The Sporty Thrift Store Find That Doubles As The Perfect Shoe Storage Cabinet

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Metal lockers are the backdrop of many significant life events: first kisses with a crush, spilling gossip with friends, and celebrating our teams' big wins. Bring a bit of that nostalgia home by fixing up a locker as a cute, vintage alternative for shoe storage. Keep an eye out on your next thrifting trip, since your favorite shop may have one for sale. With a fresh coat of paint and some grease for the hinges, a freestanding metal locker in a foyer, a closet, a room, or even a covered porch is more than ready to rein in a shoe collection.

An old locker might be a "Holy Grail" thrift store find, but in general, old lockers aren't exactly rare. Still, you may happen upon one with features that don't immediately strike you as desirable. A four- to six-tier locker, one that consists of a stack of smaller cubbies one on top of the other, might seem ideal, but your thrift hunt may lead you to a style you didn't initially have in mind.

Nearly any locker style can work as shoe storage with the right approach. Tall high school hallway-style lockers can accommodate shelves designed specifically for lockers with room for a pair or two per level. A hanging organizer like this Simple Houseware Hanging Shoe Organizer is just the right size to fit inside a standard hallway locker. One section of multi-tier lockers could lie on its side on the floor. With the hinges facing up, the doors open like hatches, allowing shoes to slide easily inside.

Before moving forward, remember that lockers manufactured before 1978 may be coated with lead paint. If possible, inquire about the age of the locker before bringing it home.

You may find a locker with a worn finish patina that would feel sacrilegious to cover. Unfortunately, it's just that chippy stuff that's especially dangerous. Just painting over flaky layers will not protect against potential exposure. Removing old lead paint yourself is possible, but you should only take this on while following strict safety measures. The hassle and danger involved may convince you to stick with a newer salvaged product or even a brand-new reproduction. If the possibly lead-laden paint is still in pristine shape, you can seal away harmful materials with a certified "lead encapsulating paint." Still, it's crucial to follow these protective steps when painting over lead paint.

Since lockers are rarely free-standing, you'll need to take some steps to prevent the unit from tipping forward and injuring you or a family member. Many locker repurposers construct a support around their vintage piece, either with wood or with metal. It may be enough to mount a locker on a wooden base to stabilize it, but if you lack carpentry or welding skills, consider purchasing highly-rated anti-tip wall anchors like this Simple Mount Furniture Anti-Tip Kit. Securing the locker to the wall studs with anti-tip anchors can help ensure safe everyday use.