Transform your space with this beautiful and easy IKEA dresser makeover! We share exactly how to give the Koppang dresser a stunning new look on a budget.
After 7 years of marriage, my husband and I decided it was time for a dresser upgrade. I’m all for a good ready-to-assemble piece of furniture, but once I saw IKEA dresser makeover ideas on Pinterest, I figured I could create a modern high-end looking dresser on a budget!
Below I’m sharing the full tutorial for this IKEA dresser makeover along with several tips and tricks that will help you along the way.
Materials Needed
- Koppang dresser
- Wood filler
- Sanding block
- Fabric (I got 1 yard (36 inches x 54 inches) of similar fabric. It’s a linen blend upholstery fabric in a light beige color).
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun
- 3/8 inches x 1-1/4 inches pine moulding (at least 38 feet)
- Wood glue
- Saw
- Clamps
- Drill and bits
- Level
- Gold handles
Total cost for project: $372
Step by Step Instructions
1. Assemble the Koppang dresser following the instructions. DO NOT assemble the drawers.
2. Fill all of the pre-drilled handle holes on the drawer fronts with wood filler. Sand down once filled.
3. Iron the fabric to remove any creases.
4. Space the drawer fronts on the fabric.
5. Cut the fabric around the drawer front to get a rectangle piece. These don’t need to be perfect because you’ll be covering the edges with the moulding.
6. Add a line of hot glue on one of the short edges of the drawer fronts. Press the piece of fabric onto the glue. Once it’s dried, add another line of glue on the opposite short edge and stretch the fabric across tightly. Press the fabric into the glue. Make sure it’s tight so there are no creases or gaps in the fabric.
7. Trim any fabric that may be hanging over the edge of the drawer fronts.
8. Measure the lengths of the drawer fronts and mark those measurements on the pine moulding. Then make the cuts with a circular or miter saw. We chose to do straight cuts so the top and bottom pieces of wood extended all the way to the edge and the side pieces fit in between. If you want a different look you can do angled 45-degree cuts so the pieces fit together like a picture frame. When you are measuring the lengths, be sure none of the wood is hanging over the edge of the drawer fronts or they won’t close (more on that in the tips and tricks section.)
9. Next you’ll glue the moulding pieces to each drawer front. Add a good amount of wood glue to each piece and place it on the drawer fronts. I also added some wood glue to the middle of each drawer under the fabric to keep it tight against the wood. You can also place the wood a little lower than right on the edge and pull the fabric up as you press the wood into place. This will ensure the fabric is as tight and smooth as possible. But be sure none of the wood is hanging over the edge of the drawer fronts or they won’t close (more on that in the tips and tricks section.)
10. Once the pieces of wood are on, secure with clamps. Let dry for 24 hours or at least overnight.
11. Once all of the drawer fronts are dry, measure the length of the handles from screw hole to screw hole. Use the pre-drilled holes on the drawer fronts that you filled to find the center of the drawer front and then mark where you need to drill from there.
12. Use a drill bit to drill from the back of the drawer to the front. Once you get to the fabric, be very careful that you don’t twist or pull it when you make the hole. Add the screw into the hole you drilled from the back of drawer.
13. Use a level to make sure the next hole is straight and then drill through the wood like in step 12.
14. Finish assembling the drawers. Then attach the handles and make sure they are level.
15. Place the drawers into the dresser and admire your work!
Tips and Tricks
Mirror | Print | Pampas Grass Arrangement | Earring Holder
We made several mistakes and learned a lot during this DIY.
The first is don’t glue the wood over the edges of the drawer fronts. I definitely wasn’t paying to attention to how far over the edge I was pulling the wood moulding and it ended up making it so the drawers didn’t close properly.
The quick fix we found for this was to raise the drawer slides up a little by drilling a new hole. This made it so the drawers closed. We had to move a few drawers around so the ones with the most overhang were at the bottom, but it ended up working out in the end.
To save yourself some time, you can measure and cut the pieces you’re going to use for the drawer fronts and then use those as guide wood to cut the rest of the pieces.
You can use a nail gun to secure the wood to the drawer fronts, but I wanted this to be as easy as possible so I went with glue instead. This saved me from having to fill and sand all of the nail holes and the glue is super strong!
I originally wanted to attach the handles to the top of the drawers, but when I started drilling the holes, the moulding started to crack and split, so I changed my plan and attached them to the middle of the drawer. I actually love how it turned out!
Want More?
If you liked this post, I know you’ll love these:
- Easy Picture Frame Moulding Accent Wall
- DIY PVC Backdrop Stand
- IKEA Billy Bookcase Built-Ins
- How To Refinish a Table
- Small Basement Bathroom Ideas on a Budget
Your Turn
I’m so happy with how this dresser makeover turned out and I can’t believe it took us so long to upgrade. We have way more space in this dresser, and I love how the drawer fronts give off a modern, boho vibe.
I hope this tutorial inspires you to complete your own IKEA dresser makeover. Are you going to attempt this DIY? Let us know in the comments!