Transforming an Old Dresser into a Safari-Themed Nursery Change Table

When preparing our nursery, I wanted something unique that would complement our safari theme while being practical. Instead of buying new, I decided to upcycle a vintage chest of drawers into a one-of-a-kind change table. Here's how I transformed this Facebook Marketplace find into a stunning nursery centerpiece.

The Hunt

After browsing Facebook Marketplace for a week, I found this solid wood dresser. Despite its dated appearance, it was perfect base on two factors: 1 - It was solid wood rather than particle board 2 - It was the right height. Change tables should ideally be between 90-110 cm. I went for a dresser closer to the 110cm end of the spectrum and I don't regret it. This old dresser was $100 Australian dollars, which is more than I would have liked.....but it was a 5 minute drive away from my house which was great. I was also on a bit of a timeline as I was pretty pregnant and was worried about getting too big to be doing too much sanding and painting.

The Transformation

Step 1: Prep Work

First came the less glamorous but crucial part - sanding. I stripped back the old varnish to create a smooth surface ready for its safari makeover. I also used painters tape to prepare the top of the dresser for the next stage.

Step 2: Paint and Stain

I chose to stain the top of the dresser with a walnut water based stain, and paint the rest of the dresser a deep jungle green. The photos aren't really doing it justice, but the walnut was WAY nicer than the original finish, which was a really red colour that is a bit dated. I chose the green by taking in a baby blanket that my MIL made and getting the colour matched. If you're in Australia, all Bunnings provide this service and it's awesome.

Step 3: Animal Magic

I added a subtle giraffe print pattern to the sides and front of the dresser, using a stencil I ordered online. I actually used spraypaint to apply the pattern but this was a nightmare. I would recommend just selecting a lighter shade of normal paint and using a roller.

You can find the stencil I used here - I found it to be quite good. Honestly, you could probably find a cheaper/free printable stencil but this made things easier. When looking for stencils, make sure the pattern is repeatable, meaning you can overlap the outer edge to maintain a consistent pattern in any direction, rather than being limited to a square of animal print. This one had a good overlap, and it meant I could shape the pattern into weird shapes and patches which I wanted.

Step 4: Final Touches

To complete the look, I swapped the old handles for adorable brass elephant knobs and added a custom side caddy for easy access to essentials.

The knobs I got online for super cheap from Etsy - I was actually astounded what high quality they were when they arrived.

The caddy I bought from Kmart and used the same walnut stain I used on the top of the dresser to ensure a colour match.

The Result

This unique piece now serves as both a practical change table and a stunning focal point in our safari-themed nursery. The deep drawers provide ample storage for diapers and baby clothes, while the custom caddy keeps changing essentials within arm's reach.

Materials & Cost

All costs in AUD

Sandpaper (various levels of grit) (Standard supplies)
Wood stain (walnut tone) ($11 - I had this leftover)
Dark green paint for the undercoat ($11)
Green paint (lighter than the undercoat) ($7)
Paintbrushes/rollers (Standard supplies)
Clean rags for staining (Standard supplies)
Knobs ($50)
Caddy ($15)
Giraffe print stencil ($20)
Clear varnish for protective coat (Standard supplies)

Coming Soon...

Stay tuned for my next post where I'll show you how I created matching safari-themed bedside tables to complete the nursery set!

Let me know what you think in the comments!