How to Turn a Drawer into Under Bench Storage

If your family is anything like mine,  there are always a collection of shoes somewhere near the bottom of the stairs or the front door.  We have tried several different systems to corral the shoes, but I always disliked the massive shoe pile that would eventually build.  My solution? Get a Drawer turned Shoe Storage!

What Kind of Drawer to use for Under Bench or Bed Storage

If you follow Trashy Tuesday, you saw this drawer I found in a dumpster a few weeks ago.  It was solid, massive and just begging for wheels.

I turned the drawer over and secured the wheels with screws.  I chose casters that can move in any direction, they cost a bit more but will make the drawer far easier to use.    I sanded the entire exterior smoothly and painted it with one coat of DIY Paint in Marquee   When this dried I sealed the entire piece with CeCe Caldwell’s hard-wearing Endurance Finish.  This is a tough clear coat that can stand up to a lot of daily use, and shoes!

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I lined the inside with old newspapers. I used DIY Paint Liquid Patina to decoupage them to the bottom of the drawer.  I did this process quickly, I wasn’t too concerned about the overall aesthetic look.  I used several coats to make sure I could wipe it down if necessary.   I added two large knobs I purchased from Hobby Lobby.  Shoe Storage is almost completed!

We are getting organized around here.  It has cost me almost nothing!  My cheap bookshelf turned rolling storage holds my kid’s textbooks and binders.  The shoe storage drawer slides perfectly under my bench made entirely of junque.  If you missed Monday’s post, my closet organizers turned built-inJun bookshelves, are holding a good collection of our books in my front room.

Before and After Old Drawer Turned Under Bench Storage

Can you believe I took this old drawer? To this fabulous shoe storage? You can too!

It was cosmic perfection that the Free Drawer I found was the perfect dimension to slide right under my favorite Junque Bench!   (by the way, the cute Grain sack pillow is from Jill Flory at Sew a Fine Seam, she makes adorable things!)

 

 

 

 

19 Comments

  1. Maria B

    I found you on BlogHer. I love this idea and will have give it a try. Pinned and following on GFC
    Maria
    @ Krafty Cards etc.

    Reply
  2. Mary@Orphans With MakeUp

    Hi Karen – Such a great idea. I can think of so many places where I could tuck one of those.

    Mary @ Orphans With Makeup

    Reply
  3. cassie

    perfect! love the fun color, too!

    Reply
  4. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.

    What a fun and practical idea! And I love the pop of color!

    Reply
  5. Bliss

    This is on my list of things to make. I need some under my bed. I was going to buy some then I saw the crazy prices for just ugly plastic ones.

    Reply
  6. kae

    WOW!!!!! What a great idea just in the nick of time! I am refinishing a “man-robe” and want shelves instead of drawers. I was trying to figure out what I could do with those really sturdy drawers. Now I know…thanks so much.

    Reply
  7. Jill Flory

    Great idea! I will have to try this for a storage solution for under my girls bed! And thanks for the shout out about the pillow 🙂

    Reply
  8. Audra @ Renewed Projects

    Been meaning to convert some old drawers into toy storage under my kid’s beds. Thanks for the tip on the wheels that go in any direction. I wouldn’t have thought of that.

    Reply
  9. chrisb

    Awesome idea! I live in a small mobile home, small bedroom, small closet, no storage space, as usual w/older mobile homes. This will get my shoes out of a laundry basket in my closet floor & under my bed, where I can access them them a whole lot easier than digging through a basket in a small closet! Thanks!!

    Reply
  10. Pam

    That turned out very cute. Now I have something to do with all those single dresser drawers I find while thrifting.

    Reply
    • GTC

      You and me both Pam. Who can leave just a drawer! So much potential!

      Reply
  11. Shauna

    So smart! Love that beautiful red color!

    Reply
    • GTC

      Thanks Shauna, I will definitely take smart any day!

      Reply
  12. DeDe@DesignedDecor

    I have a few drawers in the garage, now I need to get busy! I love the big knobs you put on them too!

    Reply
    • GTC

      Thank you. If there is a Hobby Lobby near you, that is where I purchased those oversized knobs. They are fun because they are to scale with the drawer.

      Reply
  13. Karen Marie Kedzuch

    Karen,
    The free storage project out of a drawer is very creative. I have 2 drawers left over from a previous project. My Hubby wanted to throw them out. I said no. Now I know what to do with them.
    Thanks for sharing your creativity,
    Karen Marie
    Dragonfly & Lily Pads

    Reply
    • GTC

      Thanks so much for your sweet comment Karen. Good luck with your drawers, so glad I inspired you 🙂

      Reply

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