Repurpose Cabinet Knobs For Elevated Countertop Storage With This Fun DIY

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A countertop storage piece is a great way to neatly hold and organize items you use daily for quick and easy access: Think tea bags, coffee pods and filters, napkins, spice jars, etc. Better still, a storage piece that has dainty feet elevating it off the counter can add a quaint and warm vibe to the kitchen. If that appeals to you, consider trying this fun DIY that transforms ordinary countertop storage into a footed conversation piece using, of all things, the unassuming cabinet knob. Whether they're made of wood, metal, or ceramic, cabinet knobs can be repurposed as feet, so long as you have at least four of the same style, and the size looks proportionate to the piece you intend to set on top. (One word of advice: If you're planning to update hardware on your cabinets, an armoire, desk, or wardrobe — or to get rid of old furniture altogether — hold onto their knobs for this and many other upcycling projects!)

For inspiration, look to what Instagrammer rosiesrustics creates in a reel using old wood furniture knobs and a thrifted two-drawer box with shelf top. The creator adheres the knobs to the box using wood glue followed by nail-gunning to reinforce them. While a nail gun might not be a common tool in your arsenal, hardware stores and even some local libraries offer rentals on unique tools. After staining, painting, and embellishing the box with her personal touches, rosierustics ends up with a cottagecore-inspired, footed storage piece that looks as if it was made that way.

To make your own footed countertop organizer, you'll need the knobs, a storage piece, a glue appropriate for the materials in your project, and optional decorating items and mediums such as transfers or paint. If you plan to use the latter, check out our guide to best paints for furniture before buying anything. Once you've found your storage item, source knobs that complement it. You can take them off old cabinetry or furniture, search a thriftshop for vintage knobs, or find cute but affordable hardware from a home improvement store. For instance, Home Depot sells Liberty Classic White Birch Round knobs at $1.37 apiece, while IKEA's Gubbarp white plastic knobs come in two-packs priced just $0.75. Adhere the flat side of the knobs — the side that attaches to the cabinet or furniture face — to the bottom of the storage component near the corners. Finish by adding your personal decorative touches.

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing your storage piece. For one, find something that will solve your particular countertop organizing needs. A compartmentalized box is ideal for sorting teabags by flavor and standing them vertically for quicker access. A mini wooden crate can serve as a utensil caddy or fruit basket. And a basic bin can stash napkins, foil, parchment paper, and plastic wrap. Secondly, don't ignore a simple tray as an option. A footed tray can neatly present coffee stirrers, sweeteners, and filters next to the coffee maker or hold oils and frequently used spatulas, ladles, and other cooking tools beside the stovetop. Finally, you don't have to choose something that looks rustic if that's not your kitchen aesthetic: You can try a vibrantly tinted acrylic tray, a minimalist cutting board, or a galvanized-metal bin.