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Upcycled Spindle Storage Rack

You’re only as good as your word, right? Well, I’m here today to keep up my end of the written commitment I made to you when I first began the vintage caned chair upcycle. While I’m happy with what became of the main part of the chair, I totally couldn’t let the dowel spreaders go to waste. Let’s have some upcycled spindle fun!

Vintage Caned Chair Spindles | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Vintage Caned Chair Before Makeover | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Since one of the dowel was originally split lengthwise, leaving me with  only have seven spindles left. For this project, I’m making use of six of them and am saving that one for a future purpose. My mind went to many ideas because…hey…what can’t you do with upcycled spindles? In the past, I’ve created butterflies, wooden totes, and other fun decor.

GETTING STARTED

Just in case you want to create this too, I’ve created an easy-to-follow tutorial with diagrams for you. While I’m using everything from what I have in my stash, feel free to change the dimensions to suit your needs. This wood is originally from a vintage pine waterbed left curbside. Most of it went to build my weight rack for my workout space (seen HERE). It’s basically 2″ x 4″s that just need tweaking.

Pine Scrap Wood for Upcycled Spindle Storage Rack | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

First, here’s a list of what you’ll need:

  • 2 – 31″ x 3 1/8″ x 1 1/2″ boards (or equivalent)
  • 2 – 9″ x 2 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ boards (or equivalent)
  • 8 – 3″ wood screws
  • 6 – 10″ x 3/4″ dowels
  • 2 – keyhole hangers or similar
  • wood glue
  • miter saw or circular saw
  • drill
  • 3/4″ forstner bit or spade bit
  • sander or sandpaper
  • pocket hole jig (optional, but wonderful)
  • stain or paint
  • polycrylic or wax (optional for longevity)
  • 3 – fabric, wire, or wooden bins (or make this larger for more bins)
  • scrap fabric, webbing, or metal hooks

STEP 1

To get this build started, I need to decide on bins. Initially, I was going to build them from scrap wood or sew them myself. However, I decided to keep it simple for you instead. Remember the K.I.S.S acrostic? I found these at a local store that suit my need in size, though I’ll need to add some hangers. Stay tuned.

Fabric Bins for Upcycled Spindles Storage Rack | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Then, I use my miter saw to cut the spindle dowels to length, as well as the boards.

Cutting Upcycled Spindle Chair Dowel on Miter Saw | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Okay, once you have your pieces cut to the right size, you’re ready to assemble. Also, my pieces had a dark stain and I need to remove that after I get all my pieces ready. In order to assemble, I use my pocket hole jig to add pocket holes to the two short pieces on the short ends. Likewise, if you don’t have a jig, you can pre-drill holes from the outside of the upright supports and attach the braces that way.

Pocket Hole Joints for Upcycled Spindle Storage Rack | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

DIY Storage Rack Diagram by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Here is my dry fit before assembly with glue and screws. Looking good, I must say! When you feel the fit is ready, apply glue to joints and join with wood screws.

Dry Fit of Upcycled Spindle Storage Rack | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

STEP 2

Next, after you assemble your rack, drill holes for your dowel on the front of your rack using your 3/4″ forstner or spade bit. Make sure to drill all the way through so that your dowel spindles will have plenty of support. In order to prevent tear out on the backside, drill just until the point comes out the backside. Then, flip it the rack and drill from the backside in using the point hole as a guide.

DIY Storage Rack Dowel Holes | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Dowel Hole Forstner Bit for Upcycled Spindle Rack | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

After that, sand the holes either using a tool like my Dremel, or wrap sandpaper around a smaller dowel.

Using Dremel to Sand Dowel Hole | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

STEP 3

Last, since my upcycled spindles are already stained, I stain the rack and refresh the stain on the dowels.

Staining DIY Storage Rack from Upcycled Spindles | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Then, I glue in the dowels and let cure.

Free Build Plans for DIY Storage Rack from Upcycled Spindles | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Finally, after the stain has cured, you can either topcoat with a poly or wax depending on your preference. Last, in order to be able to mount our DIY rack to a wall, we need to add keyhole hardware. Typically you add them near the top edge on the side rails, but feel free to attach wherever you want.

Storage Rack Keyhole Hardware | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

STEP 4

Earlier, I mentioned that the fabric bins I found need a way to attach to the upcycled spindle rack. This is where your fabric scraps or webbing come into play. Since my bins are fabric with a thin wall, I can attach pieces of webbing to hold my bins onto the dowels. I cut 4 – 5″ pieces of 1 1/2″ cotton webbing. You can use anything you want to make this happen (as mentioned in the supplies list). Also, notice, I have bias trim as well. It’s the same stuff I just used in my DIY sling bag.

Cut Webbing Straps for Upcycled Spindles Rack | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

To start, I use Fray Check on the ends before adding the bias tape. Then, fold the webbing over so short sides meet and stitch together.

Fray Check for Fabric Bins | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Wrapped Webbing Tab for Upcycled Spindles Storage Bins | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Next, once I have the tabs assembled, I use a heavy duty needle on my sewing machine to attach them to the bins. If you want, you could use rivets or snaps…go for it.

Webbing Tab Added to Storage Bin | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

STACKING UP

At long last, our upcycled spindle collection have a new purpose and, I daresay, looking better than ever!

DIY Reclaimed Wood Storage Rack with Upcycled Spindles by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #freeplans #farmhouse #diy

Handmade Storage Rack with Dollar Store Bins | Free Build Plans by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #farmhouse #storage #diy

Isn’t that fun? I am so stoked with not only the function, but the style. The dollar store bins are perfect for this, and they are removable too.

Dollar Tree Storage Bins on Upcycled Spindle Storage Rack | Build Plans by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #handmade #diy #farmhouse

DIY Fabric Hanging Basket Rack by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #handmade #storage homedecor

Okay, so…tell me what you would use this storage rack for? I see it in the bathroom with towels or toiletries, or in a bedroom for books and such, or kids toys, or even in a craft room for notions and supplies.

Left Side Storage Rack from Upcycled Spindles by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #storage #woodworking #reclaimed

DIY Farmhouse Wall Storage Bins with Upcycled Spindles and Free Build Plans by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #farmhouse #storage #dollarstore

As with most of my creations, you can find this and much more available in my online shop. Sign up for my free email newsletter to get an instant discount.

  • Magic Linen Beige Waffle Blanket available at Prodigal Pieces | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #bedding
    Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130

SHARE

After you pin and share this super fun and easy upcycled spindle rack, do leave me some comment love below. What would you fill your bin with or where would you hang it?

A broken chair becomes more when the upcycled spindles turn into a DIY Wall Storage Rack | free plans!! | by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #upcycled #diy #free #farmhouse #woodworking

Likewise, don’t miss out on what I create with this wire basket. Any ideas? Check out the “after” OVER HERE. Sign up for my FREE newsletter to get updates. Until next time!
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Wire Basket Before Makeover | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Also, more fun creations like my upcycled spindle storage rack:

Build this beautiful DIY Garden Arbor to add height and growing space to your garden. Full build plans with video at Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.comBuild a Custom Coat or Towel Rack with these DIY Building Plans by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

 

Comments

  1. Rebecca - NC says

    I’m so happy to hear that your health continues to improve!!! I too have been focused on a health mission. Like you, weight loss wasn’t my primary goal, but what a great by product!! ? And as usual, your creativity is off the charts with this adorable storage piece!!!!! ?

    • Larissa says

      Applause to you, Rebecca. It truly is worth it’s weight in gold (pun intended). An ounce of prevention…
      Thanks so much!

  2. Niki says

    I like this spindle shelf the way it is. I think it turned out well and can serve many purposes. Also so glad your health is improving and the strength training is adding muscle. Having a health focus/goal is a great thing. Weight it my focus so maybe someday I’ll get to share a success story with you. But first off to the Dr to see if I broke my ankle.? God is good all the time!! Have a great weekend Larissa!

    • Larissa says

      Oh goodness! I sure you hope you didn’t, though sprains feel awful as well. Thanks for the love. I am looking forward to updating my decor slowly and surely.

  3. Gillian says

    how inventive!!! love love the look!!! keep up the great work!!!

    • Larissa says

      Thank you for the sweet words of affirmation, Gillian. I sure have fun creating and sharing.

  4. dodie says

    as always, love the creative use of the spindles!!! more power to you for taking better care of yourself! God’s best to you!

    • Larissa says

      You are such a sweetheart, dodie. It’s always a treat for me to share. Thank you for the well-wishes!

  5. Mary says

    As usual, you surprised me 🙂 I thought somehow the dowel was going to go through the grommets in the cute baskets. And I couldn’t figure out how that was going to work. What you did was ingenious! I love it! Such a great way to store bits and bobbles that doesn’t take up floor space – Awesome repurpose Larissa! Thank you for the inspiration. And I was just thinking I wish I could talk to you about some health stuff because our journeys have been somewhat similar and you addressed it in the post! Now, if I wish we were neighbors what will happen? ?

    • Larissa says

      I love hearing what folks envision too. It makes creating fun and a for a more interesting world. I think I may make some of these for my daughter’s room if wall-space permits. Feel free to reach out to me via email if you’d like. It always helps to chat! 😀

  6. Joanne H. says

    The spindle storage rack has a great look. I really really like the look with the three baskets. So functional for in a sewing room, craft area, or even a bathroom. You have a way of sparking creativity
    Congratulations on your health journey and the success that you have had.

    • Larissa says

      Thank you oodles, Joanne. Yes, I think my girls could use these for hair things, my boys for their socks, and me for sewing. Sending hugs!!

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