Chest Of Drawers Turned Tool Storage

We mentioned yesterday that some folks don't have a garage or work space to keep their tools in. Having to keep them out in the open presents not only aesthetic challenges, but logistical ones as well. Kill two birds with one stone and check out this super fabulous chest of drawers makeover!

Though some dressers might need a little extra help or support to have their drawers filled to the brim with tools, we're going to go out on a limb and say that unless you have an entire hardware store to pack in — this is not only a stylish idea, but accessible one as well.

When you talk about tool storage outside of a garage, 9 times out of 10, the box/tub/crate you're keeping them in, gets buried beneath other things in your closet. Using them means moving things out of the way and sometimes you just don't want to go through the hassle — which is how you end up using a meat mallet to hang pictures instead of pulling out a hammer (not that we've ever done anything of the sorts).

When your tools are kept at hand, organized in your living room or dining area, there's no excuses. Make sure to hop over to Crafty Nest to check out the full step-by-step tutorial (with pictures!) to making your own Tool Chest Dresser! It's easier than you think and would be a great place for tools or craft supplies.

(via: Crafty Nest)
(Images: Crafty Nest)

Comments (15)

How funny. We painted a set of dressers exactly the same shade of turquoise and used exactly the same hardware.

That is gorgeous. Wonderful transformation.

Hey, I asked for more tool-storage posts and you answered! Thanks, Sarah Rae! I'm off to the thrift shop to look for a chest of drawers. I can barely believe the transformation. I love the DIY posts; keep 'em coming!

love it, but i like the old handles better.

Love it, those tool storage chests are super expensive and tad too clinical for me. This is a nice alternative.

Please, dont kill birds!

I like the "distressed-ness" of the original, but I'm really impressed with the final. It looks really refreshing.

This is VERY stylish. Depending on your aesthetic and proximity to a sears, Craftsman rolling tool chests can be had quite cheaply, just wait for the next sale.

I got mine in black, and now I'm thinking a coat of turquoise paint would make it look AWESOME.

Also, if you don't want to make dividers the spongy style of shelf paper can keep your tools from sliding around in the drawers.

Great idea! Here's what I did with an old pass-me-down chest of drawers last year: http://craftscafe.wordpress.com/2010/02/01/before-after-chest-of-drawers/
I'm actually now using it as craft supplies storage. Love re-purposing old maps! Thrift stores & craiglist have so many affordable pieces of furniture like this - it's a shame more people don't re-purpose them.

Ok, I love this idea! I once thought it would be really cool to decorate a boys room in a car/tool theme and have a tool chest as a dresser. I wasn't so sure about having metal in case someone hit their head on the corners or something like that. (you never know with boys) But making a traditional wood dresser look like a tool chest, now that would work!

It looks great. I like the old handles. I have a great solution for tool storage. My fiance leaves all his tools and massive tool box at work and brings home what he needs when he needs it. :)