Where does your old furniture go after purchasing a new one? To the garage? To the dacha? To “poor relatives”? But, as you know, if the furniture is still quite sturdy, it deserves to get a chance for a new life - just thanks to your imagination and skillful handles.
Suppose you have an old chest of drawers, a desk or kitchen cabinets that you don't want to throw away, but there is no point in leaving them in the same place, because their new counterparts have already been bought. What these pieces of furniture have in common is that they have drawers that can be turned into an unusual and practical element of the interior.
You can make original wall shelves and even shelving from the drawers of an old dresser, table or cabinet. On such improvised shelves, you can place useful or just beautiful little things, creating pretty islands of decor. Most likely, such a creative will appeal to lovers of vintage solutions, as well as those who wish to update the interior with little or no investment.
Any old drawers will do - from wood or chipboard, from a chest of drawers, a desk or an old kitchen:
any size and number of drawers can find a worthy application, as you will now see.
Here is the algorithm for your actions:
remove boxes from old furniture, check them for the integrity of surfaces and joints;
to remove the pens or not is a matter of taste, nevertheless, many believe that with them - the view is more original;
change the appearance of the boxes if you want;
add transverse shelves if you want to place small items in several tiers;
screw it to the wall at a convenient height;
small drawers can be made removable - on the back of the frame, attach 2 fasteners for hanging light furniture on the wall;
arrange your little things or decor.
how to use drawers from an old chest of drawers or wardrobe
Small drawers are ideal for interior decoration, while medium and large drawers can be used to create additional storage space.
option number 1: beautiful - displays for decor:
Beautiful dishes, small plastic, any collections and even photographs - all this looks very unusual in boxes fixed to the walls.
option number 2: convenient - shelves for small items:
Books and discs, bath and dining accessories, shoes and jewelry, handicrafts and stationery, garden and household tools - this is not a complete list of little things that can be placed in boxes of old furniture hanging on the wall.
how to make drawer shelves more attractive and practical
Change the look of the boxes as your imagination tells you and taking into account the purpose.
back wall decoration:
In this case, the “back wall” is the bottom of the drawer. How can you make it more interesting? Leftover wallpaper or fabric (for all surfaces), smooth or textured paint (for wood and plywood), slate-effect paint, sheet music or old maps. In a word, everything that is in the house.
internal shelves:
In boxes that will turn into volumetric shelves, it makes sense to make horizontal partitions, i.e. internal shelves. Sometimes they already exist as intended by the manufacturer. If you are going to place small but heavy items, take care to reinforce the bottom (with a wooden plank or bracket).
other ideas for creating shelves from the drawers of an old cabinet
If you have a lot of boxes from old furniture, you can create a creative composition. And the shelves from the drawers can be horizontal, as if sliding out of the wall.
how to combine multiple boxes:
Close or spaced, at different angles and in combination with traditional shelves, adding wall decor or modular compartments.
horizontal mount:
In small boxes, traditionally fixed to the wall (handle first), you can place even more small things. But they need to be hung on reliable brackets used for the shelves.
floor racks from drawers of an old chest of drawers
And you can also build a rack, and even if it is not the most roomy, but you will not spend a dime! In addition to checking the reliability of the boxes and possibly updating their appearance, you will need to correctly compose the composition of the modules so that it is stable, and then firmly connect the boxes to each other, and then additionally attach them to the wall.
modular bookcase from old drawers:
An equally interesting solution, when from the old kitchen furniture made of wood there are not only drawers, but also frames. Rotating the elements in different directions, create the optimal composition, if possible, without gaps. Attach each piece to the wall and add sturdy brackets from below.
In recent years, so-called "life hacks" have come into vogue. From improvised means, through simple manipulations, they construct something useful for the house. Wooden boxes are also used, from which it is easy to assemble original, multifunctional furniture. They mainly use containers for food: canned food, fruits and vegetables. In bachelor apartments, military boxes, in which weapons and ammunition were previously stored, will look good. Stylish, "masculine" décor is deliberately not stained in order to maintain the markings and natural shabby look. Of course, such a non-standard decoration is not combined in interior design with all styles. Strict classics, uncompromising modernity, laconic hi-tech are difficult to combine with wooden containers. The boxes will look cute and appropriate in houses where the concept of Provence, country, ethnic, fusion, Scandinavian, Russian, country style is implemented. If you try to decorate, then such a decoration can organically fit into the design composition of the loft and minimalism. Let's talk about how to use wooden boxes in the interior and how to make furniture items from them with your own hands.
Wall shelves
Rack boxes are most often used, but there are also plywood "models". Both options are useful for decorating a room. A wall storage system is essential in every home. With the help of hinged shelves, you can save space in a cramped bathroom, living room, kitchen, and even a closet or loggia. Fruit or vegetable wooden boxes make an excellent organizer that will help you keep things and household items in a strict order. After preliminary processing of the container, the modules are fastened together by screwing self-tapping screws into their side walls. If you need "single" shelves with gaps between them, then the scale of work is reduced. They are painted in the desired color, decorated and attached with the bottom cover to the wall vertically or horizontally. The sides will serve as shelves. In another version, the boxes are positioned "naturally", that is, one of the sides leans against the surface. Such shelves will turn out to be more capacious, but they are used more often in closets, since the contents will not be displayed. An original solution will be the manufacture of a wooden frame, in which the decorated drawers will be placed as pull-out containers. By the way, in the same way you can organize hanging shelves from baskets. To make the storage system look more beautiful, it is decorated with forged support from the bottom. Metal goes well with wood. An unusual design solution will be to decorate the wall in the hallway with the help of different-sized drawers. The center of the composition will be a mirror in a wooden frame. Boxes of different sizes are placed around it: some are used as housekeepers, hats and gloves are placed on others, and indoor plants and small decor are placed on others. Round off the decoration by attaching a strip with hooks for bags.
Wooden boxes can be decorated to match the original shelves for storing wine bottles. Inside, they are divided into sections with the help of crossbars, and then varnished, decorated with twine, pieces of burlap, fixed on the wall and laid with a substrate of hay. Themed wine storage shelf is ready. In another version, an open cabinet is made from the box. It is placed vertically, the top cover is reinforced with a decorative board made of boards. Shelves are installed inside for horizontal placement of bottles, as in wine cellars.
Racks
Wooden boxes make great shelving. They can be of a strict rectangular shape or have asymmetrical edges, which will give a special flavor to the decor of the room. This storage system is ideal for a home workshop, study or living room. The boxes are fixed to each other using self-tapping screws or screws, painted and attached to the wall. You can store anything your heart desires on such racks: books, things, jewelry, food, towels and pillows, household chemicals, small decor. The constructions look original, on the shelves of which "necessary" things are placed, alternating with flower pots. Rectangular racks can be assembled from identical boxes, which are arranged in a strict order or vertically and horizontally, but in such a way as to form a storage system of the correct shape.
Drawers, fixed on special legs with gaps between modules, will be an excellent addition to a rustic kitchen. They store vegetables (potatoes, onions, carrots), jars of pickles or canned food. It is important that each box is fixed in its natural position, that is, with the bottom down. Thus, the strength of the cabinet will increase, because the container was originally designed for heavy loads.
The footwear stand
A shoe cabinet is assembled according to the same principle as a rack of drawers. The only thing to consider: different heights of sneakers, shoes, ankle boots and winter boots. For the first two, shelves from boxes located horizontally are suitable, and they are placed vertically under high shoes. If you arrange a homemade curbstone from an old container, which is painted unevenly, then such an element will complement the Provence style hallway.
Bedside tables and tables
Drawers can be used to make cabinets, coffee tables and small storage boxes instead of plastic or wicker baskets. In the latter case, a container with high sides is chosen. It is simply sanded, varnished or painted and fitted with twin handles on the sides for easy handling. Bedside tables are assembled from two boxes connected to each other. They store photographs, watches, phones, magazines and books, and the top cover is used as a shelf for lamps or indoor plants. To create a coffee table you will need:
- Four boxes;
- Plywood sheet;
- Self-tapping screws;
- Wheels (optional).
A square pallet is cut out of plywood. The width of its edges should correspond to the sum of the length of one box and the height of another. If you wish, you can add small indents by a couple of centimeters. Wheels are first attached to the pallet, and then the boxes in a spiral, that is, the sidewall of the next one rests on the back wall of the previous one. The empty middle is decorated with a flower arrangement, a group of candles or a lamp. This coffee table can be used to decorate your living room or backyard in summer. It is complemented by deck chairs assembled from pallets or ottomans made of old tires, decorated with a rope.
From miniature boxes you can make decorative jewelry boxes or flower boxes on a festive table.
Hallway ottoman
To make an ottoman for a hallway or living room, you will need:
- Box;
- Durable wood sheet for top cover;
- Foam rubber;
- Upholstery material;
- Construction stapler;
- Wheels.
The box is sanded and varnished. The wheels are attached to its bottom, and the cover is fixed at the top. If you need to use the ottoman also as a storage system, then it is put on hinges so that the seat can be opened later. Then foam rubber is fixed on the lid and upholstered with cloth using a stapler.
Entertainment complex for cats and cats
An entertainment complex for cats is created from boxes and metal pipes. As you know, tailed people get bored in apartments. To prevent the animal from spoiling the furniture and wallpaper, you can take it with your own miniature cottage, where the cats will sleep, play and sharpen their claws. Some boxes are closed with plywood lids with round inlet openings, others are left only with bottoms, which are covered with soft foam rubber and upholstered with cloth, and on the third, scratching posts are fixed. Modules are interconnected in any order. Additionally, the "house" is equipped with a system of ladders to make it easier for the animal to move around the "floors". Instead of a purchased bed for a cat or dog, cribs are created from a box. The box is carefully sanded. It is better not to cover it with varnish, as your pet may not like its smell. Then, from one of the sidewalls, which will be the front, a pair of upper rails are cut off. Inside, the box is filled with foam rubber or other soft material and covered with a blanket on top. Additionally, the berth is decorated with miniature hand-sewn pillows. Of course, the size of the box and the future crib is selected according to the size of the pet. To make a feeder, you need a stainless steel bowl, wooden container and plywood. The top cover is cut from the sheet of the latter. A round hole is made in the center for a bowl. Then the plywood is fixed to the box. It remains only to insert the bowl. You need to choose it with protruding sides, with which the container will hold onto the lid. The bowl is easy to remove to wash or replace. A double feeder is made from a large box using the same technology with paired containers for food and water.
Using boxes in the garden
The boxes make excellent flower beds. They can simply be placed on a substrate, creating an original composition in front of the house, or connected into a vertical flower bed with several floors. The boxes are placed in a chaotic disorder on top of each other, connected in parallel with self-tapping screws to obtain a stable structure. In more complex versions, four slats are used, fixed in pairs at an angle to each other. Instead of steps on this "step-ladder" there are boxes with flowers or herbs. If there is a free wall of an outbuilding or a wooden fence, then the modules are fixed on it, in the manner of shelves in which pots with plants are placed. The original version will be a composition of five boxes, four of which form the sides of a rectangle, and the fifth will become the center, touching the corners with the rest of the modules. If containers of different sizes are available, then a multi-tiered flower bed is made from it. A large box is placed at the bottom, and smaller modules are placed on top so that the smallest one becomes the top of the pyramid. The alternation "square-rhombus" will look beautiful in this composition. Garden locomotive beds are also made from boxes, where the modules are equipped with decorative wheels and are transformed into carriages, and the front one will become the "head of the train".
Beautiful, stylish furniture is an integral part of a modern interior. Nevertheless, it does not have to be too expensive. Moreover, many interior styles involve the use of unusual materials to create original furniture. These can be pipes, pallets and even the simplest boxes. They are easy to use and do not require a lot of money and time. 
DIY drawer rack
Perhaps the most ideal material for creating an original shelving unit with your own hands is simple wooden boxes. Unlike the classic version, they have a number of advantages. Firstly, they are quite cheap, so everyone can try to implement such an idea. Secondly, it is an environmentally friendly material that can be used in any room and even in a children's room. But still, it must be cleaned of dust and clues. In addition, drawers allow you to create a fairly large structure, which is ideal for storing things.
As for the style, such furniture looks best in an interior with country, loft or rustic elements. After all, it is for them that simplicity and the use of natural materials are most characteristic. Therefore, wood in this case is an ideal option for creating shelving and other furniture.
A rack made of wooden boxes is often used as a partition. Due to this, you can make the zoning of the room and visually highlight the accents.
To make such a structure with our own hands, we will prepare the following materials:
- wooden boxes;
- sandpaper or sander;
- white paint (optional);
- brush;
- screws;
- screw gun;
- rag or napkin.
First of all, you need to clean all the boxes of dust and dirt. Use a damp cloth or tissue if necessary. Only after that we proceed to the surface treatment with sandpaper or a grinder. This is necessary in order to remove all irregularities, roughness and clues. Therefore, in any case, do not skip this step.
If desired, paint the entire surface of the boxes with white paint and leave to dry completely.
We connect the structural elements to each other using a screwdriver. Please note that the boxes may face in different directions. Due to this, the rack is even more original and functional. In addition, it can be used on either side of the room.
By the way, designers often leave boxes unpainted. In their opinion, the disadvantages of wood, which are obvious to many, in the form of scratches and irregularities, are in fact advantages. After all, it is they who give the furniture a special charm.
These racks are very convenient to use, so they are placed in a variety of rooms. Most often, of course, similar wooden structures can be seen in the living room. Since they are open, they look great with decorative elements, plants or books. In general, all the little things that help create a cozy atmosphere. 
Also, wooden shelving is used in the bathroom. This is a great option for storing towels and various body and face care accessories.
In the kitchen, shelving is a little less common. This is often due to the fact that everything in this room should be as functional as possible. But if the size of the kitchen allows, then we still recommend trying to make such a structure out of boxes. It is ideal for a variety of glasses, tableware and decorative items.
If desired, you can install a small rack in the hallway. It will look no less stylish than the usual shoe rack or wardrobe. 
Ottoman and shoe box
In small apartments, the hallway needs to be organized as functionally as possible. Therefore, we propose to make a very unusual design. That is, to connect the pouf and the shoe rack together. This will significantly save space and allow you to organize it correctly.
To work, you need the following:
- wooden box;
- a piece of dense fabric;
- sandpaper;
- filler;
- plywood sheet;
- wheels - 4 pcs. (if desired);
- screwdriver;
- bolts;
- acrylic paint;
- brush;
- construction stapler.
Cut the plywood to the required size. We attach a piece of fabric on both sides using a construction stapler. We fill the space with filler, evenly distributing it. We fasten the fabric on the remaining sides. This will be the seat for the future ottoman.
Be sure to sand the wooden box with sandpaper. This will help get rid of various surface irregularities and holds. Only after that we paint the box with a suitable paint. This is not necessary at all. If you like natural wood, then just varnish the surface.
After the surface is completely dry, we attach the wheels to one of the sides of the box. We use bolts and a screwdriver for this. 
We attach a soft blank to the surface of the box and, if desired, decorate it with buttons. A beautiful, unusual ottoman with a shoe rack is ready.
Box for small items or toys
Drawers are great for creating furniture, of course. But nevertheless, they can be used for their intended purpose. To make them more original, we suggest adding unusual elements and decorating.
Let's prepare the following:
- boxes;
- wheels;
- sandpaper;
- white paint;
- brush;
- glue for wood;
- bolts;
- screwdriver;
- chalk board.
First, we process the entire surface of the boxes with sandpaper. Only after that we apply paint and leave them to dry completely.
We attach the wheels to the bottom of the boxes using a screwdriver and bolts. Turn the structure over and glue the chalk board on the side. The result is a simple, but at the same time original box for toys and various little things.
Furniture from boxes in the interior
Simple wooden boxes are a great base for creating amazing home furnishings and functional furniture. Experiment, get inspired and create unique designs that will decorate your home.
Interior design ideas can really surprise you. There are many creative solutions, how to create an amazing thing from simple materials at hand, for example, some furniture from boxes. Much can be done with your own hands.
Old unnecessary boxes usually accumulate in the country or on the balcony in huge quantities. It's a pity to throw them away, but there is no point in storing them. Such material can be used with great benefit if you come up with pieces of furniture that will add convenience and become a decoration of any room.
Best of all, tables, cabinets, shelves fit into a rustic style. With minimal costs, you can make a functional room. For work, you only need the boxes themselves, self-tapping screws, as well as furniture fittings and the desire to create.
Unique furniture doesn't have to be expensive in any way. Any person who has imagination and can do something with his own hands is easily able to create the interior of his dreams literally from scrap materials.
Wardrobe
A dressing room is every woman's dream. However, standard wardrobes for this room are expensive, and custom-made prices are sky-high. The issue of storing clothes and shoes for the whole family is especially acute, because it is important to think over the most convenient option that would look attractive at the same time.
Furniture made from old boxes can easily be both beautiful and functional. For a start, many are limited to small details of the interior, but some risk making this particular project the basis of the room.
First of all, you need to understand what can be done. There are practically no restrictions with this material. In the event that there is a shortage of boxes, it is easy to put together them yourself from unnecessary boards.
When you no longer want to make simple crafts, you can take on a dressing room project. A lot of small lockers are necessary in the storage space. This will help you sort your clothes and shoes and keep them in top condition at all times.
The dressing room can be austere, when solid-colored wooden boxes are simply stacked on top of each other along the wall, or very unusual, in the event that the assembly is carried out in a checkerboard pattern or individual modules are installed. Furniture made of wooden boxes can be easily painted in any shade.
The most important thing when assembling such a large-scale project as a dressing room is to show imagination and realize all your wishes. Additionally, you can add furniture fittings, cover the back wall with a beautiful fabric or decorate the drawers in some other way.
Rest zone
A recreation area must be in every home. At least a small corner where you can relax, chat with the whole family or meet a guest over a cup of tea. It is necessary to think over an interior that would calm and relax, give an opportunity to escape from problems. When choosing furniture for this corner, you should not focus on sophistication, it is better to add simplicity and a little creativity. This option is easy to do on your own.
When choosing a product for making with your own hands, you need to really evaluate your strengths. If there is no specific experience and practice in this matter, then it is better to make a table from boxes. Such work will require a minimum of time and skills, as well as a small amount of materials.
A coffee table from drawers requires only four drawers, in addition you need to cut out 4 legs. They are arranged so that the open part is outside, in the future it will serve as a substitute for a bedside table, you can put newspapers, books and much more there. In order for the table to look whole, it is necessary to match the wide and narrow edges, a semblance of a checkerboard pattern will create an excellent model. The hole in the middle is occupied by a flower pot or other nice addition.
She makes furniture from boxes with her own hands very quickly. It is somewhat more difficult to give it a designer look. For a tea table, the best option is to simply cover it with varnish to protect it from moisture and put it on four legs. If desired, you can use wheels instead of them, then the furniture will be mobile.
Additionally, a bookcase can be made for the recreation area. In this case, the boxes are simply mounted one on top of the other and fixed with self-tapping screws. Books, frames with photographs, figurines are put into the shelves formed.
Decorative elements
In order for the apartment to feel coziness and comfort, it is necessary not only to correctly furnish it and make repairs, but also to think over pleasant beautiful little things that characterize the owners and create a great mood for them. Examples include decorative shelves, stands, various paintings and figurines.
Items for interior decoration are often made from wooden boxes with their own hands. A shelf painted in a bright color or an original box on wheels for children's toys will add zest to any room. Each person can come up with their own design. Perhaps it will be an antique option, with a natural varnish coating and preserving the natural color of the wood, sometimes they decide to add bright shades and use colors, and some upholstery boxes with fabric, in which case they look very cute and home-like.
Advantages
Self-production of furniture from wooden boxes has attracted many lately. Rustic style is back in fashion, and skilled men prefer to create something special with their own hands, rather than purchase standard options in stores. There are several main advantages to such a solution:
- Profitability. To create, things are used that almost everyone has in the house and are not needed by anyone. They get a second life.
- Creation. There is an opportunity to show imagination and realize all your wishes.
- Simplicity, for the manufacture of furniture from wooden boxes you do not need to have special skills and tools, any person can easily cope with this task.
- Environmental friendliness, wood is a natural material, so there are never any questions of toxicity and other harm to health with it.
If you look back, everyone has the material at hand. All that remains is to come up with an idea and start implementing it. This process brings pleasure, because it is very pleasant when a designer unique thing comes out from under your hands. All guests will definitely appreciate this furniture, and the owners themselves will be extremely comfortable using it.
Everyone should try himself in the role of a master and create furniture from wooden boxes with his own hands, which will completely suit him.