When space is at a premium, you need space saving furniture to keep your home neat and organized.
Working with limited space means every square inch counts. Most times, organizing foodstuff requires careful planning and creativity. Thanks to my limited budget, I’m a hardcore DIYer and I’m always looking for ways to make the most out of my teeny tiny kitchen.
If your kitchen looks anything like mine, it probably lacks a proper pantry so I make do with what I have. I discovered a blank space between the fridge and the kitchen counter and I thought to myself, “hey, no one waste space in this tiny abode,” so I made my own canned food organizer that can slide in and out this space thanks to an awesome tutorial I read on ClassyClutter.net.
This is a small project, one that only takes a few hours to complete provided that you have all the right tools with you. If you’re ready to make your own space saving furniture from scratch, here’s how:
You will need:
A power drill
7/16″ drill bit
Wood screws
2″ nails
Finishing nails
Hammer
Handle or knob
A can of paint (your choice of color)
A paint brush, roller, or sprayer
9 pieces 1×4″ boards, cut to 29 1/2″
2 pieces 1×4″ boards, cut to 64″
1 piece thin board cut to 31 1/2 x 64″
4 pieces 1 1/2 to 2″ metal casters that hold up to 50 pounds or more
7 pieces 7/16 dowels cut to 30″ long
Step 1: Build the Main Structure
To build the organizer’s main structure, get your wood screws and start attaching the shorter 1×4 boards (29 ½ inches) onto the longer, 1×4, 64-inch board starting from the base to form the top board, shelves, and bottom board. The longer boards serve as the sideboards.
Step 2: Drill Holes for the Dowels
Once the main structure of the organizer has been assembled, get your drill and drill holes for the dowels starting from the bottom of the shelf. Insert the dowels into the holes and follow up with an ample amount of wood glue for added strength and stability.
Photo Credit: classyclutter.net
Step 3: Customize the Backboard
Because aesthetics are everything, you can either use paint or a piece of wallpaper to add a pop of color to the backboard before finishing up. Have fun with the design, just make sure the color or pattern matches your overall interiors.
Step 4: Attach the Backboard
After adding the design, it’s time to attach the backboard using several nails and a hammer. The nails must be set on the outside parameter of the organizer. Hammer away and fix any holes or cracks with wood filler or paintable caulk.
Photo Credit: ClassyClutter.net
Step 5: Apply Paint
Once the organizer has been assembled, it’s time to finish up with paint! Get your paintbrush or roller brush, lay several sheets of old newspaper on your work area, place the organizer on top of the newspaper and apply the paint according to the manufacturer’s instruction. Leave the paint to dry for 24 to 48 hours.
Photo Credit: classyclutter.net
Step 6: Install the Casters and Knob/Handle
When the paint is nice and dry, get your screwdriver and start installing the casters according to the package directions. The length of the screws will depend on the thickness of the organizer’s base. Then, install the knob or handle to finish up using your electric drill or a screwdriver.
Step 7: Setup
The final step is setting up the canned food organizer. Mine is set up near the fridge so I can maximize the blank space. Fill this space saving furniture with your canned goods and you’re done.
PS: this handy organizer is perfect for bottled spice, dried herbs, packed hard cheese, and canned drinks too!
