Distressed Dresser Ideas
Why not shake things up and give your old dresser a distressed makeover? In this post, we’ve got some awesome distressed dresser ideas to inspire your next DIY furniture project.
Whether you’re into rustic farmhouse vibes or shabby chic looks, there are DIY dresser makeover ideas for every style and skill level. So grab some paint and sandpaper, and get ready to turn your dresser into a unique piece that’ll bring character to any room in your home. Let’s dive in!
The trend of distressed furniture has really taken off in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. It brings character and charm to any room, giving it that rustic and unique vibe. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to breathe new life into old furniture.
So, how do you kick off your distressed dresser project? First, you need to decide how distressed you want it to look. Are you going for a subtle worn appearance or a more heavily distressed style? This choice will guide your sanding and painting techniques for the dresser.
Curious to learn more? Stick around for our top tips and ideas to create a stunning distressed dresser that’ll enhance your space!
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What type of paint should I use for a distressed dresser?
When it comes to painting a distressed dresser, you’ve got a few good options to consider. If you’re aiming for that classic shabby chic vibe, chalk paint is super popular. It has a nice matte finish and you can easily distress it with sandpaper once it’s dry. Here’s what is chalk paint for more details about chalk paint.
Milk paint is another awesome choice, especially if you want that aged or weathered look. And if you’re going for a more rustic feel, acrylic or latex paints work well too – just sand them down for that imperfect finish. Check out the best paint for furniture here to help you make the best choice for your next project.
How can I distress a dresser without damaging the wood?
We get it – distressing furniture can seem a bit daunting. But don’t worry, there are ways to get that perfectly distressed look without ruining your dresser.
One method is to use a wet cloth to rub off the paint in certain areas, creating a natural-looking distressed effect. You can also use sandpaper or even steel wool to gently distress the wood and create texture.
Just be sure to use a light touch and go slowly so you don’t remove too much paint or damage the wood. For more details about distressing and other ways to distress painted furniture, here’s our distressing furniture blog post.
More Painted Furniture Ideas
If you’re still looking for inspiration after checking out our list of distressed dresser ideas below, don’t worry! We’ve got tons more ideas for you. Here are a few of our posts with more cool painted furniture concepts!
- Painting Old Dresser Ideas
- Chalk Paint Dresser Ideas
- 23 Gorgeous Painted Furniture Ideas
- Rainbow Dresser Ideas
- Repurposed Ideas for Old Dressers Without Drawers
Distressed Dresser Ideas
This post shows you how to give your old dresser a fun and charming distressed makeover. With ideas for every style and skill level, you’ll learn to transform your dresser into a standout piece for any room. We'll cover everything from selecting the right paint to techniques for different distressing levels, guiding you step by step. If you need more painted furniture inspiration, we’ve got plenty of ideas to explore. Unleash your creativity and breathe new life into that old dresser with these easy DIY tips!
DIY Raised Stencil on Furniture
A Ray of Sunlight shares their technique for creating a raised stencil on furniture, giving your piece some cool texture and dimension. This is a fun way to add some extra flair to your distressed dresser project! Just follow the step by step instructions and you’ll have a gorgeous, unique piece of furniture in no time.
Faded Denim Dresser
Want to give your dresser a cool, faded denim look? This post from Salvaged Inspirations will show you how. With some paint and sandpaper, you can get this gorgeous distressed finish that’s perfect for a beachy or coastal theme. And don't forget the metallic powder pigments — they really add a touch of glam to that laid-back style!
The Chippy Gray Milk Paint Dresser
Love the chippy, weathered look? This post from A Ray of Sunlight has got you covered. Milk paint can give you that perfect chippy finish, and the grey color brings a lovely rustic feel. With a little sanding, you can create a beautifully distressed dresser that's just right for a farmhouse or vintage look.
Distressed Stenciled Highboy Makeover
Check out this amazing highboy dresser makeover from Girl in the Garage. Jen uses paint and a small stencil to create a design that adds some extra personality to her distressed piece. It's a fantastic way to take your dresser to the next level and make it truly one-of-a-kind. So why not give it a shot and see what you can create?
Embossing Furniture
Embossed furniture is a fun way to add some texture and interest to your distressed dresser. This post from A Ray of Sunlight shows you how to use a stencil and paintable embossing paste for a cool raised effect. With a little sanding and distressing, you can create a stunning piece that really pops in any room!
Painted Lowboy
Christy from Confessions of a Serial DIYer shares her easy tips for creating a beautiful distressed lowboy dresser. She uses chalk paint and layering techniques to get that gorgeous distressed look without a ton of sanding. A bit of creativity and paint can turn any old piece of furniture into a stunning focal point!
DIY Distressed Painted Dresser
Check out this DIY distressed dresser tutorial from A Ray of Sunlight! With just a few materials and some easy techniques, you can whip up a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind piece that matches your style perfectly. They even show you how to make your own chalk paint, making this project budget-friendly too. Get ready to wow your friends and family with your awesome painting skills!
Distressed Black Dresser
Discover how to distress a black dresser in this post from Q is for Quandie. With just one coat of paint over a stained dresser and a bit of distressing, she nailed a stunning black finish that fits perfectly in any space. This shows you don't have to break the bank or spend hours to create a gorgeous distressed dresser.
Black Vintage Farmhouse Dresser
If you love that classic farmhouse vibe, this post from A Ray of Sunlight is just for you! Check out how to get a distressed black finish on your dresser and a weathered look with a painting sponge. Plus, with some decorative knobs and pulls, you can add a bit of elegance to this rustic piece. This versatile style works in any home decor, whether it's rustic or modern!
Over-The Top Heavily Distressed White Furniture
Take a look at this heavily distressed, shabby white dresser from Petticoat Junktion. With paint and heavy sanding, this piece has a truly unique and vintage feel. Adding some fun turquoise knobs gives it an unexpected pop of color. Let your creativity run wild with distressing and creating a one-of-a-kind dresser like this one!
DIY Black French Provincial Dresser
Give your French provincial dresser a modern twist with this tutorial from A Ray of Sunlight. Using black paint and some distressing techniques, you can transform your piece into a sleek and stylish addition to any room. This is a great way to update old or dated furniture and give it a fresh new look.
Effortless Wet Distressed Dresser
Follow this post by Do Dodson Designs to learn how to wet distress your dresser for a more subtle and effortless distressed look. This method uses a simple kitchen scrubber sponge to create a naturally worn finish that adds character to any piece. Combine this technique with the right paint color for a beautiful, shabby chic result!
White Distressed Dresser Makeover
Transform a plain white dresser into a stunning distressed piece with this tutorial from So Much Better With Age. Simply distress the edges and details of your dresser for a delicate, vintage look. Finish off with some decorative knobs and pulls for an added touch of elegance. It’s a fantastic way to breathe new life into an old piece or add some character to a newer one!
Furniture Painting - Gray and White Dresser
This gorgeous makeover by Lake Girl Paints adds a cool geometric tribal pattern to a distressed gray and white dresser. With a light brushing technique, they create a weathered look that gives the piece depth and a unique vibe. It’s a great way to add some personality and style to your furniture without going overboard.
Gorgeous Green Painted Furniture Makeover
Melanie from Lost & Found Decor shares her tips for making a gorgeous green distressed dresser. Using milk paint, she gets a lovely rustic vibe. With a bit of distressing on the edges, this dresser instantly brings vintage charm and adds a fun pop of color to any room. Don’t hesitate to play around with different shades of green to find the perfect fit for your space!
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