If you’re going with a theme in your new design plan, try painting the frame of the dresser a color that coordinates with your theme elements. Next, find images that represent your theme and decoupage them to the top of the dresser and the drawer fronts.
You can make your own decoupage substance by mixing two parts school glue and one part water. Simply paint the surface with the glue mixture using an inexpensive paintbrush that can be thrown away when finished. Next, paint the back of each image. Arrange the images to your satisfaction and apply a coat of decoupage over the entire top. Allow to dry thoroughly.
Be sure to remove drawer pulls before applying decoupage to the drawer fronts. Put the pulls someplace where they won’t get lost. Wait until the decoupage has had a chance to try completely before replacing pulls.
As mentioned, you may want to change the pulls to a more updated style, but you can also make your own that coordinate with your theme. If you are creating a race car theme for your little boy’s room, make drawer pulls from Hot Wheels or Matchbox Cars. With a little solder, you can attach the cars to bolts that will fit the existing holes for hardware.
For your little girl’s room, you can use miniature dolls, Barbie accessories, or costume jewelry. Drill holes through craft sticks and slip bolts through the holes. Hot glue the decorative items to the craft sticks and attach them to the drawer fronts. Another idea is to paint existing pulls or cover them with coordinating fabric.
For grown up spaces, you might want to refinish your dressers completely. Sand them down until you reach bare wood, wipe them, then apply fresh stain in a luxurious color. If painting on stain, be sure to follow the direction of the wood grain and apply evenly. Other stains are wiped on with a rag and then the excess is wiped away using a clean rag. It is still important to follow the wood grain, and you may also want to apply a clear coat for added protection.