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!


Posted by Sarah at 8:46 AM
Labels: , ,

31 comments:

  1. RuthAugust 18, 2012 at 7:31 PM

    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....

    ReplyDelete
  2. moni g.August 23, 2012 at 10:53 PM

    This is brilliant!

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousAugust 25, 2012 at 4:44 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Beth HAugust 25, 2012 at 8:52 PM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SarahDecember 3, 2012 at 10:59 AM

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

      Delete
    2. AnonymousMarch 24, 2013 at 1:15 PM

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

      Delete
    3. Crystal QueenMay 19, 2014 at 12:08 PM

      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

      Delete
  5. JasonNovember 30, 2012 at 9:28 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SarahDecember 3, 2012 at 10:59 AM

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

      Delete
  6. SarahDecember 3, 2012 at 10:59 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousJanuary 30, 2013 at 7:46 AM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousFebruary 24, 2013 at 4:05 PM

    Any details on the plans for the drawers?

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousMarch 11, 2013 at 8:59 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  10. SarahApril 2, 2013 at 2:04 PM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousOctober 14, 2013 at 10:36 PM

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

      Delete
    2. sarahJuly 17, 2015 at 12:18 PM

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

      Delete
  11. AnonymousJanuary 12, 2014 at 8:10 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  12. The Body ShopJanuary 13, 2014 at 8:12 AM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SarahJanuary 13, 2014 at 10:48 AM

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

      Delete
  13. AnonymousApril 6, 2014 at 9:52 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  14. Julie (Dylan's mum)April 25, 2014 at 10:16 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  15. AnonymousApril 26, 2014 at 12:26 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  16. UnknownApril 29, 2014 at 9:26 PM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  17. AnonymousMay 1, 2014 at 11:38 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  18. AnonymousAugust 21, 2014 at 10:47 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  19. PurrfctAngelJanuary 15, 2015 at 10:40 PM

    My house was built in 1904 and actually has this.

    ReplyDelete
  20. UnknownAugust 22, 2015 at 11:52 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  21. UnknownAugust 31, 2015 at 5:51 AM

    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?

    ReplyDelete
  22. UnknownSeptember 3, 2015 at 1:24 AM

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

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)