Recycled Shelving Ideas

Use old crates to make shelves.Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images

When you want to make an environmentally friendly design statement in your home, use recycled materials and objects to create shelves. By using materials that would otherwise be thrown out, you can reduce waste and increase storage in your home. Look for unexpected objects that you can combine to make creative, one-of-a-kind shelving units.

Bookshelf

For a comical take on a traditional bookshelf, make a shelf from books. Find books that are bound for the garbage or for the thrift store: so long as their spines are intact, you can use them for the shelf. Choose books in a variety of heights, colors, coverings and thicknesses. Drill two holes through each book, one on the top and one on the bottom so that when you line the books up with the spines facing out and the top edge level, the holes match up to form two tunnels. Spread glue on the front and back covers of each book and attach them together. Run dowels through the holes and secure with simple caps to keep the books stable.

Rustic wooden crates can be recycled into a beautiful shelving unit that doubles as a piece of decor. Find a set of crates in roughly the same finish for an even look, or choose a variety of sizes and finishes for a more eclectic shelving unit. Arrange the crates in a pattern on the floor, experimenting with different layouts until you find an attractive one that fits on your wall. Transfer the design to the wall, crate by crate, using a drill with heavy-duty screws to secure each crate to the wall.

Make a dramatic shelving unit using recycled cardboard. Start by finding cylindrical cardboard containers, like the ones used to package industrial-sized ice cream. You can also use tubes that are left over from shipping. Cut the tubes to the same height. Paint the insides and outsides of your cardboard tubes in different colors or let them keep the original texture for an earthy look. Lay a drop cloth to protect your floor and create an interesting pattern using the pieces of cardboard; make sure the base is sturdy enough to allow the piece to stand. Glue the tubes together with a super-duty glue and allow to set.