3 DIY Projects That Add More Storage To A Home
Most homes need more storage but don't always have the space for this but there are plenty of DIY projects that add more storage to a home.
How to Build Built-In Cabinets or Cupboards
Built-in cabinets or cupboards are the best way to add storage or a decorative feature to a plain room, but how do you go about it?
DIY Idea for Japanese Shoji-Style Sliding Doors
Barn-style doors are great and so are French doors, but if you are looking for doors that are unusual, stylish, and timeless, then take a look at this DIY idea for Japanese Shoji-style sliding doors.
Tips on How To Build a Garden Shed
If your garage is chock full of stuff and you want to set up a place for gardening tools, as a garden shed, or perhaps even a place to work or craft, we offer some tips on building a garden shed from the ground up.
Precision Woodworking And Carpentry With Festool Range Of Tools
When you are making custom furniture to order or for yourself, you need to use the best tools money can buy and it's no secret that the Festool range of tools is just that.
Vintage glass display cabinet
We have been inundated with requests to show you how to make this vintage distressed cabinet, so here it is. With it glass panel doors, this vintage distressed cabinet is not only useful for storage and display in a home, it also makes the perfect kitchen island.
Contemporary Chair Design - from idea to product
Being able to design and create your own range of furniture is something that every DIY enthusiast and woodworker dreams about.
Make your own pleather, leather or faux suede sofa
Need a new sofa? Make your own sofa to fit into your living space, in the fabric of your choice.
Pine Bedside Cabinet with Dovetail Joints
This pine bedside cabinet is the perfect project for any beginner DIY enthusiast looking to practice their skills and add dovetail joints.
Cristiana Felgueiras - Designer to watch
Cristiana Felgueiras of Get Hands Dirty is definitely a designer to watch. With a selection of make videos on You Tube and views in excess of 5 million, we're going to be seeing more of this young designer.
Build a DIY Playhouse
Use shutterply (and stain) or pine plywood to make this outdoor playhouse for your kids.
Concrete table with marble effect
This hefty coffee table features a concrete top with marble effect. The concrete top is glass fibre reinforced with white to dark grey concrete to give the top its marble look.
DIY Futon Sleeper Couch
This DIY futon sleeper couch is made using readily available pine PAR that you can buy at your local Builders. The futon sleeper couch is a comfortable couch that easily converts into a bed, for when guests sleep over.
Gift Box with candy stripe ribbon inlay
Use hardwood offcuts to make this gift box with candy stripe inlay. This box is so beautiful, the box itself is a gift.
Coffee Table with storage compartment
This pine coffee table has a sliding top that opens to reveal a handy storage compartment. The coffee table might look difficult to make, but is actually quite an easy project.
DIY nightstand for a small bedroom
The compact design for the nightstand or bedside table makes it perfect for next to a day bed, or in a small bedroom with limited floor space.
DIY Maple Veneer Writing Desk
While I placed this project in the Advanced section, if you take a look you will see that it is not that difficult to make. With intermediate-level skills and the necessary tools you can make this maple veneer writing desk.
Workshop Storage
If you're looking for ways to organise your workshop, make storage bins mounted via French cleat hanging system.
Make a stylish coffee table in a weekend
Use pine planks and mitre joints to make this simple yet stylish coffee table. This is an easy DIY project and you can make your own coffee table in a weekend.
Make a Modern Mantel Clock
Show off your woodworking skills with this surprisingly simple mantel clock.
Make your own bar clamps
Bar Clamps are a costly investment and one that not many amateur DIY enthusiast can afford. Rather than have to fork out for bar clamps - if you are prepared to put in the time and effort you can make your own.
Build a 2-door cabinet
This take on the classic 2-door cabinet fits just about anywhere, and its panels can be made from a variety of materials, from steel or plastic mesh, glass, or Masonite panels sprayed with blackboard paint.
Easy DIY patio furniture
Here's a super-easy way to make your own patio suite consisting of a 2- or 3-seater sofa and matching chairs. This simple design is easy to replicate for a weekend DIY project.
Plywood floors becoming a popular trend
Since my original post some years back, plywood floors are definitely trending with those homeowners looking for affordable flooring that offers something unique.
Make a chunky platform bed
Pine scaffolding planks are perfect for making this chunky platform bed. You can buy these at most timber merchants and they are reasonably priced if you are prepared to put in the effort of sanding them smooth, or lookout for reclaimed scaffolding planks online.
Make a hutch desk for a child's bedroom
This hutch and desk might look complicated, but it's actually an easy project if you break it down and assemble in sections.
DIY practical craft or work station
This practical work station provides the perfect place to pursue a variety of hobbies. It offers a large bench top with built-in trays for small items, plus shelves up above to hold even more. Underneath, shelves hold plastic storage bins so you’ll always be able organize your supplies.
Ornamental mirror
If you enjoy using a router for projects, or are looking for a project to practice your router skills, this ornamental mirror frame is ideal.
Bed in a box
In a small home this bed that fits into a box is perfect. It doesn't take long to pullout and assemble the box bed, and can be folded up and packed away when not in use.
Wine barrel furniture
Oak wine barrels range in price from R500 each depending on condition and source of supply. Here in South Africa our wine estates replace their wine barrels on a regular basis, so there will always be local availability if you want to make up an outdoor set as and when you can afford to buy a barrel or two!
Basic bookshelf with no visible screws... easy!
This rustic pine bookshelf is easy to assemble and has no visible screws, thanks to a jig (template) and a Bosch router.
Cottage style TV or media cabinet
The quality of affordable furniture available these days seems to be getting worse. The use of chipboard coated with a thin laminate definitely does not make for lasting furniture, so it seemed appropriate to show you how to make this solid cottage style TV or media cabinet.
Add glass panel to hollow core door
These doors are bargains and you can pick them up for about R300 at your local Builders. I show you another way to dress up a standard hollow core door by cutting and fitting a frosted glass panel into the door.
How to make your own bathroom vanity
You can make your own 2-door / 3-drawer bathroom vanity at fraction of what it would cost to buy ready made. You can use any 16mm board.
Simple yet elegant coffee table
This elegant coffee table would look good in any living room. It has plenty of storage space for books and accessories, and the design is very simple to assemble. Distress the table if you prefer a more Shabby Chic finish.
DIY designer cot or crib
A designer crib or cot can cost anywhere from R5000 upwards. You can make your own DIY custom crib or cot at a cost of around R1200. With a bit of DIY savvy, a few power tools and SupaWood we show you how to make your own designer crib or cot at a fraction of the cost.
Make a DIY 2-drawer storage dresser
Perfect if you need extra storage in a bedroom, and ideal for any child's bedroom, this DIY 2-drawer storage dresser can be painted in your choice of colour and fitted with handles or knobs that matches your decor. Overall dimensions: 1000L x 800H x 400W.
Library bookshelf or bookcase with ladder
This DIY library bookcase offers good looks and space-saving design in one. An integral ladder allows you to make full use of the height of the bookcase, making use of vertical storage space and freeing up valuable floor space.
DIY Adirondack chair
Adirondack chairs have been popular for many years because they are comfortable, sturdy, and easy to construct. The design of this Adirondack chair is also not as severe as most traditional Adirondack designs.
Reclaimed and recycled wood linen drawers
Made using offcuts from pine shelves, reclaimed shipping crates, pine offcuts and a few pieces of PAR pine from your local Builders Warehouse, you can easily knock up this tall chest of drawers or set of linen drawers for a home.
Make a drop-leaf bureau / home office
Practical and affordable if you make your own, this drop-leaf bureau is perfect as a workspace or home office and would look good in any room in a home.
Make your own bar stools
These curved top bar stools will cost around R120 each if you make your own. Plus you can increase or lower the height and finish in your choice of stain or paint colour. When you consider that is costs over R200 for a ready-made bar stool, making your own makes sense!
DIY Shaker or cottage wardrobe
A free-standing wardrobe offers plenty of storage in a bedroom where built-in closets aren't an option. Not only can a free-standing wardrobe be moved around as needed, it also goes with you if you ever move.
Pigeon hole - multi-drawer cabinet
I know there are plenty of DIYers out there who have been waiting to make a multi-drawer unit or pigeon hole cabinet. This 15-drawer cabinet was recently completed for a client and although it looks difficult, the hardest part is making up all the drawers.
Upholster your made dining chairs
If you're planning on entertaining during the festive season and won't fit all your guests around that small outdoor patio set, you need to make this large outdoor dining table and bench set. The table is large enough to seat all your guests in comfort.
Upholster your made dining chairs
We previously looked at how easily you can make your own upholstered dining chairs for around R150, as opposed to spending R700 and upwards for a chair. In this feature we finish off our made dining chairs by upholstering them with our choice of fabric.
Make your own dining chairs
When you can expect to pay upwards of R700 for a dining chair, making your own makes sense. You can make comfortable dining chairs upholstered in your choice of fabric at around R150 per chair.
How to bend supawood for curves and corners
\When making your own furniture, not being able to bend supawood or MDF limits the scope of what you can and cannot do, so having an understanding of how to cut kerfs for bending the board is one that I definitely had to share...
Make a welding cart for your welding machine
Take a look at what's available and you will find there's not much available when it comes to a welding machine cart for the DIYer. Not to mention the fact that what is available is pretty expensive.
Building and assembling a built-in closet
Where your bedroom doesn't have any built-in closets or cupboards, building your own built-in cupboards allows you to custom design storage to meet with your needs and with the space available.
How to build a round or circular dining table
Although the project shown here is for a round or circular dining table, you can modify the size of the project to make a round coffee or side table. Once you realise how simple making this round table really is - you are definitely going to be making more!
Build a fireplace surround with mantel shelf
PG Bison SupaWood, PAR pine and extruded polystyrene moulding are all that you need to make an attractive fireplace surround and mantel shelf for a home. You will find all the tools and materials you need at your local Builders Warehouse.
DIY mini kitchen for little cooks
I have seen some truly amazing mini kitchens for kids, but I like the clean lines and bright colours of this mini kitchen design. What little masterchef wouldn't love a mini kitchen like this to play with.
Build an interior timber wall or room divider
Easier, faster and less messy than brick and mortar, and less expensive than drywall, building a timber frame wall is an affordable way to close off a section of your home, or create a dividing wall.
Steel frame coffee table
We've had quite a few DIY Divas and DIY Guys attending the Basic Welding Workshops and this is a simple project that any beginner welding enthusiast can tackle.
Playhouse | Clubhouse loft bed
This loft bed is ideal for a little boy or girl. The raised design means that kids still have plenty of space to play on the floor. Perfect for a small bedroom, the loft bed takes up the same amount of space as a standard single bed.
Build an outdoor fort
There are plenty of plans on the Internet for making an outdoor playroom - or fort - but this one needed to be bigger and better. The design is stronger than most other plans you will find, and has a western feel - built to look like a fort.
VW volksie bus bunk bed
This bunk bed on Instructables is so cute that I just had to share it. The volksie bus loft bed has a single bed on top of the bus and plenty of room to play inside. You can buy all the materials you need for this project at your local Builders Warehouse.
Space saving garage storing system
When the garage is the only place in a house that has space for storage - or to use as a workshop - finding enough space to move around and work can be a problem.
Make an arched window mirror
I finally managed to get to grips with making an arched window mirror. A client of Shabby-Chic asked us to make this mirror for her bedroom and I have been mulling over the best way to do it. Here's an easy way to make your own arched window mirror.
Hanging or suspended bed
If you're looking for bed options for a shared bedroom rather than settle for bunk beds, hanging or suspended beds - or loft beds - offer a solution where you can install beds and still have plenty of floor space for play and study.
DIY contemporary server or cabinet
I came across this project on instructables and thought it looked amazing. Although we don't have access to the same woods that they do overseas, you can quite easily use Pine or Meranti for this project and stain the panels in various wood tints using Woodoc Gel Stain.
Build a built in closet with timber and dry wall
Building your own built-in cupboard, closet or wardrobe is an inexpensive DIY project that provides you with lots of additional storage space. In this project you will also get experience in how to frame a wall, how to put up drywall, how to plaster, and how to install a set of sliding doors.
DIY flat screen TV stand
This Shaker or Shabby Chic style TV stand is large enough to have a flat screen TV on the top and has plenty of storage for all your media. Make the entire unit out of birch or pine plywood.
DIY contemporary headboard with cut out design
I love the design of these contemporary headboards. Making your own contemporary headboard with fret-work design is not that difficult if you are prepared to spend some time cutting, and just to make it easier for you, I have included the design for the headboard.
How to make a DIY Shaker sideboard or server
I love Shaker style because it ties in nicely with my love of everything Shabby Chic. Have just bought the plans for this Shaker sideboard or server and intend to make it as soon as I get a chance, but in the meantime here are the plans if you want to make your own.
Kitchen cabinets become server or sideboard
There are plenty of places to pick up ready-made kitchen cabinets, and with a little tweaking here and there, you can create a custom dining room server or sideboard in a weekend.
Make a Moroccan-inspired side table
Here's how to make a traditional Moroccan-inspired table using a simple design with bright colour and decorative cutouts. You can use PG Bison SupaWood for this project, or marine plywood if you intend to place the Moroccan table outdoors on a patio or in the garden.
Children's Lego design storage boxes
Make these fun, colourful storage boxes for a young boy's bedroom. We use 12mm PG Bison SupaWood to make up the boxes and Rust-Oleum 2X spray paint to colour them. You can make these colourful storage boxes any size you want. I think big boxes would be great.
Find out how to make a heart bed set
At Design-A-Bed we receive lots of enquiries to manufacture furniture found on the Internet, and particularly on Pinterest. This heart bed is one of those. The client fell in love with this bed set and wanted the exact same design for her young daughter.
Make a bent-wood coat rack
In this project we show you a simple wood-bending technique to make a unique, tree-shaped coat rack. The key to this project is making a simple bending form that shapes the legs.
Make a cottage bed for little girl
A client asked me to design and make this gorgeous cottage bed for her little girl. At first I was a bit wary of all the colours, but the end result really looked absolutely amazing.
Make a console table or dining server
Dress up your entrance or dining room with this gorgeous console table featuring a simple carved design that looks intricate and expensive. We show you how to make the console table and do the carving - and it's easier than you might expect!
Make a dining table
Here's another great project by Liz at lazy liz on less. I am so impressed with some of the projects that she has done, and asked for permission to share them with you. Obviously a few modifications and alterations had to be made here and there, to allow for sizing and materials.
Make and upholster a chaise lounge
So many projects to make... if only I had to time to make them all. I think I must suffer from DIY OCD - everything I see I want to make and this chaise lounge is definitely a project that I will be making.
Build a basic garden shed
Every home needs a place for garden tools and this small garden shed provides for plenty of storage without taking up too much space. The compact design will fit almost anywhere.
Make a storage base for your bed
Although this is more of a DIY project, here's how to make a storage base for a bed that will not only free up a bedroom of clutter, it will also add a finishing touch if you don't already have a base, or where you want to have a bed storage base that matches a headboard.
Make a laptop table
It's nice to have a small desk where you can sit down with your laptop and this small leaning desk uses gravity and friction for stability against a wall. Make it with laminated pine and spray it with Rust-Oleum 2X, or use Woodoc interior sealer for a natural finish.
How to make a bunk bed
Bunk beds will always be popular with children and parents alike. Children like bunk beds because they allow more floor space for play - and normally become a part of the play process. Parents like bunk beds because of their space-saving design.
DIY soapbox car for little guy
Use your DIY skills to make a soapbox car for a little boy. What it lacks in horsepower, it more than makes up for in passion: the soapbox car will excite little race-drivers.
DIY dog kennel
The design of this dog kennel allows for a roof that is built as a separate section from the base frame, allowing for easy access for cleaning as and when required. The two separate sections also make it easier to transport and move the dog kennel around.
DIY crib that becomes two elegant chairs
I made this crib to feature in the last issue of Easy DIY magazine. The crib easily transforms into two chairs and also features a storage shelf. You can add a canopy over the top simply by hanging from the ceiling.
DIY mock beam ceiling
Rooms take on a completely new atmosphere with ceiling beams. It's one of those architectural features that adds character and detail that is lacking in many homes, and yet it's a fairly simple detail to add.
DIY wendy house
Although this looks like a difficult project to tackle, take it step-by-step and you will see that making a wendy house or garden shed is far simpler. This design makes the perfect wendy house for a garden, or a place to store your gardening essentials.
DIY desk for home office or child's bedroom
This practical desk looks great in a home office, but it’s also perfect for a child's bedroom. So why not spend the weekend with your son or daughter building a pair of them?
Custom shelf unit
No matter how small or large a home, shelves and cupboard are always needed for storing and displaying items. A wall unit not only looks good, it serves as a display unit for your collectibles, or to house a flat screen TV, and provides plenty of storage.
Make a stylish TV cabinet
Make this stylish TV cabinet from a few sheets of plywood and some boards and get a thumbs up from the family.
Make a speaker stand with CD or DVD storage
These DIY speaker stands are ideal for your home theatre speakers, plus they allow you store your CD's out of sight in a convenient storage unit. Even the wires for the speakers are out of sight - they run inside the stands.
Make a modern cot
This chunky and modern cot design uses affordable pine and is stained a dark imbuia colour.
Framed mirror for entrance hall
The design of this hallway mirror is simple yet elegant, allowing the wood to shine. It is the first thing people see when they enter my home.
Make a rustic picture frame
Believe it or not, there are some real diamonds in the rough to be found in firewood or even fallen limbs, and the best part of all—it’s free! Turning logs into something practical is a lot of fun. Pieces don't have to be perfect - it adds to the effect!
Bi-fold closet doors
If you're looking to add more interest to a bedroom, replacing those old closet doors is one place to start. Making your own unique closet doors is easy with shop-bought timber and hardware.
Mobile storage unit
Judging by the number of requests received from readers, the mobile workshop storage is definitely a great space-saving storage option, so I've got the plans for you to get cracking on making this unit.
Garage storage cabinet
A wall-mounted storage cabinet is a great way to contain all your essential, smaller items in one spot. You can easily add plastic storage boxes to keep everything in order.
Build a sideboard - room divider
You can build this project either as a shelving unit - open on both sides, a shelving unit with rear panel, or as a sideboard. Whatever you choose – this piece of furniture will look great in any room.
How to build a pergola
Whether you build a small arbor, or a larger pergola, this is a garden structure that will increase your enjoyment of the garden and add value to your property.
DIY patio trolley
Entertaining friends is easy with this versatile do-it-yourself trolley that’s great for the deck, a patio, or a sunroom. In fact, it's so nice you could even use it indoors as well.
Build a home bar
An indoor bar or patio bar, is one of the ways to add some excitement to your indoor / outdoor entertainment area. Here's how to put together a design and start building a bar.
Foldaway workbench
If you're looking for a place to set up a work station for your hobbies, arts and crafts, or even small do-it-yourself projects, this foldaway workbench is ideal.
Garden lounger
Get ready for lazy summer days in the garden, or by the pool, with this lazy garden rocker and stool.
Dining bench
With its clean, simple lines, this occasional bench will make a stylish addition to your dining room. It is easy to build and goes well with all types of decor, whether modern or more traditional.
Drum braai
If you can find yourself an empty drum (preferable not used for petroleum products), you can design a very nifty braai for entertaining
Patio day bed
Build an outdoor daybed for lazy days enjoying the freshness of spring in the air. Our daybed is perfect for a shady spot in the garden, or on the patio or deck.
Build a dog kennel
This project will take you through the steps to build a basic doghouse or kennel from a single sheet of marine plywood and some pine.
Make a TV stand
For a contemporary look without a designer price, this simple TV unit was constructed from PG Bison Wenge MelaWood.
Hang heavy items
You can't use normal picture hooks to mount heavy items, and you don't always want to mount items directly onto the wall. So, how do you safely mount heavy items?
Add wall panelling
Add interest to a plain wall with faux moulding. All you need for this project is a few strips of pine and skirting, and some satin paint to finish off.
Build a deck in a day
My new deck took approximately two weeks from start to finish and came in at well under R10,000 for a complete entertainment area.
Outdoor playhouse
This playhouse will provide hours and hours of entertainment in the garden for young children.
Make a desk
When you build your own desk you have the opportunity to choose the size and finish that work best for you and your space.
Build a jungle gym
This rustic jungle gym is simple to construct. Imagine how much the kids will love it.
Mirror frame
Some mirrors can be as striking as a picture on the wall. Using our instructions, you can easily assemble a mirror like this yourself.
Interior door makeover
Rather than replace the original doors with beyond-my-budget raised-panelled doors, I decided a fresh facelift with paint mixed with a little creativity was a fun and affordable solution.