Give a discarded drawer a leg up.

Dress a Drawer

We salvaged an old dresser drawer and created a simple footstool using basic woodworking skills. Prime the drawer before painting. Attach four legs purchased from an upholstery supply store or home center.

We created the top by cutting a piece of 3/8-inch plywood slightly larger than the outside top edges of the drawer and a piece of 1/4-inch plywood slightly smaller than the inside of the drawer. Wrap the top of the 3/8-inch piece with foam and cotton batting, stapling them to the underside of the plywood; cover with fabric.

Cover the 1/4-inch plywood with batting and fabric in the same manner. Glue together the back sides of the plywood pieces, using wood glue. Add gimp around the edges of the fabric to dress up the finish.

Line the drawer with a complementary fabric. Note: Because all drawers are built differently, we do not recommend you sit on the stool unless you reinforce the bottom.