Unlock your inner craftsman and transform your living space with this incredible DIY Modern Dresser! Designed by Shanty2Chic, this project comes complete with free plans and an easy-to-follow video guide, making it accessible for builders of all skill levels. Not just a beautiful piece of furniture, this versatile creation serves dual purposes: it functions perfectly as a stylish TV stand, providing dedicated space for all your media components, while offering abundant storage with multiple drawers to keep your home organized and clutter-free. Embrace the satisfaction of building something truly functional and aesthetically pleasing with your own hands.
The journey to creating this DIY Modern Dresser has been a rewarding one, driven by a desire for both functionality and contemporary style. My son previously used DIY Lockers as his dresser, a setup that, while unique, eventually led to organizational challenges. He expressed a clear need for a dresser featuring traditional drawers and a dedicated spot for his gaming consoles – a common request in many modern households! Taking inspiration from the DIY Modern Full Size Bed I recently built for him, I aimed to create a dresser that perfectly matched its clean lines and minimalist aesthetic. This design philosophy ensures a cohesive and stylish look throughout his room, proving that DIY furniture can be both practical and sophisticated.
Ready to see the magic happen? Watch our comprehensive how-to video below, where we guide you through every step of constructing this elegant and functional dresser. From cutting lumber to assembling the final piece, our video offers visual clarity to complement the written instructions, ensuring you have all the support you need to complete your project with confidence.
Watch the full DIY 6 Drawer Dresser build video for detailed visual instructions!
To ensure a smooth and successful building experience, make sure to download our free printable plans. These detailed plans include precise measurements, cut lists, and diagrams that will serve as your ultimate guide throughout the construction process. Having these plans on hand will help you organize your materials, make accurate cuts, and assemble your dresser with ease and precision.
Click here to jump to the free printable plans and detailed cut list!
Introduction: Why Build a Modern Dresser?
In a world of mass-produced furniture, there’s unparalleled satisfaction in creating a piece that perfectly fits your style, space, and specific needs. This DIY Modern Dresser project offers exactly that opportunity. It’s more than just a storage unit; it’s a statement piece that can elevate any room. Ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, or even a spacious entryway, its sleek modern design ensures it blends seamlessly with contemporary decor. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, its robust construction promises durability, while its generous storage capacity helps declutter your home. Imagine a single piece of furniture that beautifully organizes clothes, stores entertainment devices, and enhances the overall ambiance of your space. That’s the promise of this DIY Modern Dresser.
Design Inspiration and Versatility
The inspiration for this modern dresser came from a very practical need: my son’s desire for a more organized and stylish bedroom. His previous locker system, while creative, lacked the true functionality of traditional drawers and the designated space for modern electronics. The goal was to create a dresser that not only offered ample storage but also served as an ideal media console for his TV and gaming setup. We intentionally designed it with clean lines, a minimalist profile, and a focus on maximizing internal space. This design approach also ensures it perfectly complements the DIY Modern Full Size Bed, creating a cohesive and harmonious bedroom ensemble. Its versatility means it can easily transition from a dedicated bedroom dresser to a sophisticated TV stand in a living area, accommodating various design needs with grace.
Essential Tools for Your Build
Embarking on any DIY project requires the right set of tools to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and safety. For this Modern Dresser, we’ve carefully selected a list of essential power tools and hand tools that will make your building process as smooth as possible. While some tools are optional for specific tasks, having them will undoubtedly enhance the quality and ease of your build. Always prioritize safety by wearing appropriate protective gear such as safety glasses and hearing protection when operating power tools.
- Miter Saw: Crucial for making precise crosscuts on your lumber, ensuring all your pieces are cut to the exact length required.
- Drill: An indispensable tool for drilling pilot holes, driving screws, and creating pocket holes. A cordless drill offers maximum flexibility.
- Kreg Jig: This tool is a game-changer for creating strong, hidden pocket hole joints, giving your dresser a professional, seamless look without visible fasteners. We highly recommend the Kreg Jig 720 Pro for its ease of use and reliability.
- Brad Nailer: Perfect for attaching thinner pieces like trim, drawer faces, and door panels with minimal visible fasteners. It uses small brad nails that are easy to fill and sand.
- Sander: Essential for achieving a smooth, professional finish on your wood. An orbital sander with various grit sandpaper will be your best friend for preparing surfaces for staining or painting.
- Stapler (optional): Useful for quickly attaching plywood backs to doors or cabinet frames, providing a secure hold.
- Table Saw (optional): While not strictly necessary if you purchase pre-cut lumber or have a lumber yard cut your wood, a table saw is incredibly efficient for ripping wider boards into narrower pieces, such as creating your 2x2s from 2×4 studs.
Detailed Supply List
Having all your materials gathered and ready before you start building is key to a smooth and enjoyable DIY experience. This comprehensive supply list ensures you have everything from lumber and plywood to hardware and adhesives. We’ve included links where available to help you source these items easily.
- 8 – 2x2x8 Common Board: These will form the core structural elements of your dresser. We recommend ripping them from 2×4 studs for cost-effectiveness and consistency, if you have a table saw.
- 3 – 1x4x8 Common Board: Used for various trim pieces and structural supports within the cabinet.
- 2 – 3/4″x48″x96″ Hardwood Plywood: This will be used for the main cabinet panels, providing a sturdy and attractive exterior. Hardwood plywood is preferred for its stability and smooth surface.
- 1 – 1/2″x48″x96″ Hardwood Plywood: Ideal for drawer components, offering a good balance of strength and weight.
- 1 – 1/4″x48″x96″ Hardwood Plywood: Perfect for drawer bottoms and door back panels, providing a lightweight yet sturdy base.
- 1 1/4″ Pocket Hole Screws: For joining plywood panels and smaller framing pieces with your Kreg Jig.
- 2 1/2″ Pocket Hole Screws: Used for stronger joints in the larger face frame components.
- 1 1/4″ Brad Nails: For attaching trim, small supports, and drawer parts where subtle fasteners are desired.
- 2 1/2″ Finish Nails: For more substantial trim pieces and side panels, offering a strong hold while remaining discreet.
- 5/8″ Staples (optional): If using a stapler for quick and secure panel attachment.
- Wood Glue: An absolute essential for every joint, dramatically increasing the strength and durability of your dresser.
- 8 Pulls: To add a stylish and functional touch to your drawers and doors. Choose a style that complements your modern aesthetic.
- 4 Legs: Modern hairpin legs or a sleek block style will enhance the contemporary look of the dresser.
- 4 Hinges: For attaching the doors to the cabinet frame. Exposed hinges can add a rustic-modern touch.
How to Build a DIY Modern Dresser
Building your own modern dresser is a rewarding project that combines practical skills with creative expression. Follow these detailed steps to construct a sturdy and stylish piece of furniture that will last for years. Remember to refer to your printable plans for exact measurements and diagrams for each cut list and assembly step.
Building the Cabinet Frame: The Foundation of Your Dresser
The cabinet frame is the core structure of your dresser, providing stability and defining its overall dimensions. Precision in these initial steps is crucial for a square and sturdy final product.
Step 1: Prepare Dividers and Cleats
Begin by cutting your vertical dividers and cleats to the specified sizes from your 3/4″ hardwood plywood. These pieces will create the internal compartments of your dresser. Using your Kreg Jig, drill 3/4″ pocket holes at both ends of each divider. These holes will allow for strong, concealed joints. Next, take two of your top cleats and attach them to two of the vertical dividers. Use 1 1/4″ brad nails and a generous amount of wood glue for a secure connection. Ensure everything is flush and square before the glue sets.
Step 2: Attach Dividers to Bottom Board
Cut the bottom cabinet board to size. This will form the base of your dresser’s main structure. Carefully align the vertical dividers (with the attached top cleats) onto the bottom board. Secure them firmly using 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws through the pre-drilled pocket holes and a strong application of wood glue. This step creates the main compartments for your drawers and the side cabinet.
Step 3: Secure Bottom Cleats
Now, attach the remaining bottom cleats to the middle dividers. These cleats provide additional support and serve as mounting points for the drawer slides or shelves. Use 1 1/4″ brad nails and wood glue for a robust connection. Double-check that all cleats are level and parallel to ensure proper drawer or shelf installation later.
Step 4: Install Cabinet Top
Cut the cabinet top piece to its final dimensions. This piece will cap off the main structure. Attach it to the top edges of the cabinet dividers using 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws and wood glue. Ensure the top piece is flush with the outer edges of the cabinet and securely fastened to create a strong, stable box. This completes the primary enclosure for your dresser.
Step 5: Add Internal Shelves
Cut your internal shelf pieces to size. These shelves are crucial for organization and can hold game consoles, books, or decorative items. Drill 3/4″ pocket holes on the ends of each shelf. Carefully position and attach them to the inside of the cabinet using 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws and wood glue. Pay close attention to the specified inset and overhang on both the front and back, as this contributes to the dresser’s finished aesthetic.
Step 6: Attach Shelf Trim
To give your shelves a polished and finished look, cut the shelf trim pieces to size. Attach these trim pieces to the front and back edges of the shelves. Use 1″ finish nails for a clean look and wood glue for added strength. This step not only adds visual appeal but also helps protect the edges of your plywood shelves from wear and tear.
Step 7: Build Face Frames
The face frame gives your dresser a robust, finished edge and provides structural integrity. Cut the face frame pieces to size according to your cut list. Using your Kreg Jig, drill 1 1/2″ pocket holes where indicated on the plans – these are typically on the ends of the horizontal pieces that join the vertical stiles. Once all holes are drilled, assemble the pieces together to form the rectangular face frames. Secure them with 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws and wood glue. You will need to build two identical face frames, one for the front and one for the back of the cabinet.
Remember, the Kreg Jig 720 Pro is an excellent choice for achieving these strong, hidden joints with minimal effort, ensuring a professional result.
Step 8: Attach Face Frames to Cabinet
With your face frames assembled, it’s time to attach them to the main cabinet structure. Carefully position one face frame on the front of the cabinet and the other on the back. They should line up perfectly flush with the top edge of the cabinet. The pocket holes you drilled in the face frames should face inwards towards the cabinet interior, ensuring they are hidden from view. Secure the face frames to the cabinet with 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws and wood glue, creating a strong and aesthetically pleasing border for your dresser.
Step 9: Install Side Trim
To complete the cabinet’s exterior and give it a truly finished look, cut the side trim pieces to size. These pieces will cover the exposed plywood edges on the sides of your dresser. Attach them to the sides of the cabinet using 2 1/2″ finish nails and wood glue. Ensure these side trim pieces line up flush with both the top and bottom face frames, creating a seamless and sturdy appearance. This step significantly enhances the overall aesthetic and durability of your dresser.
Crafting the Drawers for Optimal Storage
The drawers are a key functional component of this modern dresser, providing ample and organized storage. Building them accurately is essential for smooth operation and a professional finish.
Step 1: Assemble Drawer Boxes
Begin by cutting all the drawer front and side pieces from your 1/2″ hardwood plywood according to the dimensions in your plans. These pieces will form the basic box structure of each drawer. Attach the front and side pieces together using 1 1/4″ brad nails and wood glue. Ensure your corners are square for smooth drawer operation. Repeat this process for all six drawers.
Next, cut the drawer bottoms from your 1/4″ hardwood plywood to size. Attach these bottoms to the underside of your assembled drawer boxes. Again, use 1 1/4″ brad nails and wood glue for a strong, lasting bond. Make sure the drawer bottoms are flush with the sides of the drawer boxes.
Step 2: Install Drawer Slides
Installing drawer slides accurately is crucial for smooth and effortless drawer function. This step can sometimes be tricky, but with careful measurement and patience, you’ll achieve perfect results. Attach one half of each drawer slide to the inside of the cabinet compartments and the other half to the sides of your assembled drawer boxes. Refer to the detailed instructions in our how-to video for a visual guide on precisely how to install the drawer slides and a link to the specific slides we recommend. Proper alignment here will prevent drawers from sticking or sagging over time.
Step 3: Attach Drawer Faces
The drawer faces are the visible front panels that give your dresser its finished look. Cut these faces to size from your 3/4″ hardwood plywood. Before permanently attaching them, use spacers (such as coins or scrap pieces of wood) to ensure a consistent 1/8″ gap around all sides of each drawer face. This uniform spacing is key to a professional and high-quality appearance. Attach the drawer faces from the back of the drawer box, driving 1 1/4″ brad nails through the drawer box into the back of the drawer face. This method hides the fasteners and allows for minor adjustments if needed before the final pulls are installed. Once happy with the alignment, you can add a bit of wood glue for extra security, though the pulls will also help hold them in place.
Constructing the Doors
The doors for the side compartment complete the dresser’s modern aesthetic and provide easy access to shelves, ideal for electronics or media storage.
Step 1: Assemble Door Frames
Cut the door frame pieces to size from your 1×4 common boards. These will create the sturdy outer frame for your doors. Drill 3/4″ pocket holes on both ends of the longer frame pieces. These holes will be used to join the pieces together to form a strong, rectangular frame. Attach the longer pieces to the shorter pieces using 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws and wood glue. Ensure your frames are square and flat, as this will affect how your doors hang and operate.
Step 2: Attach Plywood Backs to Doors
Cut the 1/4″ hardwood plywood panels to size for the back of your door frames. These panels will fill the open space within the door frames, creating solid doors. Apply wood glue generously to the back edges of the door frames. Carefully position the plywood panels onto the glued edges and secure them with 5/8″ staples. The staples provide immediate hold while the wood glue cures, ensuring a strong and stable door panel. Make sure the plywood is flush with the outer edges of the frame.
The Perfect Finish: Adding Style and Durability
The finishing touches are where your dresser truly comes to life, reflecting your personal style and protecting your hard work. This stage is all about details, from trim to hardware.
Step 1: Install Top Trim Pieces
To give the dresser’s top a clean and substantial edge, cut the side top trim pieces to size from your 1×4 common board. Attach these trim pieces to the sides of the main top plywood sheet using 1 1/4″ brad nails and wood glue. Once the side pieces are in place, measure and cut the front and back trim pieces to size, ensuring they fit snugly between the side trim. Attach them in the same manner with brad nails and wood glue. This creates a beautiful, solid-wood edge around the plywood top, enhancing its appearance and durability.
Step 2: Sand, Fill, and Apply Finish
Now for the satisfying part: preparing your dresser for its final aesthetic. Go over the entire piece, filling all visible nail holes and any minor imperfections with wood filler. Once the filler is dry, sand the entire dresser thoroughly, working your way up through various grits of sandpaper (e.g., 80-grit, 120-grit, 220-grit) until you achieve a silky-smooth surface. This meticulous sanding is crucial for a professional-looking finish. After sanding, wipe away all dust with a tack cloth. Then, apply your chosen finish – whether it’s a rich wood stain to highlight the grain, a crisp paint color to match your decor, or a protective clear coat for a natural look. Get creative and make it truly your own!
Step 3: Attach Hardware and Legs
The final step is to attach all your chosen hardware and legs. For a truly modern aesthetic, I opted for sleek hairpin legs, stylish bar pulls for the drawers and doors, and chic exposed hinges for the side cabinet doors. These details significantly contribute to the dresser’s contemporary charm. Install the legs securely to the bottom of the cabinet. Attach the pulls to your drawer faces and cabinet doors, ensuring they are level and evenly spaced. Finally, mount your doors to the cabinet frame with the hinges, making sure they open and close smoothly without binding. Take a step back and admire your beautifully crafted, custom-made modern dresser!
Share Your Shanty2Chic Creation!
We absolutely love seeing your completed DIY projects! The Shanty2Chic community thrives on shared inspiration and the incredible craftsmanship of fellow builders. Once you’ve finished constructing your stunning new modern dresser, don’t forget to share your build with us on social media! Tag your photos and posts with #shanty2chic so we can easily find and celebrate your hard work. We might even feature your project on our channels to inspire others. Happy building, and we can’t wait to see what you create!
Explore More Dresser Plans!
If you enjoyed building this modern dresser or are looking for your next furniture project, we have a wealth of other dresser plans to inspire you. From clever hacks to unique designs, there’s a project for every style and skill level. Expand your DIY horizons and add more custom-built pieces to your home!
Ikea Malm Dresser Hack: Discover how to transform a basic Ikea Malm dresser into a high-end custom piece with this ingenious hack.
DIY Modern Farmhouse 6 Drawer Dresser: If you love the blend of modern and rustic, this 6-drawer dresser plan offers a charming farmhouse aesthetic with contemporary touches.
Rustic Modern Dresser: Explore another take on modern design with a rustic twist, perfect for adding character to any room.
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DIY Modern Dresser
Learn how to build this DIY Modern Dresser with 6 drawers! It makes the perfect TV stand with game console storage and 6 drawers! Click here to print the full set of free printable plans including the shop list!
Tools
- Miter Saw
- Drill
- Kreg Jig
- Brad Nailer
- Sander
- Stapler (optional)
- Table Saw (optional)
Supply List
- 8 – 2x2x8 Framing Lumber Ripped from 2×4
- 3 – 1x4x8 Common Board
- 2 – 3/4″x48″x96″ Hardwood Plywood
- 1 – 1/2″x48″x96″ Hardwood Plywood
- 1 – 1/4″x48″x96″ Hardwood Plywood
- 1 1/4″ Pocket Hole Screws
- 2 1/2″ Pocket Hole Screws
- 1 1/4″ Brad Nails
- 2 1/2″ Finish Nails
- 5/8″ Staples
- Wood Glue
- 8 Pulls
- 4 Legs
- 4 Hinges
Instructions
Cut List
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Cut List 1
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Cut List 2
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Cut List 3
Building the Cabinet Frame
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Cut the vertical dividers and cleats to size. Drill 3/4″ pocket holes at both ends of each divider. Attach the top two cleats to two of the dividers with 1 1/4″ brad nails and wood glue.
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Cut the bottom cabinet board to size. Attach the vertical dividers to the bottom board with 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws and wood glue.
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Attach the bottom cleats to the middle dividers with 1 1/4″ brad nails and wood glue.
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Cut the cabinet top piece to size and attach it to the cabinet dividers with 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws and wood glue.
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Cut the shelf pieces to size and drill 3/4″ pocket holes on the ends. Attach them to the inside of the cabinet with 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws and wood glue. Note the inset and overhang on the front and back.
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Cut the shelf trim to size and attach it to the front and back of the shelves with 1″ finish nails and wood glue.
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Cut the face frame pieces to size and drill 1 1/2″ pocket holes according to the cut list. Attach the pieces together with 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws and wood glue. Build two face frames.
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Attach a face frame to the front and back of the cabinet. They should line up flush with the top of the cabinet and the pocket holes should face inside.
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Cut the side trim pieces to size and attach them to the sides of the cabinet with 2 1/2″ finish nails and wood glue. They should line up flush with the top and bottom face frames.
Building the Drawers
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A. Cut the drawer front and side pieces to size. Attach them together with 1 1/4″ brad nails and wood glue.
B. Cut the drawer bottoms to size and attach them to the bottom of the drawers with 1 1/4″ brad nails and wood glue. -
Install the drawers with drawer slides. You can get the detailed instructions and a link to the slides I used on our website.
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Cut the drawer faces to size and attach them to the front of each drawer with 1 1/4″ brad nails, from the back of the drawer and into the back of the drawer face. There should be a 1/8″ gap around all sides.
Building the Doors
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Cut the door frame pieces to size. Drill 3/4″ pocket holes on both ends of the long boards. Attach them to the short boards with 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws and wood glue.
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Cut the plywood for the back of the doors to size. Attach them to the back of the door frames with 5/8″ staples and wood glue.
The Finish!
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Cut the side top trim pieces to size and attach them to the sides of the top plywood sheet with 1 1/4″ brad nails and wood glue. Measure and cut the fron and back trim pieces to size and attach them the same way.
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Fill all your nail holes, sand it down and add a finish! Get creative with it and make it your own! I added modern hairpin legs and pulls!
Make sure to share your builds with us on social media and use #shanty2chic so we can share them too!
Happy Building!
