Originally, Brian and Leanne hoped to use old mailboxes to corral these items but the narrowness of their entryway made it clear to them that this idea, though charming, would not be practical. Then Brian came across unused one gallon paint cans in their local hardware store and a light bulb went off!
Less than a foot deep, they're the perfect size for what Brian and Leanne had in mind. Scarves, gloves, mittens and hats can be tucked inside; umbrellas and leashes can be hung on the wire handle; scarves, coats and jackets can be draped over them.
Unused paint cans are easy to find. We've seen them at our local hardware stores, at The Container Store and at Home Depot. Brian chose the one gallon size but you can chose a smaller size depending on your needs. Hang them on the wall using a single nail through the center of the bottom of the can.
Leave the cans "as is" or decorate them with paint or wallpaper in a color to match or contrast with your entryway's walls. Hang them in a row, diagonally or randomly. Mix up the one gallon size and the pint size. Space them out or crowd them together.
This is not an idea that's limited to cold weather either! Here in Los Angeles I've got plenty of stuff -- sunglasses, lipbalm, keys, mail, parking garage cards and change -- that could easily find its way into these cubby coathook cans.
For more on this idea, check out Brian and Leanne's blog: Smokeshire Road
Images: Leanne and Brian Jewett
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It's clever, effective, and cheap. I just wish I liked the look better.
BRILLIANT!
I agree with Ulrika - I love the idea in theory ... but not really a fan of how it looks =/
I wonder if I'd like it better if they were lined up evenly with the handles removed. Maybe under a shelf or something? Good idea, but yeah, aesthetically it's not totally working for me as is. I might steal the idea, though, for a less-visible spot in the house for storing dog stuff -- leashes, poop bags, etc. Hooks look too messy and this would contain it.
Forgive me for being pedantic, but how exactly do you go about nailing it into the wall with the bucket in the way?
Drill a starter hole and then finish it by hand?
I think paint might help the cause, too. They're a bit shiny for my taste.
I, too, like this basic concept. I do not see how you can hammer a nail head that is deep in the can, but a screw would be workable.
I also do not like the look, but I think if you spray painted them, removed the handles, and placed them the right way, it could look awesome.
Meh. Creative idea, but the execution leaves a lot to be desired.
If you have room for a paint can on the wall though, surely you have room for some type of coat rack/wall hooks and an entry console table?
this is very creative.
Ha, ha, ha! My paint cans are going viral, Who woulda thunk it! ;-) For starters, try thinking outside of the box (of nails). In this climate, you need screws into the studs to keep this on the wall. See Instructables.com for details. Those who would remove the handles would loose half the functionality. Personally, I'm a big repurposer/recycler. It's part of my aesthetic so these work for me. If it doesn't work for you then cover them with fabric, wrap them with string, paint them red or yarn bomb them.
However... for those of you who feel the need to put these up in even numbers, in a straight line... well... you're even more OCD than I am and should probably seek professional help. ;-) At the very least, consider hooking up with someone with miss-matched socks and odd colored hair.
For even more off the wall stuff, like my double barreled toilet paper holder you can see my other blog for the loft I'm trying to sell: www.eclipseloftforsale.wordpress.com Oh, yeah, and feel free to share it with your friends. ;-)
I really like it...I think this would work great for all of our doggie stuff (leashes, extra collars, cleaning wipes, towels). What's awesome is it doesn't take up floor space by having dedicated storage in the entry, I just wish I had thought of it first. :-)
Nice comment, Brian. I applaud your interest in repurposing/recycling. Our homes can be a reflection of our own aesthetic.
Cans are fine for storage but NOT for wet things. You need air to circulate around them, not trap them in an enclosed area.
I really like it. Perfect for storing those little things that seem to migrate from my pockets and multiply in some weird inanimate reproduction pod.
I love this idea! I think the execution is all in how they're grouped, too. I could see turning some upright for planters, punch holes in a pattern and add fairy lights or candles that would give a glow, and some for some storage, all grouped together as a kind of functional art/sculpture.
What a wonderful re-use idea. I think it would be fun to have old paint cans with dried paint inside them to make them more interesting, though.
Great idea!
I'd seen something similar previously. There a normal zinc bucket was screwed to an outside wall to hang the garden hose.
I saw it done in another way on Pinterest that I thought was pretty cool....http://pinterest.com/pin/18294058/
clever!!!
Makes me smile! Love it on many levels. I to have been working on the mitten dilemma and have blogged about it at http://www.ashbeedesign.com/2011/01/mitten-dilemma.html and shared some simple ideas there. Thought of the mailboxes but couldn't find any for recycling. Love the paint cans but I have vertical space not horizontal. I'd lose some of the functionality. I've been working on a design that includes a stepped ladder. I'll keep you posted. Hopefully it will be done before the snow flies next!
I think it's a fine look for a mudroom or back porch but maybe not for a formal front entry. Nice idea though, good job! Maybe other types of containers would look better but serve the same function...vintage tins, for example.
The cans on pinterest were great! Same idea as Brian's, but painted. I'd leave the handles too.
For those who wanted more air circulation or a different look, fill the cans with water, freeze them, then use a nail and a hammer to punch holes around the can in a design. Thaw and paint and hang.
I'm thinking I know just the space in my kitchen for this. HHHmmm....on a back splash with smaller cans for holding kitchen sponges or tools...an alternative mail holder under the cabinets...
Don't think holes would give you enough circulation to dry wet items but this method might make an interesting light fixture in the same room. I'd clip wet hats & gloves to my jacket or the wire handle to dry.