Upcycling Old Drawers: Furniture Projects for Better Storage

Upcycling is a fantastic way to breathe new life into old furniture and reduce waste. If you have old drawers lying around, you can transform them into functional and stylish furniture pieces that not only provide extra storage but also add character to your home. In this article, we will explore creative ways to upcycle old drawers into furniture projects that will help organize and enhance your living spaces.

Why Choose Upcycling?

Before diving into the different projects, let’s discuss why upcycling is an excellent choice for anyone looking to revamp their home. Upcycling, the process of turning discarded items into something useful or artistic, has many benefits:

1. Environmental Impact: By upcycling, you help reduce waste and give items a second life instead of contributing to landfill overflow.
2. Unique Pieces: Upcycled furniture is often one-of-a-kind. You’ll be able to create pieces that reflect your personal style.
3. Cost-Effective: Instead of purchasing new furniture, upcycling allows you to repurpose old materials, saving you money.

Now that you understand why upcycling is a great choice, let’s get into the exciting part—turning your old drawers into beautiful and functional furniture!

1. Drawer Shelf Unit

One of the easiest and most popular ways to upcycle old drawers is by turning them into a shelf unit. This project is perfect for small spaces, as it provides extra storage while creating a stylish focal point in any room.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Old drawers (from a dresser or side table)
• Screws and nails
• Sandpaper
• Paint or stain (optional)
• Wall brackets (if mounting on the wall)

Steps:

1. Remove the Drawers: If the drawers are part of a larger piece of furniture, remove them carefully.
2. Sand the Drawers: Sand down the surfaces to remove any rough edges or paint. This ensures a smoother finish for painting or staining.
3. Assemble the Unit: Arrange the drawers in a stacked formation, attaching them together with screws or nails. You can create a vertical or horizontal shelf, depending on your space.
4. Finish the Piece: You can leave the wood in its natural state or apply a fresh coat of paint or stain to match your home’s decor.
5. Install Wall Brackets (Optional): If you want to mount the shelf on the wall, attach brackets to the back of the unit and secure it to the wall.

This upcycled drawer shelf will not only store your books, plants, or knick-knacks but also add a unique and vintage touch to your home.

2. Drawer Storage Bench

Another fantastic upcycling project is to turn old drawers into a practical storage bench. This piece is perfect for entryways, bedrooms, or living rooms, offering both seating and storage in one stylish unit.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Old drawers (preferably deep ones)
• Plywood (for the seat)
• Cushioning material (foam or batting)
• Fabric (to cover the cushion)
• Nails, screws, or a drill
• Paint or wood finish (optional)

Steps:

1. Prepare the Drawers: If your drawers are small, consider combining a few to create a larger storage space. Remove any drawer tracks or handles.
2. Create the Seat: Measure the width and depth of your drawer setup, then cut a piece of plywood to fit as the seat base. Attach it securely to the top of the drawers.
3. Add Cushioning: For added comfort, cut foam or batting to fit the plywood seat. Cover it with a fabric of your choice and staple the edges to the underside.
4. Paint or Stain: Finish the drawer and plywood pieces with paint or wood stain to match your decor.
5. Attach Handles (Optional): For added functionality and design, you can install decorative handles or knobs on the front of the drawers.

Now you have a practical and stylish storage bench that’s perfect for any entryway, hallway, or bedroom. It’s a great place to store shoes, scarves, or other items, while also providing extra seating for guests.

3. Drawer Side Table

If you’re looking for a chic yet functional side table, transforming an old drawer into one can be an excellent option. This project is ideal for small spaces and can easily fit beside a bed or couch.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Old drawer
• Wooden legs (you can use pre-made furniture legs or repurpose wooden dowels)
• Screws and a drill
• Sandpaper
• Paint or stain (optional)

Steps:

1. Prepare the Drawer: Remove any old hardware and sand the drawer to create a smooth surface.
2. Attach the Legs: Use screws or a drill to attach wooden legs to the four corners of the drawer. Make sure the legs are evenly spaced and securely attached.
3. Finish the Table: Once the legs are attached, sand the entire piece for a smooth finish. You can leave it as-is for a rustic look or add a fresh coat of paint or stain for a more modern touch.
4. Add a Glass or Wooden Top (Optional): If you want a more polished look, consider placing a glass or wooden top on the drawer to create a flat, sturdy surface.

This upcycled drawer side table can hold your drinks, books, or lamp while also providing clever storage inside the drawer. It’s a perfect blend of form and function!

4. Drawer Garden Planter

Upcycling doesn’t just stop at indoor furniture—old drawers can also be used to create beautiful outdoor planters. This project is an excellent way to add some greenery to your home while giving old furniture a new purpose.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Old drawer
• Waterproof sealant
• Landscape fabric or chicken wire
• Potting soil
• Plants or flowers of your choice

Steps:

1. Prepare the Drawer: Ensure the drawer is clean and dry. If necessary, remove any old hardware.
2. Seal the Drawer: Apply a waterproof sealant to the inside of the drawer to prevent water damage when watering your plants.
3. Add Drainage: Place landscape fabric or chicken wire at the bottom of the drawer to allow for proper drainage.
4. Fill with Soil: Add potting soil into the drawer, filling it to about 3/4 of the way up.
5. Plant Your Garden: Choose plants or flowers that fit the size of the drawer and carefully plant them in the soil.

Now you have a charming, upcycled drawer garden that’s perfect for adding some life to your patio or balcony. It’s a great way to make use of old drawers while creating a unique gardening feature.

5. Drawer Wall Organizer

If you’re looking for a functional and stylish way to organize your office or home, turning old drawers into a wall organizer is a brilliant idea. This piece will help you keep your workspace neat and tidy.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Old drawer(s)
• Wall brackets or screws
• Sandpaper
• Paint or stain (optional)
• Small containers or baskets (optional)

Steps:

1. Prepare the Drawers: Sand the surface of the drawer to remove any rough spots.
2. Mount the Drawer to the Wall: Attach the drawer to the wall using wall brackets or screws. You can mount it horizontally or vertically, depending on your needs.
3. Customize the Interior: You can add small baskets or containers inside the drawer for better organization.
4. Finish the Piece: Paint or stain the drawer to match the aesthetic of your room.

This upcycled drawer wall organizer will keep your office or workspace free of clutter while also adding a unique and rustic touch.

Conclusion: Get Creative with Your Upcycling Projects

Upcycling old drawers into functional and stylish furniture is a great way to add character to your home while also being environmentally friendly. From storage benches to wall organizers, the possibilities are endless when it comes to transforming old furniture into something new and exciting. With a little creativity and elbow grease, you can turn your old drawers into beautiful, functional pieces that elevate your living space.