Good storage is a must, but if you don’t have much floorspace it could be harder to find the right unit to hold your necessary household items.
Two rooms in the house that are often challenged in the storage stakes are the bathroom and living room. In some homes bathroom floorspace comes at a premium. But with help from Bunnings we have a design solution that could have you living in a beautifully ordered home.
Our project to recycle an old ladder into a trendy storage unit can have many purposes - from towel airer in the bathroom to book shelf or display space for photos or precious items in the living room.
Follow these simple steps to create a stylish storage solution with maximum character.
Tools:
- Brush
- Sand paper
- Sanding block
- Varnish brush
- Drop sheet
- Dust cloth
Materials:
- Old timber ladder
- Clear timber varnish
Step 1: Ladder
First, you're going to need an old wooden ladder. You might have one gathering dust at home or you can pick one up from a second hand shop.
Step 2: Clean
Clean the ladder with a brush to remove any dust, dirt or spider webs. Make sure you get right into the corners. A wipe over with sugar soap and water will better clean the surface and help the varnish adhere better. If the ladder is a bit wobbly tapping in a few extra nails will give it added strength and stability.
Handy hint: Lay down a drop sheet before you start cleaning and varnishing to avoid making a mess on the floor or if the weather is fine work outdoors.
Step 3: Sand
Sand down the timber with fine-grain sandpaper using a sanding block. Sand with the grain of the wood, not against it, then wipe the ladder clean with a dust cloth.
Step 4: Varnish
Use a varnish brush to give the ladder a coat of clear timber varnish. Let it dry overnight and sand lightly the next day, then apply at least one more coat and sand again.
Handy hint: When using varnish, make sure your workspace is well ventilated so fumes can escape.
Step 5: Hang towels
Once you're happy with its new look, lean the ladder against a wall in your bathroom and hang your towels. You can also add some decorative pot plants and even use it to store your toiletries and beauty products.
