I had a cheap dresser that we kept in the shed outside. My daughter painted it and it looks like new. Go to a paint store and ask advise there too. Take off handles, they can be painted too or replaced. Probably have to sand dresser a bit do it all outside get old sheets or cardboard. I'm not a DIY either but know the basics. Keep in mind it can be another color not just white.

Yes. You can use chalk paint or a combo paint with primer already in it. Take the handles off first. You can attach the handles to cardboard and spray paint them. The Rustoleum paints have been great for me - nickel or stainless, depending on the color you chose for the chest.

Before you go to the trouble of trying to paint it, are you 100% sure it cannot work in the room as is, or with a couple of other changes to the room? Posting photos would help to know for sure.

Thanks for the info. I figured I would take it to the garage or outside to paint it. I hadn't thought about painting it in the room itself. There is room to move things around I believe. I am just concerned about the smell. There is a bed in there right now. Side tables that can easily be moved out in there right now.

I always do my painting in a well ventilated garage.