17 Incredible Upcycled Storage Systems
Updated: Jan. 10, 2023You could probably use some more storage in at least one room of your home. Before you head out to buy some new storage solution, look at what you already have. Here are 17 incredible repurposed storage systems to inspire you.
Pallet Wine Rack
Here’s a simple woodworking project—use some old pallet wood to make a wine rack. The rack would make a great addition to an outdoor patio area.
Drawer Bookshelf
Turn those old dresser or nightstand drawers into a bookshelf. This DIY repurposed bookshelf is made from two drawers hung on the wall.
Old Jars for Crafts
You know those old glass jars you keep around? Use them to store craft supplies. Try using pickle jars, Mason jars or empty spice jars for an inexpensive, simple storage system.
Stuffed Animal Storage
All those stuffed animals can be difficult to keep corralled. Try cleaning up an old plant hanger, painting it and hanging it in your child’s room to keep the animals off the floor.
Photo: Courtesy of DIY Inspired
Suitcase Storage
Dust off that old suitcase and use it for storage. This suitcase was turned into a jewelry box. A quick search of “upcycled suitcase storage” online will reveal several options to inspire you.
Trunk Coffee Table
Grandma’s old storage trunk may make a nice coffee table with added storage for your living room. Try adding some short legs or wheels for a little height.
Window Shutter
Next time you see old window shutters at the resale shop, pick one up. Screw on some small baskets and use it as a seasonal decoration or to store items such as garlic, onions and potatoes in your pantry.
Ladder Pot Rack
Storing pots and pans can be a challenge because they are bulky and take up a lot of space. Use an old ladder or even a wheel to hang pots from your kitchen ceiling.
Dresser to Bench
This tired, old dresser was turned into a sleek bench complete with plenty of storage by a clever DIYer. This bench would work well in an entryway or mudroom. See the transformation at myrepurposedlife.com.
Tool Storage
Use an old drawer pull and some leftover wood to create a cordless drill and tool organizer with a battery charging station. You’ll need an old drawer pull, some screws, sandpaper, wood glue and plywood to complete the project.
Window Shelf
Repurpose an old window and attach a board to the bottom to create a one-of-a-kind display shelf. This project cost about $30 for the materials and took less than two hours.
Shoe Rack
This clever shoe storage system is made from old trays! Just use the trays on a shoe rack to protect your flooring from mud, snow and ice and help keep your shoes organized.
Repurposed Storage Cabinet
Don’t dismiss those old storage cabinets and drawers in the garage—you can give them a new life and even make them look nice enough to bring inside! See how this DIYer transformed this old storage system at girlinthegarage.net.
Photo: Courtesy of Girl in the Garage
Lattice Rack
Plastic lattice works well for storing long lengths of miscellaneous pipe, trim, flashing and conduit. Just cut matching pieces, then screw 2×4 cleats to the ceiling and screw the lattice to the wall studs and cleats. Now you can quickly find those oddball leftovers instead of going to the hardware store and buying yet another piece.
Cord and Hose Hooks
Hanging electrical cords and hoses on thin hooks or nails can cause kinks and damage the sheathing and wires. Use pieces of 3-in. ABS plastic plumbing pipe to make simple, inexpensive hangers. Screw 3-in. end caps to a 2×6 with two 1-5/8-in. screws. Fender washers under the screw heads keep them from pulling through the plastic. Then cement on 8-in. lengths of end-capped pipe. These “hooks” are very strong!
Old Hose Tool Holders
Cut an old hose into 7-in. pieces, slit them and nail them to the wall to make good holders for handled tools in the garage.
Racquet Caddy
