Tag Archive for: storage

change-ugly-recessed-lights

Do you have those old discolored recessed can lights in your home that use big hot flood bulbs? If so, it’s time for an upgrade!

Update Ugly Recessed Can Lights with Energy Efficient LED
How to Update Ugly Recessed Can Lights with Energy Efficient LED Lights

Today I want to show you how to update ugly recessed can lights with energy saving LED recessed lights. This process is quick and easy, not to mention the new lights will look better, last longer, and save you money on your energy bill! What more could you want? Change out all your ugly recessed lights in no time by following this simple tutorial.

Materials:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Instructions:

Here is what my old lights look like. Not only are they ugly, but they use the large flood light bulbs that use too much energy, radiate heat, and burn out quickly. I don’t know about you, but I am tired of changing these burned out bulbs.

Update Ugly Recessed Can Lights with Energy Efficient LED

Want to see how quickly you can change out your lights? Here’s a one minute video (that’s how fast you can do it):

The first step to replacing these recessed lights is to remove the light bulb by simply unscrewing it from the socket. Unless you’re extraordinarily tall, you’ll probably need a step ladder for this project.

Update Ugly Recessed Can Lights with Energy Efficient LED

Next, find two small springs inside the baffle, as shown in photo below. They look like a wire with a loop in the center. Pull up and out on the springs to release the baffle inside your can light.

Update Ugly Recessed Can Lights with Energy Efficient LED

Remove the trim by simply pulling it off the ceiling.

Update Ugly Recessed Can Lights with Energy Efficient LED

Grab your new retrofit LED recessed light and screw the adapter into the light bulb socket, exactly as you would screw in a light bulb. It’s that easy!

Update Ugly Recessed Can Lights with Energy Efficient LED

Inside the opening, find two metal clips. Squeeze the spring hinges on your LED light and insert them into the clips inside the old recessed can. These will hold the light in place.

Update Ugly Recessed Can Lights with Energy Efficient LED

Finally, gently push your light up into the ceiling. Believe it or not, you’re done!

Update Ugly Recessed Can Lights with Energy Efficient LED

Now you have a beautiful, white, and energy-efficient LED recessed light. Take some time to admire it.

Update Ugly Recessed Can Lights with Energy Efficient LED

Now you can easily change out all the can lights in the room and voila, your lighting is upgraded! This is such a quick, easy, and inexpensive project. There is no point in putting it off any longer.

Update Ugly Recessed Can Lights with Energy Efficient LED

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. Feel free to share any questions or thoughts in the comment section below. Thank you for reading!

Update Ugly Recessed Can Lights with Energy Efficient LED

Liked this project? I know you’ll love these other lighting upgrades:

Update Ugly Recessed Can Lights with Energy Efficient LED

Change Out a Dated Hollywood Strip Light

 

Update Ugly Recessed Can Lights with Energy Efficient LED

How to Convert a Recessed Can Light to Accept a Hard-Wired Light

16 diy built in storage and shelving ideas social media image

16 diy built in storage and shelving ideas pinterest imageBuilt in storage and shelves are a great way to create an attractive home that is as functional as it is beautiful. Built-ins maximize the space you can use in your home and make it easier to keep organized and clutter free. Here is a collection of 16 DIY Built In Storage and Shelving Ideas to help you come up with ways you can upgrade your home this year with built in storage!

16 DIY Built In Storage and Shelving Ideas:

build a floating tv shelf

Learn to build this modern and sleek a floating TV shelf that doesn’t take up much space but offers great storage.

 

coat rack made from an old door

Add some beautiful hanging storage to your wall by building this Coat Rack made from an Old Door.

 

install scrap wood wall with built in ledgesAdd warmth, character and display space by building this Scrap Wood Wall with built-in ledges.

 

upgrade laundry room with flow wall cabinets and slat wall

Upgrade and organize your laundry or storage room with a Flow Wall cabinets and slat wall.

 

Glass Window Shelves

Add storage without sacrificing sunlight by building some Glass Window Shelves.

 

Install Rain Gutter BookshelvesOrganize kids books and keep them in view by installing these simple and functional Rain Gutter Bookshelves.

 

Industrial display shelves

Add some small decor features to your room by installing these Industrial Display Shelves.

 

 

Repurpose your space and turn a Spare Closet into a Reading Nook.

 

Build a Children's Closet Library

For a quiet kid zone, build this Children’s Closet Library to make great use of unused wall space.

 

Sports Gear Storage Shelf

Tackle your sports equipment by building this Sports Gear Storage Shelf within a small unused space.

 

Built In Storage and Shelving IdeasBuild full Chalkboard Front Storage drawers for your pantry to organize and easily find any item you need.

 

built in decorative shelf

Add some simple elegance to a room by building this Built-In Decorative Shelf.

 

shelves using corbel brackets

Take your decor up a notch by adding gorgeous Shelves Using Corbel Brackets for storage. Don’t let a tile wall stop you!

 

built in shoe shelves

Don’t search for missing shoes any longer, organize your closets by building these DIY Built-In Shoe Shelves.

 

build a wall mounted hutch

Upgrade your office or kitchen storage by building a beautiful Wall-Mounted Hutch.

 

Thvintage ruler stops for narrow pantry shelves

Make great use of small space by building these Narrow Pantry Shelves with vintage ruler stops.

 

I hope these DIY built-in storage and shelving ideas inspire you to maximize the space you have available in your home and create a more organized and clutter free space for your family to enjoy!

16 diy built in storage and shelving ideas pinterest image

Built In Storage and Shelving Ideas

Built In Storage and Shelving Ideas
Hi, I’m Sheri from Hazel + Gold Designs. Here are a few fun stats about me: I like love chocolate and peanut butter (together of course.) If you like stats, I have been crocheting for about 16 years, crafting for 20, and woodworking for about 4 years. I found a passion in making and being creative and began documenting my projects online at Hazel + Gold Designs.

When not working on projects, I enjoy spending time with my husband, four children, perfect dog, and ornery cat. You can find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.

Read all of Sheri’s tutorials.

Built In Storage and Shelving Ideas

~Find more of Sheri’s projects here ~

29 hacks to help you get more organized social media image

29 hacks to help you get more organized social media image

29 Hacks to Help You Get More Organized

January is the time of year where we focus on making the next year better than the last. Often that involves new workout goals or resolutions. Other times it means getting more organized. There is something intensely motivating about being organized and saving yourself small bits of time.  With that in mind, here are 29 hacks to help you get more organized for the coming year! Learn how to make your own bins, trays, and more to complete those organizational projects! I hope this helps you start your year off on the right foot.

personalized wall shelfNot enough closet storage? Consider building a Personalized Wall Shelf for jackets, backpacks, and knick knacks.

 

Jewelry Organizer Shelf Keep your jewelry sorted and easy to find with this simple DIY Jewelry Organizer.

 

coffee serving tray mapHaving your morning coffee supplies on a tray like this Rustic Map Serving Tray keeps them looking less cluttered and easy to find even on those mornings that come a little too early.

 

DIY Rolling Storage StoolsBuild these DIY Rolling Storage Stools for extra seating and hidden storage! They can be useful in any room!

 

Ladder Display ShelvesThis rustic Ladder Display Shelf is perfect for organizing and displaying keepsakes or supplies. (Not to mention taking advantage of vertical storage.)

 

Turn a spare Closet into a Reading Nook with some under seat storage to keep your child’s room neat, organized, and adventurous!

 

DIY Produce RackMake this DIY Produce Rack to keep fruits and veggies fresh, accessible, and off your counter.

 

DIY Drawer DividersImprove the space in your bathroom drawers with these DIY Drawer Dividers.  They’d work beautifully in the kitchen as well!

 

DIY Decorative Ammo BoxMake this rustic DIY Decorative Ammo box to add a cool conversation piece to your room with bonus hidden storage inside.

 

DIY Wall BookrackEncourage those little readers by keeping kids books in sight and organized with this DIY Wall Bookrack.

 

DIY Industrial Charging Station and Lock BoxThis Industrial Charging Station and Lock Box is the perfect solution for managing devices and screen time in a busy household.

 

DIY Cell Phone Holder and Charging StationMake this DIY Cell Phone holder and Charging Station to prop up your phone and charge it as you sleep.

 

scrap wood industrial iron board rackNeed some laundry room organization? This Scrap Wood Iron Board Rack is perfect for holding those ironing items in a small space yet easy to use!

 

Galvanized Tub Storage BenchTurn a galvanized tub into a Storage Bench for your child’s room. It’s a step stool, kid bench, and hidden storage all in one.

 

DIY Library Book BoxEver lose track of library books? This DIY Library Book Box is a perfect solution to that constant struggle!

 

Rain Gutter Book StorageAnother solution for book storage would be to repurpose Rain Gutter into Bookshelves.

 

DIY TrayBuild a DIY Tray Box to keep small items corralled in one place and looking less cluttered.

 

Cordless Drill and Circular Saw StorageGarage or shop organization is crucial, and this Cordless Drill and Circular Saw Storage Center is a perfect solution for a garage workshop!

 

Rustic Box CratesBuild some Rustic Wooden Box Crates to store your paperwork, magazines, or anything you want to store out of sight.

 

Turn cardboard box into Decorative binDon’t throw it away! Turn a Cardboard Box into A Decorative Bin to store anything you like. This has to be the most economical storage solution ever.

 

Tall and Skinny Storage Cabinet
Build this Tall and Skinny Storage Cabinet to solve storage problems in a small space. Imagine the storage possibilities in a bathroom, guest room, or kitchen!

 

DIY stacking storage cubbiesGain some easy toss in and take out storage with these DIY Stacking Storage Cubbies.

 

There are so many awesome garage storage ideas in this one post, like this Outdoor Tool Organizer. Be sure to open this article to see them all!

 

Pull Out Pantry DrawersOrganize your pantry with these DIY Pull Out Drawers with Chalkboard Fronts. Now there is no excuse for your spouse putting away the groceries in the wrong spot.

 DIY Cork Jewelry HolderMake a new and unique Cork Jewelry Holder to organize all your necklaces. This little holder is perfect for the back of a door or a small spot between doorways.

 

diy cedar under bed storageBuild this Cedar Underbed Storage to make great use of that otherwise empty space.

 

Shelf Organizer made from one boardOne board is all you need to make this DIY Storage Organizer that can be used in many different ways.

 

Scrap Wood CaddyBuild a Scrap Wood Caddy for any supplies you need to keep organized and transportable. Think cleaning supplies, art & craft supplies, office supplies and much more.

 

Scrap Moulding TrayThis Scrap Moulding Tray is one way to use up those casing and trim scraps. Plus, it’s an attractive way to corral and store project supplies.

I hope this helped give you some more organization ideas! Do you have any great organizational hacks? Share them in the comments please!

If you like this post, you’ll love learning how to build this hallway storage cubes and shoe bench:

This cordless drill storage, together with the circular saw stand, make it easy to find the tools I need.

Keep all your drills and batteries in one place with this easy to make cordless drill storage box!Cordless Drill Storage Center

Keep your tools contained and extra batteries close at hand with this cordless drill storage center! It provides space for three drills, batteries and a charging station, so you can keep everything powered up and ready to go.

Hi there, Pretty Handy Girl readers! I’m Vineta from The Handyman’s Daughter, back with another tutorial for you! I have a series on my blog called Workshop Wednesday, where I share ways to make your workshop more organized and efficient. This month I’m bringing Workshop Wednesday over to Pretty Handy Girl with this Cordless Drill Storage Center!

I’ve found the best way to keep track of tools is to give each their own home. So far, I’ve built a circular saw stand and a sandpaper and sander storage unit, both of which have done wonders for my workshop’s organization.

Get the plans to build this sander and sandpaper storage unit at The Handyman's Daughter!

Now it’s time to give my cordless drills and batteries a home of their own!

Materials:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Cut list:

To save money, I used a melamine shelf left over from a previous project. It wasn’t pretty, but workshop storage doesn’t need to be! The shelf was 9 ¼” wide, making it the perfect size for my drills. Feel free to substitute your own 3/4″ material.

  • 1 – 9 ¼” x 17 ¾”
  • 1 – 9 ¼” x 16 ¼”
  • 2 – 9 ¼” x 12″
  • 2 – 9 ¼” x 8″
  • Cut a piece of 1/4″ plywood to 17 ¾” x 12 ¾” for the back.

Instructions:

Before starting this project, I drew a quick sketch on the whiteboard wall in my workshop. This is handy to have as reference during the building process! The back of the box is taller than the front in my original plan, but that detail isn’t necessary.

I drew a quick sketch of the cordless drill storage unit on the whiteboard wall of my workshop.

Drill pocket holes along one 9 ¼” side of the 8″ and 12″ pieces.

Drill pocket holes in each 8" and 12" piece for your cordless drill storage unit.

Attach the two 12″ pieces to the ends of the 17 ¾” piece with pocket hole screws. The two 8″ pieces should be spaced about 5″ apart in between the two 12″ pieces.

Attach the vertical pieces of the cordless drill storage box with pocket hole screws.

Drill three pocket holes into each end of the 16 ¼” piece. Set this piece on top of the 8″ center pieces with the holes facing up and attach it to the sides with pocket hole screws.

Attach the top of your cordless drill storage box.

At this point, your cordless drill storage box should look like this…

Your cordless drill storage box should look like this once the top is attached.

Add the 1/4″ plywood back with 1 ½” brad nails. (I used leftover whiteboard on mine.)

Attach the back to your cordless drill storage box with 1 1/2" brad nails.

To accommodate my two battery chargers, I attached an extension cord with two outlets to the back of the box.

Attach an extension cord with extra outlets to the back of the cordless drill storage box for battery chargers.

Now the Cordless Drill Storage Center is ready to be loaded up! Two drills and an impact driver each have their own slot.

Load up your cordless drill storage box!

The top holds two battery chargers and at least two extra batteries. Plenty of power for my next project!

The top of the cordless drill storage box fits two chargers and two extra batteries.

Now I can easily grab the tool I need and get to work!

This cordless drill storage box makes it easy to grab your tools and get to work!

The Cordless Drill Storage Center fits perfectly next to my circular saw stand. Much better than a jumble of tools on the shelf!

This cordless drill storage, together with the circular saw stand, make it easy to find the tools I need.

Don’t forget to check out my other Workshop Wednesday posts over at The Handyman’s Daughter!

Until next time!

 ~ view more of Vineta’s projects ~

Tall & Skinny Storage Cabinet

How to Build a DIY Tall, Skinny Linen Cabinet

Hey everyone!! It’s Shara from Woodshop Diaries back to show you How to Build a Tall & Skinny Storage Cabinet. This storage unit works perfectly as a bathroom linen cabinet. Of course, it could work elsewhere besides a bathroom. An entryway would make another perfect spot for it.  I use mine in the bathroom because it is the perfect size for towels, toilet paper rolls, baskets, and cleaning supplies.

If you need something a bigger, you can check out this “whatchamacallit” cabinet that would be really cute for storing linens and such. Ready to learn How to Build a Tall & Skinny Storage Cabinet? Let’s gather a few items and get building.

Tools:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Materials:

Cut List:

For Cabinet:

  • (2) 3/4″ x 13″ x 40″ plywood
  • (5) 3/4″ x 13″ x 14½” plywood
  • (1) 3/4″ x 13″ x 16″ plywood
  • (2) 1″ x 4″ x 13″ (beveled 45 degrees on one end)
  • (1) 1″ x 4″ x 16″ (beveled on both ends)
  • Cove molding cut to fit

For Drawer:

  • (2) 3/4″ x 5½” x 12″ plywood (for drawer sides)
  • (1) 3/4″ x 5½” x 12¾” plywood (for drawer back)
  • (1) 3/4″ x 7″ x 14¼” plywood (for drawer front)
  • (1) 1/4″ x 12″ x 14¼” plywood (for drawer bottom)

Instructions:

Cut down your 3/4” plywood. I used a Kreg Rip Cut to help with this, but you could also use a straight edge with your circular saw, or skip the circular saw altogether and use a table saw.

Cut your plywood into two 13” wide strips. Then, cut two pieces at 40” long. You will also cut five pieces at 14 ½”. And finally, one piece at 16” long. Did you get all that?? Lots of cutting at first, but the rest is easy 🙂

Cut plywood pieces to size

Drill pocket holes into both ends of all five of the 14 ½” pieces…

Drill pocket holes into the 5 shelves

…and into only ONE end of the 40” pieces.

Drill pocket holes in the top of the side pieces

Assemble the Cabinet

Attach the shelves between the two 40” boards using 1 ¼” pocket hole screws. Make sure you attach the bottom shelf on the opposite end from where you drilled the holes on the 40” boards. Those are for attaching the top later.

Space the shelves 7 ¼” apart. It helps to use a measuring tape and square to line them up.

Assembling the shelves of the cabinet

Space shelves evenly

Before you attach the last shelf, attach the top (the 16” long piece you cut in step 1 using 1 ¼” pocket hole screws.)

Attach top before the last shelf

Then, attach the last shelf in place.

Assembled shelves and sides of linen cabinet

Add Trim:

Measure and cut the cove molding to fit along the top and bottom edges of the cabinet. Using wood glue and 1 ¼” brad nails, attach cove molding along the edges of the top and bottom.

Add cove molding along plywood edges

Putty the nail holes and corners. Let the putty dry while you move on to the next steps.

Cut two pieces of your 1” x 4” board at 13” long and one piece at 16” long. Miter both corners of the 16” long piece at 45 degrees and miter one end of each 13” long piece.

Use a jig saw to cut out a decorative pattern in the pieces (if desired). I used a stain can to help me draw perfect curves.

Add decorative design to the legs

Sand all the pieces, then glue them together at the corners and use 1 ¼” brad nails to hold them in place.

Attach legs together at mitered corners

Flip your cabinet upside down and glue this piece onto the bottom making sure everything is square and lined up nicely. You can use a heavy object or clamps to hold it in place until the glue dries.

Add glue along edges of leg assembly

Clamp legs while glue dries

Construct Drawers:

You don’t necessarily have to add drawers. You could leave it open if you’d like. To see how to make drawers, check out my post about maknig drawers here.

You could cut a piece of ¾” plywood from the remaining sheet 5 ½” wide and then cut two pieces 12” long and one piece 12 ¾” long. Glue and nail the 12” long pieces onto the end of the 12 ¾” piece.

Cut a piece of 1/4” plywood to 12” x 14 ¼” and glue and nail it onto the bottom of the drawer box.

Then cut another small piece of 3/4” plywood 1/4” narrower and about 1/8 – 1/4” shorter. Making sure your box stays square, glue and nail this piece onto the front of the drawer. I added some thin wood strips to the front for decoration. That’s optional.

Make drawer for the linen cabinet

Finally, to keep the drawer in its place, glue and nail some small pieces of scrap wood onto the back to keep the drawer from sliding out the back side.

Add stops to the back for drawer

Putty and sand. You could add edge banding to the plywood edges if you plan to stain. Since I was painting, I just puttied and sanded the edges.

Once it’s sanded, prime and paint the piece any color you like. When the paint is dry, add a little knob to the drawer.

DIY Cute Bathroom Linen Cabinet

This is a great piece to add matching baskets to, or to leave open for storage.

DIY Cute Bathroom Linen Cabinet

DIY Cute Bathroom Linen Cabinet

If you’re looking for more linen and bathroom storage ideas, check out this storage from one 1″ x 8″ x 8′ board or  this gorgeous pantry cabinet.

Until next time, happy building!!

Shara's Signature

~ Find More of Shara’s Tutorials ~