The Unexpected Way To Repurpose An Old Toolbox Into An Entryway Statement Piece

Even if you have a dedicated entryway in your home, space can often be tight, with many just being the immediate few feet around the doorway where you can fit only a hook and a welcome mat to act as the landing pad for your home. This means a small console table can be invaluable for providing a spot to place keys, incoming or outgoing mail, or to set down bags as you enter and exit. It's also a great way to add a warm and inviting first impression of your entryway. Surprisingly, old tool boxes may be the perfect solution to create a table, offering a close-able interior that can sit tightly against a wall and doesn't take up much space. You can actually turn any old tool box into the perfect piece for entryways just by adding some legs underneath to create a slender console table.

This creative way to repurpose an old toolbox can be done for much less than purchasing a new console table and gives you a lot of flexibility in terms of size depending on the box you use. It can also be a great eco-friendly reuse project for discarded tool boxes no longer in use for hardware or tools. Old metal tool boxes with a lot character and age are perfect for rustic and industrial décor schemes, while antique wooden tool boxes with weathered charm can fit seamlessly in cottages or farmhouse-style spaces. The inside of the boxes, either a trunk-style or with drawers and compartments, make a perfect place for stashing things carefully out of sight like keys, sunglasses, leashes, and important mail.

To convert an old tool box into a console table, start by removing any handles from the box and add some legs underneath. Hairpin legs are made of metal and can be attached to the base of the box to provide a cool mid-century modern look, as do slender screw-in wooden legs, too. Iron trapezoid legs would also be an ideal option for this project. Additionally, you could build a basic platform and wooden base to support the toolbox from scratches.

To conserve even more space if you have limited room, try mounting a large wooden toolbox with drawers to the wall at the studs with high-weight capacity L-brackets underneath. The console will conveniently provide a landing surface and storage inside without taking up any floor space and make a small entryway feel bigger. Moreover, you can easily store shoes and other items underneath the mounted tool box.

This repurposing project can also inspire other pieces of furniture elsewhere in your home, such as using a massive truck toolbox as a workbench or a low toolbox as a coffee table on legs or casters. You can even use a large toolbox to create a cool DIY desk with lots of storage inside.