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Working On: The Costume Closet

With the warmer temperatures lately, we've managed to make some good progress on our project for the Earth Day Canada's Upcycling Challenge. A few of you smartypants figured out what I'm making: a costume closet!

How To Make A Dress Up Closet From A Dresser


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My plan is to take this tall boy dresser I found for $40 at the Salvation Army and transform it into a rolling closet that eventually we'll keep downstairs in the playroom. 

UPDATE: Head over to this post to see how the dress up closet turned out!
 

What should you look for when upcycling a dresser? 

I picked this dresser because it was solid wood, had interesting Art Deco styling, and was the right size for Chloe to be able to reach into it (the dresser is about 4' tall). The drawers also fit and slid nicely - though you will only need to keep the bottom dresser for this project. 

We'll remove three of the drawers and install a rod for hanging costumes. We'll keep the bottom drawer to store hats, bags, and other accessories. And of course, I'll add in a few fun styling details too ;)


diy kids dress up closet, dresser upcycle, kids playroom storage, costume closetdiy kids dress up closet, dresser upcycle, kids playroom storage, costume closet

diy kids dress up closet, dresser upcycle, kids playroom storage, costume closet
diy kids dress up closet, dresser upcycle, kids playroom storage, costume closet
diy kids dress up closet, dresser upcycle, kids playroom storage, costume closet

DIY Dress Up Closet

Materials:

  • Tall boy dresser in good condition with at least one functional drawer
  • Hand sander
  • Wood filler or spackle
  • Wood glue
  • MDF
  • Trim

Instructions:

  1. Find an old tall boy dresser.
  2. Sand down the dresser and one drawer to remove old paint finish.
  3. Remove all the drawer slide rails except for the bottom two slide rails.
  4. Remove drawer handle/pull.
  5. Optional: Add in a piece of MDF to close off the "ceiling" opening in the drawer and give it a nicer look.
  6. Fill all holes with wood filler. We used LePage Poly Filla for the smaller holes and DAP Drydex for the larger patches. Sand down the patches.
  7. Cut out a shelf from MDF. The shelf will sit on the second from the bottom slide rail.
  8. Optional: Attach a strip of MDF to fit the gap between the two rails. This strip will provide support for a trim piece.
  9.  Attach trim to the face of the MDF shelf to give it a finished look.
And that's where things stand. Next up, we'll paint the piece and install this pretty wrapping paper on the inside back and sides...
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but until then, the little one gets to use it as a hiding spot ;)

diy kids dress up closet, dresser upcycle, kids playroom storage, costume closet

Are any of you participating in the Upcycling Challenge?

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