DIY Ideas for 80's Furniture? -- Good Questions

Q: I'm moving into my first apartment by myself soon, which is exciting but leaves little budget for furniture shopping. I have access to a free set of nightstands and a dresser, which is great... but .. well.. it's not exactly my style? It's that '80/'90s cheap lacquer-type furniture (I don't know if it's actually lacquer but it looks it). Attached is a photo of a black version of the set. I would be receiving a white version with the same gold pulls: More