Upcycling Your Old Drawers into Unique Side Tables: A DIY Project

Old drawers are often tossed aside, left in attics, or discarded during home renovations. However, these forgotten pieces of furniture can be easily transformed into unique, functional side tables that add character and charm to your living space. Upcycling old drawers is an eco-friendly, cost-effective DIY project that allows you to create one-of-a-kind furniture pieces that are both stylish and practical.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of turning old drawers into beautiful side tables. Whether you have a single drawer or a collection of mismatched ones, this project is perfect for anyone looking to add personalized touches to their home while reducing waste.

Why Choose Old Drawers for Side Tables?

Here are some reasons why old drawers make great candidates for upcycling into side tables:

1. Sustainability: By repurposing old drawers, you’re helping reduce waste and giving a second life to items that might otherwise end up in a landfill. Upcycling is an eco-friendly way to furnish your home and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.
2. Cost-Effective: Old drawers are often available for free or at a low cost. You can find them in unused furniture or at thrift stores, making them an affordable option for building custom side tables.
3. Customizable: Using old drawers allows for endless customization. You can adjust the size, color, and finish to suit your personal style and match your home’s décor. Whether you prefer a rustic, modern, or industrial look, you can create the perfect side table to fit your space.
4. Functional Storage: In addition to being stylish, side tables made from drawers offer hidden storage for small items such as remote controls, magazines, or knick-knacks, helping to keep your space organized.
5. Creative Expression: Repurposing drawers allows you to exercise your creativity. From choosing the right legs to adding decorative accents, you have full control over the final design.

Materials Needed:

To create your upcycled side table, gather the following materials:

• Old Drawers: Look for old drawers from unused furniture, such as a dresser or cabinet. You can also find drawers at thrift stores or salvage yards.
• Table Legs: You can repurpose old table legs, buy pre-made legs, or create your own from wood.
• Screws and Drill: For attaching the legs to the drawer.
• Wood Glue: For added reinforcement.
• Measuring Tape and Pencil: For accurate measurements and marking.
• Sandpaper or Electric Sander: To smooth rough edges and surfaces.
• Paint or Stain: To finish the drawer and legs.
• Hardware (Optional): Decorative knobs, handles, or stencils for additional styling.
• Protective Finish: Clear polyurethane or varnish to seal the surface.

Step 1: Select and Prepare the Drawer

Start by selecting a drawer that is sturdy and in good condition. Old, wooden drawers from an old dresser or cabinet work great for this project.

1. Choose the Right Drawer: Look for a drawer that is well-built and free from damage. It should be large enough to be used as a side table but not too heavy to lift. If the drawer has any broken or damaged parts, consider repairing them before starting the project.
2. Clean and Sand the Drawer: Clean the drawer thoroughly to remove dust and dirt. If the drawer has old paint or varnish, use a sander to remove the finish. Sand the surface to smooth out any rough spots or splinters. This will also prepare the wood for painting or staining.
3. Remove Any Unwanted Hardware: If the drawer has handles, knobs, or other hardware that you don’t want, carefully remove them with a screwdriver or wrench.

Step 2: Choose and Attach the Legs

Now that the drawer is prepared, it’s time to add legs to transform it into a side table.

1. Choose Your Legs: You can repurpose legs from old furniture, purchase pre-made table legs, or make your own wooden legs. For a rustic look, consider using turned wooden legs or metal hairpin legs for a more modern, industrial aesthetic.
2. Measure and Mark the Leg Placement: Measure the four corners of the drawer to ensure the legs are evenly spaced. Mark the spots where the legs will be attached. Most legs will have a screw hole or bracket that needs to be aligned with the drawer base.
3. Attach the Legs: Use screws to attach the legs securely to the bottom of the drawer. If necessary, apply wood glue to reinforce the joints. For added stability, use longer screws or additional brackets to make sure the legs are firmly attached.

Tip: If you want adjustable legs or a more custom look, consider using caster wheels to make the side table mobile.

Step 3: Sand and Finish the Drawer

Once the legs are securely attached, it’s time to smooth and finish the drawer.

1. Sand the Drawer: Use sandpaper or an electric sander to smooth out any rough edges or areas where the finish was removed. Sand the entire drawer to create a uniform, smooth surface.
2. Paint or Stain: Once the sanding is complete, apply a paint or wood stain to the drawer and legs. Choose a color or finish that complements your home décor. If you prefer a natural wood look, apply a clear wood stain to enhance the grain. If you want a bolder look, go for bright colors, metallic finishes, or distressed styles.
3. Apply a Protective Finish: Once the paint or stain has dried, apply a clear polyurethane finish to seal the surface and protect it from scratches and moisture. This will give your upcycled side table a durable, long-lasting finish.

Step 4: Add Decorative Touches

If desired, you can add some decorative touches to make the side table uniquely yours.

1. Replace the Drawer Pulls: If you want to update the look of the drawer, consider replacing the old drawer pulls with new, decorative hardware. Choose knobs or handles that match your style—vintage brass handles for a classic look, or sleek metal pulls for a modern touch.
2. Add Stenciling or Decals: If you want to personalize the drawer further, you can add stencils, decals, or even hand-painted designs. Stenciling a pattern or quote on the drawer front will give your side table a custom, artistic feel.
3. Fabric Lining: If the interior of the drawer is visible, consider lining it with fabric or wallpaper to add a pop of color and pattern. This is an optional step but can give the drawer extra flair.

Step 5: Style Your Side Table

Once your side table is complete, it’s time to style it and place it in your home.

1. Use It for Storage: The drawer itself provides a hidden storage space for small items such as remotes, magazines, books, or decorative objects. Consider adding organizers inside the drawer to keep everything neat and tidy.
2. Decorate the Top: Style the top of your side table with decorative items such as plants, candles, vases, or a lamp. You can also use it as a place for your coffee cup, phone, or other everyday items.
3. Place It in Your Space: Place your new side table next to your bed, couch, or in an entryway for added storage and style. It’s a versatile piece that can fit into almost any room in your home.

Conclusion

Upcycling old drawers into stylish side tables is a fun and rewarding DIY project that allows you to create unique furniture while reducing waste. By following the steps in this guide, you can transform a discarded drawer into a functional and eye-catching side table that fits perfectly in your home. With minimal tools and creativity, you can customize the design, finish, and decorative elements to match your personal style.

Whether you’re looking for a small accent table, a functional storage piece, or a statement furniture item, this upcycled drawer side table is sure to make a lasting impression in any room.