So…apparently I have a thing for making use of cast-off drawers. There. I said it. I gotta tell ya that a fun adventure awaits when recreating found objects. Take this duo I came upon in the thrift store. They sat on the shelves for weeks, so I decided to give them a new purpose. Check out how they became my upcycled drawers tiered stand. Let’s get our DIY on!
First, I had to ask myself why there were on the shelf so long. Well, my only conclusion was that no one knows what to do with a few misfit drawers. They don’t sit square and they need something built to make use of them. Then I thought, why not grab them and create something to inspire?
Here I am. You can see in my past posts how I’ve made use of other drawers that have come across my path in one form or another. With this project today, I decided to keep it super simple so that most anyone and recreate this same idea with what they have on hand.
BUILDING TIME
Before we begin, do note that these are wood framed drawers, and not a fiberboard or some other manufactured wood. Wood is by far superior and easier to work with. However, do note that the bottoms are a of a faux kind, but will work fine for our purpose.
First, I need to make the drawers stable and level. Because the drawer faces hang lower than the rest of the drawer, I needed to add some feet to prop it up. I have an old coffee can full of wooden drawer knobs just for this purpose.
This set will do nicely. I glue them on and then nail in place with my nailer.
Then, I grab some scrap hardwood in my stash that is approximately 1″ x 1″. I cut the wood to 8″ length on my miter saw. (you can use a hand saw too) That length will allow spacing that will afford use of both tiers.
Once cut, I use glue and my nailer again and assemble it all. Here is my upcycled drawers tiered stand in the rough, ready for the next steps.
TIME TO PAINT
However, before I get my painting self started, I used wood filler to fill the nail holes and those old knob holes too. Once sanded, we are now ready for paint. yahoo!!
As a base coat, I used a dark gray primer. Then, for a contrast I used two coats of this Flat White spray paint on top.
Next, all I needed to do was distress a bit, add some bin label pulls, line it, and we’re done. Wasn’t that easy?!
To stage it, I’ve set it up in my kitchen, however, the sky’s the limit with something like this. Use it in your bathroom for toiletries, in your laundry, on your desk, in your bedroom for jewelry…you get the idea. Also, I would love to have a studio with oodles of these for paints and art supplies too. Ooh…or maybe even lined with plastic (like my DIY planters) and full of succulents in my dream green house. Or better yet…a cat bunk bed. I know my diva would sit in there if I let her.
What would you use it for? I’d love to hear your ideas.
WRAP-UP
Inspiring you is what I’m all about. I hope this has maybe given you an eye for actually looking out for drawers that are still useful, but may be in a curbside desk or dresser that is busted beyond repair. You can always salvage legs, knobs, drawers to recreate into new.
Meanwhile, you can find this and more available for you home in my online shop.
Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130
Additionally, pin and share my upcycled drawers tiered stand to inspire others. We can all learn from each other and make our own home story.
Likewise, I’m so stoked this project is featured in Summer 2022 Country Sampler’s Farmhouse Style Magazine. See all my other features HERE.
Up next, this vintage serpentine dresser is about to bet a much needed face-lift. See the new look HERE.
To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!
Also, more projects like my upcycled drawers tiered stand:
Really like your tiered drawer stand.
I have something very similar that I keep my Christmas supplies in during the holidays and the rest of the year I store other craft items in; all depends what I’m working on at the time.
I noticed your cute little pig bread board so of course I had to have hubby make me a cute little pig board just used scrap wood he had laying around.
Enjoy your day and have a great weekend.
Cold, wet and windy here. Got down to freezing temperatures last night. Needless to say; I hate the cold.
It sounds like the perfect organizer. I love things like this helping me stay sane. hee hee. Sweet that he made you one! I believe mine is a highschool project from some woodshop class. I love it. Try to stay warm!
This is really cute!
Thank you, Kimberly.
That’s a really attractive little double shelf; I could use one like that to corral all my coffee items.
Keep up the good work!
Sweet! I’m not a coffee drinker, but knew many folks are. haha. I could use this more in my crafty spaces.
That is really cool, Larissa. As I was looking at the finished product I was thinking that using some sort of spindle to hold the drawers apart would also look neat. You, know like old stair rail spindles or something similar. I now have to go looking through my stash of “stuff” to see if I have the pieces needed to create something similar to what you have done with your drawers. I’m inspired! Thanks!
Awesome! I wanted spindles, but have plumb run out. I need to refresh my stash! 😀
P.S. Your pig cutting board is just like one I have that my brother made for me way back in his high school woodworking class! I love it.
I do believe this is one of those for sure. I love it!
Wow! I dearly love tiers. They belong in every home, by the dozen. I mean that. ? You’re right, there’s no limit on what you could stash in that little cutie. Nice job!!!
I’m right there with ya, Becky! 😀 haha!
This is a really cute project. We always have several dogs (is 8 “several? – While we currently have only 3, we have had as many as 8 inside dogs at once – boy was it fun!) I cleaned, painted inside and out, and stenciled names on the front of a couple that I found in a thrift store. I put a pillow in each one and they were very popular – even with dogs who thought it had their name on the front!) I used pillowcases found at Goodwill to cover pillows.
Absolutely perfect! What a funtastic way to give them love. We’ve made those too and also use larger drawers for underbed storage with casters on the bottom. So many ways…
So many uses! This is fantastic! Love the coffee station idea. I’d use it to house all my pricing booth supplies etc.
It’s awesome and so are you!~
You are just the best, Kim. Thank you for the sweet words.