Before & After: Dresser Ships Off to Big Boy Room

updated May 4, 2019
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(Image credit: Amy)

Amy’s 3-year-old was ready for a big kid room inspired by the high seas. This thrift store dresser could’ve walked the plank, but a nautical makeover turned it into a hidden treasure.

(Image credit: Amy)

From Amy:

Our youngest son is turning three this summer and he’s ready for a “big boy” room makeover. We’re doing a nautical theme, and the first project was transforming this thrift store chest of drawers with a little paint and a ship silhouette.


I started by giving the entire piece a thorough cleaning and painting it with Annie Sloan’s “Old Ochre” chalk paint. I sketched the ship graphic onto the front and painted it in with Annie Sloan’s “Coco”, then did a wash over the entire dresser with Coco.


I replace the bottom three handles with rope, lightly distressed the whole piece and sealed it with clear wax.

For more photos and step-by-step details, check out Canary Street Crafts.

Thank you Amy!