This Old Dresser’s Simple White Makeover Has So Much to Love

One thing that’s been on my mind a lot lately? How to make the same furniture work over many years and for many different styles. I think that’s because I recently had a baby, and in outfitting the nursery I’ve been trying to find furniture that can grow with my daughter over time and adapt to her changing needs and tastes.

That’s something that I think is important for adult furniture, too. Even though I won’t be growing out of my own dresser, I can imagine someday feeling like it doesn’t quite match my style anymore — and when that time comes, I’d love to be able to make it work rather than dumping it to find something new.

While furniture makeovers can be complex undertakings, not every makeover needs to reinvent the wheel. Classics are classics for a reason — something I was reminded of when I saw this simple dresser makeover pop up as I was scrolling through the Before & After archives.

This wood dresser started out with a dated look, then transitioned to a cute pink ombré fit for a little girl. But it didn’t take much work from the DIYers behind the project to give it a more grownup boho spin: Just a fresh white paint job on the body, an exposed wood top, and some new hardware.

I love how the white paint helps brighten up the previously heavy-looking wood, and the wood top brings in some much-needed warmth. (I also love how some details that were lost in the original heavy finish now pop against the white.) It’s a simple design, but the look is timeless — and it’s something you could repeat on virtually any piece of wood furniture you own.

This project is an easy one to copy if you’re looking to refresh your own furniture. Here’s what makes it work so well.

This dresser was a garage sale find for a song — just $20! Summer is prime garage sale season, so it’s a good reminder to keep your eyes peeled for similar deals.

In its first makeover, the dresser became a cute pink ombré statement piece for a little girl. Later, it was still in functional shape and could withstand another paint job to make it suit the boho tastes of a tween.

You can paint basically anything — particleboard and MDF included. But if you have a solid wood piece like this one, you also have the option to stain it. I love that the “after” of this project includes both elements, which makes it seem so much more high-end.

Not sold on a simple white makeover? No worries. There’s a lot more you can do if you have a solid piece of furniture lying around — just check out these other dresser makeover ideas for inspiration.