I do a upcycle/repurpose post about once a week or so because my thought is why throw something away if you can make it into something else that is useful and/or beautiful. Not that I want you to start hording stuff…. 🙂 But instead, I’d like to encourage you all to look at things differently. If you need something, first look to see what you already have that can be repurposed before running out and buying something. Today I’m doing a round up of ways that an old drawer can be repurposed.
How to Repurpose Old Drawers
- What Can I Make? The possibilities are endless for what you can repurpose an old drawer into. Everyone thinks of shelves, but there is also storage, planters, clocks, displays, and so many wonderful projects. Get creative and see where you will end up!
- It’s Not Junk. Apply some paint, sand it down, or install fabric, and a vintage drawer will be transformed into a useful piece for your home.
- Cheap and Easy. Pick up a drawer at a thrift store or find one in the old shed. It is a cheap way to add a little vintage to your bedroom or bathroom.
Check out these amazingly creative ideas for using old dresser drawers in a new way!
1. Display Drawer
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You can spruce up an old drawer and use it for display like this cute one from Brenda @ Cozy Little House
2. Vintage Drawer Ottoman
Add some feet to a drawer and make a pretty ottoman like this one from Beyond The Picket Fence
3. Sandwich Station
Isn’t this a wonderful idea! This drawer was upcycled into a sandwich station by Miki’s Design @ Curbly.
4. Window Shadow Box
These drawers were turned into very cool shadowboxes are from Salvaged Whimsy
5. Window Craft Storage Box
What a great practical idea! A drawer upcycled into craft storage by Happiness is Homemade.
6. Dollhouse Window Repurpose
This super cute dollhouse is made from two drawers-see the tutorial at By Your Hands
7. Old Drawer Clock
Isn’t this clock made by Creative Ambitions clever? She used the back of the drawer for the clock face. I never think about using the back!
8. Planter
This drawer planter is eye-catching and would be a great addition to an office or waiting room. Addicted 2 Decorating features this vintage feeling planter. 
9. Serving Tray Drawer
Repurpose your old drawer into this cool shabby serving tray from Petticoat Junktion.
10. Bathroom Storage
I am in love with this repurposing of some old crates and a drawer to create vintage storage in a bathroom from Robb Restyle!
11. Fairy Garden Box
Vicki O’Dell uses her vintage drawer and transforms it into a whimsical fairy garden box.
12. Chippy Chalkboard Drawer
How charming is this drawer upcycle? Chipping With Charm remodels an old drawer into a multipurpose shelf for the kitchen including a chalkboard and towel holder.
13. Jewelry Organizer
We all need extra space to store our jewelry. The North End Loft upcycles a drawer into a useful and adorable jewelry holder.
14. Bulletin Board Drawer
Landeelu Creating A Home remakes a simple drawer into a beautiful bulletin board that can be customized to fit any room.
15. Bookshelf
Create a bookshelf with a couple of old drawers, some paint, and patterned material! Get the steps here from HomeTalk.
Which one is your favorite?
For more repurposing ideas, check out these posts:
Ideas for Repurposing Old Shutters
Ideas for Repurposing Placemats
I always look at garage sales for old drawers. I’ve used them for a variety of things. But I rarely seem to find them. Thanks for featuring my sewing machine drawer.
Brenda
Lots of great ideas! I’ve never thought about using one in the garden!
I know cute right! I imagine it wouldn’t last too long if you’re in a climate with lots of rain. I once used a real bed in my garden and it lasted a year before falling apart 🙂
Very clever and inspiring ideas here, Manuela! I use a sewing machine drawer {like Brenda’s} in my sewing room to hold my ruffled trim cards.
Lots of great ideas – thanks for sharing. There used to be a lot of the old sewing machine drawers around, as many of the old machines tops were removed and the base used to make table (I have one of those). Have not been to the flea in some time now, so don’t know what is out there.
Enjoy your evening.
I’d love to have an old sewing machine drawer since they’re so nice and narrow! I’m going flea/thrifting on my anniversary this month so I’ll be looking for one.
Very clever upcycling! My favorites are the ones used as planters.
I really like the ottoman idea! (Recently saw an old drawer used as the stable for a manger scene.)
http://barbdelldesigns.blogspot.com/2013/12/merry-christmas.html
Grandma Barb’s This n’ That…
I like it so well, I’m looking for a great drawer.
Oh yes, that’s just beautiful! You have to find the right kind of drawer for something like that. The wood bottom of hers is just perfect.
Love these ideas! Thank you so much! The one with the plates in it is AWESOME:) Have a blessed evening dear friend, HUGS!
Brenda’s always coming up with great ideas. I have about 10 of these old sewing drawers that I use!
Enjoy your weekend!
Leann
Lucky you! I’ve been looking but haven’t found one so far.
What fun ideas!
I am going to paint the dresser in my creative space and was thinking of removing a couple of the drawers and replace them with baskets. If I do that, then I will have to do something fun with the drawers.
I have some drawers in the attic. Currently, I am so non creative that I’m only using them for under the bed storage. Now, I have some new ideas. I really love that sandwich station. We don’t make a lot of sandwiches anymore, but I sill like it as a baggie/saran wrap station. Very, very clever!
I know, we don’t really have lots of sandwiches either. Good idea if you have kids and have to make their lunches every day. I’m always amazed at the creativity of others that’s why I love doing these repurposing round ups. I would never think of some of these things on my own!
Very clever ideas. I like the one that Cozy Little House made. Mimi
I love these ideas! I’m definitely going to be looking at drawers differently 🙂
I really like your site, especially recycling items for another use. L0ve the drawer ideas and really all your tips.
Beautiful! Such inspirational ideas! Thank you!