DIY: Ikea Malm Dresser Refresh

Happy Tuesday!

This past weekend I decided it was time to give my ugly Ikea Malm dresser a little face lift.

  I had originally thought about jumping on the Chalky paint bandwagon, but once I got to the paint store I decided that this piece wasn't the right one to apply a vintage feel.  And plus I just wanted a plain crisp white dresser. I talked to the paint tech and he pointed me in the direction of the fabulous spray primer and my white gloss paint.

Since the Ikea furniture is just laminate there was no sanding required. I literally hauled the dresser outside (with Scott's help of course) and started spraying it with the primer. Spray primer is the way to go that is for sure. This is what I used (pretty sure everyone else does too).  It dries incredibly fast too.

Next step was painting...I used a brush but after I finished, I started reading posts about people using a furniture roller...maybe I'll try that on the next project I tackle. 

My favorite part of the refresh was the hardware. As you can see in my before photos, the malm dressers don't have pulls so I would need to drill the hardware holes myself.  I actually went to Hobby Lobby first and found a bunch of pulls that I loved, but they started to be a bit pricey and they didn't have 6 of the ones I wanted. (At this point I didn't know I was going to use 2 different pulls). I woke up Sunday thinking I'd go back to Hobby Lobby to get some pulls only to find out they were closed on Sunday! DOH! So I took myself to the place that I pay my second mortgage, the trusty, Home Depot. I found two sets of pulls that I liked, a crystal knob and vintagey pull, I grabbed 6 of both and headed home. Once I got home I laid them out and decided I'd use both and I'm so happy with my choices! 

Here are some close-ups of the hardware

Drilling your holes takes some time, so make sure to measure them out and check your measurements before drilling your holes. You only have one shot at this part or else you'll need to putty and repaint...double check those measurements.

All in all, I'd say this was a really simply DIY and I'm so happy with how my room looks now! 

Next project...

Tufted Headboard!