Do you have a dresser that’s just a bit too short for your bedroom? Are you in need of making a dresser look taller? Whether you have a short dresser sitting in the corner that could use some height, or a regular-sized one lurking away in storage, chances are the solution lies within your reach.
In this blog post, we’ll take an inside look at how to make a dresser appear taller with simple modifications. You can choose from options such as adding feet or caster wheels, as well as repurposing and upcycling older items.
We’ll explore these solutions for how to make a dresser taller so that you can customize your own tall dressers and create beautiful focal points for any room. Make sure to read on and find out all the details!
The Benefits of Making a Dresser Taller
1. Add Height
There are many advantages to making a dresser taller. Firstly, it can instantly add more height and visual interest to the room. It will also make the room feel larger and open up more space if you choose to place it against a wall. Finally, it’s great for storage as taller dressers can provide more storage than their shorter counterparts.
2. Change Up Style
Making a dresser look taller does not only add height but can also completely transform the style of the piece. It can give your dresser a more modern and updated look, as well as add decorative elements to an otherwise plain dresser.
3. Cost Effective
Making a dresser taller is also very cost effective compared to buying a new one. You can make use of existing materials you already have lying around or buy some pieces from a hardware store for a few bucks.
Now that you know the benefits of making a dresser taller, let’s take a look at some specific solutions to make it happen.
Things to Consider Before Starting
Making a dresser taller may seem like a simple undertaking, but there are several factors to consider before beginning the project.
- First, it is important to make sure the existing piece of furniture is stable and that it can indeed be made taller. It should also be noted how much additional height needs to be added. If too much is added, the dresser can become top-heavy and potentially dangerous.
- It is also essential to consider the materials and tools necessary for making a dresser taller. While gathering supplies, it is important to ensure the materials are strong and durable enough to support the weight of the dresser.
- Finally, before starting any project, safety should be a priority. Making sure there are no loose screws or planks that could come apart is necessary for preventing injury or damage to property. Additionally, using protective items such as gloves and goggles is essential for protection from potential splinters, chips, or other hazards.
Required Items
Once it has been determined that the dresser can be safely made taller and all safety precautions have been taken, it is time to gather the necessary supplies.
- Wooden planks
- Screws, power drill
- Saws
- Screwdriver or wrench set
- Stud finder (if needed)
- Glue
- Sandpaper
- Paint or stain
- Safety goggles and gloves
Once these items have been gathered, the project can begin.
10 Ways on How to Make a Dresser Taller
1. Measurement
Measure the existing dresser and determine how much additional height is needed. The right amount of height will depend on the desired look and function. The height should be measured in inches and compared to the desired height before starting.
2. Remove Drawers
Remove all drawers in order to gain access to the interior of the dresser. This will make it easier to add material and secure fasteners in place. The drawer hardware may also need to be removed before proceeding.
3. Secure Additional Planks
Using the measurements taken, cut and secure additional plank pieces to make the dresser taller. The planks can be attached using a power drill, screws, or nails. It is important to ensure that these pieces are securely fastened in place for added stability.
4. Secure Fasteners
Secure fasteners such as screws, dowels, or nails to the inside of the dresser to ensure a sturdy and secure connection. A stud finder can also be used to identify where fastening points should go.
5. Glue Joints
Glue any joints that need extra stability or reinforcement. This will help ensure the dresser remains sturdy and secure even when added weight is placed on it.
6. Sand/Smooth Edges
Sand any rough edges or planks that may have been cut during the process of making the dresser taller. This will give the dresser a smoother look and feel.
7. Paint or Stain
If desired, paint or stain the dresser to give it a finished look. This is an optional step but can help make the dresser look nicer and more polished. The painting or staining process should be done after the dresser has been sanded and smoothed.
8. Reattach Drawers
Reattach all drawers that were removed during the process of making the dresser taller. This will help ensure they are securely in place and won’t come loose during use. Reattaching the hardware is also necessary for a complete look.
9. Test Stability
Test the stability of the dresser to ensure it is strong enough to support the added weight. This should be done in a safe area without any heavy items on top of it.
10. Enjoy!
Now that the dresser is taller, enjoy the new addition to your space! With a little bit of work, it is possible to make a dresser taller and enjoy a new look. Have fun with the project, and be creative with the possibilities!
Adding additional height to a dresser can be done with care and caution. It is important to take measurements beforehand, as well as account for the weight the dresser will have to support in order to ensure it is a safe and secure structure. With the right tools and supplies, making a dresser taller can be an enjoyable project that adds new life to an existing piece of furniture.
7 Safety Measures to Take
- Be careful of the dresser’s weight. Before you try to extend a dresser, consider its weight. If it is too heavy, there may be a risk of injury or breakage. It may be best to enlist help when attempting to make the dresser taller.
- Check for loose screws and bolts. If a dresser is wobbly, it may not be sturdy enough to withstand the addition of extra height without risk of collapse or breakage. Tighten any loose screws and bolts before beginning work on the dresser.
- Don’t overfill the dresser with items. If the dresser is filled too full, it may be difficult to safely add height to it without risking breakage or collapse.
- Use proper tools for the job. When attempting to make a dresser taller, use the right tools and materials for the job so that you can be sure the dresser will remain stable.
- Make sure the surface of the dresser is level and even. If a dresser has an uneven surface, it may not be safe to add extra height as items could become unbalanced and cause injury or damage.
- Use sturdy materials for adding height. When extending a dresser, use sturdy materials such as wood or metal to ensure the dresser remains stable and secure.
- Make sure to include additional support when necessary. If extra height is added to a dresser, it may need additional supports such as extra legs or cross-brace pieces of wood or metal to keep it level and safe.
By following these safety measures, you can be sure to extend your dresser in a way that is safe and secure. With the right tools and materials, you’ll be able to make your dresser taller without any risks of injury or damage.
How Much Will It Cost?
The cost of making a dresser taller will depend on the materials and tools you need as well as any additional labor costs. To make a dresser taller, you will likely need to purchase or rent certain tools such as saws and drills, hardware like screws and bolts, wood for legs or support beams, and possibly even paint or stain for the dresser.
Depending on the size of your project, you may also need to hire a professional carpenter or furniture maker to help with the job. All these costs can add up quickly and will be reflected in the final cost of making your dresser taller. Be sure to budget accordingly and research all materials before beginning this project.
Conclusion
Making a dresser taller can be a great solution for storage issues. It’s an easy project that doesn’t take too much time or money to complete and can help extend the life of an old dresser. By adding legs, it can instantly be made taller, and with some creativity, a platform base such as a box or pallet can give an interesting design look.
Adding extra shelves allows for more storage options without compromising the space in the room. There are also multiple ways how to make a dresser taller to customize the dresser to give it a unique look.
With lighter-colored paints and stains, lighting fixtures, decorative knobs, and coatings there are tons of possibilities! All in all, making any piece of furniture taller is something that anyone can do with just a few basic supplies and a little bit of effort—you can even get creative!
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