Starting with a very basic dresser (IKEA's Rast dresser), we gave it a splash of color with a trendy fabric. Drawer fronts were painted and brass ring pulls installed. Cost was under $80, including the dresser, and all was completed in an afternoon. It’s easiest to assemble the cabinet top and sides first by stapling and tacking fabric in place.

Materials

• IKEA Rast 3-drawer chest
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Phillips screwdriver
• Hammer
• 1 quart of white semigloss paint & primer in one
• 3-inch foam brush
• 1½ yards of fabric
• Scissors
• Staple Gun
• ⁵/₁₆-inch staples
• 6 ring pulls

Instructions

Locate the drawer fronts of the chest before assembling. Lightly sand them and then wipe with a dry tack cloth. Cover with an even coat of paint. Let dry.

Cut fabric, making the most of the 1½ yard. Cut two 15×31-inch pieces (side panels), one 28×15-inch piece (top), and one 28×7-inch piece (base). Lay the fabric patterned side down and center the wooden chest panel onto it. Using a staple gun, wrap the excess fabric around to the back of the panel and secure being careful to not cover the pre-drilled holes for the wooden dowels used to assemble. Trim fabric as needed. In places where the edge of the fabric cannot be hidden (sides of base and top panel), fold the fabric to create a hem. Trim as needed.

When the drawer fronts are dry, install pull ring hardware. Assemble chest according to IKEA instructions.