Ikea Dresser Transformation

Good morning to you!

We are slow moving over here today, but I'm excited to share Cooper's dresser that I finished last week for his new room.

My goal for his room is to keep it cheap and simple. We'll be moving sometime soon, and in a couple years I'll upgrade his bed and such, but for now we are in a tiny room that fits a bed and a dresser, and that's about it.

I didn't want to spend a ton of money on a dresser, and didn't want to get an old dresser to re-do because they're just not as sturdy, and sturdiness is critical with a two year old. So, I settled on this Tarva 6-drawer pine wood dresser.

Ikea (they're brilliant I tell you), came out with a line of plain wood dressers that are up to the buyer to stain, paint, etc. So I grabbed one and got to work. Everything in his room is deep navy and reds, so I wanted to go pretty neutral. I decided on an antique white.

I recently fell in love with a store in Denver that refurbishes old furniture into unique pieces, and it was there I was introduced to Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. She has so many techniques but I am so not crafty, so I kept it simple.

Step One: One coat of paint on top, side, drawers. 

Step Two: Once paint dries, add second coat of paint.

Step Three: Apply soft wax in circular motion. Wipe down wax with cheesecloth.

Step Four: Repeated wax one more time on top of dresser. (I think I should have done one more coat) 

Step 5: Sand the edges of dresser to add worn down effect.

I also grabbed some knobs on sale (50% off) at Hobby Lobby, which I like because I can always switch them out and not waste a ton of money.

Here's the end result.

I'm close to being finished with the entire room and will share pictures soon!

He's been sleeping there for over a week and loves his new space.

First night in the new room!

And first morning. Crazy hair, don't care!

Way to go Coopy!