. We receive an affiliate commission for any qualifying purchases made by you using these links. This is at no additional cost to you. We appreciate your support!

Sharing is caring!

Dresser To Kitchen Island Conversion – We are in the process of remodeling our kitchen. I have wanted an island or work space since we have limited counter space and I love to craft, cook and bake. I decided with the help of the Mr. to create a mobile kitchen island from a dresser. Have you ever wanted to upcycle furniture? With his help, this was an easy DIY improvement project for me.

I planned the fixer-upper project and we talked about how to tackle making the dresser mobile. I worked on the idea and made the plans. Then with his woodworking skills, we upcycled the dresser. When the dresser was completed I finished it with my painting skills. I think we make a good team.

We pulled a vintage dresser from the garage and decided to give it new life. First, by upcycling, and re-purposing it. Then I make it pretty by using chalk paint. This was my first time tackling a project like this and using Americana Chalky Finish Paints.

I used to live in an old farmhouse. We had quite a few vintage pieces picked up from yard sales and various flea markets. Then we moved into town where this dresser sat for 12 years in the garage. Things I loved about this dresser is how big the drawers were and knew someday I’d find the time to bring it back to use again.

We talked about how we’d tackle the DIY conversion project

  • First taking my design ideas 
  • Making a working plan and getting supplies
  • Next prepping the furniture
  • Then adding a shelf  with wheels for mobility
  • Adding a new top with fold down for space-saving
  • Finally painting with Americana Chalky Finish Paints

Affiliate links may be included in this post. This is at no additional cost to you. We earn a small commission for qualifying purchases. 

Here is how I re-purposed my dresser into a mobile kitchen island

Upcycled Dresser 

dresser to kitchen island conversion _1_

After the work was done – Let’s work backward starting with the finished kitchen island conversion.

How To Upcycle A Dresser Into A Kitchen Island

Before image of Dresser to Kitchen Island DIY_

Before the work was done. Next, this is what the dresser originally looked like.

Upcycled Furniture DIY

Image of Shelf being added to dresser to kitchen island conversion DIY project_

The Problems That Needed Repairs

Its top was damaged with ring stains and it had chips and scraps over the surface layers. There were little bits of trim missing. It sat so long that the legs started to rot.

The Dresser Repair and Upcycle Steps

  1. We sanded the dresser lightly
  2. Turned the dresser upside down, cut off half of the rotting legs, and added a shelf to the bottom of the dresser.
  3. Next, we added wheels (similar to these) caster wheels that move to the shelf base and turned it right side up
  4. We added a new top and folding shelf and sanded and trimmed the edges (Details below.).
  5. Then we primed for painting only due to the heavy nicks, scrapes, and other imperfections in the wood.
  6. We didn’t prime the drawers which were in better shape (with the exception of one we had to use wood putty on).
  7. For This Americana Decor Chalky Finish Paint, NO sanding or priming is needed! – The paint was supplied by Deco Arts.

Adding a Drop Leaf Shelf

Measure and cut the wood to fit the top of the dresser and cut the wood shelf (fold-down shelf).

Dresser to Kitchen Island folding top being added_

We decided to create a top with a fold-down for space-saving and to have extra space when working where we could add stools for sitting. We used a nickel hinge and drop leaf supports. This connects the top with the fold-down shelf. 

Close up of Drop down leaf_

  • Here is the drop-leaf after attaching and painting
  • Adding the drop-leaf hinges is easy. Mark where the placement is for each side of the wood. Then screw the hardware into place. 
  • Do you have a dresser to convert or paint? I highly recommend trying these paints. 
  • Below you can see the shelf extension open. This is perfect for having more space to work on baking or craft projects…
  • The storage space underneath is perfect for storing my flat photo props surfaces. It can also be used for sheet pans or other baking supplies. I try to keep it neat though. 

The Finished Drop Leaf  Extension

Shown Raised Up you can see how it will add more space for projects, cooking, or baking. 

Back of Dresser to Kitchen Island Conversion_

The kitchen island was converted from a dresser

  • Do you have furniture laying around that you want to make use of? I had stored it in the garage and it was time to give this dresser new life. And make it useful again! 
  • Meet the final hero of this project!
  • Disclosure: I was supplied with the #chalkyfinish paints to complete my #decoartproject and compensated by Deco Art. These are 100% my own images, text, and experience with using the products to finish my project.

Deco Art Chalk Paints_ Americana Decor Chalk Paints_

Products Used for this DIY project 

We used Americana Decor #ChalkyFinish paints. And their line of finishing products to complete this #Decoartproject

Chalk Paint being painted over dried wood putty on a dresser drawer_

You can paint over dry patched wood putty areas. You don’t need to pre-prep the wood surface, that is unless you have severe repairs.

Close up of Dresser to Kitchen Island Drawer face_

The paint is thick, goes on smooth, and covers great. See the after it’s amazing how good the coverage is with just two coats.

First Coat of Americana Decor Chalk Paint_Primitive Color Chalk Paint_

This is after the first coat of Chalk Paint. Clean-up is a breeze too!

chalk paint in a paint tray next to diy projecct_

For the tops, we painted them with the Carbon Paint Color is a really pretty black (pop over for all the other color options – search Deco Art or Americana chalky finish paints). It took a few coats as we were using re-purposed wood. For the shelf under the dresser, we used a trim roller brush to spread the chalk paint.

kitchen island - cart made from a dreser_

Now I’m stocking the kitchen island with baking, cooking, and crafting supplies! The drawers suit its purpose for storing supplies which are perfect for when I am working in the kitchen. 

To-Do List 

  • Now to replace the sink and counters. Paint the kitchen cabinets or replace them. Add a new coat of paint on the walls!
  • Work on our bathrooms…
  • Our do list is long yet, I know we can get it done.

New here?

  • Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on our next DIY projects and more!
  • Want a closer look? Click the next photo to see larger.

Re_Purposed Dresser to Kitchen Island_ photo collage DIY_DearCreatives.com

Have you ever used Americana Chalky Finish Paints? What DIY projects are on your list to do?

DIY Projects 

Sharing is caring!

Similar Posts

15 Comments

  1. Wow, Theresa! Your island project is fantastic – and SO creative! You’re step-by-step photos are simply perfect, too! I think when I do my kitchen island how-to post I’ll include a link to your post!

  2. I am in love with this upcycling project. You make it look so easy! When I have a kitchen big enough, I will totally be using this tutorial!

    1. Thanks Susie, I hope you do get to make it someday. You could totally incorporate a smaller dresser but, I hear you. I used to live in a cottage – house with a micro kitchen. Lucky a table fit in it.

  3. I’m obsessed with furniture makeovers! This is a beautiful way to repurpose something old and make it new again AND functional! Followed you over from Learn to Blog and definitely pinning this!

    ~Meaghan

  4. This is amazingly creative and must provide great extra counter and storage space! What I like best (and has the wheels turning in my head) is that this project could work with kitchens/dressers of many styles (country,contemporary, etc.). Even if I can’t do this myself, now I have photos to show someone that can! Thanks!

    1. Hi Wendy, Yes! This dresser has deep drawers and I’m filling it with my most used baking & craft items. I’m going to add an even more detailed construction photos post of how we did it soon and will be linking it onto this post. Thanks for stopping by!

  5. Wow, that looks really fantastic! I would have never thought to have created such a usable and beautiful working space from the old brown worn out furniture. Well done!

  6. Such a creative repurpose of a piece of furniture. I love how it turned out – so pretty with the paint color and so functional! Stopping by from SITS Fall Craft Linkup

  7. Theresa,
    I love that you saved a classic piece of furniture and gave it a wonderful purpose. Great Job!
    I stopped by from Sits Link.
    Happy Creating,
    Karen Marie
    Dragonfly & Lily Pads.

    1. Hi Karen, Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment. I was super happy to give new life to my dresser I still love. Thanks for the lovely comment!

  8. OMG I cannot tell you how much I love this idea. Now I am super sad I gave my aunts back the dressers I had from my great grandparents, because this idea is so awesome!

Comments are closed.