Reuse A Thrifted Frame To DIY A Clever Tool Organizer For Your Garage

Even though utility always takes priority in work areas like the garage, there's no reason you can't infuse a bit of personal style. In fact, aesthetics can boost productivity and fulfillment in your work, making creative pieces even more valuable when they're practical and convenient. Sometimes, something as simple as a picture frame is all you need to upgrade your wall storage in one of the more budget-friendly ideas to organize your garage. The pegboard that stores your tools transforms into a work of art when you put it in a frame, and your garage becomes as much a gallery as it is a workspace.

First, decide how to best reuse a thrifted frame for your garage organization goals. Almost any flat storage system can work as long as you can cut it to fit the frame. A pegboard is a perfect addition for holding hand tools and small power tools. You could also add a corkboard to manage important notes, schedules, and plans to keep your projects on track. For more versatility, you can even install a DIY tool storage system that outshines pegboards and other alternatives. A picture frame lets you go off the beaten path as well, giving you the option to leave the storage setup freestanding. Thrift a large frame to stand on the floor and lean against the wall or a small one for the back of the workbench, keeping your most-needed tools at the ready while leaving the wall space flexible.

Thrift a suitable picture frame to hold your storage panel and your tools, and a DIY organizer is easy to finish. Start by removing any glass or backings from the frame. But don't pitch them yet! First, use the backing as a template to cut your pegboard, corkboard, whiteboard, or whatever other material you're putting in the frame to size. Lay the backing on the board you want to cut. Trace the backing's outline onto the board, and cut it out. Insert the board into the picture frame, pushing the tabs back into place to lock the board in the frame. Staple the board in place if there aren't any tabs to push back, putting staples every few inches around the edge. For a more secure hold, you can also line the inside lip of the frame with glue and carefully press the board into it as you put it in.

With the delightful decorative detail a repurposed picture frame can lend to a ho-hum utilitarian pegboard, it's worth the effort to design and DIY a stunning wall organizer to hold all your essentials. Before inserting your cut-out pegboard, sand and paint the frame. Paint the pegboard in a similar fashion, choosing contrasting colors to make the frame and board stand out against each other. The pegboard backing also makes a great surface for stencils, decals, and other fun designs to personalize the look. If you're hanging the organizer, add small bumpers to the corners of the frame to meet the wall. While they protect the wall and frame, they'll also create space behind the pegboard, giving the hooks room to lock in.