Upcycling: Transform a Bin into a Laptop Stand

Upcycling is one of my absolute favorite things to do—especially when I can take something that would otherwise be discarded and give it a new purpose. Recently, I found myself in need of a new project, and a fun, functional craft opportunity came knocking. When my husband first started MULE BOX Bay Area, he was in need of a new laptop stand for his office. So, I thought, why not create something special for him—a custom laptop stand that not only suits his needs but also showcases our business’s personality.

While browsing Joann’s deeply discounted section (one of my favorite spots to find hidden gems), I came across a wooden Christmas bin. It was marked down at an incredible price ($3 to be exact!), but there was one catch—it was missing the front panel! Many might have passed by it, but I saw the perfect opportunity to upcycle this piece into something unique.

The Idea Sparked: A Custom Laptop Stand for MULE BOX

The missing front panel didn’t scare me; instead, it sparked my creativity. I knew this bin could be transformed into something perfect for my husband’s office. After all, what better way to give him a new, functional laptop stand than with a custom design featuring our business’s logo? It would be both practical and personal, something he could use every day while adding a little extra flair to his office.

How I Upcycled a Damaged Bin into a Custom MULE BOX-Inspired Laptop Stand

Step 1: Evaluating the Wooden Bin for Repurposing

Despite the missing front panel, the rest of the wooden bin was sturdy and in great condition—ideal for turning into a laptop stand. I love reimagining old items and turning them into something useful and immediately realized this bin was the perfect size and shape for what I had in mind.

Step 2: Rebuilding the Front Panel

Since the original front panel was missing, I crafted a new one from some leftover wood I had from previous projects. I trimmed the wooden board to size and prepared the surface. I first primed the wood with my favorite, Zinsser Bulls Eye 123 Interior/Exterior primer. This gave the panel a smooth, even base for painting. I then used some leftover Benjamin Moore interior house paint to paint the new panel. If you’ve checked out any of my previous posts, you’ll know that I love using interior house paint for projects that require extra durability, especially for crafts that will get a lot of use.

Step 3: Assembling the Laptop Stand

After cutting, priming, and painting the front panel, I secured it in place with my go-to adhesive for crafting projects, Loctite Power Grab All Purpose, for that extra strong hold. To ensure the panel stayed firmly in position, I then used four screws to secure it. I wanted to be sure the stand would be stable and strong enough to withstand daily use. Once the panel was securely attached, the assembly was complete. The design was simple, yet sturdy—exactly what was needed for a functional, reliable laptop stand that could handle everyday wear and tear.

Step 4: Customizing the Look

After the front panel was secured, I turned my attention to repainting the entire bin, inside and out. Using the same Zinsser primer and Benjamin Moore paint I had used for the panel, I applied two coats of the Benjamin Moore paint to cover the existing vibrant red. Once the paint was dry, I used a pencil to sketch out the MULE BOX logo. To ensure everything was properly aligned and proportionate, I first sketched a grid, which made it easier to maintain balance and keep the letters consistent.

Once I was happy with the logo’s placement, I used my favorite oil-based, waterproof paint pens to carefully bring the design to life. These inexpensive pens, which I found on Amazon, have been a staple in my craft toolbox for nearly two years and have been used on at least seven projects—without drying out! (Tip: To keep your paint markers from drying out, always store them in a Ziplock bag to keep air exposure to a minimum.)

With the MULE BOX logo in place, the stand was no longer just a broken bin with a missing panel—it had been transformed into a unique, personalized piece that not only reflected our business’s identity but also added a custom touch to my husband’s workspace.

 

Why Upcycling is Important to Me—and MULE BOX!

Upcycling is one of my favorite hobbies, and I truly believe it’s an essential practice for anyone passionate about crafting and sustainability. Taking old, discarded items and transforming them into something useful is incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s a creative DIY project or turning a broken item into something functional, upcycling gives new life to materials that would otherwise end up in the trash. In my crafting journey, upcycling allows me to reduce waste while creating unique and practical pieces that reflect my love for all things quirky.

At MULE BOX, we also embrace the importance of sustainability. We recently completed an exciting project where we upcycled an old portable storage container and converted it into a functional office space at 300 Whitney Place in Fremont, California. By reimagining what others might see as waste, we were able to create something valuable to us.

For me, crafting and upcycling go hand in hand with my commitment to reducing environmental impact. Every project, big or small, is an opportunity to breathe new life into materials while embracing sustainable practices. Whether you’re a fellow crafter or just looking to start your own upcycling journey, the goal is the same: to transform old items into functional, eco-friendly creations that contribute to a more sustainable world.

Thank you for exploring my crafting projects inspired by my family’s baby, MULE BOX portable storage. Their reliable storage options are the perfect foundation for my creative ideas! Be sure to visit the website for more information or follow MULE BOX on Instagram for the latest updates and inspiration for my upcoming crafting projects!