My Experience With Turning Fake Drawers Into Storage

As someone who loves to organize and maximize space, I am always looking for new ways to utilize every inch of my home. One day, while cleaning out my kitchen cabinets, I noticed that there were several fake drawers in my lower cabinets. These were the drawers that looked like they could be pulled out, but they were actually just a facade. I knew there had to be a way to turn these fake drawers into storage, and after some research and experimentation, I found several solutions that worked for me.

What is a Fake Drawer?

A fake drawer is a decorative panel that is designed to look like a functional drawer, but it does not open. These are often found in kitchen and bathroom cabinets, and while they may add an aesthetically pleasing touch, they can be frustrating to homeowners who are looking for more storage space.

Why Turn Fake Drawers into Storage?

Turning fake drawers into storage is a great way to maximize your cabinet space and make use of every inch of your kitchen or bathroom. By adding storage solutions to these unused spaces, you can create more room for dishes, utensils, cleaning supplies, and other items that tend to clutter up your counters.

Step-by-Step Guide for Turning Fake Drawers into Storage

Here are some simple solutions for turning your fake drawers into functional storage:

Install a pull-out tray: You can purchase a pull-out tray that fits into the opening of your fake drawer. These trays are perfect for storing spices, baking sheets, and other small items that tend to get lost in a deep cabinet.
Add a false front: If you don’t want to install a pull-out tray, you can add a false front to your fake drawer and turn it into a tilt-out storage bin. This is a great solution for storing sponges, dish soap, and other cleaning supplies.
Create a wine rack: If you are a wine lover, you can turn your fake drawer into a wine rack. Simply remove the front panel and install a wine rack insert.
Install a pull-out garbage can: If you have a fake drawer near your sink, you can turn it into a pull-out garbage can. This is a great way to keep your trash out of sight and out of mind.
Use it for cutting board storage: If you have a lot of cutting boards, you can turn your fake drawer into a cutting board storage rack. Simply install a few dividers and you’ll have a convenient place to store your cutting boards.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas for Turning Fake Drawers into Storage

Here are some additional tips and ideas for turning your fake drawers into functional storage:

Measure the opening of your fake drawer before purchasing any storage solutions.
Consider adding a light to your fake drawer to make it easier to see what’s inside.
Use a tension rod to create a vertical storage solution for baking sheets and cutting boards.
Install a small shelf inside your fake drawer to create additional storage space.
Use a hanging organizer inside your fake drawer to store small items like tea bags and sugar packets.
Install hooks on the inside of your fake drawer to hang measuring cups and spoons.
Use a wire basket to store cleaning supplies and keep them organized.
Attach a magnetic strip to the inside of your fake drawer to store knives.
Consider adding a pull-out towel rack to your fake drawer to keep dish towels within reach.
Use a magazine rack to store cutting boards and baking sheets vertically.

Pros and Cons of Turning Fake Drawers into Storage

Like any home improvement project, there are both pros and cons to turning your fake drawers into storage:

Pros

You can maximize your cabinet space and create more storage solutions for your kitchen or bathroom.
You can keep your countertops clutter-free by storing small items in your fake drawers.
You can customize your fake drawers to fit your specific storage needs.

Cons

You may need to purchase additional storage solutions, which can be expensive.
You may need to do some DIY work to install the storage solutions, which can be time-consuming.
You may need to sacrifice the aesthetic appeal of your fake drawers to create functional storage.

My Personal Review and Suggestion

Overall, I highly recommend turning your fake drawers into functional storage. It’s a great way to maximize your cabinet space and keep your countertops clutter-free. From my personal experience, I found that installing pull-out trays and false fronts worked best for me. However, I also loved the idea of using a fake drawer for cutting board storage and will definitely be trying that in the future. As always, make sure to measure your space and do your research before making any purchases or DIY projects.

Question & Answer and FAQs

Q: Can I turn any fake drawer into storage?

A: It depends on the size and shape of the opening. Make sure to measure your space and do your research before purchasing any storage solutions.

Q: How much does it cost to turn a fake drawer into storage?

A: The cost will vary depending on the storage solution you choose and whether or not you do the installation yourself. Pull-out trays and false fronts can range from $20-$50, while wine rack inserts and cutting board racks can be more expensive.

Q: Do I need any special tools to turn a fake drawer into storage?

A: It depends on the storage solution you choose. Some solutions, like pull-out trays, may require a drill and screws. Others, like false fronts, may only require adhesive strips.