How To Make a Victorian-Style Dresser

Transform a plain dresser into a stunning Victorian-style piece with some creativity and craftsmanship. This project breathes new life into basic furniture. With the right tools, materials, and techniques, you can achieve a beautiful, custom look that rivals high-end antique pieces. Do-it-yourself (DIY) expert Megan Baker demonstrates how to turn an inexpensive flat-pack dresser into a Victorian-style masterpiece.

Choosing the Right Dresser

The choice of dresser sets the stage for the transformation.

Size and Shape

Victorian dressers have a big presence. Look for a starting piece with a wide, sturdy frame and enough surface area for decorative elements. Also look for multiple drawers, usually three large or six small.

Material

While authentic Victorian dressers were often made of solid wood, you can achieve a similar look with modern materials such as plywood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF) if solid wood isn’t an option. 

Existing Details

Choose a dresser with minimal ornamentation to allow for custom Victorian touches. A plain, unadorned piece provides the perfect canvas for your creative vision.

Preparing the Dresser

From the This Old House Workshop: On a recent Ask This Old House episode, painter Mauro found a piece of furniture sitting in a client’s basement, already painted but never properly finished. As host Kevin O’Connor noted, “Who doesn’t have something like this kicking around in the basement or they find at a flea market?” Mauro’s approach to giving it a second life started with the same prep steps: hitting it with 220-grit sandpaper, removing the hardware to properly sand all the drawer fronts, and then priming and painting.

Before diving into the transformation, do a little preparation to better the look and longevity of your finished piece. 

Cleaning and Sanding

Thoroughly clean the dresser to remove any dirt, dust, or oils that could interfere with paint adhesion. Then, lightly sand the entire surface to create a smooth base for your paint and decorative elements. This step is crucial for achieving a flawless paint job.

Priming

Apply a coat of primer to ensure better paint adhesion and a more uniform final color. This step is particularly important if you’re working with a dark-colored dresser or one made of MDF. Priming evens out the surface, allowing your paint to shine.

Planning Your Design

Sketch out your Victorian design elements before starting. Here are some ideas:

• Curved apron front
• Decorative molding
• Painted borders and details
• Placement of new hardware

Having a solid plan will guide your work and help you anticipate any challenges.

Adding Victorian Elements to Your Dresser

Victorian furniture is known for its ornate details and elegant curves. Here’s how to incorporate these elements into your dresser, transforming it into a statement piece.

Creating the Apron Front

To achieve the distinctive curved apron front:

1. Create a template for the curve using cardboard or paper.
2. Trace the template onto the dresser’s bottom front edge.
3. Use a jigsaw to carefully cut along the traced line.
4. Sand the cut edge smooth.

Installing Crown Molding

Crown molding adds sophistication to the dresser top.

1. Measure and cut the molding to fit the dresser’s top edges.
2. Miter the corners for a seamless look.
3. Attach the molding using wood glue and a nail gun.
4. Fill any nail holes and sand smooth.

Adding Decorative Side Panels

Cut curved shapes from thin plywood using a jigsaw. Sand the edges smooth. Attach the panels to the the dresser sides using wood glue and small nails. These panels add some depth to your piece, aligning with traditional Victorian aesthetics.

Painting Techniques for a Victorian Style Dresser

The paint job can make or break your Victorian dresser makeover. Work carefully and precisely for an attractive result. 

Base Coat

Apply a deep, rich color as your base coat. In the video, Baker uses blue paint as a backdrop for lighter decorative elements. Use a high-quality brush or roller to apply the paint evenly. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Sand lightly between coats for a smooth finish.

Decorative Painting

Victorian furniture often features intricate painted details. Use painter’s tape to create borders and geometric shapes. Paint these areas with a contrasting color, such as the buttery yellow shown in the video. Remove the tape carefully once the paint has dried. These details draw the eye and enhance the elegance of the piece.

Stenciling

Add floral or other Victorian-inspired designs using stencils. Position the stencil on the painted surface. Use a small artist’s brush to apply paint through the stencil. Carefully remove the stencil and allow the paint to dry completely. This technique lends a handcrafted, artistic quality to your dresser.

Pro Tip: If you prefer full paint coverage on your stenciled details instead of a stippled look, dab on the paint in thin layers instead of applying a single thick coat. Use a flat-tip stencil brush, dip just the end into the paint, then lightly dab the bristles on a lint-free cloth or paper towel, leaving the brush nearly dry. Stipple onto the open areas of the stencil with a very light touch, and avoid using a back-and-forth motion while painting, which can push paint under the stencil’s edges and blur your design.

Hardware Selection and Installation for a Victorian Style Dresser

The right hardware can elevate your Victorian dresser from good to great. It can act as the defining element that echoes the era you’re emulating.

Drop Pulls

Drop pulls are quintessentially Victorian. Choose ornate, decorative styles. Opt for antique brass or oil-rubbed bronze finishes. Install two pulls on each drawer for symmetry.

Knobs

If drop pulls aren’t your style, consider decorative knobs. Look for glass, ceramic, or metal options. Choose knobs with intricate designs or floral motifs. Mix and match sizes for added visual interest.

Dating Tip: To figure a knob’s age, check its back. Ones made before 1890 often have patterns on both sides, while newer ones have designs only on the face. Old brass also tends to contain more copper, giving the knob a red cast. This can help you identify authentic Victorian-era hardware when shopping at salvage yards or antique stores.

Installation

Measure and mark the placement of each pull or knob. Drill pilot holes to prevent wood splitting. Attach the hardware securely using the provided screws.

Finishing Touches for a Victorian Style Dresser

The final details can make your Victorian dresser truly shine, giving it that polished, professional look.

Distressing

Distressing adds character and gives your dresser a sense of history. For an aged look, lightly sand edges and corners to reveal the base coat or wood beneath. Use a dark wax to enhance the antique appearance.

Protective Coating

Apply a clear protective finish to preserve your hard work. Choose a water-based polyurethane for durability. Apply thin, even coats with a high-quality brush. Sand lightly between coats for a smooth finish.

Pro Tip: Jen Lars of This Old House recommends mixing your polyurethane carefully: “Make sure that you mix it in a figure eight motion. Don’t shake the can or else you’ll have bubbles in your finish. Apply it with a high quality brush first coating the surface and then lightly pulling the brush in long even passes to smooth it out.”

Additional Detailing for a Dresser

For a truly unique piece, consider incorporating additional details that can further embody Victorian elegance and complexity.

Carved Accents

Enhance your dresser’s appeal with carved accents. While this requires more advanced woodworking skills, it significantly elevates the piece. You might consider carving motifs reminiscent of Victorian botanical themes or delicate scrollwork.

Inlay Work

Add small inlaid sections using contrasting wood veneers or brass. These inlaid elements can highlight certain features of the dresser, such as corner panels or drawer fronts, adding another layer of sophistication.

Hack the Inlay Look: If traditional inlay work feels intimidating, consider the approach taken by This Old House Magazine editors Michelle Brunner and Tisha Leung during a #DIYDare challenge. Using metallic paint and stencils, they were able to “hack the look of a thousand-dollar inlay dresser” on a simple piece — proving that with the right combination of paint and pattern, you can achieve stunning results without the complexity of cutting and fitting real veneers.

Gilding

Incorporate subtle gilding to enhance the lux aspect of your piece. Use gold leaf or gilding paint sparingly to accentuate raised details or edges for an authentic Victorian touch. This technique adds a touch of opulence without overwhelming the piece.

Tools