Uses for Old Dressers

For basic storage, old dressers can be used in almost any room. However, with a little creativity and effort, you can transform an old dresser into functional furniture that will bring style and interest to unusual spaces. Bathrooms, dining rooms, babies' rooms and entertainment areas can all benefit from a repurposed old dresser. Does this Spark an idea?

Sink Vanity

Convert an old dresser into a sink vanity.

You can take an old dresser in almost any style, cut a hole in the top, make space for plumbing, drop in a sink bowl and have a one-of-a-kind vanity for your bathroom. Old-dresser vanities bring warmth and charm to a bathroom like no other piece of furniture. You may have to alter the drawers to make room for the plumbing, but no one will know it when the drawers are closed.

Changing Table

Use a dresser for a baby's changing table.

If you don't want to buy baby furniture for changing your baby, you can transform an old dresser. Instead of building a changing area into the top of your old dresser, build a large changing tray, place a padded changing pad in the tray, and set it on top of your dresser. That way, you can remove the changing tray when your child gets older and still use the dresser.

Bar

You can turn an old dresser into your own personal bar.

There are a number of ways to use an old dresser as a bar. The simple way is to dress it with an ice bucket and other barware. Then store tightly capped liquor bottles and mixers in the drawers below. Or, go for a total retrofit. Cut a hole in the top and drop in a stainless steel ice bin or install a minibar sink. Then tear out the drawers and add two glass-front doors to create a large area to store bottles and barware.

Sideboard

Using a dresser for a sideboard is a natural transition from bedroom to dining area.

The easiest way to repurpose an old dresser is to move it into the dining room or kitchen and use it as a server sideboard. Line the dresser drawers to protect your dinnerware from sliding, or make partitions to separate your flatware. Then fill the rest of the drawers with serving pieces and table linens. When your guests arrive, set up refreshments or buffet-style treats on the top of the dresser.