How to build a shoe rack or table to hide an AC unit

DIY, Furniture, Organization, Storage

I finally did it! I’ve been wanting to hide the ugly AC unit ever since I moved into my LA apartment but I couldn’t find the right piece of furniture that would give me access to the AC unit when I need it but conceal it when I’m not using it AND also give me a place to put my shoes. So I gave up looking and came up with my own design which I built using only my drill, a few hand tools and leftover wood!

Here are some of the materials that I used to make it:

Cane Webbing: http://amzn.to/1eNJLBS
Magnetic Cabinet Latches: http://amzn.to/1G2LBsS

8 2” screws: http://amzn.to/1Idpfac

8 1 1/4” screws: http://amzn.to/1IdpkL2

SPAX assortment screw pack: http://amzn.to/1K7Pw9m

18 Comments

  1. Suzie

    This looks great, really turned out beautiful and so practical. I am envious of your creativity and skill (which I know comes from a lot of practice!).

    Reply
    • Isabelle

      Thank you Suzie, I appreciate it!

      Reply
  2. Kathleen

    I couldn’t agree more.

    Reply
    • Isabelle

      Thank you Kathleen!

      Reply
  3. Deeners

    You are so inspiring! I love your ingenuity. You certainly take the bull by the horns to create what you want and need, and you just make it happen! I applaud you. It looks GREAT.

    Reply
    • Isabelle

      Thank you Deeners! Well, I could spend hours and hours trying to find what I need or just make it myself…I think it’s more fun to make it 🙂

      Reply
  4. Sherry Fisher

    Isabel, what a breath of fresh air you are! i had given up on enjoying decorating shows that I could relate to since all they have on tv now are for people who have a much latger budget. Your videos are clear and concise and fun to watch. I am from So Cal originally, hope you like living there!

    Reply
    • Isabelle

      Hi Sherry, Thank you so much for your kind words! I feel the same way about the shows on TV – not a lot for people that rent and on a very small budget and that’s what inspired me to do the show 🙂 I’m loving So Cal, especially in the winter! Thanks for watching!

      Reply
  5. Stephanie Roberts

    That is fantastic

    Reply
    • Isabelle LaRue

      Thanks Stephanie!

      Reply
  6. Naomie Moore, Castaic, CA

    Great share, this will help many that do not have central a/c. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Isabelle LaRue

      Thank you Naomie!

      Reply
  7. Tuba

    Hi,
    Thanks for sharing all your videos. They are amazing. Is it possible for you to make a video on all the tools you use, their importance, advantages and disadvantages of using those tool and also their cheaper alternative if they are expensive. Thanks.

    Reply
  8. Liya

    Hi,
    Your ideas are cool . I love watching ur videos . I’m inspired by your videos . Thanks a lot

    Reply
    • Isabelle LaRue

      You’re welcome! Thank you for watching and I’m so glad you’re inspired to make yourself at home 🙂

      Reply
  9. Michelle Gilliam

    Love this makeover which leads me to ask, how did you learn your woodworking skills? I want to learn but being an older female that was not what I was taught. Can you recommend a toolkit (Kreg?) or an online learning option? Things like using table saws and proper measuring, etc. Thank you so much!

    Reply
    • Isabelle LaRue

      Hi Michelle, Thank you! I’m self taught for the most part, just learning by doing, and watching lots of YouTube videos haha. I haven’t used the Kreg jig but I know a lot of people swear by it and it does make building furniture a lot easier. To learn how to use power tools like a table saw, I would recommend looking up woodworking shops – here in LA, there’s a few community shops that give courses and that’s a great way to learn and get familiar with all the tools. Hope this helps and happy DIYing!

      Reply

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