Vintage Dresser Refashioned Something Old Something New

Discover painted dresser ideas in this easy before and after makeover using white paint, wood knobs, and vintage iron charm for cottage-style bedroom decor.

Looking for fresh, painted dresser ideas with vintage charm?

In this easy before and after makeover, I transformed an old chest of drawers with white paint, restored wood knobs, and a dash of personality using wrought iron accents.

If you’re dreaming of a quick and cozy cottage-style update, this DIY dresser project is one to try.

Painted Dresser Makeover: Before and After with Cottage Style Charm

Painting an old dresser is one of the easiest ways to give a room a fresh new feel—with a splash of color or a touch of vintage creativity. These painted dresser makeover ideas prove that a simple before and after can make all the difference.

The white dresser you’ll see below once sat forgotten in my parents’ attic for almost 30 years—until I gave it a second life with cottage-style charm, a coat of white paint, and a few personal touches. And yes, I truly believe every room deserves an old dresser (or two).

Hand Painted Dresser Makeover for a Cottage-Style Guest Room

This vintage painted dresser followed us to Vermont nearly a decade ago, originally painted in Acadia White to match the trim of our then-home. But fast forward to today—and after a long winter of home updates—it was looking a little tired and no longer fit the fresher feel of our space.

Two Kay Dee Linen Red winter scenery prints in wooden frames on wall in bedroom with red lamp and blue wallpaper.

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You may see more of our bedroom wallpapering projects in this Bedroom Wallpaper Ideas for Beautiful Home Decor post.

With our trim now updated to a crisp, clean Chantilly Lace (our new favorite white!), it was time for this hand-painted dresser to get a makeover of its own. It’s headed to our cozy guest bedroom with Karen’s Wallpaper by Wallpaper Direct, and I wanted the furniture to reflect the soft, cottage-style charm of the space. Since the dresser already had a couple coats of old paint, I skipped the sanding and simply layered on two new coats of Chantilly Lace—and in under two hours, this vintage piece had a whole new life.

Painted Dresser After Drying with wooden Drawers out.
Dresser Newly Painted with Chantilly Lace

Painted Dresser with Wood Drawer Handles: Restored and Full of Charm

One of my favorite details on this hand-painted dresser is the carved wooden drawer handles—they’re just so full of character. I knew that painting the frame in Chantilly Lace would really let those rich wood tones shine. To bring them back to life, I gave each one a good clean and polish using my go-to Restor-A-Finish in Dark Walnut (trust me, it works wonders!).

Wooden walnut furniture handles.

Fun fact: these carved wooden drawer handles often reflect the type of wood the piece was made from. In architecture, you’d see the same concept in the trimwork around doors. Notice the tiny carved acorns on these—acorns are a symbol of oak wood, which makes this vintage dresser feel all the more special. I’ve always had a soft spot for this style of handle—rustic, charming, and a little bit handsome. Whenever I see them on a vintage dresser at an antique shop or thrift store, they always stop me in my tracks.

Painted Dresser Ideas with Wooden Walnut handle on white furniture surface.
Ann Jean Jacket Mountains

Styling Tip: Look for Carved Wood Handles on Vintage Dressers

Next time you’re thrifting or antique shopping, keep an eye out for vintage dressers with hand-carved wooden drawer pulls. These charming details often reflect the type of wood used to build the piece—like oak, symbolized by tiny carved acorns. They’re full of rustic character and can be easily refreshed with a little Restore-A-Finish. I’ve found them on painted pieces from thrift shops to vintage markets, and they never fail to add warmth and history to a cottage-style room.

And speaking of thrifted treasures, I recently found a similar dresser at Vintage Market Days Vermont, painted in a deep navy blue with the same style of carved wood handles. It was love at first sight—and the price was just right! This new find is heading to our home in coastal Maine, where the attic bedrooms are currently being wallpapered (stay tuned for that reveal soon).

Painted Dresser Ideas with a Navy antique dresser with oak wood handles at Vintage Market Days.
7 Things I’ll Never Thrift Again—and the Vintage Decor I Buy Now Instead

Recommended Reading

This dresser has a little cameo feature in this 7 Things I’ll Never Thrift Again—and the Vintage Decor I Buy Now Instead too, which you may also enjoy.

This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

vintage dresser drawer wooden handle on white drawer, Painted Dresser Ideas.

Painted Dresser Ideas with a Creative Twist

Even after its fresh coat of Chantilly Lace, this DIY white-painted dresser still felt like it was missing a little something. I wanted to add a fun, unexpected detail—and that’s when I remembered a few old wrought iron house numbers tucked away in our basement. With a quick coat of black spray paint, they looked good as new and instantly added a dose of rustic farmhouse charm.

Using a few black upholstery tacks, I secured the numbers to the front of each drawer for a one-of-a-kind, cottage-inspired look. The numbers don’t hold any special meaning—they’re just a quirky little nod to vintage character. It’s an easy way to add personality to any painted dresser without spending a dime.

Shop Similar House Numbers

Painted Dresser Refashioned for a Charming Guest Bedroom

And here she is—this old painted dresser, completely refashioned and ready for her new home in our small guest bedroom. Set against a backdrop of blue and white floral wallpaper, the fresh white paint and rustic wood accents bring just the right touch of cottage charm to the space.

painted white dresser refashioned with wrought iron house numbers for Painted Dresser Ideas.

The room doesn’t fit much more than a bedside table and this vintage dresser, but that’s part of the cozy appeal. I love how this painted dresser adds both function and a decorative punch to an otherwise simple room.

Painted Dresser Bedroom Accessories and Styling Ideas

Once the paint was dry, it was time to have a little fun styling this vintage, painted dresser with some meaningful and decorative touches. These painted dresser bedroom accessories bring warmth, memory, and charm into our small guest room—and they reflect the collected, cottage-style feel I love so much.

Here’s what I used to start styling the dresser:

  • A bouquet of flowers in an antique pitcher
  • A vintage glass atomizer and perfume bottle (a sweet gift from my father when I moved into my first apartment)
  • A wire basket of vintage clock faces
  • A childhood photo of me skiing—hello, Maine roots!
  • Decorative, scented soap in soft, vintage hues
  • And an antique white dress mirror, simply propped on top for a relaxed, layered look
Painted white DIY dresser with eclectic home decor accessories in painted dresser ideas.

This is just a first decorating pass, and I’m already dreaming of what else I might thrift or antique to finish off this cozy little guest bedroom. It’s all about layering as you go—and watching the personality of a space unfold over time.

And of course, my little helper Ella the Bernese Mountain Dog was there every step of the way—pictured here lounging happily on our vintage sleigh bed, already making herself at home.

Bernese Mountain Dog on Cozy Sleigh Bed

And just like that, a once-forgotten dresser is now one of my favorite corners in this little guest bedroom. From chipped and dingy to bright and full of character, this painted dresser makeover proves how easy it can be to breathe new life into old furniture—with just a few simple touches and a little creativity.

Watch the Transformation: Painted Dresser Before and After Makeover

Whether you’re painting a dresser white, restoring vintage wood, or adding a quirky detail like iron numbers, don’t be afraid to make it your own.

Feeling inspired? I’d love to see how you’re styling your painted dresser ideas. Leave a comment, pin this post for later, or tag me in your next makeover!

Frequently Asked Questions About Painted Dresser Ideas

What is the best paint to use for a dresser makeover?

For a smooth, long-lasting finish on wood furniture, I recommend a high-quality latex or mineral-based paint. I used Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace in this project for a clean, cottage-style look.

Do I need to sand a dresser before painting it?

Sanding is helpful but not always necessary. If your dresser already has a painted or sealed surface, a good cleaning, and a bonding primer may be enough—just like I did in this two-coat refresh.

How do you add personality to a painted dresser?

Try adding unique drawer pulls, like vintage knobs, or decorative touches such as wrought iron numbers. Even small changes can give your piece a one-of-a-kind charm.

Can I mix painted and wood finishes on the same dresser?

Absolutely! Combining painted surfaces with restored wood elements (like I did with the knobs) creates a layered, vintage look that feels warm and collected.

How do I decorate the top of a painted dresser?

Style it with meaningful pieces—like antique perfume bottles, framed photos, or fresh flowers in vintage pitchers. Think collected, not cluttered, for a charming and personal display.

Why I Wrote This Post

I’ve always loved giving old furniture new life—especially when it’s a piece that’s been in our family for years. This dresser makeover was simple, affordable, and deeply satisfying. I wanted to share this project in hopes that it inspires you to look at your own forgotten furniture with fresh eyes and a little creativity.

More Furniture Makeovers and Painted Dresser DIYs You’ll Love

Love a good before and after? Here are more vintage furniture makeovers and painted dresser ideas to inspire your next project. Click through to see each transformation!

Your Guide to Embracing Eclectic Style, Vintage Finds, and Thrifted Home Inspiration~

Love decorating with vintage finds, thrifted treasures, and eclectic charm? I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below, share this post with a vintage-loving friend, or join our Reader’s Showcase Series — where we feature your favorite thrifted and antique finds. Email me at [email protected] to be part of it!

Easy Painted Dresser Makeover with Vintage Style and Iron Number Charm
Ann signature black

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14 Comments

  1. Hi Ann! Love how you left the wooden pulls natural wood! They really pop against the white! The wallpaper in this room is so pretty, and the bedding looks great with it!

  2. Those dresser pulls! ❤️ we’re they on it when you pulled out of your parents attic? maybe next you style this sweet little dresser try something wood and chunky on top to show the pulls off even more. Very sweet guest room, love the wallpaper and bedding.

    1. Hi Pamela, yes they were. And I love the idea to add chunky woods on top. Thank you so much for that idea! My husband is preparing for shoulder surgery this month and I think this will be his recovery room, so it may have to wait just a bit. Thanks again!

  3. Kathy Munday says:

    Oh Ann
    This room is BEAUTIFUL!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the wallpaper and bedding and the dresser is adorable!! You always have such wonderful ideas. Your parents are looking down on you with such delight and pride. It’s so respectful and loving to bring new life to many of their possessions. Ella loves it as well and if she likes it, you KNOW you are doing the right thing!!! Just perfect! Thank you for sharing!

    1. Kathy you are the sweetest. Seriously such kind words, thank you dearly!

  4. Ann,
    You always share such lovely, creative ideas! I especially appreciate that many of your ideas incorporate family heirlooms in new and fresh ways for your home, and I love seeing your finished projects. I think that is the reason many of us follow your site: Your love for home, family, (and Ella!), and decorating in a way that makes your heart sing. Home should reflect the individuality in each of us, and yours is truly a beautiful reflection of you! Please continue sharing all that you find beautiful, useful , and unique!
    One more thing: Thank you for the gracious way that you respond to comments, even when they are unkind or hurtful. Your beauty always shines through!

    1. Lili, aren’t you just the sweetest? I appreciate your kind and thoughtful message so much. So does Ella, wink wink. We can’t always please everyone just ourselves, right? Thank you again and enjoy your day sweet friend.

  5. The bedding is so pretty. There is one I really like, but since the dog sleeps with me probably not a good idea for now! Love the drawer pulls too, and as always love a pooch in the photos. So sweet. Aren’t we lucky to have such love bugs?

    1. Oh yes, Schweitzer Linen has the most beautiful bedding I’ve ever had. And it’s funny I have nice bedding in all our rooms except where we sleep too because of Ella:)

    2. Kathy Menold says:

      I have a little oak dresser with 2 small top drawers and one larger one under these. I use it in our bedroom for sheets and pillow cases. I just love it and have never changed it but you have inspired me to get some new interesting drawer pulls for it. Guess I will have to go thrifting on the next rainy day when I can’t work in the garden!!?

      1. Oh Kathy, yes that sounds so fun to go thrifting for new dresser knobs. Good luck my friend and most of all enjoy your time doing it! Best, Ann

  6. THOMAS WHITMORE says:

    Love the chest, paint color, hate the numbers. To me it’s a spoiler. Really nice wallpaper.

    1. Thanks, Thomas. I’m happy you like the chest, so sorry you hate the numbers. I know they’re not for everyone but I’m enjoying them over here. Thanks for stopping by.