If you live in a small space that is short on closets you may find yourself surrounded by a variety of "storage solutions." Unfortunately, the visual appeal of giant plastic boxes is pretty low, so why not convert your rubbermaids to a relaxing reading nook?
It's amazing what a quilted bedspread, a couple of throw pillows and a faux fur rug can do!
I simply put an old piece of plywood across the two bins to create one flat surface, then strategically folded the bedspread over top. Using a couple of vintage tackle boxes to hold the sides of the fabric in place meant I could skip the sewing job and easily rescue the quilt for future use.
Although the bins are no trouble to access, I made a conscious effort not to load them full of things that are used on a regular basis. After all, this project is about seating - not searching!
Tip: add foam batting to the plywood for extra comfort!
(Images: MaryAnne Petrella)
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brilliant!
Wouldn't they cave in f you sit on them? It is an AWESOME idea, but unless they were packed full of something really solid, it seems like the boxes would crack from the weight. How do you keep this from happening?
@Sisterfunkhaus, so long as you are using the heavy-duty bins, (and the ones at bench height are typically heavy duty!) laying the ply across will disperse the weight :)
so cool!
Yay, finally a simply solution for my crates! Window alcove here I come!
This is one of the most clever storage/seating/frugal solutions I've ever seen!
I bet you could find stretchy fabric (like a T-shirt jersey or stretchy velour) and fashion a sort of custom size fitted-sheet solution that you could just pull over the boxes, if you wanted to do a sewing version of the project.
Thx Maryanne. I LOVE this idea. I need some cheap extra seating for my living room.
This is such a great idea! And it looks fantastic.
This post inspired me to do just this in a problem corner of my bedroom where I had stacked boxes that I can't put anywhere else - it looks great! Thanks!
I guess I don't understand what you're using the tackle boxes for in this... can you explain?
@ohwoah, I used the vintage tackle boxes since they are attractive enough to be on display, and heavy enough to hold the sides of the bedspread in place. They are also great storage containers for my small tools!
Smartypants!
There's a similar option you can do for a table. Fill a large clean rubber trash barrel with seldom used items - off-season clothes, christmas stuff, etc. Put a round wood top on it, a table cloth and round glass (wood and glass are often sold together cheaply at places like Bed Bath & Beyond). Stylish functional storage that nobody suspects.
this is awesome. any chance we can get some more photos that show how this is assembled, where the tackle boxes go, and how you keep the fabric from slipping?
I want to kiss & hug you, no joke! I'm moving in to a new open design studio with a wonderful custom walk in closet. A place for everything... except for clothes that are too small. I've gained 25 lbs in 2010 due to medication, that issue has been resolved and I'm starting to drop the weight but it'll be another 6 months before I'll be back in my smaller clothes. So I've got everything in 2 bins, exactly as shown above. I just didn't know where I was going to put the bins, was debating on a little prefab shed outside. Thank you, thank you!
Wish I had thought of this idea. Just moved with what feels like a few hundred of these totes and now i have an idea of what to do with some of them that I can't put in a closet.
Great idea! I have crates in my hallway which is about 15' long. I plan to empty (give away,throw away) the contents. I'd planned to throw away the crates, but now, maybe I'll make a seat instead.
You are brilliant!
sorry, i don't get the tackle box bit - you can't see them in the photos
F-ing amazing!!!!
Wow - Love it. So simple and practical.
This is a great idea. We've recently moved and have a number of storage boxes sitting around and this would work great for a short-term seating solution in our bedroom.
Incidentally, what is the color on the walls in this picture? It's a lovely contrast with the bright white of the pillows and throw blanket.
How much do you weigh? What is the most weight you've had on these? And the tackle box comments are just too vague. Isn't there an editor who reads this stuff?
This is a brilliant idea. BRILLIANT, I SAY!
please oh please explain tackle boxes??!!!!
The tackle boxes as a vintage decoration...I love it! Wish there was a better photo utilizing them! Cute idea!
It sounds as though there was extra fabric from the bedspread (which would probably be much bigger than the seating), so to keep it streamlined, she probably used the tackleboxes to hold it in place and maintain a more professionally upholstered look. Otherwise the bedspread would be bunching out in places. That way she wouldn't have to cut it or sew it into place. I don't really understand how that was so difficult to understand.