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14 Clever Ways to Create Extra Storage Using Everyday Objects

by on Jan 7, 2016

Photo: Today’s Creative Life

If there’s one thing that’s better than scoring extra storage, it’s creating said storage out of unused items you have lying about the house! And lucky for us, there are plenty of great tutorials online for repurposing old items and turning them into something that’s not only functional, but also looks a million dollars. Click through for my favourites! 

If you find yourself with a spare ladder, check out this tutorial to make some spiffy looking shelves (via A Pair and a Spare)

Wooden storage shelf holding potted plants and small animal figurines.
Photo: A Pair and a Spare

Can you believe these clip-on desk caddies were made using tin cans and a loaf pan? (via Brit + Co)

cute storage things to store stationary things and a man holding phone in his hand and also there is a small plant
Photo: Brit + Co

Speaking of tin cans, here’s another tutorial for dressing them up to make pretty patterned pencil cups (via Little Birds Blog)

Tin cans dressed up into a patterned pencil cups filled with pencils, pens and brushes and a spectacle placed near it.
Photo: Little Birds Blog

Got spare picture frames lying around? Give them a coat of paint and you’ve got a fab way to display your jewellery! (via Monaluna)

Several jewelry items hang from a white plaque.
Photo: Monaluna

Anything’s fair game when it comes to bathroom storage. Try using old vessels like candle votives to make pretty patterned make-up brush pots (via Today’s Creative Life)

Three mugs with beauty itens are next to a flower vase.
Photo: Today’s Creative Life

If you find yourself with an extra cutlery tray, don’t throw it away – instead, turn it into a neat shelf for your crafty bits and bobs (via Going Home to Roost)

Pictures are hanging on a white wall.
Photo: Going Home to Roost

Hold onto those tic tac containers! They make super functional storage for your bobby pins, hair ties or paper clips (via Lovely Indeed)

A hand with red nailpolish is holding a small clear container with gold polka dots and a gold top.
Photo: Lovely Indeed

Got a lot of gift wrap? Use an old door to store it neatly and show off all those pretty patterns at the same time! (via Cleverly Inspired

Gift wraps are arranged to a wooden holder.
Photo: Cleverly Inspired

There are SO many ways to use the humble toilet roll, from stationery storage, to jewellery holders, to cord organisers. See more at DIY Cozy Home.  

A person arranging empty paper rolls inside the paper box.
Photo: DIY Cozy Home

Yep it’s another cutlery tray project – they’re just so versatile! This time, simply add a few nails and you’ve got a great place to store your keys (via Better Homes and Gardens). 

Bathroom organizer with multiple hooks and attachments for items set on a bathroom wall.
Photo: Better Homes and Gardens

Looking for a clever way to house your make-up brushes? Try using a sushi mat – it’s stylish, easy to make and super functional! (via Irina’s Cute Box)

Makeup brushes are set up in a rolling kit.
Photo: Irina’s Cute Box

Shallow boxes make the best shelves – with just a bit of paint and a patterned background, you’ll have a gorgeous way to show off those knick knacks (via Home Talk)

Designer storage wall shelf on the gray wall.
Photo: Home Talk

Turn that leftover lattice into a pegboard for your craft supplies and inspirational quotes! (via Brepurposed)

Clever ideas for spacemanagement storage.
Photo: Brepurposed

Wire caddies already make great kitchen storage, but if you’ve got a few too many, move them to the office and use them as mail organisers! (via A House Full of Sunshine)

Wire baskets for sorting the mail.
Photo: A House Full of Sunshine

 

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