Speaking of creating storage… for a while now I have been talking to my husband about building a storage bin for the back of our entry closet door. Something that I can organize baby socks, shoes and hats in… not to mention all the other randoms that we need to keep in the front closet. (I am SO sick of running up stairs to my girls rooms for socks, since neither of them will leave socks on to save their laundry drowning mother’s life.)
So, I decided to keep all their shoes and socks downstairs in the front closet. But I have only had an old Easter shoe basket to put both girls shoes and sock in… needless to say it has been bugging me.
I have seen organizer’s like this, but while it is functional, it is not exactly beautiful, and I can’t help it, I have a thing for function and beauty…
So I started looking for inspiration to check against the ideas that were growing in my brain. I knew I wanted the bins to not just be square, I wanted an angled bin to add some interest… and when I saw this and it totally was what I was thinking of… almost, I knew it was the right way to go.
I also loved this because the cabinet below was a knock of of a chicken coop nests.. and we love chickens! (sorry no sources for the images I found them a while ago, and can’t remember where)
And here is what we came up with:
Okay, so I know I said I was going to put it on the back of the door, and I had planned on it, but then, I loved it to much to not see it more often, so it took the place of my rustic art in the entry.
Steps of construction for Wall Storage Bins
These steps and measurements are the ones that I used. These may be modified slightly depending on your needs and wants.
Time Required: Half a day
Prepping stain mixture: 15 min. ( 24 hours before staining)
Cutting and Sanding: 2 hrs.
Staining: 20 min.
Assembly: 30 min.
Painting Stencil: 20 min.
Hang in place: 10 min.
Supplies Needed:
- (3) Pine Board @ 1 x 6 x 10, (actual size, 3/4” x 5 1\2” x 10’, $9.57 each
- for (2) sides and (6) fronts
- (1) Pine Board @ 1 x 4 x 10, (actual size, 3/4” x 3 1\2” x 10’, $10.72 each
- for (6) bottom of bins
- (1) Pine Board @ 1 x 4 x 15, (actual size, 3/4” x 3 1\2” x 14 1\2”
- for (1) top
- Jig Saw or hand saw
- Hammer
- (26) Nails 1 1\4” (found in the garage)
- Sanding block or electric sander
- 100 or 120 grit sand paper
- Pencil
- Straight edge (for laying out the pattern to be cut
- Measuring tape
- Framing triangle (optional, but very useful)
- Wood stain recipe (tutorial here)
- Fine steel wool
- Vinegar
- Glass jar
- Black Tea
- Bowl for black tea
- Foam brush
- Rag
Cut List:
(Quantity) Length x Width x Thickness
Top: (1) 14 1\2” x 3 1\2” x 3\4”
Sides: (2) 66” x 5 1\2” x 3\4”
Fronts: (6) 16” x 5 1\2” x 3\4”
Bottoms: (6) 14 1\2” x 3 1\2” x 3\4”
Back Supports: (2) 14 1\2” x 5 1\2” x 3\4”
Construction Steps:
- Cut (2) sides to length.
- Cut (6) front pieces to length
- Cut (2) back supports to length
- Layout pattern on (2) sides.
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- divide the sides with a mark on the front at 11” all the way up the front of the board.
- draw a faint line across the board using your triangle.
- mark on the line 3 1\2” from the back of the side on the line just drawn.
- on the front edge of the side, draw a mark 5 1\8” above the 11” line.
- Draw a line using a straight edge connecting the 3 1\2” mark to the 5 1\8” mark. (This line should be about 5 1\2” long for the front piece to be nailed to.
- Draw another line from the 5 1\8” mark back to the 3 1\2” mark above on the next line.
- This completes the pattern to be cut.
- Do some test cuts to get familiar with cutting with the jig saw. It’s ease to get the angled cuts if you are not careful.
- Cut out pattern with jig saw
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- Be sure to keep the blade straight at all times.
- Cut out the little triangular pieces keeping the blade on the cut side of the line.
- Clamp sides together and sand the cut edges flat, for the front pieces to be nailed to and for the exposed edges to look nicer.
- Sand off or erase pence marks and do any last sanding touchups.
- Test how everything fits together
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- Distress the cut pieces of wood
- Apply on layer of tea stain, and allow to dry. You won’t notice much of a difference (maybe you should, but I didn’t)
- Stain the wood using the homemade mixture of vinegar and steel wool (that has been sitting for 24 hours), see the tutorial here, before assembling.
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- Assemble the minions cut pieces with nails.
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- Nail the sides to the top and bottom pieces with two nails on each side (using your triangle as a guide to keep it square. We used nails with heads to add another detail.
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- Nail the back supports to the sides. One at the back top of the top bin and one on the back top of the bottom bin.
- Nail the fronts to the angled 5 1\2” sides. Again we used small nails with heads so that you would see the nails on purpose to add a tiny bit more rustic detail. At first we only had two nails, but decided to add a third…
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- We chose to stencil some numbers on (this is optional…) To create a cheap stencil, I printed the numbers I needed in the right size. Then we decided where we wanted breaks, and I made a few tweaks to the lettering.
- Tape the letters in place. Then with a ball point pen, Justin trace the outline of each number onto the wood. Because the wood is soft, the pressure through the paper will leave a small mark or groove to follow when painting but that isn’t really visible once painted.
- Dry brush the letters on (Justin tested it out on the back… no one will ever know! (oh shoot I guess I just told you… and showed you a picture!)
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Finally, hang it on the wall (we just drilled it right through the back support boards right into a stud. And fill it up with what ever you want. I like things to be functional, so while the stuff inside might not be beautiful we use it ALL the time… baby sweaters, baby shoes, socks, gloves, scarves and hats. And of course you can change it out for different seasons.
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Lydia came over while I was taking pictures. I tried to get her to look through the bins but the front door was open. I asked her to get some shoes… so she bent down to get her shoes… It was cute!
those look amazing, guys! nice job!
that is adorable! you are going to love it! i just finished our mudroom and placed a little basket of socks in there too. it has changed my attitude about leaving the house so much. we never wear socks in the house. so everytime we left i needed to run upstairs to get 3 pairs of socks for the little ones, err. such a little thing, but huge in my book:) enjoy:)
I know exactly what you mean! One of my girls favorite pass times is to pull off their socks… So we never have them when I need them. And ya know running up the stairs ten tiems a day for socks is a great workout, but there are times that I just don’t have the time or desire!
Awesome project! Great tutorial! I’m always so impressed with how quickly you 2 bang out projects. Love the pics of Lydia, too! Thanks for sharing.
This is awesome… great job! Had to pin it!
It looks great! I love how much stuff you can fit in those little bins.
Cassity, I am in love. i just shared on FB. Beautiful!!!
Crazy, crazy about it! That would be perfect for mudroom shoe storage!
That’s cute, the numbers are the finishing touch. Mr. Remo gets two thumbs up for that project.
~Bliss~
I know! He is totally sweet. Normally I do the finishing, but he is more patient with things like that so, I let him do it… actually it was really nice to have a project done without having to get too involved.
Wow, really how lucky you are to have someone that can understand what really you want and that can do it!!!! Genius your beautiful wall bin! I love it.
I love it. I want you guys to come over and knock out some projects at my house:)
I really, really like this. Why didn’t you nail it inside of the closet door?
I just ended up liking it too much to put it in a hidden place! And it fit perfectly on that little wall… so I stuck it there!
I love this idea for my hats and mittens, scarves and everything else I stick in baskets and fumble around for. I need to scrounge for some wood in my barn!!
Wow! What an amazing design! I love everything about it, especially how much stuff you can organize into a small space.
Cool idea. Question: Would the bins hold adult size shoes?
A lot less of them, and it really depends on the thickness of the heel. Slip on’s and flip flops for sure. But that is the beauty of the project. If you want it to fit a little more, instead of using a 1 x 6 for the sides, grab a 1 x 8… or if you have the space a 1 x 10… it really can be anything you want it to be.
Wow!! that is AWESOME!! I love how beautiful, but simple it looks!!
Oh my word – this piece is SO cool! Thank you for the detailed tutorial too – I’m adding it to my husband
s “honey-do” list because beauty and function are a MUST with kids!
Yea! i am totally loving mine! I promise you will love yours too!
Thank you for the steps and inspiration! Husband is building this today for produce in the kitchen! We’ve been looking for something similar but they can be so expensive! Pics to follow!
That is such a GREAT idea! I may have to make on of my own for that very use! (will you send me a link or some pictures? I would love to show it off!)
What a clever way to add so much storage. Really cute result!
Kelly @ herringbone lane
Love this. I am making a trip to the hardware store tomorrow to pick up the wood to make one each for my girls’ rooms.
Just found your website, and now I HAVE to make this–what a great idea, and great tutorial!!
your newest follower!!
Shannon @SewSweetCottage.blogspot.com
It looks awesome, I love the innovative design and the blond stain!
Very cool!!! I pinned it!
This is pretty much the coolest thing ever! I’m pinning it so I can force my husband to make one! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Just bounced over from Handy Man, Crafty Woman and this is a great idea! Thanks for the very good instructions!
I could totally use one of these bad boys right now! Thanks for sharing 🙂
LOVE LOVE LOVE this….and thanks for the fabulous tutorial!
These are soooo fabulous Cassity!! I love the organization – but the rustic look with the numbers really looks amazing!! Thanks for the tutorial too! 🙂
Forgot to tell you I featured you this week!! 🙂 http://www.flamingotoes.com/2012/03/crush-of-the-week-think-pink-features-42/
Yea! Thank you what a fun surprise!
That is a fantastic bin idea!!! Would love to have you come link-up at Finished it Friday! Have a fabulous weekend! ~Kimberlee, The Spunky Diva
Fabulous Its so nice to store. Love wood & this is what kind of wood?? Handy man I’ll give you chance to do me one,hahaha
Hey Susan, it is just regular pine! I think the total cost for wood was around $20 Bucks!
What a great idea! And super cute too!
Super cool! what a clever way to organize and look amazing all at the same time! thank you for linking up to Uncommon! Bonnie 🙂
Cassity, this is honestly amazing! I love the natural wood feel and all the storage that is possible with this shelving unit! I featured your projects yesterday on Sew Woodsy!
Looks awesome!
Great project! I really like the way it turned out. Thank you so much for linking up to Fabulous Friday at Faith, Trust & Pixie Dust. You are invited back again next week.
Warmly, Michelle
This is such a brilliant use of space, and what a great tutorial, too! Thanks so much for linking up to my party this week. You’ve been featured in my Saturday 7 Spotlight! http://www.positivelysplendid.com/2012/03/saturday-seven-spotlight_17.html
I am not sure if I have done something wrong, but I think you need 6-14 1/2″ x 3 1/2 x 3/4″ for the drawer bottoms??
Yes! I just fixed that typo! Sorry! Thanks for letting me know!
Cassity
I found this on Pinterest. This looks awesome and is perfect for shoe/mittens/hats, etc. by the door. Thanks for the great idea and tutorial.
Super cute!! And I love your wall color. We’re painting my daughter’s room and I’m looking for a really subtle blue/aqua color. What is the name or your paint? Thanks.
Danielle, I got it quite a few years ago (2009) from Walmart, it is called Fortress Grey 95362, it is from the ColorPlace Formula book… Not sure if they still have it… Good Luck!
LOVE this idea so much! I am going to get wood to build one today, I will let you know how it turns out.
Perfect project to calm my nerves about that fact that Fall is fast approaching with all it’s hats and mitten mayhem.
Thanks so much for sharing.
Cheers,
Zoe
I hope you will send me pictures!
The chicken coop is from Sundance…I have it and LOVE it!
Genius! Saw this on Pinterest. I have 2 daughters (3 and almost 1) whose bedrooms are upstairs, but I always dress them downstairs in the living room. So their socks and shoes are everywhere. And now that it’s “winter” in Texas, we have hats and gloves taking up space, too. I have the perfect spot for something like this, too. And I can imagine that once they’ve outgrown the baby stage, we could use the bins for all the little things that seem to have no place to go. Great project!!!
Julie! HA! ha! That story is so familiar and it is exactly what we used it for! (we were even in Texas…) Anywho! Good luck on the project. I Love those bins!
Do you think this would hold books well? We have been thinking of different ways to store books in the playroom and love the look of this. I was not sure if the books would be at a funny angle though with these measurement??? Found you through Pinterest and am definitely a new fan of your site!!
Kristy, the books would lean forward, you might want to keep the front of each bin flat, and then cut out the shape of a “7”. The upper line of the “7” is the bottom of the shelf…. otherwise the books might fall out… I hope that makes sense. If you make it i’d love to see some pictures!
Ok not that the bins aren’t adorable, but I’m loving that bundle of twigs next to your door! Where did you find that??
Amber, At Ikea! I got it 3 or 4 years ago, but i think they still have them!
Once again, you have given us another awesome plan! I am building this as soon as our baby gates are done! With eight kids it is always such a struggle to keep thier shoes neat and tidy! This is so perfect! Thank you both! 🙂
Sounds like you are busy, building doors, furniture and raising children!!! Sounds like super mom to me! Have fun building!
Thanks for the plans. I just used it to make my own. There is one error though and that is the there should be 7 bottoms 1×4 not a 1×6
Thanks Michelle for pointing that out. I updated the top piece to be 3 1/2″ not 5 1/2″. I am glade that you were able to build one. Let us know how it turned out.
btw here is mine http://www.flickr.com/photos/angeleyes88/10591560755/
That looks great. I think that I will build another one.
Love your shelf, I think I might try this with pallet boards giving the outside where the numbers are a different look for each shelf. Check out my pallet headboard I made, on my blogspot. Another summer project.
Judy
Thanks Judy!
This would be a great project to recyle old shipping pallets!
That’s a great idea!
Just over from Pinterest- LOVE this! I want one beside my bed for my magazines and books, one by the back door for hats, gloves, umbrellas and “returns” and on in my sewing room! Think that may be a little overkill? I can also see this in my granddaughter’s room. I love how it can be used in so many places and also adapted (fewer bins maybe) for so many different things!
We love it for the same reason! 🙂 Thanks for visiting and commenting!
I just made this yesterday and am thrilled with the results. I did the same stain as you but am wondering if you put a varnish on it afterwards?
We didn’t, but if you feel like you need it of course you can!
I built your storage unit about a year ago and finally thought I would share it with you. I LOVE it! My children make great use of it and we have had it up in our home for over a year now. Still love it as if it was the first day I put it up. Thanks for the tutorial! Here is the link if you wanted to check out my version: http://tamarasjoy.com/easy-diy-mitten-storage/ Thanks again!
Thanks for sharing, Tamara! We’ll add a photo and link so others can see yours as well.
Thanks! It really was a fun project!
I used your plans and made my own. i looked at many designs before deciding on yours. So happy I picked yours.
Here’s why:
Takes up very little space
Extremely functional
Love that it is wall mounted
Bins are just the right size for hats / mittens
Everyone has there own bin with one left over
So darn convenient
I tried your vinegar & steel wool technique. I was pleased with results and may try it on something else. For this piece I ironed color crayons. Seriously – all those crayons your kids bring home at the end of the school year – use them. I would love to share some pics.
Thanks for the love, Stacy! I’d love to see pics — you can submit them here: https://www.remodelaholic.com/share-brag-post/
Well I was going to make this, went to the store and got everything but when I got to the checkout it was $97 so I decided against it. Super bummed, it would have been super cute but not in my price range.
Don’t totally give up! Check your local Freecycle or craigslist for pallets, you could maybe even post a request for scrap lumber, or even your local neighborhood for fence sections that have blown over! It may take a little more time to collect the wood, but you could make it with reclaimed wood and save a bunch of money!!