This post may contain affiliated links. Also, this wasn’t an antique dresser, it was a commode/ washstand. But for SEO purposes (thanks internet), I’m going to call it a dresser. Thanks for understanding!

Shop The Bathroom:

(click the thumbnails for more information)

This antique dresser was a free curbside pickup. When my husband and I drove by it, I screamed for him to stop and grab it! Other than some minor damage to the drawers and finish, it was in pretty great condition. I couldn’t believe it.

I instantly knew I wanted to use the dresser as a vanity. At some point in the house’s history, the bathrooms were “upgraded”. While I’m sure the owners who did the work put time, money, and love into their renovations, I want to keep bringing back some antique charm to the house.

from the mls listing...
too much grey for my taste!

Preparing The Dresser

After using a shop vac to vacuum out years of spider webs and dirt, I used Murphy Oil to clean the wood and restore it to its natural beauty. To clean and restore with Murphy Oil, I recommend diluting it with warm water first. You can use a microfiber cloth for general cleaning. If there are tough stains and gunk, use steel wool to break up the layers.

I didn’t “fix” any of the minor scratches and dings. Personally, I like it when antique furniture shows some history. If you have a dresser and want to repair scratches, you can buff it with a walnut before using Murphy Oil.

Protecting The Wood

To protect the wood, I used an oil-based polyurethane to seal it. Polyurethane is a clear finish that protects against scratches, water, and other potential damage.

Creating The Vanity

To create the dresser into a functional vanity, the drawers were shortened with a jigsaw to make room for the plumbing behind them. Both the vessel sink and vessel sink faucet came with templates to create holes on the top. Once the holes were cut, I ran a line of clear silicone caulking around the opening of the sink and then set it in. The faucet was easy to install by simply fastening a screw from the bottom.

how to turn a dresser into a bathroom vanity

Installing The Plumping

There are two water lines, hot and cold, that attach to the faucet. I had to go to the hardware store for longer water lines, but it was a cheap and easy fix! And the sink drain attached to the supply lines with the P-trap that was already being used by the previous sink.

Securing The Vanity

To secure the vanity, I used a corner brace bracket and attached it to the wall from the back of the dresser.

And that’s it! I was pretty intimated to take on this project, but it ended up being way more simple than anticipated. I think this is a totally doable DIY project that many people can take on if they want!

How to Turn an Antique Dresser Into a Bathroom Vanity