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House Of Hipsters

Bathroom DIY Home Decor How To Renovation and Home Improvement

How To Turn An Antique Dresser Into A Vanity

October 25, 2016

Last Updated on November 29, 2022

Two more weeks until the One Room Challenge final bathroom makeover reveal. This week’s post is a DIY of how to turn an antique dresser into a vanity. I’m at that point where I’m so close I can almost taste it. The light is shining bright at the end of the tunnel with only a few minor bumps in the road…backorder sconces and sink, but nothing too bad. 

DIY How to turn an antique dresser into a bathroom vanity.

What started out as a blah, boring, beige and brown bathroom, is now transforming into what dreams are made of. Gerry has been kicking some serious butt…BTDubs, when the contractor gets more excited than you about your project, then you know it’s going to be really good. He and I are quickly becoming besties…bonding over what my son has deemed “Potty Paradise.” 

Last week I left off with the finished tile install. I chose a design called Cubicon by Clé Tile for the floor and white subway tile halfway up the walls from Clé’s Basic Collection. The Boy was stressing big time about the chaos until the toilet was removed from the living room and installed in its proper place…up next was the vanity. Now it was time for me to hyperventilate. My biggest concern about this project was protecting the top from water. I’ve been stressing about water since the day we started this project.

DIY How to turn an antique dresser into a bathroom vanity.

Before we moved, I purchased an antique dresser knowing it would eventually be turned into a bathroom vanity…I just didn’t realize it would happen so quickly. Considering we just bought the house, reno plans weren’t exactly top of mind…but a happy accident resulting from the flooded basement sped everything up. Anyhoo, the antique dresser was in pretty rough shape, so we needed to spruce her up a lil’ bit. Give her a little rub and buff. Here’s the DIY on how we turn an antique dresser into a bathroom vanity and protect the top from water. 

So being perfectly honest here, The Boy did most of the dirty work on this DIY…but I say “we” in the instructions because I was there and witnessed it. That counts as we, right? First, we sanded the top exterior with fine-grit sandpaper. Just to rough up the surface a bit and give the paint a little something extra to hold on to. Then we took tack cloth to remove any dust and dirt…we went over the cabinet a couple of times. When we opened the doors we found an old wasp nest…LOL…The Boy and Gerry poked at it with a stick, but it was pretty old petrified…as were the two boys, shhh, don’t tell them I said that. 

Like I said before, my biggest concern was protecting the top from water. I didn’t want it staining the wood or leaving watermarks. Since I have a 4 and 6-year old, my antique dresser needed to be able to take some abuse. This bathroom is used for hand washing after every meal, and it’s also the only one on the main floor, so every guest uses it. Part of me wonders why on earth I picked something so fragile for such a heavily used space. Maybe this idea was no bueno…but backing out was not an option. Not now at least. Besides, it sure looks purdy!

DIY How to turn an antique dresser into a bathroom vanity.

I did a lot of research on how to protect an antique wood dresser from water and got a lot of different answers. I also reached out to some of my favorite DIY bloggers. Most of the solutions were for natural wood, but nothing really cut and dry for a painted antique dresser. I got tips, including waterproofing with a marine varnish…but supposedly, it had the possibility of drying with a yellow hue, and I didn’t want to chance that. There was an idea of using Waterlox, but that was only for natural, stripped wood. There were oil-based paint solutions, but that needed to have a certain temperature and crazy long drying times…like 10-20 days total from start to finish with multiple coats. I needed a One Room Challenge, fly by the seat for my pants, one coat, fast solution.

The Boy set off for a Home Depot adventure to find me ideas and returned with paint swatches and a solid solution. The HD paint department suggested using Behr Marquee One Coat Interior Satin Enamel and a coat or two of Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover in Matte Clear…with fingers crossed we decided to go for it. 

Choosing black paint was almost as difficult as picking white paint. I ended up choosing a swatch called Blackout. It’s more of a deep charcoal versus jet black…a bit of a softer look to it. I’m also going back and forth on polishing the lion head hardware. What do you think?

DIY How to turn an antique dresser into a bathroom vanity.

The Boy slapped on one coat of the Behr paint and much to my surprise, the coverage was great! The Rust-Oleum spray went on thicker than expected which made us both nervous, but it evened itself out. We breathed a sigh of relief when it was all said and done. Now it was Gerry’s turn, and I had to dare myself to watch and document him taking a saw to my precious antique dresser. One slip and we would be back at the old drawing board, and the last thing I wanted was a normal bathroom vanity.

DIY How to turn an antique dresser into a bathroom vanity.

Let’s Turn An Antique Dresser Into A Vanity

He measured where the drain came out of the wall and found the middle…based on what he discovered during the gut, Gerry was surprised the plumbing was pretty much dead center. Ya, this tiny little bathroom was a bugger chucked full of surprises.

DIY How to turn an antique dresser into a bathroom vanity.

Soon it was time to drill the first hole in the dresser. Like butter! Gerry carried it inside and it fit, but the legs weren’t level. Back and forth he went sanding one leg a smidge, carrying it back in…janky leg. Carried it back out, sanding one leg a smidge, janky leg. He cursed that thing inside and out and finally won the battle of perfectionism. Woohoo Gerry!

DIY How to turn an antique dresser into a bathroom vanity.

I think the most difficult part of this whole project, besides the legs being janky was finding a sink to fit. Because I was so worried about protecting the top from water, I wanted to cover a good portion of the surface with the sink. I also wanted to add height. After committing to the project, I started my search thinking no problem mon. Well, there was a problem. My antique dresser was only 18″ deep and that included a lip, so I needed to find a sink that was less than 17″ deep total including the faucet area. Remember, I already have tile up at this time, and can no longer have plumbing come out of the wall. Insert monkey emoji covering its eyes. Crap. My options were limited, and I needed this sink here yesterday.

We found one and after ordering it, it was suddenly on backorder. Double crap. The Boy tried helping while I wrote my last blog post…it resulted in him texting me once every 20 seconds, “What about this? What about this? What about this? What about this? This one? How about this one? We are never going to find anything. We’re screwed. Gerry’s gonna kill you. Wait, this one? What about this one? This one might work. Do you like this one?” What can I say, at least he tried. I wound up finding one at Modo Bath that was wall-mounted, 16.1″ deep, and could be overnighted. Phew! Dodged that bullet. It fit perfectly. Gerry and I stood back and admired how we turned an antique dresser into a vanity. I’m sorry, but this space looks kick-ass.

DIY How to turn an antique dresser into a bathroom vanity.

Now that the vanity and sink are installed, do you know what time it is??? It’s wallpaper time! Woot! Woot! Gerry found this lovely lady named Renee, and she owns Paper Dolls Wallpaper Hanging…all I can say is she is a genius! Wallpaper is an art. It takes serious talent and patience to hang, especially when you have crazy paper like this with a wild repeat. Want a sneak peek before next week??? Promise you’ll come back to see more next week if I show you? Pinky swear??? AHHHH! I can’t even stand it…I just gotta share!!!!!!!

Eclectic bathroom makeover with bold wallpaper

THERE’S A SLOTH SMOKING A HOOKAH IN MY BATHROOM!!!!!!!!!!!!! THERE’S A BADGER WEARING A PIRATE’S EYE PATCH DRINKING A PINA COLADA!!!!!! I’M DYING! That’s a wrap on Potty Paradise for this week. I

TAGS:Antique Dresserbathroom makeoverbathroom renovationBathroom VanityDIYOne Room Challenge
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Kyla Herbes

Kyla Herbes is an interior designer and home decor content creator based in Chicago, IL. She shares daily doses of home decor, corners of her home, interior styling tips, and will inspire you to do it yourself. House Of Hipsters has been featured in Architectural Digest, Apartment Therapy, House Beautiful, HGTV, The Huffington Post, Refinery29, Rue Magazine, and Style Me Pretty Living. Kyla has also made appearances on BravoTV and WGN TV and was named a Better Homes and Gardens Style Maker 3 years in a row.

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    Maggie @ Maggie Overby Studios
    October 26, 2016

    Oh it’s looking so good! That antique vanity is great, I love something unexpected. Can’t wait to see that wallpaper in all it’s glory for the reveal. So excited!

    Reply
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    Cassie Bustamante
    October 26, 2016

    love the vanity! it looks awesome!

    Reply
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    Brittany Goldwyn
    October 26, 2016

    Vanity looks great Kyla!!

    Reply
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    Tee @ Beauteeful Living
    October 26, 2016

    The vanity came out so gorgeous! I hear you about making sure to find the best way to ensure the antique dresser doesn’t get water damage. Looks like you found a good solution!

    Reply
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    Amanda
    October 26, 2016

    It is looking SO GOOD! I love the vanity and that wallpaper is insane in the best possible way.

    Reply
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    Sabrina
    October 26, 2016

    Stunning! I love the old dresser and subway tile is my fave!

    Reply
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    mrstarman
    October 26, 2016

    Simply everything about this is so beautiful and inspiring. I love how unusual it is. Nicely done!

    Reply
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    Maria Brittis
    October 26, 2016

    You did a fabulous job in finding the perfect sink to match that gorgeous vanity you painted! Kudos to you! Everything is looking so classy .
    Thanks
    Maria

    Reply
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    Ariel
    October 27, 2016

    “THERE’S A SLOTH SMOKING A HOOKAH IN MY BATHROOM!!!!!!!!!!!!! THERE’S A BADGER WEARING A PIRATE’S EYE PATCH DRINKING A PINA COLADA!!!!!! I’M DYING! ” I TOO AM DYING! ALL CAPS PARTY!
    LOVE THE PROGRESS!

    Reply
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    Jeanie
    October 27, 2016

    love the vanity and am most definitely that wall paper!

    Reply
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    [email protected]
    October 27, 2016

    That wallpaper is so bold and so you! love it.

    Reply
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    Emy
    October 27, 2016

    That wallpaper is too much fun! That otter with the fan! Love it. The vanity turned out amazing!

    Reply
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    Colette @ restyle it wright
    October 27, 2016

    omg this post made me laugh out loud. That’s a pretty cool sloth! Hope the rustoleum works for you and stands up for the long haul!

    Reply
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    Amy @ Love On Sunday
    October 27, 2016

    That antique dresser is amazing! Can’t wait to see the final space 🙂

    Reply
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    Rachel
    October 27, 2016

    Oh, l looooove the combination of that vanity and tile together. Your description of the wallpaper cracked me up til I almost couldn’t breath! Kudos on the “potty paradise” progress.

    Reply
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    Breanna Bertolini
    October 27, 2016

    Yay, proud of you girl. And your hubby ha. Such a great makeover and the perfect sink vanity!

    Reply
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    Lynn Spencer
    October 27, 2016

    That Tile! That Wallpaper! You are going to have to give tours of the bathroom to everyone…it will be stunning.
    Can’t wait to see the final project.

    well done!

    Lynn

    Reply
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    Crystal Fox
    October 27, 2016

    That looks WAY easier than I assumed it would be! Wow! I love how everything is coming together! It’s the perfect fit for your bathroom!

    Reply
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    Eliesa @ Pinterest Addict
    October 27, 2016

    That paper is A-MAZ-ZING… (yes, I know there are not two z’s – but it’s that good!) Love the floor, the the vanity and that sink… wow. I can’t wait to see it all done. I think I’m gonna need that paper, at least a little of it for a project. Got any left over you want to sell me?

    Reply
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    Oksana | FOXYOXIE.com
    October 27, 2016

    I don’t know how I’m only now discovering that you’re also taking part in the ORC!!! The only excuse I have is that I’ve been so busy with ours that I haven’t seen the light of day since September. LOL

    I can’t decide what I love more: that sexy tile, the bathroom vanity or THAT WALLPAPER!!!

    Reply
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    Jillian
    October 27, 2016

    Again amazing! I can’t even deal with how cool this bathroom is going to be.

    Reply
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    Mysha
    October 27, 2016

    That vanity is insane girl… in love! Im really digging all the pattern mix you have going too! I am also renovating a bathroom for the ORC! It’s a lot of work!

    Reply
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    Trisha D. @blackandwhiteobsession
    October 27, 2016

    That wallpaper says ‘its not all business in here’ haha. Love the way everything is coming together and the black and white ALWAYS melts my heart!!

    Reply
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    Sarah
    October 27, 2016

    LOVE the vanity! Glad you could find a sink that fit! Loving the cement tile and how it’s all coming together!!

    Reply
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    Kristi
    October 27, 2016

    That vanity looks absolutely AHHHHMAZing! And the wallpaper is SO fun!!! Can’t wait to see more next week friend!

    Reply
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    [email protected] AddValueToYourHome
    October 27, 2016

    LOVE what you did with the dresser. The sink style & dresser are a perfect match. Looking forward to the reveal and seeing it all together – especially with that wallpaper!!!

    Reply
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    Jenn @ My Fabuless Life
    October 28, 2016

    Kyla! This is AMAZING. And I’m obsessed with that crazy, awesome wallpaper. I can’t wait to see the end result!!

    Reply
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    Mark Joshua Santos
    October 28, 2016

    Nice! It has perfect color combination that is very relaxing to our eyes. I really like its combination.

    Reply
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    Cuckoo4Design
    October 28, 2016

    Oh my gosh this is so so good! I’m in love!

    Reply
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    Robin
    October 28, 2016

    I love that dresser, and I can’t believe you found such a perfect sink for it! Oh, and that wallpaper is pure awesomeness! Can’t wait to see more next week!

    Reply
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    Denise
    October 29, 2016

    Wow! That vanity is amazing!! And that tile..oh my goodness! This is going to be one gorgeous bathroom!

    Reply
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    Lindi
    October 30, 2016

    OMG! I’m dying over the dresser and tile! Soooo stinkin’ beautiful!!

    Reply
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    Carol, The Red Painted Cottage
    November 1, 2016

    I love seeing you use this antique dresser in a most unusual way and I can’t wait to see the reveal of the entire room! It’s going to be awesome!

    Reply
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    Ruthie
    November 2, 2016

    I absolutely love where this bathroom is at!! Would you come and do mine for me?!

    Reply
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    Stephanie @ Casa Watkins Living
    November 7, 2016

    Insanely cute!!! I love the look and it looks superb against the floors. Super chic.

    Reply
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      kyla
      Stephanie @ Casa Watkins Living
      November 9, 2016

      Thanks Stephanie!

      Reply
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    Kim Tatman
    February 15, 2017

    Could you tell me where I could find the floor tile.
    Thanks

    Reply
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      kyla
      Kim Tatman
      February 21, 2017

      Hi Kim! The tile is from Clé Tile and can be found here: https://www.cletile.com/ Cheers! Kyla

      Reply
  • The Bathroom Makeover - Potty Paradise - House Of Hipsters
    July 8, 2021

    […] I managed to pick up this mirror at Elkhorn Flea Market a month ago. At first, I thought the gold finish was too harsh, but it’s being embraced for the time being. I’m going to live with it a bit before deciding to dull it down. Also, in case you’re wondering where on earth that vanity is from up top, it’s actually an antique cabinet. Learn how to turn an antique dresser into a vanity. […]

    Reply

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