Outdoor Étagère, My Way
June 15, 2009
In summertime, we spend many evenings eating or entertaining in our rear courtyard. I wanted a shelving unit where I could store linens, citronella candles, and melamine plates, ready to set at a moment’s notice. Our California home is French Country in style, so I knew I could get away with painted wood shelf.
Last week, I found a shelving unit at the local thrift store, and transformed it with outdoor paint for my unique purpose. In a cheerful shade of pale yellow, this baker’s rack style shelf fits my needs perfectly.
I was inspired by this blue shelving unit I saw at Crown & Crumpet on last weekend’s San Francisco adventure.
I bought my own version of a spindly wood shelf at the Goodwill for $12. Then I brush primed it will oil based primer for durability.
I then gave the shelf a light sanding, and covered it with Rustoleum’s ‘Strawflower’. This indoor/outdoor spray paint is a pale yellow hue, and blends beautifully with the shade of the exterior stucco. What I love about this paint is that since it is designed for outdoor furniture, the shelf should withstand multiple seasons of sunshine.
I also added some small hooks to one side of my shelf, to hang some colorful tea towels.
To the plant shelf, I added a thin plastic liner (available wherever oil cloth is sold) just in case the herbs overflow after watering. An extra hook was added for the wasp trap, which is both decorative and functional. I don’t want any of those pesky buggers invading my garden party.
The personalized herb pots were created with plastic paint and stickers, using the same spray paint I used here and here.
The second shelf houses napkin rings, melamine plates and melamine glassware. I lined the shelf with a crisp white tea towel, restaurant style.
The bottom shelves hold various cloth placemats, napkins, and citronella candles, ready for setting our outdoor dinner table.
This wall was bare before this newest addition, and I loved decorating it with an étagère that I will use all season long to hold all things culinary.
Have you added anything new to any of your outdoor spaces lately?
Tags: brush paint, etagere, outdoor decor, primer, spray paint
YOU are amazing–this is brilliant!
[...] DIY thrift store étagère is still looking good after a summer of [...]
This is awesome, I want to pluck it out of my computer screen and put it in my house!
I would love to do this outside of my shed for my planter storage and for gardening supplies. Do you think that it would withstand rainy days? or hot days? I live in Richmond Va. and it can get pretty hot here. It’s such a cute idea! I want to copy it for spring! Have any tips!? Thanks so much!!!
This looks fabulous!!! You are so talented! You have inspired me to finally tackle my own wire baker’s rack… rust and all. Can’t wait for Spring!
[...] ! It’s from last year’s outdoor étagère project, remember [...]
I’ve been looking for a Bakers Rack for my patio garden. I love the yellow!
Wow, I have an ugly shelf just like this at home! It’s very nearly identical to your ‘original’. thanks for the inspiration on how I can change that piece in to a ‘wow’ piece!
Haley, I’m looking for a Baker’s Rack for my outdoor patio too. If you find a wrought iron one, let me know. I’m going to try Craig’s list..That wooden one Kate made is so cute but not practical for staying outdoors in the elements(Rain, Snow, Sleet and hail). Kate, I love how you show us the can of paint you use so we know what to buy or use. There are so many types of spray paint now days, it is a bit overwhelming. Even Kilz stainblocker comes in a spray can now.