Turn A Wood Shutter Into A Rustic Entryway Storage Solution

Wood shutters may be the perfect example of how one person's trash is another person's treasure. Age and wear add distinct charm to these rustic details, and you can basically throw them up on the wall with little alteration to make a worthy bit of decor. If you look closely, you can also find function, allowing an even more transformational effect.

Reusing an old wood shutter in a rustic DIY storage idea can make a fashionable kitchen display, and the same concepts can be applied to your entryway. The attractive farmhouse decoration adds a personalized touch to make a great first impression for guests. Meanwhile, the louvered layout gives you a place for bins, hooks, and mail slots.

Before you design your entryway storage solution, refresh your old shutter with a coat of paint. Sand the surfaces with medium- or fine-grit sandpaper, paying attention to holes, cracks, or scratches that need wood filler. Then, prime and paint, choosing a color to fit your motif. Apply light coats for a clean, even texture. Adding a DIY distressed painted look is also an excellent idea for a weathered aesthetic befitting a reclaimed shutter. Make sure you flip the shutter so the slats face up to hold hanging accessories and attach hooks on the back for hanging before gluing any design elements on the front.

Of all the ways to repurpose a wood shutter around the home, a wall-hanging storage system makes perfect sense. The shutter acts as a French cleat hanging system that you can customize with fixed details, moveable features and decorative touches to create a custom layout.

When gluing items down, a heavy-duty product like Gorilla Clear Epoxy or super glue will supply a permanent hold for many porous and non-porous materials. After securing your hooks on the back, lay the shutter on a flat surface. Carefully position and glue your pieces, leaving them long enough for the glue to set. You may want to glue down key features like shelves, mirrors for checking your hair and teeth before heading out, or whiteboards for leaving family messages.

You can add elements like Aufuga wall hooks, metal tins, file pockets, glass jars, and other hanging holders to keep important items handy. Screw in hooks for hanging keys, hats, leashes, purses, and anything else you'll need doorside. Add rustic accents like painted stencils and natural textures to liven the look. Other practical features can also follow the rustic style; for instance, you can wrap twine around some hooks and run it across the shutter to clip up family photos. Or you could make and attach canvas pouches to hold everyone's gear. The important thing is to make this entryway storage shutter work for you.