Blending playful design with refined details, this dresser becomes both furniture and artwork. Its distressed checkerboard sides, adorned with subtle chess motifs, give a nod to strategy and timeless games.
Also, the White Rabbit ornament adds narrative flair, while golden tassels elevate the piece with theatrical charm.
Soft sage drawers introduce balance, making the overall composition stylish yet fanciful. Ideal for collectors, readers, or dreamers, this chest feels like a treasure that belongs in a cabinet of curiosities.
Materials Needed
- 1 small wooden dresser or jewelry chest (around 18-24” tall)
- Sandpaper: 120-grit and 220-grit
- Primer (white, 250ml)
- Acrylic paint: black, cream/ivory, sage green, and metallic gold (2-4 oz each)
- Small stencil of chess pieces (pawns, knights, queens, etc.)
- Brass or resin rabbit ornament (4-6” tall)
- 2-4 gold tassels depending on drawer count
- Decorative knobs (vintage bronze or patterned)
- Painter’s tape
- Clear matte or satin sealer (polyurethane or acrylic varnish)
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Sand the dresser lightly and apply a coat of primer. This ensures smooth coverage for your designs.
Step 2: Tape off the sides where you’ll paint the checkerboard. Using black and ivory acrylic, alternate squares carefully. Don’t stress about perfection, slight distressing adds character.
Step 3: Once dry, use your chess piece stencils to paint small motifs across the checkerboard. Then position them randomly for a whimsical, storybook feel.
Step 4: Paint the drawer fronts in sage green. You can add delicate embellishments with raised stencils or attach small resin details before painting to create texture.
Step 5: Attach decorative knobs to each drawer. To enhance the fantasy look, choose bronze or filigree-style designs.
Step 6: Mount the rabbit ornament on one side of the dresser using strong craft adhesive or screws, depending on weight.
Step 7: Add tassels to knobs or drawer edges. Then seal the entire dresser with two coats of matte or satin varnish to protect your painted surface and deepens the colors.
Tips: If the rabbit ornament is heavy, you can reinforce with screws instead of glue.