Upcycled Storage Unit: No More Red Plastic

I kept an old storage unit for more than 22 years, holding on to it through moves and life changes because I always try to reuse what I can. For many years it served as a convenient place for my kids’ toys, but after two decades the bright red plastic started to look dated. With my children now teenagers, the unit no longer suited the style of the home, so I decided it was time for a makeover.

Planning the Makeover

The unit could have been perfect for a child’s room, but I needed something that fit a more mature, black-and-wood decor. My goal was to place the storage piece under a desk and use it for boxes and supplies. I also wanted to remove the top shelf to allow room for bulkier items on top. The challenge was turning inexpensive, red plastic into something that looked rustic and chic.

Reinforcing the Structure

First, I found a few pieces of scrap wood and had my husband cut them to size. He attached the pieces to the back of the unit to add structure and stability. These wooden supports made the whole piece feel more substantial and ready for the next steps.

Removing the Top Shelf and Painting

After reinforcing the back, I removed the top shelf. With that gone, the unit had better proportions for my intended use. I then painted the added wood supports and any exposed trim black to match the room’s palette. Painting helped visually tie the piece to the other furniture and created a clean backdrop for the upcycle details.

Wrapping with Twine to Hide the Red Plastic

The remaining red plastic still needed attention. Lately I’ve been wrapping items with twine for texture and warmth, so I decided to try it on these shelves. I wrapped the plastic slowly and methodically, experimenting until I found a pattern that looked consistent. It was meticulous, time-consuming work, but wrapping the shelves in natural twine effectively hid the red and added a rustic, handmade feel.

There were a few stops for more twine along the way, and I took plenty of photos because this kind of craft project isn’t something I plan on repeating anytime soon. The close-up details show how the layers of twine create texture and disguise the underlying plastic.

Styling and Final Touches

Once the wrapping was complete and the wood was painted, I tried styling the unit. My initial arrangement felt too bland, so I pulled out fabric-covered storage boxes I had previously made in a black-and-white pattern. Those boxes fit perfectly and added contrast and cohesion to the finished piece.

By the time the makeover was done, the red plastic was no longer visible. The unit now looks both rustic and modern, and it blends seamlessly with my black-and-wood decor. It’s versatile enough to sit under a desk or, if I choose, be placed in a living area without embarrassment.

Was It Worth It?

Yes—despite being a long, sometimes tedious project, the results were worth the effort. The combination of painted wood, natural twine, and coordinated storage boxes transformed a dated plastic storage unit into a stylish, functional piece. If you’re working with inexpensive furniture and want to upcycle it to match a new aesthetic, simple techniques like reinforcing with wood, painting, and adding textured coverings (twine or fabric) can deliver big results.

I’d love to hear what you think. Was it worth all the work? If you’ve tried a similar upcycle, share your tips and photos—DIY transformations are always inspiring.

Related Projects

If you enjoy upcycling and furniture makeovers, consider exploring other small projects like wrapping a wire dish rack or disguising an appliance with simple coverings and texture. Small changes can refresh a room without big expense.

This article shares a personal DIY process and is intended for inspiration. For complex structural changes or projects that affect safety, consult a professional.