Monday, August 6, 2012

Built in Dresser

While my master bedroom isn't small, it's on the 2nd floor and has slanted walls because of the roof.  This is problematic for furniture - if its too tall, it won't fit flush against the wall.  The slanted walls also create a lot of 'dead' space.  While some of the space was turned into attic storage, others were just left unused.

We saw this great idea to maximize the space and gain some much needed storage - A Built-in Dresser.

We started by cutting a hole into the wall - to see what was in there.


We quickly learned that there was No Insulation!  No wonder the 2nd floor was always so much hotter!  So we insulated the space and added plywood flooring. Then we framed the opening for support.  

Then my dad built the drawers.  He lined the outside of the box with cedar just in case there were any bugs lurking in the attic space.


Then we slid the drawer structure into the space, and it fit perfectly!

All that was left to do was 4 coats of paint! And here is the finished product.


The best part is now we have 3 more drawers of storage but it doesn't take away from the floor space!


31 comments:

  1. WOW! I love this! One of the best space saver ideas I've ever seen! Now if only my house had dead space to use....

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  2. Great idea. I'd do this, but I'd probably end up buying the wardrobe, as I don't see anyone making it for me. So after a shopping trip to Ikea, I'll be doing this for the attic renovation.
    Thanks for the inspiration.

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  3. Would love some more details on building the drawers! We have closets in the bedrooms that are VERY deep on the sides, so it's hard to get in and out of the area back there. I was thinking of just taking out that space and making it part of the room, but it would only be about as wide as a dresser or student desk. This may be an excellent option instead and leave the top open like a shelf!

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    1. Wow, thanks for all the interest! I will get with my dad and type up how to build the drawers!

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    2. Does your dad still have the plans for this dresser. I want to make these! :)

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    3. I agree. We have the deep closets on the sides. Make 2 shorter dressers in each side. Then leave the top for shelves or hanging clothes that aren't long v

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  4. Would it possible for your Dad to share how he built the drawers and drawer structure? I am interested in doing this in my upstairs and having instructions for the drawers would be extremely helpful.

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    1. Wow, thanks for all the interest! I will get with my dad and type up how to build the drawers!

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  6. What a great idea!! and how brave you are to cut into your wall to "see what was in there"! I wish my home was built substantial enough to have deep walls which would allow a project like yours.

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  7. Any details on the plans for the drawers?

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  8. Do you remember if the studs were on 24 inch center or 16 inch

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  9. We will be making another build in dresser and a mini bookcase! Please stay tuned! I will get a detailed step by step process of these!

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    1. I have the same issue and could use detailed instructions so we can do this.

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    2. Just wondered if you every posted the details for this dresser. We're looking to do the same thing in our bedroom. Thanks!

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  10. You could just go to a thrift store and buy a dresser and use the drawers from that .

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  11. So does the back of the dresser hang out of the wall in the other room? Dresser is obviously deeper than the wall is thick!

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    1. That space is "Dead" attic space so that is where the drawers are.

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  12. how did you determine there were no wires or plumbing in the wall before you cut? That's what I'm afraid of doing. :/

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  13. This would be a great idea to fill an old fireplace space that you no longer want/use

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  14. Would be nice but stays in South Africa everything builded out of bricks inside and outside

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  15. My home was built in the 30's. One room has built in dressers. Just remember that rearranging a room can be difficult because these babies don't move. Just my 2 cents for living with them for almost 40 years!

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  16. Love it...very creative and handy!!!

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  17. Do you rent your dad out per hour????? :) it's lovely!

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  18. My house was built in 1904 and actually has this.

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  19. great idea! do you also have pocket doors. i am blessed with one and i have turned my dining room into my studio.

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  20. I have room with a dormer. We knock down the wall because of mold. That's when we realize there was more space. Where can I make a dresser like yours?

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  21. What about the studs? What did you do with the studs?

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