Don’t Shop for Under-the-Bed Storage — Look At Your Old Dresser First

Wear and tear, changing needs or taste — there are all kinds of reasons why someone might decide to donate or sell a piece of furniture. Recently I couldn’t sell a three-drawer dresser on Facebook Marketplace, and no friends needed one, so I had to drop it on the curb. It was picked up quickly, but after seeing one clever couple’s trick, I wish I had kept the drawers.

My first recommendation is to always attempt a DIY dresser makeover before tossing it. But if it’s impossible to salvage the entire piece, at least keep the drawers. Javier and Manuel Librandi, Apartment Therapy’s 2020 Small/Cool Winners, share a small Buenos Aires apartment. After purchasing the condo, the couple’s budget was stretched thin (they had to take on a lot of the renovations themselves), so they had to get creative with storage. 

It’s unclear where exactly they got the dresser drawer — whether it came from a piece they had to let go of or was found on its own — but they utilized it cleverly. They used the single drawer for storage under the bed. Because the floor is hardwood, the drawer easily pulls in and out by tugging the front.

Of course there are plenty of under-bed drawers you can shop for — and you don’t just have to look for plastic bins. But Javier and Manuel’s clever idea is a great reminder to rethink how you can repurpose home items in unconventional ways. (Don’t believe me? This renter used coffee mug hangers for accessories.)

So if you’re on the verge of getting rid of an old dresser, reconsider tossing the entire piece. Instead, measure the drawers and the available space under your bed to see if you can repurpose the drawer for unexpected storage. You could even paint the drawer face or add knobs if they’ll be visible under your bed. To see more of this wonderful home, visit the full House Tour.