From Crutches to a Shelf!
I saw on Pinterest how you can take old wooden crutches and make them into shelves that can either sit on the floor or be attached to the wall so I thought I’d give it a try.
Here are 3 that were picked up at a 2nd hand store! Notice two have a straight piece in the middle and one doesn’t. In the end it doesn’t matter how they look, both work.
A chain was attached on one side of each crutch at a length that looked appropriate. This was attached at one of the already predrilled holes. The chain helps to keep the entire piece from expanding too far and falling flat. It makes quick set up too!
After painting and distressing the crutches, I forgot to take a pix sorry, the bottom of the crutch now becomes the top. To attach them together a hinge is added to keep them together.
Regarding the paint, you could do whatever fit your decor. It could even stay as is or be stained. It’s really up to you!
The shelves are 3” wide to fit within the opening. The length of the boards depend on what you want and the space you would be placing it. The bottom shelf is laid on the “former top” where you rested your arm and the middle shelf is where you would rest your hand. The top shelf will need to have a small dowel attached on both crutches to lay the board across.
Here is a close up of the bottom portion. I’m not sure why the middle board is sitting up but just imagine it laying down. Some ideas for using this shelf could be to hold craft supplies, shot glasses, collections of all kinds, shot glasses etc.
Comments
Join the conversation
-
Awesome repurposing! Love it!
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
How clever! Love the clean lines.
Just have to ask....what is "H 4" on the plaque?
Are the shelves fastened to the crutches in any way? If not, I can see having to carefully balance any items on them and then hoping no one leans on a shelf which would then flip up like a seesaw.
the ends of my crutches are round, did you need to cut off the ends of your crutches down to the squared off part?