Furniture painting is not only a way to be environmentally conscious and to save money decorating your home, but it’s also been a form of art for decades. Painting dressers can help give your bedroom, guest room, or living area a much-needed statement piece while offering extra storage where needed.
I’ve gathered up some of the most gorgeous DIY painted dresser ideas from around the web for you – some are more simple in style, some are stenciled, have image transfers, decoupage, or have multiple colors and techniques involved.
Prep Work: Of course, before you even start painting, you’ll want to spend time preparing your piece first. This is so important! Prep depends on current damage, the existing finish, and type of wood. Grab my free guide for how to properly prep furniture for painting here.
Dresser Paint Colors: When it comes to painting dressers, neutral paint colors are safe and will work in almost any space. However, taking a risk with a bright color or multiple colors can really elevate your painted dresser into a custom work of art that you’ll definitely want to show off and brag about! When deciding on your color and design, think about the room it will live in, and the current theme or style. You have options for simple/basic, masculine, feminine, formal, industrial, farmhouse, modern, retro, etc.
I chose painted dresser ideas below that cover most all of these styles. They are all beautiful and special in their own unique way, and I know you’ll find some amazing inspiration for your own projects. Please visit any of the tutorials to learn more, and feel free to Pin or share any project. Enjoy!
Gorgeous DIY Painted Dresser Ideas
Learn how to paint laminate furniture, like this pretty French Provincial style vintage dresser painted with gray Chalk Paint and metallic accents.
This is one of my favorite styles of dresser makeovers, which I've done twice now for my sons' bedrooms. The full tutorial is available in my book Amazing Furniture Makeovers: Easy DIY Projects to Transform Thrifted Finds into Beautiful Custom Pieces.
This gorgeous painted and stenciled dresser was the big star of one of my markets. It needed a lot of repairs but turned out amazing!
A simple way to turn a dated dresser into an industrial inspired multi-drawer chest - by Little House of Four.
A painted dresser is updated again, this time with peel and stick botanical wallpapered drawers - by Berry Berry Quite Contrary.
You can never go wrong with fresh stain and white paint, and this antique dresser shines with lightly distressed details.
Fun painted dresser makeover with image transfers - by Tracey's Fancy.
The soft colors on this stenciled cherry blossom dresser make a statement without being too bold.
Two tone antique dresser in stain and Milk Paint - by Art is Beauty.
Learn how to easily paint stripes on a vintage dresser makeover.
Learn how to paint and stencil bone inlay on an IKEA Hemnes dresser - by PMQ for Two.
See how a free laminate dresser is transformed into an industrial "wood" Anthropologie lookalike.
A little bit of fun and whimsy with stripes and flowers on this painted dresser.
Lavender painted dresser with stunning floral image transfer - by Confessions of a Serial DIYer.
This yard sale dresser needed a TON of work but eventually turned into this chic rustic beauty.
This thrifted curvy beauty reeked of smoke. Learn how I got the smell out and see how it was updated to this gorgeous glamorous dresser!
Blending Dixie Belle Chalk Paint and Embellishing With Gemstone Mouse, WoodUBend and Transfers - by Rehab 2 Fab Designs.
Discover how this large laminate midcentury dresser was upcycled into a faux-metal DIY card catalog. (I wish I kept this one!)
How to turn a grimy curb-shopped dresser into a gorgeous faux linen dresser - by Salvaged Inspirations.
How To Paint Ombre Furniture - Video tutorial by Country Chic Paint
This sweet piece just needed fresh paint and some dry brushing to highlight all the special curves and details.
A functional work of art by MMSMP Featured Artisan - MaryJane Jones Art
Sherwin Williams Cast Iron Dresser Color Matched by Country Chic Chalk Paint - by Lily Field Furniture Co.
An estate sale dresser updated with stain, paint, and new hardware for a chic new look - by The Weathered Door.
Antique dresser painted and updated with blue flower transfer - by Q is for Quandie.
How to make and apply floral furniture moulds for a beautiful Anthropologie inspired dresser - by Heartland Vintage Market.
Curbside dresser hand painted and updated with stencils - by Funky Junk Interiors.
Antique dresser Chalk Painted with floral furniture transfer - by Bird's Nest Gifts and Antiques.
This secondhand dresser was completely transformed! The intricate design was achieved by using a bench drill to make holes in an overlay drawer front - tutorial by The Painted Hive.
Painted dresser makeover using the IOD Japonica Transfer - Video tutorial by Junk'd Up Home.
This thrifted French Provincial bedroom set was painted and stenciled with the Spanish Lace Allover furniture stencil from Royal Design Studio - by Restyled Renewed.
Friend, I’d love to know which of these DIY painted dresser ideas are your favorites. I honestly love them all! – Jen, Girl in the Garage
Lizzy says
Thank you for gathering these together. Some of these pieces are outstanding, including yours. The work that is being done out there is amazing. I can’t pick a favorite!
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thanks Lizzy! I totally agree – it’s so hard to pick a favorite!