Industrial Locker Makeover

I've been racking my brain for a storage solution for my youngest's bedroom and played with the idea of creating a custom shelving system. But then... I found a set of old metal gym lockers and I thought, "Nah.. this would be more fun." :) Another plus? Metal lockers are slim so they offer quite a bit of vertical storage space without sticking out. Painting and repurposing old metal lockers is a great way to create an industrial look for a small space!

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I love the idea of reusing a piece of history and up cycling it to fit a need. So, I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the inexpensive price tag on this set of lockers. It fit both the need AND the want. ;)

It doesn't show in this picture, but the lockers came with the original dial combination locking mechanisms. These were salvaged from a high school gym remodeling project. Those high school girls were so good to me. I only had an "I love John.",  one gum wad, and a few stickers to contend with. These were in such great shape, I couldn't believe it.

DIY Painted Metal Locker Tutorial

Refinishing Metal Locker Supplies:

(Some of the links below are affiliate links for your shopping convenience. 

Click here for full disclosure.)

paint brush

painters tape

scrub brush
bleach or cleaner
Rust-Oleum Auto Primer
Rust-Oleum Metallic Paint & Primer in One
Annie Sloan Dark & Clear Wax

Step 1: Clean The Metal Lockers

I started the makeover process by wiping it down with a mixture of bleach and water (directions on bleach bottle) and a good scrub brush. When they were dry, we customized the lockers by taking the backing off and top two doors off. This was a personal styling preference. I liked how open and airy it made the unit feel.

Step 2: Tape Off The Metal Locker Hardware

Tape off your locker numbers or any hardware that you don't want painted.

Step 3: Paint Lockers With Spray Paint

We used three cans of Rust-Oleum Auto Primer to give the lockers an inexpensive base coat on the sides, inside and ceilings of the unit. It was the perfect base color for an industrial cabinet. Once dry,

 we went over those same spaces with Rust-Oleum Metallic Paint & Primer in One.

Step 4: Use Dark and Clear Wax To Create Contrast

Annie Sloan's Dark and Clear Wax was used to create a muddy and worn look.

Step 5: Re-attach the Metal Locker Hardware and Locks

We unscrewed the back of the locking mechanism so that my guy could still have the look of the vintage locks without actually having to unlock each locker.

This was a simple weekend project that took minimal effort and money but gave an incredible fun return. And of course the cherry on top was watching his face light up when I showed him this!

We are in cleaning mode at our house and having a brand new place to store books, toys and "stuff" brought out an, "I promise I'm gonna keep my room really clean, Mom!"

.... Yeah, right. ;)


Visit our DIY Rustic Desks for another spacer saver idea! Or check out our idea for Displaying Your Child's Art in Style! 

Happy Organizing & Happy Fall to you!
Carrie || Thirty Eighth Street