Q: I was wondering if anyone could suggest a cheaper alternative for these steel bins. They're perfect for my son's room theme (1960s Mad Men travel), but since I am no longer working they are really, really out of my price range :(
Sent by Paloma
Editor: Many readers are far better versed in DIY than I but to me it seems as simple as finding metal bins you like and painting them, perhaps using a small stencil or stamp. Readers, what are your thoughts? Any good sources for similar bins?
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Do they have to be metal and paint? I've certainly seen similar wrapping paper that could be used to cover inexpensive bins.
Absolutely, if you are a DIYer you can use any paper and ModPodge which goes on white, but dries clear. SO easy. If you want to buy them cheaper they are all over etsy.
I bought a steel bin exactly like this (sans paint) at Lowe's for less than $20. I bet you could find them even cheaper online, though shipping might be a pain.
Try looking for galvanized utility bins or galvanized steel tote bins.
The Storage Store offers them already painted in red or blue for $19 on Amazon. In case my link doesn't work, search Amazon for "Square Metal Bucket with Handles." The epoxy finish is probably more durable that most things you could paint with yourself, and it would be really easy to stamp stars on them with some toy car paint.
Oh, and Home Depot has similar metal bins without paint in a set of 6 for $70! No handles, but they still look very nice. Doesn't look like they're sold in stores, but it says free shipping. I'm actually tempted myself.
i would say hit up your local highschool's metal shop. they will get credit for making the bins n all you have to pay for are supllies which are ussually sold much cheaper to the students..esp low income students :)
I got a smaller steel bucket (similar idea) from my local HomeGoods store for about $12. So I'd check Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and other discount stores to see what they have. Can't make any guarantees on colors or patterns, but I've definitely seen them around - and don't forget to take a peek in different store sections. Gardening, laundry, storage, kitchen...not limited to the kids area.
I'd go with the home depot bins Kaete posted, and then get some spray paint in white and red. Spray the entire outside white, and then get star stencils and spray paint red. Poof! You've got these bins for a fraction of the price.
Hey everyone, this was my question :) Thanks so much for all the tips!
Bookworm81: Great idea for the wrapping paper! I was thinking maybe scrap book paper, but wrapping paper is more affordable/useful :)
Andijl: Never used ModPodge, but I am moderately crafty, so I think I might be able to handle it :) I will also check etsy, too. Thanks!
Kaete: I mentioned this to my husband and he was like, "Yeah, Home Depot. I thought so." Haha! I could kick his butt. Compared to the $85 per tin, 6 for $67 is a bargain! :) Thanks a bunch!!
I have bought galvanized bins at Lowes for about $13. They dont have a hinge handle and they have vents in the front like a locker. They look pretty cool as is. But you could always spray paint them white and make a stencil for the stars.
Decorate cheap bins with masking tape/ washi tape. I am literally covering EVERYthing in our house with it and am also using it as a cheap solution to stick our little ones paintings to our art display - (roughly creating a frame with the tape). Surprisingly durable and one roll of masking tape is also going a long way....