Repurposed Drawer Transformed Into A Table Riser

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Repurposed drawer turned table riser feature image is a closeup the left side of the drawer, finished with holiday florals and accents inside the drawer set as the centerpiece on a dark wood table.

This simple repurpose turns a thrifted drawer into a raised table display. It’s an easy way to add vintage character to a dining table, sideboard, or seasonal centerpiece.

Photo of the wood drawer removed from an old wall shelf. The wood knobs have been removed and it's sitting on the work bench.
Drawer

To make this plain drawer a stunning centerpiece, I went on a hunt for vintage drawer pulls to replace those ugly wooden knobs and found these beauties at the antique store.

Photo of two swinging vintage drawer pulls. The pull is black painted wood teardrop and the top is brass wtih a clover imprint.

I also purchased these 3″ tall wood feet and a 12″ decorative wood applique on Amazon for this project.

Overhead photo of 3-inch wood feet and a pretty 12-inch wood applique with shell motif in the middle.
3-inch wood feet and applique

How to Turn an Old Drawer into a Footed Riser – 5 Easy Steps

STEP 1:

Started by attaching the feet with wood glue and long wood screws.

Photo of drilling long wood screws into the bottom of a drawer to secure the feet. I also applied a little wood glue to the wood feet.

STEP 2:

Sand and coat with primer if needed. I lightly sanded the drawer front with 320-grit sandpaper and added a coat of Dixie Belle BOSS Paint Primer to prevent color bleed-through from ruining the finish later. This is a good step when covering dark or orange-stained wood surfaces.

Photo of lightly sanding the shellac front of the wood drawer with 320 grit sand paper to transform the repurposed drawer into a tall table riser.
Closeup of applying Dixie Belle BOSS primer to the front of the drawer to block stain from showing through the paint later.

STEP 3:

Glue on any embellishments in place. Here, I used wood glue, a heavy iron, and clamps to set my wood applique in place and then let it dry overnight.

Photo of wood glue used to glue a decorative wood applique to the front of a shelf. The applique has been clamped down as well as a vintage iron on one side to help the wood piece adhere as it dries.

STEP 4:

Paint your drawer riser. Here, I used Dixie Belle Mineral Paint in Stormy Seas and Caviar on the feet to match the drawer pulls.

Photo painting the feet of this DIY repurposed drawer riser with Dixie Belle Caviar.

STEP 5:

Last, I scuffed the front lightly with sandpaper for a worn, weathered look, then applied a matte topcoat to protect the piece. You can use any finish you have on hand, such as wax or polyurethane.

Photo of a finished repurposed drawer made into a long table riser painted an antique blue with vintage knobs and black feet. Shown here in an overhead side view filled with holiday florals, pots of white flocked greenery, a white candle and a vintage ceramic white sled with horse and carolers inside.
Star divider used has two hand drawn lines with a star in the center, used as a content break and signals new or different content below. This doodle style illustration is in a medium charcoal gray.

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