Grandma's Kitchen Had One In The '60s — Now It's Upcycled Bedside Storage

As lifestyles, technologies, and daily habits change over time, certain household items can become obsolete. For example, while your grandma may have had her own recipe box in the 1960s, these have largely fallen out of favor because many people find, save, or print recipes from the internet rather than write them down on index cards. However, that doesn't mean that these charming boxes have to end up collecting dust on a thrift store shelf or — even worse — in a landfill. Instead, why not rescue one and turn it into a handy bedside storage box?

To ditch nightstand clutter by upcycling a recipe box, you will first need to find one. Start by asking friends and family members if they have any they no longer use. If you don't have any luck there, then check the thrift store. One thing to consider when searching for a box is what you plan to put in it. If, for example, you want to store small items like jewelry, look for a box with separate compartments. Then, to upcycle the recipe box, gather items like paint, stencils, decals, and even three-dimensional decorations for the outside, such as artificial flowers or stick-on gemstones. Let's take a look at some clever ways to upcycle an old recipe box for a practical, stylish way to make your bedroom more organized.

However you plan to redecorate your secondhand recipe box to suit your personal design preferences, begin this project by giving it a good cleaning. Dusting it with a cloth and wiping it down with distilled water and gentle soap will remove dust and grime that may have built up over time. Make sure to clean the inside, too, so the items you put in there don't get covered in old muck. If your box is made of wood, you can then assess whether you want to sand it down and stain or paint it, or keep the original finish for an aged, antique look.

After painting or staining your box and letting it dry completely, you can begin decorating! This part of the process is only limited by your imagination. Consider the style of your bedroom when thinking about how you want your bedside storage box to look. For example, if you prefer sleek, minimalist designs, you can leave the box as is or paint it with a simple geometric stencil. On the other hand, if your bedroom has a cottage aesthetic, loads of artificial flowers, vines, or even little butterflies will complement your style and give it a lush, romantic feel. And remember that you don't have to stick to just one repurposed box. If you can find several old recipe boxes, stack them on your bedside table or vanity to hold a variety of items, such as chargers, lotions, medicine bottles, and more, to declutter your nightstand.