7 Ideas for Using Recycled Materials for Art Storage That Spark Wonder

Why it matters: Art supplies pile up fast and proper storage costs a fortune — but your recycling bin holds the perfect solution.

The big picture: Creative storage doesn’t require expensive organizers when everyday items like egg cartons and yogurt containers can transform into functional art supply systems.

What’s next: These seven recycled storage ideas will declutter your creative space while keeping your environmental footprint small and your wallet happy.

Repurpose Cardboard Boxes Into Custom Storage Compartments

Transform everyday cardboard boxes into professional-looking storage solutions that rival expensive organizing systems. You’ll create perfectly sized compartments for brushes, paints, and supplies while keeping costs minimal.

Creating Dividers From Cereal and Shoe Boxes

Cut cereal boxes into strips to create adjustable dividers for your art storage. Measure your supplies first, then slice the boxes into sections that fit snugly inside larger containers. You can reinforce these dividers by covering them with contact paper or paint for a polished look. Shoe boxes work perfectly for deeper storage needs, allowing you to separate larger items like sketchbooks and canvas boards into organized sections.

Building Stackable Storage Units From Shipping Boxes

Stack shipping boxes of similar sizes to create tower storage systems for your art space. Reinforce the corners with tape and cut access holes in the front panels for easy retrieval of supplies. You’ll maximize vertical space while maintaining easy access to different categories of materials. Label each box clearly and consider adding handles by cutting slots in the sides for better portability and organization.

Transform Glass Jars Into Organized Supply Holders

Glass jars offer exceptional visibility and durability for your art storage needs. You’ll find these versatile containers perfect for keeping supplies organized while maintaining easy access during creative projects.

Using Mason Jars for Brush and Pencil Storage

Mason jars create perfect upright storage for brushes, pencils, and markers with their wide openings and stable bases. You can arrange different sizes to accommodate various tool lengths, from short colored pencils to long watercolor brushes. Sort tools by type or color in separate jars, and add decorative labels to identify contents quickly. The clear glass lets you spot the exact tool you need without rummaging through containers.

Converting Baby Food Jars for Small Item Organization

Baby food jars excel at storing tiny art supplies like beads, sequins, buttons, and small findings that easily get lost. You can screw multiple jars under a shelf or workbench for space-saving storage that keeps small items visible and accessible. Group similar items together—one jar for metallic beads, another for wooden buttons, and a third for craft gems. The tight-sealing lids prevent spills and keep materials fresh for future projects.

Convert Plastic Containers Into Portable Art Caddies

Transform everyday plastic containers into functional art storage solutions that you can easily move around your workspace. These portable caddies offer convenience and accessibility while giving new life to items that might otherwise end up in the trash.

Repurposing Yogurt Containers for Paint Storage

Large yogurt containers make excellent paint holders with their wide openings and sturdy construction. Clean them thoroughly and add dividers using cardboard strips to create separate compartments for different colors. You’ll appreciate how the containers stack neatly and their clear plastic allows you to quickly identify paint colors. For acrylic paints, these containers prevent spills and keep your paints organized during projects.

Using Detergent Bottles as Mobile Supply Carriers

Cut large detergent bottles in half to create spacious art caddies with built-in handles for easy transport. The bottom portion becomes a deep container perfect for holding brushes, scissors, and rulers upright. Sand the cut edges smooth and add fabric or contact paper for a decorative finish. These bottles’ rectangular shape maximizes storage space while their durability ensures they’ll withstand frequent use.

Upcycle Tin Cans Into Vertical Storage Solutions

Transform empty tin cans into space-saving vertical storage that maximizes your workspace efficiency. These cylindrical containers naturally create organized compartments while adding eco-friendly functionality to your art area.

Creating Magnetic Holders From Coffee Cans

Coffee cans become powerful magnetic storage solutions when paired with strong neodymium magnets. Attach magnets to the back of clean coffee cans and mount them on metal surfaces like filing cabinets or magnetic boards. You’ll create instant vertical storage for brushes, scissors, and rulers that stays within easy reach. The large opening accommodates bigger supplies like spray bottles and craft knives while keeping your workspace clutter-free.

Building Desktop Organizers From Food Cans

Food cans of varying sizes create custom desktop organizers that fit your specific supply needs. Remove labels and sand rough edges before covering with decorative paper or paint. Group different sized cans together – soup cans for markers, tomato paste cans for pencils, and tuna cans for paper clips. Stack them in pyramid formations or arrange them in rows to maximize vertical space while keeping supplies visible and accessible.

Redesign Old Furniture Into Art Storage Stations

Old furniture pieces offer incredible potential for creating customized art storage solutions. You’ll transform forgotten items into functional organizers that perfectly fit your creative space.

Converting Dresser Drawers Into Flat File Systems

Dresser drawers make excellent flat storage for artwork, prints, and paper supplies. Remove the drawers from their frame and stack them horizontally to create accessible compartments for different paper sizes. Add dividers using cardboard strips to separate various art papers, canvas boards, and finished pieces. You’ll protect delicate work while keeping everything visible and organized by size or project type.

Transforming Bookshelf Units Into Supply Centers

Bookshelf units become versatile storage towers with simple modifications for art supplies. Install pull-out bins or baskets on each shelf to hold paints, brushes, and tools while maintaining easy access. Add pegboard backing to hang frequently used items like scissors and rulers directly on the shelf walls. You’ll create designated zones for different mediums while maximizing vertical storage space in your creative area.

Craft Fabric Scraps Into Soft Storage Options

Fabric scraps from old clothing and textile projects create gentle storage solutions that protect your delicate art supplies. These soft containers prevent scratching and damage while adding a personalized touch to your creative workspace.

Making Drawstring Bags for Delicate Materials

Transform cotton t-shirts and worn-out sheets into protective drawstring pouches for your most fragile supplies. Cut fabric into rectangles, fold edges to create a casing, and thread elastic cord or old shoelaces through the top hem. These soft bags work perfectly for storing pastels, charcoal sticks, and delicate paper cutouts that need cushioned protection. You’ll save money while creating custom-sized storage that prevents your materials from breaking during transport.

Creating Padded Cases for Fragile Art Supplies

Repurpose old towels and fleece blankets into quilted protective cases for your valuable brushes and drawing tools. Layer fabric scraps with cotton batting from worn pillows, then stitch compartments using a simple running stitch to create individual pockets. These padded organizers shield expensive supplies from impact damage and temperature changes while keeping everything visible and accessible. You can customize the size and number of compartments based on your specific collection needs.

Innovate With Egg Cartons for Small Item Organization

Egg cartons offer perfect compartmentalization for organizing tiny art supplies that often get lost in larger containers. Their molded sections create natural dividers that keep small items separated and easily accessible.

Designing Paint Palette Storage Systems

Transform foam egg cartons into custom paint palettes by cutting away the lid and creating mixing wells. You’ll get twelve individual compartments perfect for acrylic paints, watercolors, or tempera colors. The foam material resists staining and cleans easily with soap and water, making these disposable palettes ideal for messy projects. Stack multiple cartons for larger color collections or use cardboard versions for oil paints that need longer drying times.

Building Compartmented Organizers for Tiny Supplies

Cut cardboard egg cartons in half to create shallow organizers for beads, buttons, and small findings. Each compartment holds different colors or sizes, preventing mixing and making selection effortless. Stack these organizers in drawers or on shelves for maximum storage density. You can also tape multiple cartons together to create larger organizational systems that fit perfectly in storage bins or desktop areas.

Conclusion

These creative recycling solutions prove that effective art storage doesn’t require expensive organizational systems. By reimagining everyday items you’d normally discard you can build a customized storage network that perfectly matches your creative needs.

Your artistic practice becomes more sustainable when you embrace these eco-friendly alternatives. You’ll reduce waste while creating functional storage that adapts to your specific supplies and workspace constraints.

Start small by gathering a few recyclable containers from your home and experiment with these techniques. You’ll discover that the most effective storage solutions often come from the most unexpected places.

Frequently Asked Questions

What everyday items can I use to organize my art supplies?

Common household items make excellent art storage solutions. Cardboard boxes can be converted into custom compartments, glass mason jars work perfectly for brushes and pencils, and yogurt containers create ideal paint storage. Tin cans become vertical organizers, while egg cartons are perfect for small items like beads and buttons.

How can I make cardboard boxes into art storage?

Transform cardboard boxes by creating adjustable dividers using cereal and shoe boxes. Cut shipping boxes to build stackable storage units that maximize vertical space. These DIY compartments can be customized to fit your specific supplies while keeping organization costs minimal and environmentally friendly.

Are glass jars effective for art supply storage?

Yes, glass jars are excellent storage solutions. Mason jars provide upright storage for brushes, pencils, and markers, allowing easy organization by type or color. Baby food jars are perfect for small items like beads, and can be screwed under shelves for space-saving visibility and quick access.

How do I repurpose plastic containers for art supplies?

Large yogurt containers work great for paint storage due to their wide openings and sturdy construction. Convert them into organized compartments for different colors. Large detergent bottles can be transformed into mobile supply carriers with handles, providing deep, durable containers for easy transport of art materials.

Can tin cans be used for art supply organization?

Absolutely! Tin cans create efficient vertical storage solutions that maximize workspace. Add strong neodymium magnets to coffee cans for instant magnetic holders on metal surfaces. Build custom desktop organizers using various sized food cans, which can be decorated and arranged to fit your specific supply needs.

How can old furniture become art storage solutions?

Convert dresser drawers into flat file systems by stacking them horizontally and adding dividers for artwork and paper storage. Transform bookshelf units into supply centers by installing pull-out bins and pegboard backing, maximizing vertical storage while providing easy access to tools and materials.

What fabric storage options work for delicate art supplies?

Create protective soft storage from fabric scraps. Make drawstring bags from old cotton t-shirts and sheets for fragile materials like pastels and charcoal. Craft padded cases from old towels and fleece blankets to protect valuable brushes and drawing tools from damage during storage or transport.

How can egg cartons organize small art supplies?

Egg cartons are natural organizers for tiny items. Their molded sections prevent small supplies from getting lost. Foam egg cartons can become custom paint palettes with individual compartments. Cut cardboard egg cartons in half to create shallow organizers for beads and buttons, enhancing storage density.