I found this sad, dusty wicker magazine rack at my local Goodwill for $12. It was definitely a relic from the late nineties, but the shape had that classic, slightly curved silhouette I’ve been hunting for to add some charm to my living room. Instead of just letting it sit on the floor, I decided to mount it on the wall to create an English cottage-style hanging pocket for my favorite design books and dried flowers.
Why This Shape Works
Most magazine racks are meant to be floor-sitters, but when you look at them sideways, the curve creates a beautiful pocket. By cleaning it up and adding a fresh finish, you take away that generic thrift-store vibe and turn it into a custom piece. I love pieces like my recent French country willow wall pocket project, and this follow-up build uses the same concept but with a much larger capacity for heavier books.
Gathering Your Supplies
You really do not need a shop full of tools for this one. The goal is to spend as little as possible while getting that high-end look.
- $12 Thrifted wicker magazine rack
- $6 Can of matte cream spray paint
- $4 Heavy-duty D-ring hangers
- $2 Scrap wood piece for reinforcement
All in, this came out to about $24. It is a fraction of the cost of those boutique store wall pockets that go for $350 or more.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Thrifted Wicker Rack | $12 |
| Spray Paint | $6 |
| Hardware & Wood | $6 |
| Total | $24 |
Step-by-Step Transformation
- Deep Clean: Wicker is a dust magnet. I took mine outside and used a stiff-bristle scrub brush and some warm, soapy water to get into the crevices. You have to let it dry completely in the sun, or you will end up with mildew.
- Prep for Hanging: Since the rack was designed to stand on the floor, the back was not perfectly flat. I glued a small, thin piece of scrap pine to the top interior edge of the back frame. This gave me a solid spot to drill my D-ring hangers into.
- The Paint Job: I opted for a soft, chalky cream finish. I applied two light coats of spray paint rather than one heavy one to avoid drips in the weave. Keep the nozzle about ten inches away and use a sweeping motion.
- Installation: Once the paint was dry, I used heavy-duty wall anchors to secure it to the wall. Because of the weight of the books, make sure you hit a stud if possible or use a drywall anchor rated for at least 20 pounds.
It sits perfectly against the wall now, holding my latest design magazines and adding that lived-in, collected feeling to the room. It feels much more expensive than it is, and it frees up some much-needed floor space in my small living area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any wicker magazine rack for this project
Yes, as long as it has a flat back or at least a flat side that can sit flush against your wall.
Do I need to prime the wicker before painting
A light coat of spray primer is helpful if the wicker is dark, but a good quality paint-plus-primer spray paint usually handles it in two coats.
How do I make sure it hangs securely
I used a heavy-duty picture hanger attached to a piece of scrap wood glued to the back, which keeps it stable even when filled with magazines.
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