creative projects inspiration thrifty treasures vintage · Written by Randi Dukes

10 Ways to Repurpose Old Drawers

I’ve been doing a fun project with another old dresser {you can see my last trash to treasure dresser here} and it got me thinking about fun and unique ways to repurpose old drawers. I found some great ideas online … which one is your favorite?

Great Ways To Upcycle Dresser Drawers

You can use an old drawer in a vignette to hold mason jar vases full of flowers. I have an old drawer just like this one {from an old built-in sewing machine, I believe} that I use to hold thread on my sewing table.

If the drawers aren’t in great shape, cut them apart and use the drawer fronts as hangers. They look so great all grouped together.

You can paint the drawers in fun colors and use them as shelves. Perfect for the kids.

Or how about this drawer turned into a chalkboard? I love that they used the inside of the drawer but you could also turn it around and use the bottom of the drawer as the chalkboard. This would be really cute outside!

I’ve had this idea pinned for a while. A large drawer used as sliding under-the-bed storage. I want to do this for Luke, Lila, and Tate. It’s a great way to corral the treasures and it still looks cute!

I’ve used a cabinet door as a jewelry display but I also love this drawer used as a jewelry display. Not only does it keep everything organized but it looks great too, doesn’t it?

This is one of my favorite ideas: a drawer used as a bathroom shelf and towel hanger. I like the pretty lining on the back of the drawer.

A drawer used as paint storage would be so cute in a craft nook.

And what little girl wouldn’t love this drawer turned into a dollhouse? What a clever and adorable idea!

And the final repurposed drawer idea, a drawer repurposed into a clock!

I love these ideas! I’ll be checking the curbs a little more closely on trash day, looking for old dressers. Which of those ideas to repurpose old drawers do you like best?

For more repurposed ideas, be sure to check out 20 ways to repurpose a vintage map …

… 17 ways to repurpose a paint stick …

… and 15+ ways to repurpose old vinyl records!

About Randi Dukes

I’m Randi, a Dallas-based mom of five kids, ranging from third grade to college and including a set of twins. I love strong coffee, craft and DIY projects, my planner, and my big ol’ family. When I’m not creating something for my blog, I can be found in the car, running kids from one place to another. I’m the one knitting at the red light. Connect with me on google+ | twitter | facebook

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Comments

Cyndy @ The Creativity Exchange says
February 16, 2013 at 2:25 pm
So many great uses!! I especially love the under the bed storage. I have one on my kitchen counter storing olive oils and seasonings. Great post!! Cheers!
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barb says
February 16, 2013 at 2:38 pm
These are such great ideas. I wish I was more crafty.
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Bethany Kline says
February 16, 2013 at 2:38 pm
love all of these!! very cool ideas. I’ve seen the doll house one before it’s adorable!
<3 Bethany @ Thesepiapuppy.blogspot.com
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Leah says
February 16, 2013 at 6:38 pm
Great ideas! Love the bathroom shelf, and the jewelry organizer in particular.
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missybug says
February 17, 2013 at 2:31 pm
WOW thanks for sharing…i love these ideas!!!! I think i pinned every one 🙂
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Jennifer says
February 18, 2013 at 2:05 am
Love these ideas!
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Diana - FreeStyleMama says
February 18, 2013 at 2:41 pm
Awesome collection of ideas!!
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Jamie Dorobek says
February 18, 2013 at 3:21 pm
I love a good round up! Thanks for linking up to Monday Funday!
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Rachel {BubblyNatureCreations.com} says
February 20, 2013 at 5:33 pm
What a great collection! i need to get some drawers!!! 🙂
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Tonia L says
February 21, 2013 at 10:47 pm
Wow! Those are cool ideas! Thanks for sharing at The Gunny Sack!
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Leslie Stewart says
February 22, 2013 at 3:42 pm
Love your ideas! I use an old antique drawer in the bathroom to display washcloths. I simply roll them and place them in a line. It’s a great way to create a simple bathroom decor. I’d love for you to share this post at my Twirl & Take a Bow party. Hope you can stop by!
Have a great week.
Leslie
House on the Way
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Denise Sabia says
March 14, 2013 at 12:17 pm
thanks for the feature Randi! Love all of them!
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Cristin @ Eve of Reduction says
January 1, 2014 at 3:30 pm
great ideas! drawers make great magazine containers and shelves.
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Barbara says
March 21, 2014 at 11:05 am
Great ideas! I have a drawer left over from a dresser project, now I’m inspired to actually do something with it! Thanks!
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Anne says
September 14, 2014 at 1:08 pm
Hi,
These are all such wonderful ideas. Where would I find instructions for them? For example, what type of paint to use when re-purposing a drawer, how to get wheels in it to use it for under the bed storage, or how to be able to attach it to your wall. Needless to say, I’m a neophyte BUT I’m not afraid to try.
Thank you.
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- Randi Dukes says
  September 16, 2014 at 5:10 pm
  Hi Anne! If you click on the links, instructions for individual projects will be listed there. The details should be given. As for repurposing, any type of paint will work great – craft paint, spray paint, stain, etc. Hope that helps!
  Reply
Iban Vermeulen says
April 1, 2015 at 1:26 am
It is always the small things that make a room look great after refurbishing. Thank you, love the article.
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Megan says
April 21, 2015 at 10:16 pm
I love the underbed storage idea. Dog hair could definitely be a problem in my house, though. A lid with a hinge at the back and handle on top could be a solution, I suppose. Now I just have to figure out what to make with the leftover dresser with no drawers…
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