How an Old Window Helped Organize A Mess

Alicia W
by Alicia W
12 Materials
$5
2 Hours
Easy
Everyone has a landing place were things get dropped. It could be a desk, a place in your hallway or a dining room table.
I have a table in my basement gardening space. I had to get this organized!
I had this window in my basement.
I decided to add four pockets made from chicken wire and two shelves made from scrap wood. (The pockets and shelves are drawn in pink on this picture)
Carefully remove any glass panes that remain in the wooden window.
Measure the wooden pane to determine the how much chicken wire is needed for each pocket and the length of each shelf. Add two inches to your measurement for the pockets.
Measure the chicken wire and cut to size.
Lay the chicken wire inside the wooden the frame. Staple the bottom of the chicken wire to the bottom of the wooden frame.
Turn the window over.
Form a pocket with the chicken wire, shaping the wire so the bottom stands out from the frame.
Staple the sides of the chicken wire to the sides of the wooden frame.
Measure and cut scrap wood to make a shelf.
Place the wood inside the window pane, aligning it to the back of the window.
Screw the shelf in place.
To make the backing for the window, begin by measuring the entire window.
Place those measurements on a piece of 1/8" plywood and cut to fit.
Sand the edges of the plywood and paint the color of your choice.
I painted mine with chalkboard paint so I could label my pockets and shelves.
Allow to dry.
Place the backing onto the window, painted side down.
Using a brad nailer or stapler, attach the backing to the window around the edges and up the middle.
My table is now organized and everything has a place.
Spray paint unused water bottles white to store string, soft wire, and wire ties. Use mason jars to store seeds, cutting the label from the seed packet and placing it inside the jar.


How is this attached to the wall? I have a ledge along the outer wall of my basement. I attached a 1" x 6" to the top of the window and "hung" the window from the ledge. There is no worry of falling as the ledge is 6" deep.


To attach to a wall, simply screw the window to your wall using anchors.


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Frequently asked questions
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3 of 10 questions
  • Carrie Carrie on Feb 23, 2019

    I have a storage building/she-shed that I want to add a faux window on the side where there is none. I wonder if it is possible to use this idea to build a window box for herbs and flowers.

  • KD Redlowske KD Redlowske on Feb 24, 2019

    Since this is an old project shown for those who may have not seen before ( including me). I do have a question for you about the chicken wire. How have you cut this so you don't scrape your hands on the sharp edges on top of the wire every time you reach in for an item? Knowing me, I would. LOL😜

  • Pat Hunter Pat Hunter on Feb 24, 2019

    The lead in for this page (from Home Talk Weekly) said "copy this brilliant $5 storage trick. Just the materials highlighted (plywood, paint, wire) cost $35.83. Doesn't even include the window. How in earth did they come up with $5.00?

    https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2017/10/04/4324810/how-an-old-window-helped-organize-this-mess.jpg?size=300x204" alt=" " />Brilliant $5 storage—using an old window

    Alicia W

Comments
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2 of 91 comments
  • Barb Barb on Sep 02, 2019

    No

  • Cheryl Cheryl on Jun 13, 2021

    I am concerned about the safety when working with lead paint items. Please please make mention of the safety steps when working with old windows with the old lead based paint on them. If the surface of peeling paint has NOT been stabilized by sealing it then Do NOT Handle or work inside bare handed or on surfaces where you may eat. The dust alone travels and just touching it you transfer to other things you are touching. Door knobs, water bottle or glass. food, etc. NEVER DRY SAND OR SCRAPE. Always keep surfaces tamped down.


    If working on this, Always wear gloves and keep it tamped down with water until it has been sealed. Cleaning is a MUST. Wet cleaning. Lead dust is microscopic and very harmful to everyone and especially little children because they are growing. They absorb more lead than an adult due to growth. Keep yourself and your family safe.


    If this product is hanging inside of your home it is a MUST to seal the old paint and edges. Use a polyurethane over it to seal if looking to keep this look . If any is falling off then keep adding poly until it is not chipping, flaking or peeling. Otherwise, You are contaminating your home, family and possible pets. ( Pets walk in this and then lick their paws and this can be deadly to them) same with small children that are crawling and hands in mouth alot. Just walking in this and going from room to room or outside to inside you are transferring lead dust from your shoes to the floor.


    Do not work outside in your yard thinking it won't matter. Have a specific work area that has plastic on it that will be rolled up and thrown away. EACH DAY.


    Also do not plant ANYTHING in and around the loose paint that you may later want to ingest ( eat). Lead has a sweet taste and your fruit or vegetables or spices will grow well and taste great but very dangerous to eat. . Do not plant on drip line of a house either for the same reason.


    I have been a lead paint inspector for 24 years and do lots of research. You can do these projects but please do them safely and those sending ideas need to include safety steps with their instructions. I have seen lawsuits with long reaching arms, Don't be a victim in any way. Lead damage is for life and not fun. It can be done properly.


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