HERE’S MY VERSION OF THE MARCELLE 3 DRAWER ANTHROPOLOGY DRESSER | YOUTUBE VIDEO TUTORIAL INCLUDED!
Anthropologie has some stunning furniture but let’s be real, it’s not inexpensive. Today I’m sharing my DIY version of the gorgeous Marcelle Three Drawer Dresser along with a step-by-step easy-to-follow tutorial. I can’t wait to hear what you think of this salvaged dresser look-a-like!
Here’s the dresser I started with. I found this three-drawer maple dresser with a wood skirt at my local Restore. A super solid piece but looking a little dated.
While I was looking for ideas for this makeover, (and thanks for all your suggestions on Facebook btw!) I came across the screenshot below. This Marcelle 3 Drawer Dresser is beautiful with clean modern lines yet looks classic…and that hardware! At the time of writing this post, it is selling for $798 online here.
THIS POST IS SPONSORED/CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I USE. YOU CAN SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE HERE.
SOURCE LIST
3 Drawer Dresser – SALVAGED
White Lightning Cleaner
BIN Shellac Primer
Bondo Filler
Woodworking Square
Titebond Wood Glue
White Wood Filler
Salt Water SILK Paint
Golden Gemstone
Brass Ring Hardware
5″ Tapered Legs (similar)
TOOL LIST
Drill
Straight Edge Guide
Woodworking Clamps
Dewalt Sander
Bosch Circular Mini Saw
DIY ANTHROPOLOGIE DRESSER INSPO
So CHALLENGE ON! Make a $35 Restore Habitat For Humanity Dresser look like an Anthropologie knock-off! Here’s how this dresser makeover all came together and a tally of how much it cost me to make this look-a-like…
PREP
To prepare this dresser for paint, I gave it a good cleaning with this White Lightning. Then I removed the original hardware and filled in the old hardware holes with this Bondo. Bondo is super durable and dries and is ready to sand within 10 minutes! I have a full tutorial on How To Use Bondo here. I also removed the old drawer liners and numbered the back of the drawers.
Pro Tip – The drawers on older dressers can be finicky. I like to number the back of my drawers in pencil. This way I can place them back into the dresser the same way they came out and be sure they will fit back in perfectly.
SAND AND PRIMER
Before I found my inspiration pic, my original thought was to have a painted and stained look. I went ahead and scuff-sanded the body and sanded the top of the dresser and all the drawers down to raw wood.
CUTTING DRAWER DESIGN LINES
To replicate the lines on the Anthropologie Marcelle Dresser, I used my new Bosch Mini Circular Saw. This tool is SO LIGHT, LITTLE, and comfortable to use yet cuts through material like butter! If the larger circular saws intimidate you, (like they do me!) this baby is a perfect alternative. I had SO MUCH fun creating with it!
I measured out the lines similar to my inspiration dresser. Larger in the middle and closer together the further out on the drawer. I won’t include the measurements. Your dresser depending on its size will be very different than mine. Just make sure the lines are straight, square, and visually pleasing to you before you start cutting.
After I penciled in all my lines I used a straight edge guide to line up my circular saw to cut them perfectly straight. I set the depth of my blade to create the design making sure it wasn’t too deep or shallow. I didn’t measure, I just eyeballed it.
Once I had them all cut, I used a folded piece of sandpaper to sand in the grooves to smooth them out.
REMOVING THE SKIRT
To remove the skirt, I flipped the piece on its top and unscrewed the three boards that made the skirt. They were simple to remove.
ADDING NEW LEGS
I used the long front piece of the skirt to create a new base for the new legs to attach to. I used the Bosch Circular Saw to cut the original skirt in half. Then clamping it in place, I glued and screwed it in place. I do have a Kreg tool to attach things like this from behind but I’ve never taken it out of the box! Because this makeover was taking me a little more time, I decided to do it the quick and dirty way. I screwed in the new baseboard from the front and back countersinking the screw heads — and then filling them in with wood filler.
Once the base was firmly attached, I drilled four holes into the new base and screwed in the new feet.
PRIME AND PAINT
This piece was primed with BIN Shellac Base Primer. Perfect for concealing odors, stains, and bleedthrough.
I have a full video and tutorial on how to use this amazing primer here.
For the paint color, I used Salt Water White. It’s a perfect match to my Anthropologie inspiration piece giving it a clean crisp look. Had I known this was the color I was going to use, I wouldn’t have needed to prime. This SILK All-In-One Mineral Paint has a primer and topcoat built right in. That said, an extra layer of primer never hurts. I chose a spray finish but this paint is self-leveling and looks flawless brushed on as well!
FINISHING DETAILS
For the finishing touches, I added this gorgeous brass hoop hardware.
Then I replicated the brass caps of my inspiration piece by painting faux brass caps with this Golden Gemstone Mousse.
Here’s the finished look… what do you think?
The hardware isn’t quite as elaborate as the Anthropologie hardware but I think it ties in really nicely with this piece!
Here’s a price breakdown.
- $35 on the dresser
- $25 on the 16oz of paint
- $30 on the new hardware
- $20 on new legs (mine were salvaged)
- $20 other supplies
That is a grand total of $130. Compared to the $798 price tag, I’m really happy!!!
I’m thrilled with how it all came together!
YOUTUBE TUTORIAL
Here’s a step-by-step in action on Youtube. If you have any problems viewing below, feel free to watch it on my Youtube Channel here… and don’t forget to subscribe! I can’t believe I hit 12K Subs! Woot woot, thank YOU! 🙂
Here’s another look at this before and after. I hope it’s inspired you and given you some new ideas for your projects.
LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF THIS DIY ANTHROPOLOGIE HACK. FEEL FREE TO ASK ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE… I ALWAYS LOVE HEARING FROM YOU. IT MAKES MY DAY! 🙂
Happy furniture painting friends!
Denise x
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I added a base and top which I took from an old TV cabinet.
Salvaging at its best!😃
This is absolutely stunning! I love everything about it!!
Aw, thanks so much Kim!🤗
Incredible! Not only a “refinisher”, but truly an Artist!!
Thanks so much, Ellen! 💜 It was really fun to do!🤗
What an amazing transformation.
I struggle with coming up with a plan for redoing a piece of furniture, however, you apparently don’t have the same problem because your finished projects are ALWAYS off the chart amazing/beautiful.
Thanks but I think we all have the same problem. Sometimes ideas flow and other times not so much. 😉
Denise this dresser deserves a spot in one of the magazines, very sharp, great job.
That’s such a huge compliment Sher… thank you! XOXO
Hi Denise! Wow! Great job!
Thanks Cheryl!🤗
WOW WOW WOW!!!!
That looks incredible – what a great job you did on that piece! I think it looks better than Anthropology’s!!!
You just put a HUGE smile on my face Michele, thank you!😁
Well done, Denise, your version is just as gorgeous as the inspiration piece!
Aw, thank you my friend! I had fun playing around with my new tool and I’m pretty pleased with the way it all came out too! XOXO
WOW, WOW, WOWZER, this is stunning Denise! You always do such amazing work. Thanks for sharing with all of us. I look forward to your emails every week because it’s always a surprise!
lol…I love your WOWs, thank YOU Nicki! And thanks for being part of the #sifamily. So happy I get to share my furniture shenanigans with you!😉 XOXO
I completely agree, you outdid yourself!
Aw, thank you so much K! 🤗 It was so much fun!
This is stunning Denise. Sadly I had a look at the hardware and it’s now $42 cad for 2 pulls. That would make the hardware very expensive. How did you manage to get it for $30? I absolutely adore what you’ve done.
Thank you Angela! If you go on Amazon there are different brands/companies that sell this exact hardware… (or at least it looks all the same to me) at different price points. I bought a larger pack so I have some left over for another project. 🙂
Thanks, I’ll look again. I love the hardware and the makeover!!
Thanks so much Angela! And I’m guessing you’re Canadian too? This is the exact brand I purchased in a 10 pack but unfortunately, I don’t see they have any left of the gold options left. Maybe check back and hopefully they will restock because that other price is crazy! Hope this helps. 🙂
You never cease to amaze me!! You are brilliant!! I love the way you show us how to save money in many different ways. I love the way you show us how to save time as well. I appreciate you far more than you will ever know. I enjoy painting so much but will never be as good at it as you are. But I do so enjoy it and am able to relax while doing it. It brings me so much happiness. Thank you for being you. You are a huge blessing to me.
Never say never! If you enjoy painting and trying different techniques, styles etc, you will continue to grow your skills.🤗 I’ve been doing this for 10+ years and I’m STILL learning. Thank you so much for your heartfelt comment and compliment… it means more than you know! XOXO💕
LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! I wish you could come to my house and work your magic.
So glad you love it, Tiffany! Thanks so much!🤗
All I can say is, W O W and W O W!!! Lovely job. Kudos!!!
Thank you Caye! I appreciate it!💙
Beautiful! Amazing work!
Thank you so much Lizzy!🤗
This piece is a-freaking-mazing!! I don’t think I would have looked twice at the original piece, but you made it gorgeous!! XOXO
YAYYYY so glad you like it, Christy! And I got to ‘play’ with my new tool which made it SO MUCH FUN! XOXO
Anthropologie? Your dresser is so much better. It was a lot of work but the result is phenomenal.
Aw Rita, thank you so much!💜 My sister just saw it and said she likes it better than the inspo piece and I said, you’re just saying that cuz you love me. 😂 Sometimes hearing the very same thing from someone who doesn’t love you can mean more…lol 🤣
Another Masterpiece, yet again!!!
Thank you Diane! Wishing you a fabulous day!😃
This makeover looks fantastic, Denise. And that saw…now on my wish list!
It’s FABULOUS Marcia! Super light and SO EASY to use! You’d love it.😍
Absolutely amazing. I love this piece.
Thank you Shari! 🙂
Awesome job Denise; love how you’re showing how to get the look for less. Your version is every bit as nice as the original! What size/kind of blade did you use on your mini saw?
Aw, thank you so much Sara! Hmmm, good question. I used the blade that came with it which doesn’t tell you much, I know…lol. It’s an 85mm (or 3.35″) blade but I’m not sure if they sell different types for this small circular saw. I’ll have to check!
Another stunning salvage! The clean lines on this dresser were a perfect choice. You always amaze me with your pieces. Pinned 🙂
Aw thanks Do! And thanks for Pinning… much appreciated! Have a super day! XOXO
Hi Denise. OH. MY. GOSH. I am absolutely in love with this makeover. You’re dresser looks just as good (if not better) than the $798 Anthropologie dresser. I actually like the handles you chose better. They’re very very similar but offset the clean lines of this dresser perfectly. Your work always amazes me!!!
You too sweet Monique, thanks so much! I really like how the hoop hardware offsets the verticle lines in the dresser as well! $30 well spent! hehe
This is an incredible transformation. Once again you nailed!
I love and appreciate your blog, not only to see your beautiful work, but that you give such detail as to how you create.
Side note: I just picked up the March 2022 Country Sampler magazine, and there it was….the full back cover showcasing your beautiful painted dresser with the floral transfer. Congratulations! 😊
Thank so much Shiela and whaaaaat???!!! What floral dresser is it? I have to go pick myself up a copy! I didn’t even know I was on the back cover wooohoooo!
It’s painted with Aubergine and Cotton and the transfer is Floral Romance.
ahhhh, okay thank you! I have to go get me a copy! Thanks again for the head up!
Gorgeous! A fabulous makeover.
Thanks Rebecca!🤗
Hey Denise,
I actually like YOUR knockoff better than the inspiration piece! You did a remarkable job taking an idea and making it your own. As per usual: another very cool SI creation!
My Q’s for you are twofold: (1) how LONG did it take you (labor) to complete the work; and (2) how do figure your pricing when you decide to sell a masterful piece such as this one?
Thanks for your continued generosity in sharing so much of WHAT you do and HOW you do it with the DIY community. You are my inspiration for sure 😉
Super sweet of you Suzy, thank YOU! This makeover took me longer than usual. With all the cutting details, creating the new base, painting and priming, I’m guessing a full 8hrs (minus dry time). That said, when trying something new or working with new tools, I don’t time myself. I look at it as time well spent learning new skills. I will price this knock-off between $350-$400. Not a huge profit margin but the skills I gained… priceless! …just like the Mastercard commercials 😆
Priceless Indeed !! 🙂
And speaking of priceless…. your tutorial are always amazing !
I always look forward to your posts. Inspiration at it’s finest 🙂
Thanks sooo much for sharing.
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Aw, thank YOU! I love having you here. You always put a smile on my face.😀
Wow, great job! Easy to follow directions and love the cost breakdown. You continue to inspire-thanks!
I’m so happy you like it Laura, thank YOU! XOXO
Absolutely stunning 😍
Thank you Marina! xo
Great job… I love this! Very inspiring.
Thanks so much Robin!😊
Wow! Incredible… Stunning!!! Amazing job, Did I say”Wow”
Wows are always my favorites Vicky… thank you so much!🤗
Beautiful transformation and very class !
Thank you Helene!😊