IN THIS POST
– Required Materials & Tools
– Step-By-Step Guide
Does your bathroom décor look old and boring? How about upgrading it with a charming bathroom vanity that’s both functional and adds a hint of elegance to your space? Contrary to popular opinion, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to do this. In fact, you can simply turn a dresser into a bathroom vanity that both fit the theme of your décor while adding some much-needed storage space to the room.
So, how do you go about converting an old dresser into a bathroom vanity? Let’s find out.
Supplies Required to Turn a Dresser into a Bathroom Vanity
Here is a list of supplies required for converting an old dresser into a bathroom vanity.
- A wooden dresser or side table. It should be wide enough to fit in your space and ideally between 32 to 38 inches tall. However, you can use the one that best suits your requirements.
- A rimmed or vessel sink
- Single-handle or centre-fit faucet
- Mirror
- Drawer or cabinet knobs (Optional)
- Plumbing fixtures (pipes etc.)
- Water-based polyurethane sealer
- Primer
- Semi-gloss/satin paint or stain
- Synthetic paint brushes
- Jigsaw to cut out holes
- Sanding paper
- Caulking sealer
- Drill
- Long screws
If you can’t find a suitable dresser, you can even convert a chest of drawers into a bathroom vanity.
Now that we know what materials and tools are required to turn a dresser into a vanity, here is a step-by-step guide detailing every aspect of this DIY bathroom vanity project.
Steps to Turn a Dresser into a Bathroom Vanity
Bathroom vanities made out of old dressers can look rather charming and add some personality to your décor.
Let’s take a look at how you can convert a dresser to vanity without going over your budget.
Step 1: Choosing the Perfect Sink for Your Bathroom
Although there are quite a few different types of bathroom sinks available in the market for you to choose from, it is suggested to opt for vessel or rimmed sinks as they are easy to install. Moreover, installing these fixtures will make your bathroom look modern and functional. Depending on your personal preference and budget, you can choose ceramic, porcelain or any of the other popular materials for your bathroom sink.
Step 2: Prep the Dresser
If you are converting an old dresser into a bathroom vanity, you need to sand its surface and then wipe it clean to remove nicks, scratches and old paint. Also, remove all the hardware such as knobs and handles.
Next, cover the dresser with a fresh coat of primer before painting it in your desired colour. Usually, three coats of paint would be enough for this DIY bathroom vanity. However, make sure to let the dresser dry completely between each coat.
Step 3: Mark and Cut the Top of Your Dresser
It is recommended to buy the sink first so you can measure and mark your dresser accordingly.
The best way to go about this is to measure the sink and mark the sinkhole on a piece of cardboard using a pen before cutting along the lines with a pair of scissors. Then, remove the top drawers (if any) and place the cardboard template at the top of the dresser. Vessel sinks only require a small hole in the middle, while rimmed sinks will require you to carve out a bigger chunk of wood from the top of your dresser.
You can use the cardboard cutout to trace the sinkhole on the dresser top using a pencil or marker. Make sure to double-check the dimensions once done. Now take a jigsaw and carve along the lines.
You can use a similar process to drill and cut out the holes for the faucet.
Step 4: Install the Sink and Faucets
The next step in this guide on how to turn a dresser into a bathroom vanity is to install a faucet and sink.
Once you have carved out a hole in the dresser, place the sink in it carefully. You must also install the faucet in its drilled pilot hole accordingly. After you are satisfied with the placement of the fixtures, run a bead of clear caulking around the openings and press the sink and faucet down lightly.
Step 5: Make Space for Plumbing Fixtures
Remove the inside frame of your dresser using a jigsaw. You will also be required to cut an opening at the back of your dresser turned vanity to make space for the drain pipe.
You will have to secure the repurposed dresser against the wall in its permanent spot before hooking up all the plumbing as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure to turn on the water to ensure there aren’t any leaks and everything is installed properly.
Step 6: Finalize Your New Bathroom Vanity
Cover any visible flaws on the surface of your repurposed dresser with a new coat of paint. Wait until it’s dry and then coat it with a water-based polyurethane sealant to enhance the colour and increase its durability. For the best results, apply four to five coats of the sealant.
You can also take out the top drawers and cut off their back panels before glueing them on the front of the dresser. These false drawers will both help conceal your plumbing and make your vanity look brand new.
Don’t forget to paint the drawers and attach all the required hardware before placing them back in the dresser turned vanity.
Step 6: Hang the Mirror
A lot of older dressers come with a mirror attached to them. However, if that’s not the case with your repurposed dresser, you will have to hang a mirror on the wall behind the vanity to complete the look.
Depending on your personal style and the available space, you can either opt for a framed mirror, frameless mirror, lighted mirror, pivot mirror or extension mirror.
Once you are satisfied with your DIY bathroom vanity, make sure to check out our guide on where to install each bathroom accessory such as toothbrush holder, soap dispenser, towel bar, and more.
On the other hand, if you are planning to renovate your bathroom, our guides on choosing the right plumbing fixtures and avoiding common bathroom design mistakes will definitely help you out.
In case you have any questions about how to turn a dresser into a bathroom vanity, feel free to send them our way by dropping an email on blog@zameen.com.
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