Quick drawer

Turn old chest drawers into space-saving under-bed storage. Perfect for clothes, bed linen or even your craft stash!

Innovative space-saving idea

How to make the storage drawer

Storage is an essential part of easy living in a modern home but can also prove very costly and sometimes not too pleasant on the eye. Sprucing up old drawers from a neglected chest will add a touch of gorgeous colour and quirkiness to the under-bed storage tucked away neatly in your bedroom. Adding wheels to the bottom of your drawer allows for quick and easy access to whatever you’re storing, making organising your crafting tools, clothes or accessories a doddle. Choose a colour scheme that matches your bedroom or one that adds an amazing pop of colour.

1

Give your drawer a good rub down with sandpaper and remove any dust and debris with a damp cloth.

2

Using a paintbrush, apply a coat of primer directly to the entire drawer. Leave this coat to dry for the recommended time stated on the tin.

3

Stick masking tape around the outside edge of the drawer. Apply two topcoats to the inner drawer in your chosen colour. Make sure you leave the recommended drying time in between coats as stated on the tin. Peel off the masking tape carefully and mop up any smudges by wiping them away with a damp cotton bud.

4

While the first coat on the inside of the drawer is drying, you can make a start on the outside. Our designer has chosen to use a white silk topcoat for the outside as it is inconspicuous, will go with any room and is easy to wipe down. Be careful around the handles of the drawer – if you get paint on the metal it’s easier to remove it when wet with a cotton wool bud.

5

Once both coats on the inside and outside are thoroughly dry, lightly apply masking tape to make a border framing the front of the drawer. Be careful not to press the tape too firmly in place as it could lift the white topcoat from underneath. Brush contrasting paint within the frame.

Our designer has used a bright orange paint to complement the turquoise paint.

6

Once dry, turn your drawer upside down and position the wheels on the underside, one in each of the four corners. Make sure you’re attaching them to the wooden frame not the base, and ensure they’re level so the drawer rolls easily.

7

Use a pencil to mark the holes that need drilling to secure the wheels. Drill 15mm into your drawer on each of the eight holes and screw in the caster wheels.