Repurpose Small Bookcases
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My entryway is a practical way station in and out of the house using a bookcase. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)
Repurpose Small Bookcases
A friend stopped by my house a couple of weeks ago and said she was delighted to see another purpose for her small bookcases.
Bookcases are not just for books. Although I do have my share throughout the house, I also use bookcases to store things, especially ones I want to have handy. For example, at the entrance to my house, a very small space, by the way - I have a small bookcase where I use a basket to hold fish food, an extra pair of socks and t-shirt, and my collection of seasonal throws for the front porch rocker.
There are a few books on the bookcase top that I regularly use for reference. The funky green vases at times have fresh flowers. A neighbor painted “What a wonderful world” bluebirds that I have framed over the books. There’s a glass piece covering the top. I will be refinishing the bookcase so wanted the glass protection before I got started.
I kept masks in that small basket to the right of the front door to remind myself not to leave the house without one. Over the bookcase, I have a mirror with storage cubby holes, and a snail hook to hold my favorite gardening hat.
To the left of the door more practical additions. Umbrellas hang at the ready, and a small mirror is handy for when I choose a fall and winter hat out of the closet. The blue coat is my all purpose coat.
Basically I can stand at the foot of the staircase and be ready to head outside in a heartbeat. Or come back in and drop everything in their respective spots.
I also keep a small metal bookcase on the deck for storage. The shelves are lined with plastic pieces I had a local glass company cut to size. The metal tin holds a napkin. Baskets hold pens, paper, and book or two I tend to enjoy in the fall, when I settle into the rocker with a cup of tea. The metal tin, tray and bookcase are basically indestructible and can safely navigate our changing weather conditions and foraging wildlife.
You can find small bookcases at thrift stores, garage sales and used furniture stores. Online marketplaces may also have them although getting sizing information may be a challenge without going to see them in person. I prefer wood bookcases for strength and versatility but those are getting harder to find.
Remember to first measure the space where you want to place one before you head out on your treasure hunt. And check around your house first, you may have forgotten you already have a couple you can repurpose.
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Charlotte
