From Mail Cubby to Modern Storage Piece

Sometimes when I thrift items, I do not know what I am going to do with them, I just know they have potential. Such was the case when I recently purchased this mail cubby or paper sorter. I knew it had great storage options, I just was unsure of how I wanted to upcycle it. 

I removed the paper labels (I wondered if it came from the school I taught at here in town, it seemed familiar) and wiped it down with vinegar. I knew I would need to spray paint it to get inside the cubbies. I spray painted it green to start but it was too green and reminded and just not right. So I switched to a Navy Blue spray paint.

I knew I wanted to put some kind of feet on it to get it off the ground, but originally I was planning on something shorter. When I found these hairpin legs at the thrift store I decided that they would elevate the mail cubby into a more modern storage piece. The taller legs allow for a storage piece underneath it such as this vintage, baby blue tool box. A basket or wood crate would look underneath it too.

The top was a little unfinished looking with the plywood so I added some thin, reclaimed barwood tongue and groove.

I think this piece makes a fun, modern buffet in a kitchen or dining room. It is perfect for open kitchen shelving storage to hold plates and bowls, linens, cookbooks and wine bottles. 

Art and other objects rest easily on the top of the storage cubby.

This piece would work well in an entry for mail and mittens and even shoes. Keys and bags could be set on top. It could store folded or rolled towels and toiletries in a bathroom or be used in a family room for book and magazine storage. I think I would be keeping it if I had a spot for it, but I do think it will be for sale in my pop-up shop.