Simple Dresser Makeover Tutorial: Create an Apothecary Look on a Budget

Give an old kids’ dresser a fresh new look with this easy DIY dresser makeover! Learn how I transformed a basic white dresser into a charming apothecary-style piece using simple tools, paint, and budget-friendly steps. Perfect for beginners!

Easy Dresser Makeover Tutorial

My girls have had this white dresser for about four or five years. It has moved with us a couple of times, survived little hands, and honestly… it’s not the highest-quality piece. It was looking a bit beat up, and since I’m planning a full bedroom makeover for them next year, I decided to start small with a fun DIY a fresh new dresser makeover.

And let me tell you – this one turned out SO good.

Step 1: Clean, Remove Hardware, and Scuff Sand

First up: prep work. I wiped the dresser down, removed all the old hardware, and did a light scuff-sand. You don’t want to sand off the old paint—just remove the sheen so the primer sticks.

After sanding, make sure to dust everything off really well! That part matters. Because I planned to change the knob placement later, I filled the old hardware holes with wood filler.

Step 2: Prime With the Right Product (Game Changer!)

Since this dresser isn’t solid wood, I reached for my favorite primer for tricky surfaces: Zinsser BIN Shellac-Based Primer.

This stuff is magic. It covers stains, blocks tannins, sticks to slick surfaces, and gives your paint a really solid foundation.

Step 3: Create the Faux “Apothecary” Drawer Look

One thing I’ve always loved is apothecary-style furniture with lots of tiny drawers. My girls’ dresser only has six drawers… but I wanted it to look like twelve.

The dresser already had a thin trim around each drawer, so I found a similar trim piece at the hardware store. Then I cut each piece down to size and glued a strip right down the middle of every drawer using Liquid Nails Fuze-It construction adhesive. Instant faux drawers. SUCH a cute difference!

Step 4: Paint the Dresser

I grabbed my paint sprayer and used Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Enamel—my go-to for cabinets and furniture because it self-levels and dries hard.

I painted two coats in the color Rock Garden by Sherwin Williams. This green is seriously stunning. A little moody, but still soft and kid-friendly.

Step 5: Protect With a Clear Coat

Since this dresser will be opened and closed a thousand times a day, I added a clear matte Polycrylic topcoat. It gives the paint extra protection without adding shine.

Step 6: Drill New Holes & Add New Hardware

Once the paint cured, I drilled new hardware holes—one in each of my new “squares”—and added cute new knobs. This was the moment the whole look came together. The faux drawers + the color + the new hardware = perfection.

The Finished Look

I am OBSESSED with how this dresser turned out. It looks totally fresh, way more custom, and so much more interesting than the plain white dresser we started with.

It’s the perfect first step toward the full bedroom makeover I’m planning for the girls next year. Stay tuned… because the design ideas are already spinning in my head!

FAQs About Dresser Makeovers

Do I need to sand a dresser before painting it?

A light scuff sand is usually enough. The goal is to remove shine, not take it to bare wood. There are exceptions though.

What kind of primer works best on furniture?

Zinsser BIN (shellac-based) is my favorite, especially for laminate or low-quality wood.

Can I paint a dresser without a sprayer?

Yes! A good foam roller will work. A sprayer just gives the smoothest finish. And using a urethane enamel paint will sure help create a nice, smooth finish.

Is polycrylic necessary?

If the piece will be touched daily (like a dresser), a clear coat will help it last longer.

Pin This Project for Later

DIY dresser makeovers are such a fun way to refresh a room without spending a lot. If you try something similar, tag me—I love seeing your projects!