This DIY fluted dresser is sure to add a modern look to any bedroom in your home! Made with only wooden dowels and wood glue, you can achieve a contemporary look for an inexpensive price that’s sure to be a focal point in any room.
At the beginning of the new year, I noticed that there was a fluted trend in home decor. While we were redesigning our master bedroom, I started shopping around online for this new trend. I found a stunning fluted dresser on West Elm’s website but unfortunately the price tag was not in our budget.
Despite the price tag, I was inspired to create a similar piece of my own but for way less. There is something exciting about pouring your heart and soul into a project and seeing your hard work pay off. I was excited to get started!
This DIY fluted dresser project was indeed a labor of love. However, it was completely worth every minute.
DIY Fluted Dresser Materials Needed
+ sandpaper
+ tape measure
+ paint (I used the color “Muslin” by Benjamin Moore)
+ dresser
DIY Fluted Dresser Inspiration
First and foremost, you will want to choose a dresser (one with drawers that have a flat surface). I suggest starting your search at a local thrift store or on Facebook Marketplace.
I bought an old mid century modern dresser back in my college days at a local thrift store. It was in rough shape but for $50 I couldn’t pass it up. I had intentions to restore this old beauty but the condition I bought it in was far beyond repair.
After seeing others transform furniture with wooden dowels, I was inspired to bring this MCM dresser back to life through this DIY!
DIY Fluted Dresser Instructions
Once I decided on which dresser I wanted to DIY, I used an electric sander to sand down the body and drawers. After it was sanded, I used a damp rag to wipe any excess dust and dirt off.
To prepare to glue the wooden dowels, I measured the height of each drawer so I knew how long to make each dowel. I used 5/16″ x 48″ wood dowels and cut them down to 5 3/4″ for each drawer. The size that you cut for your wooden dowels will depend on the dresser that you end up working with.
I used our miter saw to cut the dowels down to size. You’ll end up with a lot of cut pieces, so I suggest storing them in a large basket to keep them from getting lost in the process.
Once I had my pieces cut, I used Gorilla wood glue to secure each dowel down to the tops of the drawers.
Remember when I said that this project was a labor of love? This step in the DIY is the reason behind why I said that. Take your time during this step. Turn on your favorite playlist or TV show. I promise it’s worth it!
I repeated this step until all the drawers were fluted with dowels! When the dowels are completely dry, I use the electric sander to sand off the uneven edges and make everything nice and straight!
While the dowels were drying, I started the painting on the body of the dresser. I used the color “Muslin” by Benjamin Moore, which was the perfect neutral shade I was looking for!
The End Result
Once the wooden dowels and paint are dry, it’s time to put it all together!
To complete the look, I purchased black drawer pulls. The pulls added a nice touch to complete the look.
What home decor trends have you been loving?
Have you been as obsessed with the fluted design trend like I have been? Let me know in the comments which home decor trend that has been your favorite!
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