After getting several questions and suggestions from readers, I decided to do a little experimentation with my Hanging Paint Storage system. Readers suggested that it might work for other small items that are better displayed than left shoved in a box.
Would the hanging system hold nail polish, glitter, or thread? After trying them all out, I found the answers to be: yes, yes, and mostly yes!
The nail polish fit into the storage system perfectly, as is. Plus, there is the added benefit of being able to see all your colors at once!
I tried two different-sized tubes of glitter in the storage racks, and both fit well. If you were to use this smaller size tube (standard Martha Glitter size), then I would consider reducing the distance between the two wire racks to 3/4 of an inch to make them the most secure. But the principle is still the same.
Finally, I tried several varieties of thread. Most fit very well in the racks, but I would probably reduce the distance between the racks and the wall. This would mean cutting off parts of the PVC caps on the back, but the racks should still hold well. I did find that there were some spools of thread that were either A) too short and fell between the two wire racks or B) had too large of a diameter to fit into the openings. You could probably store some, but not all, of your thread collection.
A big thanks to all my readers for their clever suggestions! I have updated the original tutorial to reflect the new uses of the racks. Do you have any other great ideas for this storage system?
Great idea. I think it will work perfectly for food coloring. I am a baker and half a million bottles that I need to store. I want to know where you get the shelving?
meijer and walmart should have them. they are 12″ x 12″ grids found as a pack in organization.
Thank you for posting this awesome solution for too many paints. I have searched for a very long time for something like this. Thank you again for the directions.
Nancy Q
This is absolutely what I need. What a space saver for all of our little paint bottles. You my friend are a genius and your Dad did a splendid job. You made this over into an ideal storage unit. I want one today.
Thanks for sharing.
Do you know what size the grid squares are by chance?
The squares have to be 1 1/2″ 1 1/2″ to hold the Apple Barn 2oz bottles.
Can’t find the Hanging Paint Storage System page? Please let us know the new adress, thank you!!
Well, shoot! Thanks for the heads up about the broken link. I fixed it in the post, but here it is for you special. 😀
https://madincrafts.com/craft-room-organization-pv…
Use medicine prescription bottles into the slots of your wire rack, then you can place smaller spools of thread into the bottles so they don’t fall through.
Good suggestion!
Great Idea!
where did you purchase the racks
I bought them YEARS ago when I started college, but you can find them online now. I included an affiliate link in the post.
What a great idea u inspired me a lot and I’m sure that I will be trying to make one, Thanks for the inspiration and keep it up.
Thought I had sent an e-mail but here is my question. When I see these kind of racks in the stores they say the grid is 1″ and this will NOT accommodate the Folkart 2 oz paints does yours?????
You can go to your local coo or maybe Tractor Supply co. And get a small roll of fencing that has the right size opening. Just make sure you don’t make the sections too big the strength in using fencing is to not over do it because you can.
Can these be hung straight instead of an angle?
I believe so, although I have not personally tried it.
I have alot of Essential Oils. I think I’ll try this for them.
Where did I get the racks?
You can find the racks on Amazon. There is a link in the post.
I find making the notch in the pipe to accommodate the wire to be almost impossible! I have bee working on one notch for more than a half an hour and it is still not big enough. HELP! There has to be an easier way?
If you can clamp the pipe to the table and go at it with either a hacksaw or a Dremel tool, it is easier.