Creating a Typeset Tray from A Thrift Store Score

DIY Furniture Flip: Refinished Solid Maple Dresser in Classic White

In this tutorial, I’m sharing how I completely transformed a solid maple, Canadian-made dresser into a fresh, modern piece that’s both timeless and functional. Originally a tired chest of drawers, this sturdy maple beauty got a full makeover — from sanding and priming to a crisp classic white finish and new stainless steel bar and knob hardware . The result? A clean, elegant dresser with five easy-glide drawers that looks right at home in any bedroom, guest room, or entryway. Follow along to see each step of the refinishing process and how a little paint and hardware can give solid wood furniture a brand-new life.

I am a huge antique typeset tray fan, here is mine I found in the background of the above photo. But follow along as I took a thrift store piece and created a faux one.

When I saw this item at a thrift store I totally saw it as a typeset drawer. I am not positive what its original use was. I googled Znoart but had no luck. A few suggestions from folks was a calligraphy tip kit, game or a bead art kit but nothing positive.

The stickers were stuck on good but using a damp cloth and my handy razor scraper

I carefully removed it all.

The scratched up plexi glass cover had to go as it totally ruined the vintage vibe but it was inserted in the flip up top frame masterfully with no visible screws/nails etc