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How to Turn an Old Dresser Into a Stylish Entertainment Center (No Sanding Needed!)

If you love budget-friendly home makeovers, this DIY is for you! Today, I’m showing you how I transformed an old dresser from an estate sale into a functional and beautiful entertainment center. This easy dresser makeover cost me under $50, required no sanding, and completely changed the look of my living room.

I’ve been repurposing dressers for years! My daughter’s dresser was once a changing table, my craft room dresser lost its top three drawers years ago for shelves, and I even use dressers as buffet tables for birthday parties. Dressers are sturdy, timeless, and make amazing furniture transformations!

Keep reading to learn how to repurpose a dresser into an entertainment center using paint, primer, and a little creativity.



What You’ll Need


Supplies I Used:

  • 🪵 Old dresser (mine was an estate sale find)

  • 🎨 Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer – no sanding needed

  • 🖌️ Behr Paint – Behr “Silver Drop” (790C-2) (or your favorite color)

  • 💧 MinWax Clear Protective Spray

  • 🔩 Screwdriver

  • 🪚 Optional: Plywood (for shelf support)

  • 🕳️ Drill with 1¼-inch bit





Step-by-Step Dresser Makeover

1. Prep the Space

Find a well-ventilated area to paint and lay down an old sheet or canvas to protect your floor.
Clean your dresser to remove dust, dirt, and residue. Let it dry completely.


2. Remove Drawers & Hardware

Take out all drawers and use a screwdriver to remove the handles and drawer tracks.
Decide which drawer space will become your open shelf and remove that track completely.

💡 Tip: If your shelf area feels weak, add a small piece of plywood underneath for stability.



3. Prime It
Apply two coats of Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer using a roller for large areas and a brush for corners and details. Let it dry completely between coats.

4. Paint Your Dresser

Use a roller to apply two coats of your favorite Behr paint color.
I chose “Behr “Silver Drop” (790C-2)” but darker gray, cream, or even sage green would look amazing for a modern look.
Use a smaller brush for hard-to-reach areas.



5. Paint the Drawers Too

Even if you plan to leave one drawer space open, paint all drawers—you might want to switch it back someday!

You can keep your hardware as is, paint it, or swap it for new pieces. I spray-painted mine silver for a fresh, updated feel.





6. Add the Protective Coat

Once your paint is dry, spray on a clear protective finish like MinWax Protective Coating.
This step will protect your paint from scratches and give it a polished look.




7. Drill the Cord Hole

Use a 1¼-inch drill bit to make a small hole in the back of your new shelf area for cords.
Drill it as low as possible so it’s hidden behind your devices.




Once dry (I waited two full weeks before loading it up), it was ready for use.
Now, this repurposed dresser holds everything:

  • 📬 Top drawers: Bills, keys, pens, and notepads

  • 🎮 Middle drawers: Movies, controllers, and games

  • 🛋️ Bottom drawers: Cozy blankets for movie nights

It’s functional, sturdy, and looks custom-made for our living room.

        


This dresser-to-entertainment-center project proves that with a little creativity, you can breathe new life into old furniture. Whether you go bold with color or stick to neutral tones, the transformation will wow anyone who walks in your living room!


Original Publish Date: 4/19/12