I picked up these drawers on Freecycle. They were salvaged from the kitchen of a 1940s house that was demolished. My original plan was to put the drawers on wheels and use them as under-bed storage. Turns out, no two drawers are the same height, which would look janky. So I tried stacking them vertically instead. You could also hang these drawers on the wall as individual shadowboxes. You could even add shelves inside each drawer.
Salvaged drawers = modular bookcase
Supplies
- primer
- 2 coordinating paint colors
- decorative or wrapping paper (I got mine at Paper Source)
- découpage glue (I used Mod Podge)
- drywall screws
- wood filler
Tools
- paintbrush
- drop cloth
- scissors or craft knife, straight edge, and cutting mat
- tape measure or yardstick
- brayer (optional)
- drill
- sand paper
- vacuum or tack cloth
1. Fill the drawer-pull holes with wood filler. Let dry. Sand the rough edges and vacuum off the dust, then paint one coat of primer.
2. Paint the outer sides one color. I used Ralph Lauren Aged Mint (IB25).
3. When dry, paint the inner sides the other color. I used Infinity Edge of Wedgewood (no longer available). To achieve a clean edge where the two paint colors meet, pull your paintbrush toward the edge. No taping necessary. Let the paint dry for several hours.
4. Measure and cut the decorative paper to fit in the bottom of each drawer.
5. Insert the paper to make sure it fits. Trim as necessary.
6. Paint a layer of glue onto the wood, then place the paper on top. I found it easier if I poured a thin wavy line of glue onto the surface, then spread it with my paintbrush. Work quickly: Flatten the paper with a brayer or your hands. Smooth out the air bubbles before the glue sets.
7. Then spread another layer of glue over the top of the paper. Wipe off excess glue on the sides before it dries. Let dry.
8. Affix each drawer to the wall with a drywall screw. Pre-drill into studs or use a drywall anchor or molly bolt.
