Today I’m showing how to build a custom organization unit that can be used for toy storage. This unit can be customized to include the upper cabinets and shelves, or to just have the lower cubbies and drawers, depending on space constraints. Made almost entirely of plywood, the dimensions are 18″ (at the base) x 62″ long x 76″ tall.
This post is in partnership with PureBond Plywood.
When I shared our basement progress last year, I shared this little corner and my plans to build some toy organization for the spot along our staircase, that was a catch-all for random items since I was mostly non-useable space. With the load-bearing column and the duct-work in the low ceiling, this would be an ideal spot to create some built-in-type storage.
To read more about these beautiful and 100% waterproof floors, go to my post here.
It took me way longer than I originally anticipated because… well, life! It is a fairly big project that required some space to build, so I worked on it while I had extra time. We had photoshoots, holidays, then my husband’s surgery, family in town, then another photoshoot, and I was finally able to finish it about a month ago. Adding the finishing touches was my favorite part and I’m excited for you to see what’s inside!
We still haven’t finished our ceiling, because I want to fix some of the electric outlets that have been having issues first. Once the ceiling is closed, there is no going back, really, and electrical is so much easier to access right now.
I knew that making a storage unit custom fit for this spot would require my favorite plywood, PureBond Plywood sold exclusively at Home Depot. I have been a fan of their products since I first started building, and some of my favorite features are:
-Formaldehyde-free
-Made in the USA
-Made from hardwood lumber like oak, birch, and maple
-Has a beautiful grain that looks great when stained and is smooth and easy to paint
-Stronger than standard boards
Almost the entire toy storage unit was built from 3/4″ and 1/2″ plywood. I used some 1x3s for the edges of the doors and drawer faces, but that was it! By using the veneer edge-banding on the edges of the plywood, I was able to save on cost and space and get a professional-finished result.
And I love how these bi-fold cabinet doors allow access to everything inside the shelves, and fold easily to the sides.
I actually found this created so much space that we didn’t even have enough toys to fill the whole thing! All of the kids toys in their rooms (save some stuffed animals) fit in the lower baskets and the bottom drawers. The cabinets ended up being a great place to store a bunch of art supplies that we didn’t have a place for, before.
I must admit, I had fun organizing all these colorful art supplies into these clear acrylic containers (all from The Container Store).
Happily, with all these supplies visible and accessible, I found my kids have been spending a lot more time creating! They will draw, cut things out, write cards and notes, color, etc and I am thrilled to find them spending less time in front of electronics.
It’s almost daily that they will pull one of these games out now, because they always know where to find it and where to put it away. We don’t have a ton of games, but what we did have fit easily in one of the deep drawers.
I chose soft-close drawer glides because kids tend to slam things, and I want these drawers to last a long time!
Look at all that beautiful organization!
I actually plan on building a half-version of this for that space on the other side of the post, that will go all the way to the staircase opening. Stay tuned, I’ll share more of it when this whole little wall is finished!
I’m relieved to have one more organization project checked off my list! Check out my Linen Closet Makeover, and my Cedar Coat Closet here.
Sources (affiliate links used):
PureBond Plywood, lumber, and hardware: Home Depot
Paint: KILZ Magnolia Paint in Pure White, Satin Finish
Clear acrylic jars and containers for art supplies: The Container Store
Similar Faux fiddle leaf fig or Artificial fiddle leaf fig
Basket holding plant: HomeGoods
Organization Baskets: Target
Floors: Mannington AduraMax Luxury Vinyl Plank in the color Sundance Gunstock
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That looks fantastic! Such a creative use of that space.
Your projects always look professional.
Looks great! One question though….. Did you cut your own plywood and if so, did you use a table or circular saw? Neither is listed in the tools needed. Thanks
Wow so functional and attractive to look at and fits the space perfectly next to stairs! Perfect design!
Your new storage space looks amazing! I’ve often thought the space under the stairs could be put to better use. Thanks for this idea!!
I need to create something like this for an open space I have in my living room. Was thinking of doing built ins but will try this instead.