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10 Storage Ideas Using Metal Shelving

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Whether you're repurposing steel metal shelving from a workshop or trying to figure out what to do with wire metal shelving, these storage ideas will help you find the inspiration you need to get organized. Remember that these ideas can be flexible — you don't have to complete a project exactly as described to make it work for you.

Add Casters

No matter what size your metal shelves are, you can add casters to make them mobile. From a DIY bar cart to a handy mobile tool chest, adding wheels to your shelves can completely transform them into a whole new storage item.

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Add Pegboard

If both sides of your shelves are accessible, either thanks to wheels or due to the fact that you don't place them against the wall, you can create extra storage space with pegboard. You can use pegboard to store everything from kitchen tools to craft supplies and even clothes.

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Bring Them Into Unexpected Places

Most people don't necessarily think of bare steel shelves as being suitable for anything other than industrial or utilitarian uses, but that's not necessarily the case. That industrial look can make steel shelves perfect for a modern decor scheme in living rooms, bedrooms and dining rooms.

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Give Them a Makeover

Of course, if you don't like the industrial look, you can still put metal shelves to use inside your house. Try painting them a softer color using special metal paint or laying down a metal primer first. You can also use materials like fabric or wood to trim your metal shelves and make them look completely different.

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Create Tool Compartments

Instead of throwing away glass jars from things like jam and peanut butter, affix their lids to the underside of a metal shelf using glue. Then you can screw the glass jar onto its lid and create an extra layer of storage for things like screws or thumbtacks.

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Organize Your Hobby Supplies

Use metal shelving and bins or boxes to clean up and organize all of your errant supplies from your favorite hobby. Whether it's painting figurines or embroidering clothing, chances are you have a lot of random bits and pieces strewn around your house that you can bring together in one place with the help of metal shelves.

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Turn Them On Their Side

You don't have to use metal shelves upright. You can turn them on their side to create horizontal storage cubbies under a window or at the back of your closet where there might not be enough vertical space for an upright shelf.

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Create a Storage Trundle

You can also put a metal shelf flat on its back and use materials like plywood and small casters to create a rolling trundle to fit under your bed. Use this storage frame for everything from extra sheets and towels to shoes and bags that won't fit into your closet.

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Create a Room Divider

You can use shelving to do more than just sit against a wall. In an open floor plan, use metal shelves to create an informal division between different spaces. Make sure to anchor the shelves to the ceiling and floor if you do this so nothing topples over.

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Expand Your Kitchen Storage

Sometimes, kitchens don't provide enough shelf and drawer space for all the various gadgets, tools and ingredients you need for your culinary activities. With some affordable metal shelves, you can use space in your garage or basement to create an overflow kitchen storage area for all the things you can't fit into your pantry and shelves.

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