Cube storage is a cheap & easy way to get organized, but if you're not careful it will have your space looking boxy and frankly a little boring.
This DIY will help you cube storage stand out from the rest —you'll get an organization system thats functional, inexpensive and full of personality.
You gotta love easy storage solutions.
If you've been around here for a bit, you know I hate boxy & boring storage — and if you haven't just check out all the unique storage solutions in my office to get in the loop.
jump to how-to // grab the free template // see images // pin this post // shop supplies
I wanted to repurpose my old cube storage unit and turn it into something cute and custom for my garage workshop space.
Let's get started with the how-to, but don't forget to pin this post for later.
01 Mount the Cube Storage Unit
Mounting your cube storage unit is step one in getting a custom look.
This will make it look built-in and like it's been customized to fit your space.
For this process, I used a 2x4 board on the bottom for extra support and because I had a concrete ledge to use — but you can also mount your unit using just the 1"x3" boards if your unit wont be bearing a lot of weight.
02 Attach the Wooden Countertop
Creating a countertop is another element that helps this unit look custom.
The edges of the storage unit have exposed screws — or cheap looking plastic caps to cover them — and the corners don't look especially sleek.
Using inexpensive common board to create a "counter" uplevels this piece, plus you can stain or paint the boards to add extra personality.
I decided to leave mine more natural to add some wood tones to the otherwise colorful piece and sealed them with some rub-on polyurethane.
03 Add hardware & faux fronts to the storage cubes
My third essential for an elevated cube storage look is adding faux fronts to the fabric cubes to make them look more like drawers.
And of course, you can customize the color to fit your style and add personality.
I used some thin plywood to cut out fronts and attach to the front of each bin to create the faux front. The hardware is attached by drilling a hole and securing it to the bin like you would a regular drawer.
Check out these images for a closeup look & styling inspo
I created a vintage vibe with a pink painted cabinet, deep green drawers, and vintage-inspired lucite cabinet knobs.
This storage unit has a ton of personality and an upleveled feel — mounting the unit helps it feel like a custom built-in piece.
I added a faux plant to tie into the green and bring the space to life plus a gold lamp and bold gold ampersand to give the space a little more warmth and interest.
You can personalize the space even more by adding felt squares to the bottom of the shelving unit — snag some felt pieces from your craft store in a color or pattern that fits your space, cut to size, and secure to the bottom of each cube to add a pattern or pop of color plus give the unit a little added scratch protection.
It's pretty chic for a garage work area — but would also look amazing in a playroom or office.
Elevated Cube Storage Makeover DIY with Vintage Vibes
Materials
- 8-Cube Organizer Shelf 11"
- 4x — Fabric Cube Storage Bin 11
- Wood Glue
- 2.5-3" Wood Screws (about 12-14)
- 2"x4" Board — Cut to 47.5 in. long
- 4x — 1"x3" board cut to 10.5 in. long
- 4x — Cabinet Knobs
- 1x — 1"x3" board cut to 48 in. long
- 1x — 1"x12" board cut to 48 in. long
- OPTIONAL: Paint — Kilimanjaro by Behr
- OPTIONAL: Paint — Peach Mimosa by Behr
Instructions
MOUNTING THE CUBE STORAGE UNIT
1. Attach a 2x4 to the wall as a bottom support — Use a kreg jig and sink 3" wood screws through the board and into the studs
2. Attach 4x 1"x3" support boards to the wall — The storage unit cubes will slide over & attach to these. Secured these to wall studs with 3" wood screws
3. Attach the storage unit to the supports — Rest the unit on the bottom board and slide over the support boards. Secure with screws from the top back edge of the unit
ADDING THE WOOD COUNTER
1. Secure the 1"x3"X48" board to the wall with the 1" edge resting right on top of the cabinet, creating a low "backsplash"
2. Attach the 1"x12"X48 board to the top of the cabinet, laying flat and flush against the 1"x3"X48" board at the back
ADDING HARDWARE & FAUX FRONTS TO BINS
1. Cut out plywood for front — Trace and cut a piece slightly bigger than the storage bin
2. Attach the front panel to the bin — Use wood glue + secure with clamps to dry
3. Drill hole for hardware — Drill hardware hole in the middle of the bin
4. Paint & attach hardware — I painted the fronts —Kilimanjaro* by Behr, and then attached the hardware
Notes
The product links for this project are affiliate links — They don't cost you extra to use, but I may make a commission if you make a purchase.
related projects:
check out all my diy organization posts here or hop over to my Organization Pinterest Board for extra inspo
cara newhart
I'm Cara, the designer & diy queen behind Never Skip Brunch. I'm a color & prints obsessed DIY queen who's here to help you create a beautifully lived-in life through home design advice and chic DIY tutorials
This is such a cute idea!