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Thursday, August 21, 2014

Dollar Tree Plastic Storage Container Makeover

A super easy way to update basic Dollar Tree storage bins! 


I have an inexpensive and super easy Dollar Tree storage idea for you today.  Storage and organizing supplies can add up quick, so when I spotted bright plastic containers at Dollar Tree I was thrilled. I knew with a little paint and metal pulls I could turn them into cute and versatile storage containers.
Dollar Tree storage bins before and after


SUPPLIES NEEDED TO UPDATE PLASTIC DOLLAR TREE BINS
(Affiliate links have been used)

- Plastic storage bins from Dollar Tree
- Fine grit sandpaper
- Spray paint
- Screwdriver

HOW TO UPDATE PLASTIC DOLLAR TREE STORAGE

Dollar Tree has a wide variety of plastic storage and organizing containers, but I chose a pack of four small storage bins.  They're the perfect size to fit in our medicine cabinet to organize bandaids, medications, clippers and other personal hygeine supplies.
Dollar Tree storage bins before


Supplies for updating Dollar Tree storage bins
STEP ONE

Lightly sand the plastic containers with fine grit sandpaper.  This gives the plastic a little "tooth" and gives the paint a good surface to adhere too.
Spray painting Dollar Tree storage bins

STEP TWO

Apply a few coats of spray paint to your storage containers.  You'll get the best coverage if you apply multiple thin coats using a long steady stream.  Starting at one end of the container and ending at the other end.

STEP THREE

Finish off the plastic containers with hardware of your choice.

STEP FOUR
This is an optional step, but you can add a dab of hot glue to the tip of the screw heads to avoid sharp pointy screw pops.

Modern industrial Dollar Tree storage bins!

Since I already had the pulls and spray paint this Dollar Tree storage makeover cost me a whopping $1.06!


If you're looking for even more Dollar Store makeovers and must-buys, check out this post!

Must buy Dollar Tree Essentials For Decorators and Crafters

You may also like

Industrial Farmhouse Dollar Tree Storage Drawers

Farmhouse Dollar Tree makeovers


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Would you like to comment?

  1. This is SUCH a neat idea! I could totally see making these for my little guy's bed and bath!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Kristi! They are the perfect size for small bathroom storage! You should totally make some :)

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  2. No way! They look twelve gazillion times better!!! I love them. So brilliant!

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  3. These are the perfect little storage containers! Dollar store always has the best containers that can be transformed. I love those pulls, too! Visiting from Thursday Style Link Party! :)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by Amanda! I love the dollar store too for all their storage containers and cheap decor pieces that can be updated. The best part about it is if the project doesn't work out, it only cost $1.00!

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  4. Hi, I'm in the middle of renovating my son's room this is a great idea. Can you tell me how did you attach the pulls to the container ??? Thanks

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    1. Hi Maga! I used the screws that came with the hooks. They were tiny so I was able to use metal snips to cut the end of the screw and file it down with a metal file. If you don't want to go through the trouble, you could probably use strong glue. Hope that helps!

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  5. I never even thought about doing this when I bought similar ones for organizing our bathroom/son's closet! You're so creative!! They look great!!

    http://abugslife0612.blogspot.com/

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Bri! If you still have the containers, maybe you could give them a quick update :)

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  6. Wow! These look really great! I can't believe they're the same bins.

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    Replies
    1. I know, right! It's amazing what you can do with a little paint and fun accessories.

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  7. Katie,
    Love the Dollar store. Great Project!
    Create Today,
    Karen Marie,
    Dragonfly & Lily Pads

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  8. Super cute makeover! Have you had any trouble with the paint chipping off of the plastic bins?

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    1. Hi Kira! They do tend to chip if you hit them with a sharp edge, but I intend to use them to organize supplies in our medicine cabinet (cotton balls, q-tips, etc) that are soft. I would recommend lightly sanding and using a primer before you spray on your paint color. Either way, they would probably not be best for high traffic use. Four bins were only $1.00, so I'm not worried about them getting damaged :)

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  9. Super duper cute!!! Love this idea!

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  10. Where did you find those pulls? I LOVE them!! :)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Carmen! I bought the pulls at Michaels. They were sold in a pack of 4 and were just a couple of dollars.

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  11. These look so great, Katie! I never would have believed that they started out as red dollar store containers! Amazing what a little spray paint can do!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Jamie! Spray paint is amazing, isn't it? I have a slight addiction :)

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  12. These look SO much better! I've got to give this a try

    Great Job

    Sarah @ EDEA Smith
    www.edea-smith.co.uk

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  13. I have tons of those little pink baskets through out all the drawers in the house. I love what you have done. How has the paint been holding up?

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  14. Yay! Congrats, this project was viewed the most at our link it or lump it party! Stop by and grab a feature button!

    http://www.delineateyourdwelling.com/2014/08/link-it-or-lump-it-party-53-features.html

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  15. Katie- Thanks for linking this up to Friday Favorites! This is such a great reminder of what a little spray paint can do to plastic! Please join the party this week!! laura

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  16. Replies
    1. Not at all! I bought them at Michael's for about $4.00 for a pack of 5 or 6. You can then use a 40% off coupon to make them even cheaper!

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  17. What color of paint did you use? Thanks, Julie

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  18. Just found your blog and have been reading all your projects....You are so Creative!!!
    I love how you painted these bins!
    I see the paint you used was paint and primer....Do you happen to remember what color you used? I LOVE that color and would go perfectly in our bathroom we're renovating right now.
    Thanks for your help!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Doxie! I'm so glad you found my blog and enjoy all the projects. Unfortunately, I don't remember what color I used, sorry. I would suggest going to your local home improvement store and see if they sell Valspar paint. They may still have the navy blue that I used. Sorry I couldn't be more help.

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  19. Also wanted to ask...if you use paint that has primer in it, do you still need to prime the baskets?
    Thanks a bunch!

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    1. I didn't prime the bins, but I would suggest giving them a light sanding with fine grit sandpaper to help the paint adhere better.

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  20. Hi
    I just tried this with Rustoleum and my bins are chipping.... Did you have any chips with Valspar? Did you do a top coat?

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    Replies
    1. I did experience some chipping with Valspar, but after lightly sanding and respraying they are holding up much better. I use mine to hold Q-tips and cotton balls in my medicine cabinet, which probably helps with reducing the amount of chipping.

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