They say it’s all about the legs. In the case of midcentury modern dressers, it couldn’t be any more true! I’ve always wanted to tackle a Tarva dresser hack, but I’ve always had trouble finding the right legs to fit into the system. The lumpy rectangular legs are not so pretty and finding legs in the right shape and size can be tricky. Luckily, Sara found a great resolution to the long standing leg drama and it sure is pretty.
For this midcentury modern dresser DIY, I selected Valspar Paint in Bronze Storm and Clark + Kensington Paint in Silent White to give my dresser a two-tone look. Rather than go with an all white dresser, I added in a neutral and warm tone that brings together vintage with modern perfectly. I really love the tone of Bronze Storm because it works really well as an accent piece, but it’s neutral enough to take center stage. It’s also a nod to midcentury design as many pieces have bronze or brass fixtures and hues.
What you need:
Primer
Valspar Paint in Bronze Storm and Clark + Kensington Paint in Silent White
Sprayer + Air Compressor
Steps:
- Fill the holes in the drawer fronts that come pre-drilled for the knobs if you are using your own bar pulls. Allow to dry.
- Assemble the dresser and sand the entire dresser. This will ensure a smooth finish!
- Mark with a pencil where you want the cut lines on the legs. Remove the legs, and using a chop saw cut along the line. Sand down the legs and put them back on.
- Apply one coat of primer and allow to dry.
- Paint sprayers are so much easier to use and leave such a beautiful finish as opposed to a traditional bristle or foam brush. You can still get the job done with traditional brushes, but if you have access to a sprayer then use it!
- Measure out holes for new handles, drill holes, and put on the new handles.
- Style and enjoy your new midcentury modern dresser.
*As with all large furniture, secure your dresser to the wall using the provided mounting system.
Check out my other DIYS: Lucite Curtain Rod | How to Create a Kids Play Area | How to Install Wallpaper | Slat Bench DIY
Hi, I was wondering if I could find out the length of those pulls? the link provided has expired. thanks!
Author
Hi there. Here is the length:
Overall Length 15-7/8″
Mounting Holes (centers) 13-7/8″
HOpe that helps!
Author
Hi Carly, The exact brass pulls I used have been restocked here: http://bit.ly/1rXQlfk
Thank you!!
I am so obsessed with mid-century style. I need those lamps in my life, so gorgeous!
xoxo,
Bailey
Here’s The Skinny
This turned out amazing! Awesome job!
Coffee Beans and Bobby Pins
What an incredible piece! So fab you’re into DIY too!
Is this sturdy? I want to try this project as well but I’m worried the legs won’t support the weight odbthe dresser since they will be missing a portion of the leg. Can you give some feedback/input?
Author
Hi Leslie. Thanks for stopping by. We’ve used this dresser for over a year and have had no issues with support. Our dresser is used daily and it has never felt flimsy or lopsided. Note, that we secured the dresser to the wall (as recommended) to give additional support.
Where did you find your lamps?!!!
Author
Hi Heather! They are from Lamps Plus and come in sooo many colors. Here’s a link: http://www.lampsplus.com/products/larchmere-wexler-table-lamp__6p893-y6164-7c448.html
Hi Did you paint the sides white? or brown like the base?
Author
Yes, I painted the sides white. Only the base is brown!
Getting ready to do a similar hack for a tv console/stand. I’ve seen a few where it looks like the middle leg has been removed, but imagine that would make it sag a bit. Is your middle support leg actually gone, or just photographed in a way that “hides” it?
thanks!
Author
Hi Jess! The middle leg is still there, it’s just the angle of the shot so you can’t see it. I hope that helps! xx
Hi Annette, followed the link in the comments for the pulls but I don’t see the measurements you listed. Did you have them custom made by the shop?
Author
Hi Chelsea! No, they were a standard listing size in the shop. The shop owner is super helpful, so send her a note if you need a specific size. I hope that helps.