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.
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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.