"Buy a boot tray" has been on my to do list for about two years, ever since we had an unusually cold winter where there was snow on the ground for the best part of two months. Our hallway was a mess of wet floors and towels thrown down to catch the worst of the mud. For anyone who doesn't know, our entry way is very small (you can see a post on it here) and storage for shoes and boots is limited, so what I really wanted was a tray for wet boots that I could slip underneath our Hemnes shoe cabinet when it wasn't in use. However, I quickly realised that the limited range of boot trays on sale were all too long to do this and I was going to have to keep an eye out for a metal or plastic tray which wasn't necessarily sold as a "boot tray" but which could serve the purpose. I couldn't find one.
But last weekend we took a trip to our local garden centre and I found a large seed tray which was really no different to a "proper" boot tray, but was narrow enough to slide underneath the shoe cabinet when not needed. Woohoo! Obviously a black plastic tray lacks the pretty factor, so I also grabbed a bag of pebbles to make my new boot tray a little more aesthetically acceptable. Adding pebbles to the boot tray also aids drainage - meaning the boots dry faster because they don't end up sitting in a puddle - and helps disguise the unattractive muddy marks that are bound to show up on the tray.
I'm not going to patronise my readers by explaining how to make the pebble boot tray. I'm sure it is self explanatory. So I'm going to skip to the after pictures:
The tray can fit three pairs of wellies, which suits our needs most of the time. Ideally we'd have space for a larger one but then if we're getting onto the subject of ideals what I really want is a mudroom.
And here is one final shot so you can see exactly how small our hallway is:
I'm very pleased with the result and the total cost of the project was only about £10!
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Brilliant! We need one of these but I haven't wanted to spend the money. Thanks for the tip!
ReplyDeleteHi, great post. I found you through the blog hop. Please stop by and say hi when you get a chance. .Be sure and check out my new Blog Hop that started. It's Weekly Goals Link Up. It's a great way to stay on track. Have a great day. :) Now following you. Here's the link for it if you would like to check it out.
ReplyDeletehttp://lenettacarnes.blogspot.com/2013/01/weekly-goals-linkup-1.html
I have a boot tray, but never thought of putting pebbles in it. What a great idea! My problem is, I can never find my boot tray when I need it. I put it away every summer and I've seen it around, but still haven't found it for the boots this winter. You've inspired me to go on another hunt for it.
ReplyDeleteCindy
what a super idea to make your own boot tray. I am going to post this tomorrow ( Sat) on my weekly wow's.
ReplyDeleteOh this is fabulous! I admire these all the time in the magazines...now I can make my own! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! The rocks are the seller for me. The boots don't set in the muck that you are trying to avoid getting all through the house.
ReplyDeleteThe pebbles do make a huge difference. We have snow at the moment and honestly, the boot tray has been so useful!
DeleteWhat a great idea to keep the boots up off the wet tray!!
ReplyDeleteI love this idea. We were at a swanky restaurant at a resort and they used pebbles like these in their black sink bowels in the restrooms (to keep from having things clog the sink). I enjoy your blog :)
ReplyDeleteVery clever idea! Thanks for sharing it at my Twirl & Take a Bow party. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteLeslie
House on the Way
I love it! It's so much prettier than a normal boot tray. I host a DIY link party every Monday and would love for you to join! http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-diyers-link-party.html
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