My Experience Turning An Old Dresser Into A Kitchen Island

A few months ago, I stumbled upon an old dresser at a thrift store that caught my eye. It had great bones, but the finish was worn and the drawers were a bit wonky. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with it, but I knew I had to have it.

After some brainstorming, I decided to turn it into a kitchen island. I had seen a few examples online and thought it would be a perfect addition to my small kitchen. I was a little nervous about the process, but I was excited to see the end result.

What is an Old Dresser Made into a Kitchen Island?

An old dresser made into a kitchen island is a creative way to repurpose an old piece of furniture. By adding a countertop and some wheels or legs, you can transform a dresser into a functional and stylish kitchen island. It’s a great way to add extra storage and counter space to your kitchen without having to buy new furniture.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Select an old dresser that has good bones but needs a little TLC. Sand it down and remove any hardware.
Measure and cut a piece of countertop to fit the top of the dresser. Attach it using adhesive and/or screws.
Add legs or wheels to the bottom of the dresser to elevate it to the height of a standard kitchen island.
Paint or stain the dresser and countertop to match your kitchen decor.
Install hooks or shelves on the sides of the dresser for extra storage.
Add bar stools or chairs for seating.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas:

Choose a dresser with sturdy drawers that can hold the weight of the countertop.
Use a waterproof sealant on the countertop to protect it from spills and stains.
Consider adding a backsplash to the island for a polished look.
Paint or stain the dresser to match your kitchen decor.
Use the drawers for kitchen storage.
Add hooks or shelves to the sides of the dresser for extra storage.
Install a towel bar or paper towel holder on the side of the island.
Consider adding wheels to make the island movable.
Use the island as a prep station or a bar for entertaining.
Accessorize the island with decorative items like plants, candles, or kitchen gadgets.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

Repurposing an old piece of furniture is environmentally friendly.
A dresser-turned-kitchen-island can add charm and character to your kitchen.
It’s a cost-effective way to add extra storage and counter space to your kitchen.

Cons:

It may be difficult to find a dresser that is the right size and height for your kitchen.
The process of sanding, painting, and sealing the dresser can be time-consuming and messy.
If the dresser is not sturdy enough, the countertop may be wobbly or unstable.

My Personal Review and Suggestion:

I absolutely love my old dresser-turned-kitchen-island. It’s become the focal point of my kitchen and I get compliments on it all the time. However, the process of turning it into an island was a bit more involved than I anticipated. Sanding and painting the dresser took a few weekends, but the end result was worth it.

My suggestion would be to make sure you choose a dresser that is the right size and height for your kitchen. It’s also important to make sure the dresser is sturdy enough to hold the weight of the countertop. If you’re not up for a DIY project, there are plenty of companies that make pre-fabricated kitchen islands that look like old dressers.

Question & Answer and FAQs:

Q: Can I use any type of dresser for this project?

A: It’s best to choose a dresser that is made of solid wood and has sturdy drawers.

Q: How much does it cost to turn an old dresser into a kitchen island?

A: The cost will depend on the dresser you choose, the materials you use, and whether you do the work yourself or hire someone to do it for you. It can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand.

Q: Can I add a sink to my dresser-turned-kitchen-island?

A: It’s possible, but you’ll need to make sure the dresser is reinforced to support the weight of the sink and plumbing.

Q: Can I still use the drawers for storage?

A: Yes, the drawers can be used for kitchen storage.