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Hall closet storage is an often under-utilised feature of older homes. Rehome the rarely worn coats and shoes or move the broom and mop to a specialised wall rack in the laundry, and convert this hideaway into a D.I.Y. drop zone. With this hall closet makeover you can easily create a useful place to store everyday items – with labels for each member of the family, even four-legged ones!
You’ll nix the door dump and blitz the five-minute tidy up with this D.I.Y. drop zone – a central place to stash the family’s bits and bobs. An old-school broom cupboard or linen cupboard is just the right size for a speedy declutter and hall closet makeover.
To maximise the vertical space, wire baskets mounted on the back wall creates practical hall closet storage. Make custom basket liners to minimise visual clutter and prevent smaller items slipping out. Cut and stitch a canvas drop sheet in minutes, or use white cloth tape for a no-sew option for the basket liners.
To hold the baskets, mount painted hook racks (we used a sample pot of Dulux Justice) on the back wall, they also work well for hanging individual items. Just be sure to use the correct fixings for your wall type that are rated to take the weight of the filled baskets.
To complete your new D.I.Y. drop zone, add a metal plant stand to hold pet supplies – you can spray-paint it to suit your scheme (we used White Knight ‘Rust Guard’ spray paint in white gloss). Use it to keep pet treats, toys and waste bags easily accessible. Hook racks in two sizes on the inside of the door boost your hall closet storage and make a handy spot for hanging keys and dog leads.
Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
Lay a canvas piece wrong side up on a flat surface and place the basket in the centre. Mark base corners with pencil, then pull canvas taut up and over each side of the basket, marking a 30mm overhang on all sides. Remove basket, lay canvas flat and join marks using a ruler and pencil.
Tip: If sewing the basket liners, add a seam allowance of 20mm all around.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
