Toolbox Half, Re-purposed
upcycle and repurpose an old wooden toolbox into a fun home decor accent; How To
Remember the toolbox half I used for my “Organic, Vintage Easter Table” centerpiece? I shared how I split one of my favorite, roadside toolboxes in half in “How To Build a Centerpiece”. Today I’ll share how we re-purposed the top half of the toolbox to create a fun, functional, junky tray.
The bottom half of the toolbox worked easily for a centerpiece, because of it’s depth and stability, but the top half had a big handle on it, which made setting it down unlikely. We could have taken it off, but I was kind of fond of it’s wonkyness, and liked the idea of the top half being higher. Losing the handle would mean losing the whole idea that it was a toolbox; then it would just be a cool box. Later, I’ll let you in on how my brain thinks through coming up with re-purposing ideas;)
The top half needed some feet. Well-patinaed metal always adds something to weathered wood, so I went and grabbed some of my old doorknob stash. I gave them a quick brush of poly to bring out the time-worn beauty and seal in the rust.
Mr. Fix-it figured out how to attach them to the toolbox top, which was a challenge, actually. Sorry I can’t be more helpful, but he basically said, “you need a screw or a bolt, and I stuck some matchsticks in the knobs to fill the space.” I should have gone out to the garage and taken some more detailed pics-sorry!
Don’t you just love the texture combo of weathered old wood and patinaed metal? My comfort zone, for sure! The doorknob feet just give this whole piece new meaning, especially with the original handle still intact.
The cool clamshell hinges stayed on the other half, so this half needed a little more junky bling. Luckily, my junky hardware stash always satisfies with many years of junking and selling under my belt;)
I’m honestly horrified to show you this up close pic of my poly drips!! Guess you know I’m not perfect now! I honestly hadn’t even noticed them till I was editing this pic…oh, well. They could be sanded out…or just left and ignored;) We’ll see how bad it bugs me once I’m using this piece!
And how to use it around my house….hmmm.
I decided it was the perfect tray to contain some of life’s everyday necessities. It’s a part of my kitchen sink wall refresh that I’ve been working on {“Decorating is Like Dominoes; One Thing Leads To Another“}. I’m liking how it’s all coming together, but am not quite ready for the full reveal yet!
Teaser pics…
Maybe this Fake Farmhouse is starting to look like a real farmhouse?
If you’re wondering about the feedsack backdrop on these toolbox pics, check out how I added some vintage to my new furniture in “Adding Vintage Feedsacks to New Furniture Seats“.
If you’d like some help in knowing how to brainstorm your own re-purposing projects, sign up for my newsletter and I’ll send you my “5 Ways to Boost Your Re-purposing Ideas” as a free downloadable/printable resource! You’ll receive a password to access my Resource Library, full of tips, tricks and pretty printables!
Next time you spy one of these old, wooden toolboxes at your favorite junk haunt, realize the possibilities if you split the top and the bottom! Two are always better than one, right? Re-purposed toolbox halves have so many decorative and functional possibilities!
Sharing at these lovely parties:
Oh my goodness, Lora I just love the doorknob feet on your recycled toolbox tray! Pinned
Thanks, Marie!
What a fun tray! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm! Pinned!
Thanks, Cecilia!
I love how this turned out. I definitely would have kept the handle, too!
xo Dianne
Thanks, Dianne! Even 17 yr old son thought this one was cool!
What a great idea, i have a few wooden boxes of my dads in our garage, the knob feet is genius
Thanks, Sandra! Good luck with your project!
Brilliant and I love it! Thanks for sharing on To Grandma’s House We Go!
Thanks, Chas!Thanks for hosting!