How to make a table shelf towel rack out of bunk bed parts!
As I was rushing around trying to get projects together for Glendale, I had this brainstorm to build MORE coat racks. I have always wanted to cut a coffee table down in order to make a wall shelf from a table. I’ve never really found the perfect table, so I made a faux coffee table wall shelf towel rack. Sounds confusing? It’s really easy and I had so much fun, I really want to make them every day.
Bunk Bed into Table Shelf Towel Rack
I used bunk bed legs for one of the shelves—they were left over from another bunk bed shelf project.
Paint Towel Rack
It was a rainy few days the week of Glendale, so I had to do my painting in the house.
Note that a 1x is attached to the bed legs with pocket hold screws from the back. The size of the 1x will be determined by the length of your legs.
I sort of got in a hurry, making 2 different versions at once, so I hope that doesn’t confuse you. If you pay attention to the legs, you’ll notice the difference. After attaching the 1x to the legs, I screwed through the top of the shelf board into the bed leg. You can see the two spots where I filled the countersink holes here.
Let’s talk saw safety
These are not the bunk bed legs. These are legs from a headboard chalkboard. But I want to talk safety here. All bed legs have these pins in them for the rails to hook into. Do NOT cut into one of these pins with your saw. I have used different methods to remove these kinds of pins. Sometimes they fall right out, and other times you really have to work at it. For these, I had to beat the leg on the concrete to move them toward the end of the hole. A few more taps later and I was able to grab the pin with my pliers.
Faux Coffee Table Shelf
This is the regular bed legs shelf, doesn’t it resemble a cut off table?
I painted this wall shelf with an oops gray.
I drilled some holes and secured 3 brushed nickel cabinet knobs as towel hooks.
No, you wouldn’t use this towel rack shelf for your outdoor kitchen—I stage my items on my privacy fence because of lighting issues inside my home.
White Shelf With Black Hooks
This is the bunk bed leg shelf, the one I was painting black in the photo above. After the black paint dried, I painted 2 light coats of white, then distressed lightly with an emery board.
Note, I used a 2x6 (ripped to size) for this shelf because the bunk bed legs are a little chunky.
I added black hooks I bought from D Lawless Hardware for this towel rack.
Again, I staged it on my fence. This wall shelf towel hook rack would be great in a bathroom, or you could use it in your kitchen for towels or in your mudroom for coats or hats.
These wall shelves with hooks were so much fun to make, and they really are quick and easy. I can't wait to make more from scrap bits and pieces.
I hope I’ve inspired you to use up some of your spare lumber and legs! Let me know if you make one of these shelves.
gail
see more projects from bits and pieces here
sharing here: Remodelaholics Anonymous
Gail Wilson is the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. She is obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believes that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again, including herself!
Gail reinvented herself during a midlife crisis and has found purpose again. She hopes you will find new ideas for old things and pick up a few tools along the way.
Beth Holt
Love this! Would be a great addition to any room!
girlfromwva
such great ideas!!!
Kyla @ HouseOfHipsters
Hi Gail! I wanted to let you know about my new linky party called Found & Foraged. After being an active participant for the last few months in parties, Iāve decided to try hosting as well! I think this post would be absolutely perfect for it! We debut Saturday night at 8PM at http://houseofhipsters.com I really hope you can come.
Stephanie@cre8tive
Oh I love these! I never thought of those metal pins being in there, good advice. I think these are so versatile! They could go any one's home. I love how you always stage on your fence, just cracks me up lol
DeDe@DesignedDecor
Gail, it looks great! I love this idea!
Julie @ follow your heart woodworking
Okay now that is cheating! LOL LOL
Looks great!
Mindi
It does look like a table! These shelves are great Gail!
Val
Hello Gail,
I just love your repurposed projects. I'm always impressed by your imagination and your ability to visualize the outcome. Thanks so much for sharing your builds!
Val
Patricia
that's just cute as it could be...
I like the use of parts.
Patricia
girlfromwva
this looks really good! great job.
Pat Good
You do a marvelous job. I love your projects. I have been looking for short fat legs and can't find them anywhere, except stores and they are too expensive. I have drawers I've painted and changed knobs on and made cat or dog beds and really need legs. Any ideas you would like to share?
Thanks so much for sharing your talent.
Pat
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Pat,
thank you for your kind comment-I really LOVE what I'm doing!
I really don't have any suggestions. I have collected such items for years. If you can pick up stuff off the side of the road, that's a great option.
If you're on Facebook, put the word out on there to your family and friends. You'd be surprised how many times that has worked for me.
good luck!
gail