How To Upcycle A Thrifted VHS Storage Cabinet Into A Unique Storage Piece

While VHS tape storage containers may be a charming nod to the past, they may be more useful today than you think. Video cassette storage came in all sorts of configurations during the 1980s and 1990s, from wall-mounted shelving to compact drawers. These drawer units were usually made of a combination of plastic and wood with slender drawers. TikTok creator @redeux_style shows off an ingenious upcycle for some old storage drawers using spray paint and peel-and-stick wallpaper that instantly turns a dated and obsolete relic into a place for stashing art supplies.

The stunning result can be totally customized to your décor. The storage units are also shallow and often stackable, meaning you can use several different kinds for a large amount of storage. You can usually find drawer sets for well under $5 at most thrift stores and other secondhand vendors. For even smaller units that are perfect for holding pens, markers, and brushes, you can also upcycle old audio cassette holders using the same technique.

Begin by cleaning the VHS holder and removing any stickers or price tags to prepare the surface for paint and paper. Use spray paint in your desired shade to coat the areas that will not be covered in paper, like the front edges. After the paint is dry, use peel-and-stick paper to cover the top and sides of the storage unit and add a decorative strip on the front of each drawer. Like @redeux_style, you can also add some pretty hardware for each drawer by drilling a hole and then screwing in the knobs (if you have multiple drawers, create a template with solid tape to mark the hole's location so that the knobs are in a uniform position.)

Use these stylish drawers to keep art supplies organized or to store other materials and keep your craft room spick and span. Place them in a bathroom or linen closet to hold small items like cosmetics or toiletries. Use several stacked cases on a vanity or dresser. You can also create a side table for storage with several similar sized racks and some screw-in wooden or hairpin legs. These containers also make a beautiful storage solution in a closet or on a wardrobe shelf for holding accessories like folded belts, ties, or socks. It's a great way to resolve cluttered closet chaos.