You know you are loved when your friends bring you gifts like this…right? What do you think? Well, I gladly accepted it as a freebie, though I wasn’t sure if I should. Check out how I created an upcycled dresser with this mirror that makes it look like they belong together.
I’ll never deny I’m a sucker for mirrors in all shapes and sizes. They add light and depth to a room but can be reworked in many ways. The size of this one kinda limited its repurposing capabilities, but you know I’m game to try.
My first thought was to find a dresser suitable and if that didn’t work out, I’d find a new use for it. Well, within 5 minutes of looking online, I found this antique gem right in my neighborhood. SCORE!
It’s in solid shape with much wear, but nothing I can’t handle with some DIY elbow grease. The top wasn’t in good enough shape to refinish and the sides both had messed up veneer, plus a broken caster.
We set the pair together to see if it’s a go, and I was happy to see that I can make it work. We have 1980’s paired with 1920’s…haha…a match made in heaven, right? Both even have the same awful orangey finish.
*post sponsored by HomeRight (see full disclosure)
DIY TIME
In order to make the pieces jive I needed to find a way to tie them together. First, I took off the bullseye in the center of the dresser and replaced it with a similar applique as the mirror has.
After that, I filled all the damage with wood filler, and also filled the drawer pull holes because I planned to replace them. I sure used a whole lotta filler, but that stuff works awesome.
Once the filler has cured, I use my sander to take it all down and make it ready for the finishing touches. Another detail I wanted to add were some key escutcheons. I’ve had these in my stash from making our custom blanket chests and have used them on many pieces. They make a nice feature that adds a story.
PAINT TIME
Now time for the fun part…paint! {{happy dance}} This is my color of choice – a seconds latex paint I have yet to name. Isn’t that blue pretty?
To get the paint party started, I set up my paint sprayer. 
The shelter sets up in a matter of minutes and I have my sprayer ready to go using the blue tip. You can see it in action in my video below:
To begin with an even coat, I start moving the sprayer using my shoulder and elbow, not my wrist. That is key as you want the sprayer to project an even stream. Feel free to practice on cardboard or scrap wood to get the hold right, as well as adjust the flow.
No primer is needed in this instance, but if I were concerned about bleed-through I would start with a Kilz primer.
ASSEMBLY
Once the first coat has cured for about two hours, I repeat with a second coat and let cure as well. After the paint was cured, it was time to assemble. Now, remember that this is an upcycled dresser set, so I had to find a way to connect them. I added two brackets to the back of the mirror as shown.
For inside the dresser, I used my Kreg Jig to make pocket holes to attach a 1″x 4″ for added mirror support. I placed it just behind the middle drawer as I wanted plenty of length support for this size mirror.
THE REVEAL
Ready to see my upcycled dresser set assembled and done? I am!
You would never know this set didn’t belong together, right? The paint helps to make it all gel, and the added details brought new life to it too. I simply added highlights with an antique white latex and a bit of brown wax for depth.
The glass knobs add a little bling, while the escutcheons give it a bit more of a formal feel. Plus, the added applique helped tie it all together. With all those lovely carved decorations, I just had to add some embellishments to draw them out.
So there you have it. A complete new set made out of two mismatched beauties. 
While I enjoyed having the dresser in my bedroom, it’s not there to stay. It’s now available in my shop along with all my other handmade and found creations.
SHARE
Likewise, leave some comment love below. In addition, pin and share this upcycled dresser makeover to inspire others to make their house their home.
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Also, more projects like my upcycled dresser:
It is such a beautiful color. You would never know it the dresser was made up of two different pieces. What a great makeover.
I’m so glad you think so, Debra. Super fun challenge and glad Mandy thinks enough of me to save me gems like this one.
What a Beautiful make-over and such a lovely color. Was like the 2 pieces where meant for each other.
Actually 1st thing I would tackle with the sprayer & tent would be anything and everything that isn’t already painted; of which makes up for quite the list. :-}
Thank You for this wonderful giveaway opportunity.
Hard to believe they were from different eras, isn’t it? Thanks so much, Colleen.
Beautiful job!
Thank you, Dana. 😀
I love love love this dresser! I love the color and how the added details really tied the two pieces together! The first project I would tackle with the HOME RIGHT sprayyer and shield would be a pair of antique bentwood chairs! I have been putting off off painting these chairs because it will be tedious with a paintbrush but a spayed would make this project a breeze!
How fun to hear, Bobbi! Thank you. You know I wouldn’t be caught using my brush for chairs…sprayer for sure!
I have some cane back kitchen chairs that would be so much easier to spray!
I think this is my new favorite color! Just love how it turned out!
Fantastic! It’s such a pretty blue. Thank you, Amy.
Love that shade of blue! I didn’t follow exactly where you put the 1 x 4 for added support. Is it added to the inside back of the dresser where the two top drawers fit? Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
Thanks! It is behind the middle drawer, but could be at the top. We wanted the upright supports to be long to hold that tall of a mirror. Just depends on what you’re dealing with.
I LOVE the color and the mirror is perfect for the dresser!
Thanks! I just love this color of blue. 😀
Larissa – The dresser set is just beautiful! I am so fascinated by the way you take an object and turn it into something that coordinates so well. You truly have a gift. I love the blue – soft and feminine. I think my first project with a spray set-up would be a large dresser I have, that I would like to change into a cabinet for the TV in the living room. It’s been waiting in my garage for more than a year! Yikes! I better get busy…. Blessings to you and your family!
You’ve made my day, Judy! Thank you so much for the smile and encouraging words. Sounds like you have some fun coming up! 😉
Wow, what a great makeover! I adore the way you pulled pieces from your stash to meld the two pieces, and eras, together. The blue is perfect. I have a CD storage unit that I would love to paint an off-white color and the Homeright system would be perfect for that project.
This was an exciting challenge, and I’m so glad Mandy thought of me in the first place. Thank you, Christina. 😀
Fantastic re creation. Love your color choice! You nailed it again?
I’m delighted you think so, Nancy. Thank you!
Simply BEAUTIFUL!!! I love the color and you pulled it all together beautifully! I really have to get myself a sprayer.??
aww…thanks, Cheryl! I had fun with it. You really do. It has endless uses!
simply beautiful! and like everyone else, I LOVE the color! changing the appliqué was an excellent idea, it married the two pieces perfectly!
That silly bullseye had to go. haha. Thanks so much, Gwen!
Love, love the set. They do look like they were always a set. The color and the bling ties it all together. I think it would be great to try the Homeright system for a similar look. Thanks for sharing.
What a treat to hear, Melva. Thanks so much! You will love this set – really!
I enjoy seeing your makeovers. I would paint some chairs if I won!
Glad to hear it. 🙂
Love love the dresser! It being blue just makes it that much better. The sprayer would be so great to have. Projects right and left.
Blue for the win! tee hee. Thanks, Frances!
This is beautiful! The new embellishment really ties it together perfectly! You have great eye for detail.
I’d love to have a sprayer and shelter like you have. I have an antique dresser and a server that are just waiting for a new lease on life. They could both use a little Home Right love!
It had to have some fun added to it as the mirror was so feminine and the dresser masculine. I’m delighted you like it!
I love how the dresser and mirror turned out! After all the finishing touches they go together beautifully! I would love to use a homeright sprayer and shelter for so many projects! I have a table setting on my porch right now that I’ve been meaning to paint for a while.
It truly was fun to give it a DIY try. I wasn’t sure it would gel, but glad it did. Thanks so much!
I love this dresser! I so wish I had a sprayer so I could make beautiful pieces! Would make my jobs so much easier!
Thank you, Martha. I hope you win!
Now that is one, no two, beautiful pieces! I love the way the detail you changed out matches so perfectly! I don’t think this will last long in the shop! Your friend must know you very well to bring you such a beautiful mirror and you did her proud!
tee hee…you’re so fun, Shirley! Thank you for the giggle. Yes, an awesome friend, indeed.
Just Beautiful. You have such an eye for details, color, and design. Wonderful redo!
You’ve made my day, Stephanie. Thank you!
Absolutely gorgeous Larissa! Love that blue. Wonderful job, well done!
It’s been awhile since I’ve done a blue piece, so I thought it was high time. I’m so glad you like it. 😀
You are amazing as usual. This piece is gorgeous. Thanks for always sharing your talents with us. I would love to repair and paint my grandma’s vanity first. Then a few more projects that I have not started. Thanks for the giveaway and all of your inspiration and tips.
It’s my pleasure to share and makes it fun. Thank you for showing me love, Brandi. {{hugs}}
I do love your project, Larissa, like I love all of them! Cornflower Blue hit me first for a paint color name, but that’s so over-used. Maybe Melancholy Blue? I have several old picture frames that I’d like to paint using this product.
Aww…thanks! I love your ideas for colors. Maybe one day I can get my own line done.
It’s absolutely beautiful! And what a gorgeous blue. Would love to win the Homeright sprayer and shelter. It would help to finish a few projects before fall is here. Keep up the good work.
Thank you, Barb. You will LOVE the sprayer. Yahoo!
Larissa, what a gorgeous color of “ops” paint! I always check the ops cans of paint, talk about trashure, right!! I have a couple cans of nice “ops” paints just waiting to be used on a project!!
Your friend Mandy did a great job finding this mirror and you my dear, put them together and made them sing ?
They are so nice to find unique colors, and affordable too. I’m glad to hear I’m not alone in the oops hunt! 😀
The escutcheons and embellishments really take it from pretty to fabulous! Is the paint latex? Hard to pass up paint seconds -I have a small collection awaiting future projects 🙂
Thank you, Rebecca. Yes, a latex paint. They make what I do like a treasure hunt fun!
What an absolutely gorgeous piece! The blue color is perfect! You always do such a professional job! Thanks for the giveaway.
Fantabulous to hear – thank you, Lynne! 😀
Would love to win! This color reminds me of Louis blue – one of my faves. ?
Fun!
I love that blue! Did you use a white wax on the details?
I do too. I used an antique white latex with a bit of brown wax.
This is one of my new favorites! I’d never be able to part with these lovely pieces! You continue to outdo yourself!
Happy dance! Thank you for saying so, Sana. How fun!
Stunning! It’s beautiful!! You are amazingly creative!!!
Thank you for your sweet encouragement, Hanna. It means so much.
Well that turned out perfectly…who said different generations can’t get along! It also goes great with your bedroom!
haha…so true!! Thank you, Kim. I can’t wait to see where it’s new home is.
It looks like it was always a set! Beautiful!. If I win I have a blanket chest to make over ?
Yippee!! I’m stoked to hear it. Thank you!
Really great job once again! I love the way you tied the two pieces together and updated the dresser to give it a glam look to match the mirror. Love the lighter effects on the embellishments. I too am wondering – white wax?
I had to try and am so glad you like it. Than you! I used an antique white latex with a bit of brown was to highlight.
Great marriage with those two pieces. Your attention to the little details certainly makes all of the difference.
It truly takes time, but like you said, makes all the difference. Thank you, Sonja.
Your beautiful piece inspires me to paint the Singer sewing machine cabinet and stand that I prepped two years ago. The sprayer and tent will help the process and let me move on to several dressers. Thanks for sharing and inspiring.
That would be a blast…literally! 😀
I love how you married these pieces. It is so much fun to customize things and not have the same cookie-cutter furniture as everyone else.
You nailed it. Nothing like making your own home story. Thank you for the love! 🙂
What a pretty blue! I wouldn’t mind copying that on some of my dining room furniture here in the near future! : )
That would be wonderful!
Oooh la la! That dresser is so lovely and in the prettiest shade of blue (that also found its way to you for this project). I look forward to being amazed every time that I open your post and you always deliver. I was looking forward to this reveal because I recently picked up a dresser mirror at a yard sale that I thought would go with a dresser that we have (that I still have not redone). Neither piece is as lovely as what you started with they are very plain and masculine; which is perfect because it would be for my husband. Maybe if I could acquire a sprayer and tent, I could get er done before the rainy season. Thanks for the opportunity to win one!
Your words truly mean much as I try to inspire. It’s much work, but fun too. thank you, Paula. I can’t wait to see who wins. It sure would help you in your own furniture adventure!
Awesome job! And the blue paint looks great
Thank you, Lori!
The swapping of those little appliques changed everything and it ties them together so well. Brilliant!
I haven’t done a thing this summer due to my grown-up children coming home, but I sure did enjoy them.
Hope I get to have a brilliant make over like you did before it gets too cold. ?
It was fun to give it a try. Thank you, Grace!
You ARE the furniture whisperer!
tee hee! You are too cute!
Beautiful!!! My neighbor gave us a dresser that he longer wanted in his garage and my daughter has claimed it. A sprayer would make this job so much easier to tackle! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Ooh…what a great neighbor! Sounds like fun. 😀
Love, love, love the color! So sad you can’t identify it for us so I can use it to pain built-in s i am currently working on. If I won the sprayer the timing would be perfect as I am getting very close to being ready to paint!
Thanks so much!
Love the color. Did you name it yet?
Always impressed with your talent
Thanks! Nope, not yet. Thank you for the love.
So pretty and love the color. The pieces go together so perfectly! You make the sprayer look so easy!
It truly was a fun challenge that I enjoyed. Thank you!
As always, a gorgeous finish!
You are so sweet, Cathy. Thank you!
Beautiful color and they look very well together. Love your blog and your creativeness.
Thank you, Joyce. That makes my heart happy.
Larissa, you inspire me and you are such a lovely role model. I would love to win the spray shelter. I have a houseful of curb shopped furniture that needs to be beautified. Tables, chairs, dressers. I donate many of my finds to an organization which helps refugees and I’d love to do more than just clean up the furniture. I love what you’ve done with these two pieces you show-cased today. I also have a spare mirror that needs to be attached to something, so this helps me to figure out how to do that. Thanks so much for the opportunity to take a chance at your generous giveaway!
Your words made my day, Patty. How sweet of you to say. Thank you! Sounds like you have some fun planned!
I LOVE it !!! Blue is my favorite. Beautiful job, as always !!!!!!!!!!!!
Yay! Your are so fun!
Hi Larissa,
I’m a new follower of yours and you did a great job “marry-ing” this dresser and mirror! I’m planning to build a very looong bench soon and I hope it turns out as I envision. I better have a plan B though. Lol Thank you for your encouraging us all to DIY!
Jan
I’m so excited to have you, Jan! 😀 Thank you for the love.
What a beauty! The color is amazing. Love turning old into new.
Thanks! It was a blast to try…literally! 😀
What a beautiful peaceful color..the glass knobs a like the cherry ? on the top
That’s a fun way of putting it. Thank you!
That project turned out to be really lovely! I have never used a paint sprayer so I think I would choose a small table I have to paint first. I can think of other pieces, too, like a chest of drawers that my grandfather built for me when I was a baby. I painted it to use for my first daughter when she was a babe and it’s had one more coat of paint since then. But it needs a refresher, for sure.
Thanks for sponsoring the contest!
You will love it!
That blue is to die for! I have an old dresser that I would LOVE to spray. Here’s hoping!!!
Wahoo!! You made me giggle, Deborah. Thanks!
Love this project! I have a small old dresser that I would use the sprayer on.
Sounds like fun!
Absolutely gorgeous!! I sooo need this sprayer to do my kitchen!!
It would be so nice to have for that kind of project. Hope you win!
I would redo the wardrobe in my bedroom. I keep putting it off as it has louvred doors. lol
Oh, I simply can’t decide yet! So many possibilities!
WOW…..the dresser and mirror where made for each other. Love the blue paint….very pretty!
Thank you so very much, Terri!
Love it! I would tackle a French Provincial Dresser just waiting for me in my garage.
Love the French Provincial style.
You’ve done it again! Beautiful. They look great together!
Thank you, thank you, Jeanette!
As usual, you have produced an amazing piece.
I’m so glad you think so. Thank you!
Larissa, this set turned out just beautiful! I love the color!
What fun I had with this whole thing. Thank you, Carol!
I believe I’ve commented this before, but I’m normally appalled at real wood furniture being painted…. but you have done it and changed my mind again! It’s just beautiful. I think this is my favorite of your projects yet. Though I think I’ve said that before as well!
Thank you, Shelly. 😉
Love the color. And thank you for the giveaway.
You’re welcome. 🙂
Genius makeover! You would never know they originally didn’t belong together! Really inspirational! I’ve had my eye on the sprayer…I’ve sworn off brush painting my hoard of dining chairs! Lol. This would make life much easier….plus I’d love to tackle my kitchen cabinets! Hopefully I entered giveaway right! (Fingers crossed;) thank you!
You’re a fun gal, Emily! 😀 Thank you for the smile.
I love how this turned out. I’m always finding random mirrors when I’m out picking. (Or are they finding me? 🙂 I’d love to try the sprayer on a large armoire that I’m about to tackle! Thanks for sharing!
They find you…just like this one as I wasn’t looking! haha!
I really enjoy every post you publish. Winning the HomeRight Shelter would be a painter’s dream come true.
That means so much. Thank you!
Absolutely beautiful. As always. You are amazing!
Thanks for making what I do so worth it. 🙂
Gorgeous pull together of items and love mistints!!
Thanks! You are a kindred spirit.
The dresser is beautiful. I am always amazed at what you accomplish!
It’s much work, but I love what I do. Thank you!
Great Job and I love the blue! The glass knobs really set it off too! Thank you for the giveaway – I would love to win!
Had to add some of my favorite bling. Thank you!
I always look forward to your posts. You inspire and amaze. I am a novice at recycling, repurposing, restoring, having recently retired. So still building my “tool box”. I have a small cabinet I am eager to paint and a dresser that has damaged veneer so painting is my plan. Your dresser turned out beautiful. Love the color and your creativity that created the match. Your a genius!
How exciting and congratulations! Thank you for the smile too. 😀
So pretty! Is that latex paint flat? It’s hard to tell in the photos. I have a dresser that has been in my garage for 7 yrs (yes I said 7!) It even made a move with us and I just can’t decide what to exactly to with it, I refuses to “talk” to me lol! It has sentimental meaning as it came from my in-laws after they passed away and I don’t want to mess it up. Maybe if I win the sprayer I will finally just go for it and hope it just starts screaming at me then! Thank you for the opportunity Larissa. 🙂
Thanks! Yes, it is in an eggshell finish. You will love it!
Another beautiful makeover Larissa! I can’t believe how incredibly amazing the 2 pieces look married together. Only you could have the vision to accomplish this! I have so many pieces I want to paint and the HomeRight sprayer would be such a help since it’s getting to where it hurts my hands to paint things by hand.
It was one of those things I had to try. Thank you, Debra!
I found a beautiful buffet that I’m turning into a coffee bar. All it needs is a little TLC and paint
I think I have a fear of color. A real fear. I don’t know that I’d ever be brave enough to paint a piece of furniture blue. Maybe someday! I do, however think it turned out lovely and would be stunning in the right place – French cottage comes to mind. Thank you, as always, for such lovely inspiration!
You can do it! Maybe start with a small piece work up. Warning: It’s addictive!
So pretty. You are so creative! Switching out the applique was brilliant and totally made this project but the key eschuteons are pretty fab, too. Details make it
Thank you, Christine! It just needed something.
I need to move closer just so I can buy your stuff..lol..This is amazing
aww…thank you!
Love the new look of the dresser and mirror “set’! I would be interested to see how you highlighted the details. If I were to win the HomeRight products, the first things I would paint are some frames I have been collecting for signs~ Christmas gifts! Thank you for the inspiration; those frames just might have some embellishments added.
How fun to think ahead. We do the same. Makes Christmas so special.
I just love this blue color. You always come with such great ideas. Love your blog.
Thank you, Peggy.
Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
You’re welcome.
Beautiful! I love the soft gray/blue color. It fits the piece well. I would tackle a handmade oak shelf/bookcase unit I picked up at a church resale shop so it would work better in my sewing studio.
Thanks! I do too. I couldn’t wait to use that color. Sounds like fun!
I have a bunch of shutters to do and boy would this make it a whole lot easier…. love the dresser
So glad you like it. Thank you!
I love the color and the detail work. I wish I had a place and the proper tools to redo furniture.?
Thank you, Judy. I hear ya. I use my house.
I love your projects and the inspirations you share. This one is by far my favorite. Marrying these two pieces was a perfect match!
Wahoo!! That’s so awesome to hear. Thank you, Winona.
Wow! That’s amazing!
Super fun to hear. Thank you!
Beautiful! I absolutely love seeing your posts, highlight of my day 🙂
Oh how sweet. Thank you for that, Cindy.
That blue is spectacular and I love the knobs! Another beautiful piece!
You’ve made me smile! 😀
So beautiful! And your staging skills are topnotch! How awesome that you give these pieces beautiful new lives. ?
It’s kinda like a passion to take all the unwanteds and make them new. Thank you, Staci. 🙂
Top notch transformation of this piece of furniture!
Wahoo!! Thank you for the awesome love, Carrie.
Stunning and calming at the same time. Love how you do that! Been thinking about a furniture paint sprayer myself and have gotten so many recommendations for HomeRight. Guess that’s the one to get! I have a petite china cabinet, a curvy buffet, and a Hoosier cabinet waiting impatiently in my garage…
I love how you said that. Thank you!
I like your new project..
I would tackle the dresser in the garage with HomeRight Super Finish Max Paint Sprayer and Spray Shelter.
Thank you. 🙂
Honey, you are a lifesaver. Five years ago a friend brought me this old beat up federal style dresser. Two years later I ended up finding this very same mirror sitting curbside and I snatched it up. I ended up with an unnoticeable but rather outdated looking mix-matched set. I have been agonizing for months about how I could incorporate this mirror into this update. I just never seemed to gel in my mind until I saw your version. I love the idea of using a light color to brighten things up (mine is currently a dark wood). Thank you!
That is awesome for you! I love it when pieces can be married to make new. Thank you!
Happy Blogoversary!! Years ago you did a beautiful dresser that had similar embellishments. You had used gold and white paints to gild and accent it. I had a dresser with similar appliques and fell in love with your work. I saved a blew up the photos of your gilding work and mimicked it on my dresser. It turned out beautifully and even though I’ve done at least 100 projects since then (that was one of my first 3 projects) it is still my favorite. I still have that old tutorial and have plans to repeat that work in the future. Thank you for all you do!
How fun to hear, Christie! Yes, embellishments make it oh so much more fun drama. I’m tickled you enjoy it too!
Can I get my hands on that blue?! It is gorgeous!!!
tee he! I wish I could help, but it’s a seconds color. I had fun with it! 😀