Upcycled Drawer to Necklace Display Idea

It’s Trash to Treasure Day again, and I’ve got a really good project for you. Plus you can find four more makeovers from my blogging friends at the bottom of this post.

Today I’m resharing a favorite project from earlier this year. I adore how it turned out and I’ve been using it ever since!  My project started as this old drawer that I salvaged from a very damaged nightstand.

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I’ll show you how I repurposed this small drawer into a chic necklace holder, and tell you where to find lots more amazing jewelry and necklace display ideas, many of them homemade.  You can use these ideas for yourself, as a thoughtful gift idea, or even at markets, craft shows, or in a boutique.

After cleaning the drawer, I removed the pull and filled the hole. Fill both ends of the hole with a putty knife, let dry, and then gently sand. (Grab all my best tips here for how to properly prep furniture and decor for painting.)

Next chose your paint.  I chose Rustoleum Chalked paint in Charcoal. You can read my honest review of Rustoleum Chalked paint here. Brush on about 2 coats with a sturdy brush – I used one of my favorite Purdy paint brushes.  

Apply a protective topcoat like furniture wax to keep the finish looking good and let it dry to the touch. Half day or overnight should be fine.

Next, measure and cut paper to line inside the drawer.  This paper cutter has been such a big help with my projects over the years.

There are several ways to adhere paper inside a drawer – decoupage with Mod Podge, maybe a glue stick, etc.  Since this is my own personal project, I cheated this time and just rolled tape on the back of each corner.  Plus, it’s easy to change the paper later if I want to.

Finally it was time to add hooks for hanging necklaces in this DIY homemade necklace display.  Flip the drawer upside down to drill pilot holes in first (drill into the thicker side, which is probably the drawer front).  Just be careful not to drill all the way through the wood, and always follow directions and use safety precautions when using power tools.

I drilled five pilot holes (three across the front and two behind, between where the others were, like a zigzag).  Then it took a little muscle to twist the hooks into the holes.

And here is my creative necklace display to use in my closet to go with this dresser I repainted.  😊

This size drawer is great for short necklaces, and longer drawers would be perfect for longer necklaces.  Shallow drawers work better than deep ones though.  I think a variety of different size drawers full of necklaces and bracelets on display would be gorgeous in any home or even for a creative craft fair jewelry display.

Above you can see how I staggered the placement of the hooks.  

I love this little repurposed drawer to DIY necklace display idea and I hope you do too.  Please share this post or Pin it to easily find again later.

If you’re looking for even more creative jewelry and necklace display ideas for craft shows, boutiques, and of course your own home, go here for lots more awesome inspiration!  I mentioned I was resharing today’s project – so you’ll want to visit the original post (yes it will look familiar) and then scroll down to see all the other ideas.  Here’s a peek below.