Get Rid Of Blanket Clutter With The Help Of An Antique Shoe Storage Find

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A stylish throw blanket can add an air of casual elegance to a living room, but too many blankets lying crumpled around can just as easily make a space feel cluttered and unkempt. The best solution is to give them a proper home that doubles as décor, the way YouTube creator She's In Her Element does with an antique shoe rack. Instead of cramming throw blankets messily into a basket, the angled shelves of her design allow you to display each one separately. Give a thrifted piece a new lease on life, and display your favorite colored and textured throws with this clever blanket curio.

To recreate this design, you'll need to start with choosing an antique or vintage wooden shoe rack. Check the lip along the front of each shelf first. It needs to be sturdy enough to stop a heavy throw from sliding off. Then look at the slope of the shelves, which should lean forward so each folded edge faces out. Etsy is always a good place to start your search when it comes to anything antique, particularly when it's this specific, though thrift stores are always worth a look, too. For tools, you'll need a screwdriver and a sanding sponge, like the YNZDRWA sanding blocks. For finishes, you'll also need a bonding primer, like Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 from Home Depot, and either a wood stain or a paint, such as Rust-Oleum Chalked, in a shade that will complement your space.

To build your blanket rack, start by unscrewing any hardware and setting it aside. Sand down the whole rack until the finish is smooth and dull. If you've opted to paint, apply the primer first and allow it to dry, then follow it with your chosen paint in thin, even layers. If you want a more rustic look, skip the primer and brush on a wood stain instead. Once the rack has had time to dry, screw the hardware back in and fold your blankets into place with one per shelf, so you can slide one out and leave the rest as they are the next time you feel like getting cozy.

If you want to get even fancier with your design, you can try a two-tone paint job, using a darker shade on the outside and a lighter shade for the interior. If you want to add a bit of texture, you can try covering the rack in a peel-and-stick wallpaper, fabric, or even decoupage. You can also change up the look of your rack by replacing the hardware, opting for something a little more modern, or even more vintage, depending on your vibe. Alternatively, you can mix up the blankets you have on display, or swap them out seasonally. Heavy knits and tartan wool look particularly cozy in the winter months, while lighter weaves and cotton throws help soften the look for summer.