DIY Fabric Storage

Create your own simple storage spaces by repurposing items such as vintage hard-shell suitcases that look nice and have space to stash items away, out of sight. Other options such as fabric storage bins maximize storage space on existing shelves without your having to settle for less-than-lovely plastic storage tubs.
- Suitcases for Hidden Storage. Vintage hard-shelled suitcases turn into sturdy side tables with hidden inner storage if you add legs. Support the legs with a piece of plywood inside the bottom of the suitcase; then attach bolt-on legs through the wood and suitcase. Home-improvement stores carry a variety of table legs, some of which require additional mounting hardware, also sold at the store. Instead of adding legs, stack a series of vintage suitcases to create an end table or nightstand with a travel theme. Wrap a vintage belt or two around the stack of suitcases to keep them secured, or use construction adhesive or a hot glue gun for a more permanent option. Stash spare blankets or reading materials inside the suitcases, or even off-season clothing.
- Towel Bar Clutter-Tamers. Despite the name, towel bars aren't just for hanging towels to dry. Place one or two towel bars on the inside of a closet or armoire door for a simple jewelry organizer that keeps bracelets and necklaces from becoming tangled. Hanging jewelry also makes it easier to spot the perfect accessory for a day or night out, so you won't have to sift through boxes of bracelets, earrings or necklaces. Tack a piece of hardware cloth, similar to a window screen, on the back of a picture frame for a simple way to keep earrings organized. Attach a towel bar to a wall near a craft table or desk or on the side of the furniture itself for a place to hang fabrics and craft supplies. Cups or watering cans with open-ended handles hang over the towel bar so you can stash paintbrushes, pens, markers and pencils within reach during your creative endeavors.
- Festive Fabric Bins. Fabric storage bins in prints such as damask or chevrons serve as a decorative means of hiding paperwork, toys, craft supplies or even clothing. Set the bins up on built-in shelves under a window seat, on bookcase shelves or on a wire storage rack. Use paint pens to label the bins according to their contents, if you wish. Use scrap fabric to cover plain, sturdy cardboard boxes such as those used to store reams of paper for an alternative to store-bought bins. Shoe boxes wrapped in fabric or painted to match accent colors in the room offer an inexpensive storage option for a child's room, craft area or even the laundry room.
- Repurposed Furniture. An old, outdated dresser, a cabinet left over after a kitchen remodel or even an old armoire-style entertainment center gets new life as a storage area. Paint an outdated dresser to match your room's decor, or use contact paper in colorful prints or patterns to jazz up the drawer fronts and dresser top for a fresh, new look. Use a dresser stashed away in an attic or found inexpensively at a yard sale for the revamp project. Turn an old kitchen cupboard or stereo cabinet into storage for books, toys, art supplies -- you name it; paint the piece in your favorite color and dress it up with modern hardware. Repaint existing hardware to give it a new look if you like its general shape and style. An old armoire-style cabinet becomes a computer work station for a home office or an area for homework, crafts or even writing a novel. Add ample lighting, secure a power strip to the back of the unit for extra power; then decorate the unit to match the room.