How to Make a Victorian-Style Dresser

Buttery painted-on trim, stenciled flower details, and drop pulls give a flat-pack dresser folk Victorian character in our One Piece, Five Ways series

Skill

Moderate

Cost

About $130, including dresser

Estimated Time

About 2 hours, plus drying time

Dainty drop pulls invite intricate embellishments, such as the tray-style top wrapped with solid crown molding and a curvy jigsaw-cut apron front made by moving the kickplate to the fore. Inky navy-blue paint sets the stage for multihued details, including faux panel trim in buttery yellow and stenciled floral designs that bring the focus front and center.

Shown
Rast chest, about $35; IKEA
Small William and Mary pendant pull with floral backplate, $6.79 each; House of Antique Hardware
Solid crown molding, available at most hardware stores.
Paint: Clark + Kensington’s Dark Diversion; Clark + Kensington’s Golden Ticket

Tools