Upcycled Drawer Shelving: Rustic Farmhouse Decor DIY

Updated at: 21/05/2025

Transforming old, discarded drawers into charming and functional shelving is a fantastic way to embrace the rustic farmhouse aesthetic while practicing sustainable living. Upcycled drawer shelving offers a unique blend of character and practicality, adding a touch of vintage charm to any room in your home. This DIY project is surprisingly simple, perfect for both seasoned crafters and enthusiastic beginners, and allows for incredible customization based on your available materials and personal style preferences. You can easily adapt this project to suit different spaces, from a cozy kitchen to a rustic bathroom or even a stylish entryway.

This guide will provide you with a detailed, step-by-step process to create your own stunning upcycled drawer shelving, breathing new life into old furniture and adding a unique focal point to your home. Let's dive in and uncover the simple techniques and creative ideas that will turn unwanted drawers into beautiful, functional, and environmentally conscious rustic farmhouse decor.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Dresser drawers
  • Paint stripper
  • Sander
  • Stain (red-based and a darker stain)
  • Polyurethane
  • Paint (off-white or color of your choice)
  • Wood pieces for shelving
  • Hammer
  • Nails
  • Antique drawer pulls
Safety Guidelines
  • Always wear safety glasses and a dust mask when sanding and sawing old drawers. Wood dust is a respiratory irritant.
  • Ensure drawers are thoroughly cleaned before upcycling. Remove any lingering paint, varnish, or potentially harmful residue.
  • Check the structural integrity of the drawers before assembling your shelving unit. Reinforce weak areas with wood glue and screws if necessary.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Drawer Preparation

    • Strip the paint from the top of the drawers.
    • Sand the drawer surface to smooth it out.
    Sand the drawer surface to smooth it out.Sand the drawer surface to smooth it out.
    Drawer Preparation

  2. Staining and Finishing

    • Stain the entire drawer, allowing for variations in wood color for a rustic look.
    • Sand the stained drawer again, pressing harder in some areas for an aged effect. Apply a red-based stain, quickly wiping it off for added depth.
    • Apply a coat of polyurethane to protect the stain.
    Apply a coat of polyurethane to protect the stain.Apply a coat of polyurethane to protect the stain.Apply a coat of polyurethane to protect the stain.
    Staining and Finishing

  3. Interior Painting

    • Paint the inside of the drawer a chosen color (consider a pop of color).
    Paint the inside of the drawer a chosen color (consider a pop of color).
    Interior Painting

  4. Interior Shelf Preparation

    • Prepare additional wood pieces for interior shelving, distressing them to match the aged look of the drawer (scraping, hammering, light scratching).
    • Stain the new wood pieces to match the drawer.
    Stain the new wood pieces to match the drawer.Stain the new wood pieces to match the drawer.
    Interior Shelf Preparation

  5. Interior Shelf Assembly and Installation

    • Assemble the interior shelves by connecting the wood pieces using nails (or screws/wood glue).
    • Attach the shelves to the inside of the drawer using nails.
    Attach the shelves to the inside of the drawer using nails.Attach the shelves to the inside of the drawer using nails.
    Interior Shelf Assembly and Installation

  6. Finishing Touches

    • Install antique drawer pulls.
    Install antique drawer pulls.
    Finishing Touches

  7. Wall Mounting

    • Hang the shelves on the wall, experimenting with vertical or horizontal orientations.
    Hang the shelves on the wall, experimenting with vertical or horizontal orientations.
    Wall Mounting

Read more: DIY Upcycled Bed Frame: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

  • Embrace the imperfections and variations in wood color for a more authentic rustic look.
  • Use a pop of color for the inside of the drawer to add visual interest.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Drawer Fronts

Reason: Drawers are often not perfectly uniform, leading to a wobbly or unprofessional-looking shelf.
Solution: Use shims or sanding to level the drawer fronts before attaching them to the wall.

2. Insufficient Support

Reason: Using too few or weak supports can lead to the shelf sagging under weight.
Solution: Reinforce the structure with additional brackets or supports, especially for heavier items.

FAQs

What type of drawers are best for this project?
Solid wood drawers are ideal, offering durability and the rustic look we're aiming for. Avoid drawers with significant damage or weak joints. Look for drawers with interesting details like aged paint or unique hardware.
What kind of hardware or tools do I need?
You'll primarily need a drill, screws, a level, and possibly wood filler or sandpaper depending on the condition of your drawers. Consider adding brackets or supports for extra stability, especially for larger or heavier shelves. Protective gloves and safety glasses are always recommended.