I turned a plain, boxy dresser into an apothecary cabinet—with faux drawers that look like the real thing!
This plain, boxy dresser sat in my studio for a while because I wasn’t sure what to do with those flat drawer fronts. Then it hit me. What if I could make it look like an old apothecary cabinet by adding some faux drawers? A little creative cutting, a lot of hardware, and one of my favourite unique furniture makeovers was created! More than seven years later, it’s still in my living room under the TV, and I love it just as much as the day I finished it. I’m sharing how I created the faux drawers, then sharing a fresh look at how this paint finish has held up at the end of the post – no styling… dust bunnies and all!
Updated September 2026 with new photos, additional tips, and instructions.
In today’s tutorial, I’m sharing –
- How to create faux drawers.
- An easy way to create an antique and rust patina.
- One of my must-have tools.
- And more…
Here’s how this curb-bound dresser all came together!
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Here’s the dresser I started with. One of my sister’s neighbours was moving out West to live with her daughter. They were going to put this dresser out for bulk pickup, and she was so happy someone (me!) took it instead!
THIS POST IS SPONSORED/CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I USE. YOU CAN SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE HERE.
SOURCE LIST
Dresser – SALVAGED
Sponge + Water + Shop Towels
Bondo
Straight Edge + Measuring Tape
Furniture Clamps
Sandpaper + Tack Cloth
Dewalt Sander
Dremel Rotary Tool
Paint Brushes
Tobacco Road Gel Stain
Coffee Bean Chalk Mineral Paint
Patina Paint and Spray
Gator Hide
HOW TO – DIY FAUX DRAWERS
Step 1 – Clean, Sand & Fill Old Hardware Holes
I started by giving this old dresser a thorough cleaning and sanding. Then I filled the original hardware holes with Bondo so I could place the new apothecary-style pulls exactly where I wanted them. Bondo dries quickly—mine was ready to sand in about 10–15 minutes—which made this part of the prep go much faster.
Step 2 – Measure & Mark The Faux Drawers
Next, I measured each real drawer and marked where I wanted the faux drawer lines to go. I divided the upper drawers into four skinny sections, each about 1¾ inches high, and the larger lower drawers into three sections, each about 8¼ inches wide. Your measurements will depend on your dresser—the important part is to space the lines evenly so the “drawers” look convincing once the hardware is added.
Step 3 – Cut The Faux Drawer Lines
Now for the fun part! Rather than cutting and attaching dozens of little pieces of wood, I used a Dremel rotary tool to cut shallow grooves directly into the existing drawer fronts. I set the wood-cutting bit to about ⅛ inch deep, clamped a metal straightedge along each marked line, and guided the tool against it. Those grooves create the illusion of separate little drawers while the original drawers still open as one.
As a side note, a Dremel is a SUPER handy tool if you restyle furniture. I use it to shorten screws, sand tight areas, buff hardware, create faux drawers, etc. It’s an amazing tool to have and works for SO MANY applications.
The short video below shows this step in action. Once the grooves were cut, I lightly sanded their edges smooth before moving on to the finish.
YOUTUBE TUTORIAL
Here’s a super short YouTube demo for you. Then, keep scrolling for all the products, supplies, colors, and step-by-step details! Our #siyoutubefamily is already a community of 60K, so don’t forget to subscribe if you haven’t done so already. You’re the BEST, and I appreciate your support! 🙂
Step 4 – Create the Antiqued Finish
To give this dresser an old apothecary worn and aged look, I started with Tobacco Road gel stain. Then I layered and dry-brushed Coffee Bean paint over the surface, letting some of that warm brown show through. The lighter and darker areas give the finish its aged, well-loved character. In the pic below, you can see the darker brown areas have been dry-brushed with Coffee Bean and the drawers just have the stain on them.
Step 5 – Add the Hardware & Hairpin Legs
The label pulls are what really sell the illusion of all those little drawers! I gave the hardware a rusty finish using Dixie Belle’s Iron Paint and Patina Spray, then attached the pulls to the faux drawer sections. Finally, I swapped the original base for 8-inch hairpin legs to give the cabinet more height and a little industrial edge. It looks like an apothecary cabinet, but the original large drawers still give me plenty of useful storage.
THE BIG REVEAL
Take a look at this old flat-faced dresser now! What do you think?
A DIY Antique Apothecary Cabinet! Check out all this rustic character!
And here she is, 7+ years later—still loved and still earning her keep! You wouldn’t believe how much STUFF is tucked away in those drawers and how much use this piece gets. This is a little peek at her in everyday life, without any extra tidying or styling… so please excuse the dust bunnies. 🐰☺️
And here’s a close-up top view. I decided to keep my napkin decoupage pumpkins on it for the season.
Just for fun, I used one of my original makeover photos to imagine this refinished diy apothecary dresser in a dark, moody room. I love how the weathered finish looks against the warm wood tones. It looks TOTALLY different than it does in my house! 😂
And here’s another look at the before and after.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Seven-plus years later, this DIY apothecary cabinet is still one of my favourite makeovers—and still has a spot under the TV in my living room! I love it just as much today as when I first finished it and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked where I got it from – such a HUGE compliment. Those faux drawers and worn finish gave a plain old dresser so much character while keeping all that useful storage.
So if you have a boxy piece you’re struggling to see potential in, I hope this gives you a few ideas. Sometimes the simplest details and an UNPERFECT finish make the biggest difference!
Would you try this faux drawer trick? Thank you so much for being here. If you have a question or want to say hello, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below — you always brighten my day!
Happy creating, sweet friends!
Denise x
Hello again... I'm so happy you dropped by! Let's keep in touch! Follow me on social media or sign up for a dose of furniture painting inspiration and diy tutorials. :) 
You are so clever Denise! I’ve been following you for 10 years now and I’m always amazed by your creativity. So many of my painting projects begin with research on your website. A unique question for you – I would love your opinion on painting wool rugs. Our 3 year old wool rug is faded in areas by the sun and apparently it can be professionally touched up but maybe it can be a DIY project. Thank you for all your inspiration!
Aw, thanks sooo much and ohhh, what an interesting question!!! The timing of this question is interesting. I just purchased an electric drum kit and was looking at wool rugs (to put under the drums) at the antique market I went to this past Sunday.😃 I’ve never tried painting a wool rug before but what a fabulous idea and apparently not that difficult to do. I found this How To Paint A Rug DIY Style for you. And I’ll bet there are a ton of other good tutorials on Youtube as well.
I didn’t see your dust bunnies. You only have to worry about them turning into dust elephants! 🙂 I’ve had a few of those through the years.
Your cabinet looks wonderful! It’s so great to have a good storage area. I have a dresser that I want to redo and hope to fill in spaces that make the drawers look like they are two drawers. They are about 3″ long and an inch wide. I want to make the dresser look more contemporary. Do you think that Bondo would be a good filler for this project?
If you can’t see it, I’m not going to point it out… and you just gave me a good laugh! 😂🐘🐘 I’ve used Bondo for large fill in and I find it works really well, so long as I’m painting. I’ve also used LePage Plastic Wood which works really well but I find the fumes a little harsher than Bondo. I still haven’t found a filler that stains well, even if the package says it’s stainable. 😐
Thanks so much, Denise! Good to know that fillers don’t stain well. This is a dresser that I bought nearly 50 years ago from a company called “Naked Furniture”. If you haven’t heard of it, they featured totally unfinished furniture. I didn’t paint the dresser or matching nightstand, but they may be stained and then poly-ed. I’ll take the sander to first test the finish. Is there anything you would recommend to determine the finish?
I just googled Naked Furniture and if it’s the same company from 50 years ago – they have classic/beautiful pieces. Nice! Hmm, well, even after all these years determining finishes and even wood species is not my forte.😆 For an unfinished piece I would start with the water drop test in an inconspicuous area. If the water soaks in it has no finish. If it beads up, theres something on it. I’ve referred to this video a few time and found it very helpful.
This makeover is amazing, Denise. I wouldn’t know it was the same piece of furniture and it looks amazing in your home. I would have kept this one as well!
Thanks so much Nicki! It has gotten really good use over the years! Enjoy your week! XOXO
Hi Denise. I can’t believe it’s been 7 years since you did this makeover. I loved it then and I love it now. Btw…I didn’t spot any dust bunnies. lol.
Thanks so much Monique! And oh, they are there… a huge one on the bottom right.🐰😂🐰 The funny thing is, when I was growing up I had NO IDEA what a dust bunny was. My mum kept the house spotless and I never saw any until I moved out on my own!
This is fabulous in every way! My first time I am seeing this as I’m a newbie here. Your creativity astounds me, and your techniques are first rate! Thank you so much for sharing all of the steps in this project. I am inspired!
I’m so happy you like it and it’s inspired you!💙 I also appreciate you sharing that it’s your first time seeing this. It’s a great reminder (to myself) that new subscribers over the last few years have no idea what’s in the archives, so thank you, Jewels!🤗
This is absolutely gorgeous!! My husband and I are attempting this!! Can you please tell me if this dresser was laminate or wood? Also what was the paint technique you used?? This is absolutely stunning!! Thank you for the inspiration!!
Thanks Jamie! It was wood, not laminate and after it was ‘mostly’ sanded, a dry brush technique was used. 🙂
Another jaw-dropping furniture transformation, Denise! Wow, what a difference. You truly are a furniture whisperer and your vision and styling of your pieces are outstanding every.single.time. Pinned 🙂
Thanks so much Marie! I really like this one too. 😉 Thanks for the share my friend. XO
Oh, I just love this, I want to attempt this so badly…not sure I have the nerve, this is simply gorgeous
Thank you! And Cindy, you can SO do this… its a fun project to try!!! 🙂
Wow, what a transformation!! You do beautiful work!
Thanks Deb!!! xo
SO COOL!! I’m sure when people go to open it they will be so confused!! It really looks so old!!
Thanks, Suzanne!!! and ya, they will…lol. Those patina products are AMAZING!!!
That was such a clever idea!! I love it!!
Thanks so much, Mary Ann! 🙂
Oh my gosh woman! What an amazing transformation! Also, your posts are always so timely, it’s like you can read my mind. This is not the first time I’ve been in a quandary and then your email arrives in my inbox with the perfect solution to my problem! SO glad I found your blog <3
Thanks Jenna! And so glad the timing is good for you… if you try DIY faux drawers on one of your pieces, I’d LOVE to hear how it turns out for you! 🙂
I am totally freaking out at this transformation, like totally mind blown! It gives me new inspiration for the future ugly pieces that come my way, and how to give it new life!
Awww, thanks Lauri… appreciate it!!! And ya, it kind of inspired me to take a more imaginative look at those plain pieces too. I’ve been avoiding some of my ‘plainer’ inventory for years.
LOVE this!! Auch a cute idea
Thanks Alanna! xo
NAILED IT!!!! You hit this one out of the park…..I just love it!
Thanks Teri! I love it too! 🙂
Where did you find your hardware for this?
Hi Kerri! The upper tabs were bought at Hobby Lobby and the lower handles at a really neat boutique/shop called Mermaid In Elora. Then both were ‘rusted-out’ using Dixie Belles Patina.
What can one say about an astonishing transformation.? I will never look at a flat MCM piece of furniture the same. One of the tools I inherited from my Dad is a flex shaft Dremel with so many attachments. You really hit it on the nail about all it can do..
You generosity sharing all your fantastic visions is just remarkable.
My profound thanks!
Hi Mollie! Aren’t all the attachments amazing! And it’s so nice that you inherited your Dads. I love using my Dad’s tools… gives me such a good feeling. 🙂
Wow, Denise – that is a remarkable transformation! I just love it. I’m going to go find a piece of furniture….. LOL
LOL… I’m looking forward to trying this on another flat faced piece too! Thanks so much Marcia and wishing you a beautiful day. x
That came out AMAZING! Love it!
Thank you Shelley! XO
Absolutely LOVE this!! One question: where did you get the “legs” for the finished piece? They totally complete the look!
Hi Lori! I purchased the hairpin legs at Rusty Design but they also sell them on Amazon if you don’t have this type of shop in your area. I included the link under the “Source List”. 🙂
You are so imaginative Denise. to have envisioned this great style. Love this look & around here this style sells really well.. Great video too showing the need to sand down the grooves. Don’t blame you for wanting to keep this one.
Tracy!… in a roundabout way you helped me come up with this idea girlfriend! When I posted on FB not knowing what the heck to do with it, I couldn’t get those stained/stenciled pieces [you posted] out of my mind. I wouldn’t have even USED STAIN on this piece if it wasn’t for you. 🙂 Thank you!
WOWZA! You rocked that one Denise. What a transformation!
Thanks my friend. Glad you like it! Hugs XO
Hi Denise, where di you source the hardware from ?
Hi Kerri! The upper tabs were bought at Hobby Lobby and the lower handles at a really neat boutique/shop called Mermaid In Elora. Then both were ‘rusted-out’ using Dixie Belles Patina.
Wow I LOVE this one!!!! You nailed it! Thanks so much for the video and details! Def. won’t let one of these pass me by again!
Thanks, Karin and so glad you found the video helpful! 🙂
Wow! Every time you do a piece that I think you can’t do anything else to top it, you come along with another unique, amazing makeover of a different kind. So far, I think this one is my favorite. I love, love, love it. Your video helped also to be able to see what you explained in your steps In the video, there is a blue thing clamped to the drawer while you’re cutting with the dremel tool. It seems to ‘give’ as you’re cutting. How are you able to keep the line straight since it gives? Thanks for sharing another great makeover!
Hi Debra, thanks so much!!!:) If you’re referring to the blue straight edge, it’s metal and doesn’t give at all. And once it’s clamped down securely, it doesn’t budge. That said, what you may be seeing is a shadow or my not so great video taking skills LOL. 😉
Are you kidding me? Holy cow, I love it! This is why I follow you woman – always an inspiration!
Awwwwwwwww, thanks, Allison!!!!!! You made my day! XO
You always amaze me!! What a beautiful piece and such a makeover! I am clearly impressed! I want one!! Lol
….”I want one!!” is the biggest compliment you can get so thanks so much Shirley!! 😉
Really really love the look of this piece down to the hairpin legs. Curious how you pull out those top drawers however It’s absolutely beautiful I would keep it for myself as well!
Hi Liz! The drawers pull out really easily by pulling on the side or the bottom. But that said, I actually had 24 random round knobs that I rusted with the Dixie Belle Patina fully thinking I was going to add them onto the sides of each faux drawer. But once I added on the tabs – all those knobs were just waaaay too much. I didn’t like the look at all.
Yay! So excited I won!! Can’t wait to try them out on a piece of furniture. Thanks again for having the contest!!
Congratulations Candace!!!! I know you’re going to LOVE playing around with those beautiful transfers.:)
Brilliant! I’ve always loved the look of an apothecary, but thought them to be impractical. I mean, unless you run an apothecary, who needs that many small drawers? Your video was great! Thanks for sharing,
Thanks, Laurie! Ya, I don’t know what I would do with all those small drawers either…lol. Better to have the big ones to stuff full of junk LOL 😉
Wow Denise! An incredible makeover. I cannot believe that beautiful apothecary cabinet was once an ugly, dated, plain old dresser. How do you do it? You amaze me with your vision. I’m absolutely loving the finish, the unique hardware, and those hairpin legs. Wow! Love the video (and the glimpse of your studio:D).. What an interesting work space. You make my Monday mornings brighter.
Aw, thanks Monique… and so glad you like the video. You make my Monday mornings brighter girl! Hugs to you and have a super duper week!!! XO
The video is good but I really like the step-by-step pictures. Those legs really are clever!! The entire dresser is fantastic and you make such lovely photos of all your pieces.
Thanks so much Cecilia! And thanks for chiming in about the step-by-step pics. I want to keep things as easy to follow as possible for you! 🙂
I second that!
Thanks Jenna! I love the input! x
WOW! This is quite possibly my favorite of all your posts—I’m blown away by this gorgeous transformation!
Thanks so much, Merli! xo 🙂
You’re amazing!!
You’re sweet Kimberly, thank you. 🙂
Gosh I LOVE your style! Your vision for your pieces is so inspiring and I can see it truly comes from your heart. Keep up the great work Denise! 😍
xo, Do
Thanks so much, Do! xo And ya, this one was soooo much fun – loved every minute. 🙂