Using A Dresser As A Kitchen Island: My Personal Experience

When my husband and I moved into our new home, we were thrilled with the spacious kitchen. However, we quickly realized that we needed more counter space and storage. We couldn’t afford a custom kitchen island, so we decided to get creative and use a dresser as a kitchen island instead.

Why Use A Dresser As A Kitchen Island?

Using a dresser as a kitchen island is becoming increasingly popular for several reasons:

Cost-Effective

A kitchen island can cost thousands of dollars, but a dresser can be found for a fraction of the price. Plus, you can easily customize it with paint or hardware to match your kitchen decor.

Unique Look

A dresser adds character and charm to your kitchen that a standard island may not. It’s also a great way to repurpose an old piece of furniture and give it new life.

Functionality

A dresser provides additional storage and counter space, which is essential in a busy kitchen. You can use the drawers to store utensils, linens, or even pantry items.

Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s how we turned a dresser into a kitchen island:

Measure the space where you want your island to go and find a dresser that fits.
Remove any drawers that get in the way of the countertop.
Remove the top of the dresser and replace it with a butcher block or granite countertop.
If the dresser is wobbly, reinforce it with brackets or additional screws.
Paint or stain the dresser to match your kitchen decor.
Add hardware such as drawer pulls or knobs.
Place the dresser in your kitchen and enjoy your new island!

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

Here are some tips and ideas for using a dresser as a kitchen island:

Choose a dresser with deep drawers for maximum storage.
Add casters to the bottom of the dresser for mobility.
Use a dresser with a hutch for additional storage and display space.
Paint or stain the dresser a fun color to add a pop of personality to your kitchen.
Use the drawers to store baking sheets, cutting boards, and other large kitchen items.
Use the top of the dresser as a prep station, serving area, or even a breakfast bar.
Add hooks or a towel rack to the side of the dresser for additional storage.
Use a dresser with a drop-leaf top for even more counter space.
Place a cutting board on top of the dresser to protect the surface from scratches and spills.
Use a dresser with glass doors to display your favorite dishes or glassware.

Pros and Cons

Like any DIY project, using a dresser as a kitchen island has its pros and cons:

Pros:

Cost-effective
Customizable
Provides additional storage and counter space
Unique and charming look

Cons:

May not be as sturdy as a custom kitchen island
May not match the height of your countertops
May require some DIY skills to reinforce or modify the dresser

My Personal Review and Suggestion

Overall, I am thrilled with our decision to use a dresser as a kitchen island. It has added so much functionality and character to our kitchen. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Make sure the dresser is sturdy enough to hold a countertop and any kitchen items you may place on it.
Consider the height of the dresser compared to your countertops. We had to add additional feet to our dresser to make it the same height as our countertops.
Choose a dresser with enough storage for your needs. We opted for a dresser with six deep drawers, which has been perfect for us.

Question & Answer

Q: Can I use any dresser as a kitchen island?

A: Technically, you could use any dresser as a kitchen island, but it’s important to make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold a countertop and any kitchen items you may place on it. Look for a dresser with a solid wood frame and additional support if needed.

Q: How do I protect the top of the dresser?

A: You can protect the top of the dresser by adding a butcher block or granite countertop, or by placing a cutting board on top. You can also apply a sealant to the top of the dresser to protect it from scratches and spills.

FAQs

Q: Can I add seating to my dresser island?

A: Yes, you can add seating to your dresser island by placing stools or chairs around it. Just make sure that the dresser is sturdy enough to support the weight of the seating.

Q: Can I move my dresser island?

A: If you add casters to the bottom of your dresser, you can easily move it around your kitchen. Just be careful not to overload it with too much weight.

Q: How do I clean my dresser island?

A: Clean your dresser island with a mild soap and water solution, and avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers that could damage the surface. Dry the surface thoroughly to avoid water damage.