Convert an antique fridge into bookshelves

I teach high school English. While I have enough shelf space I don't have windows. I've been trying to find ways to utilize my space in ways that bring life and color to my classroom.

Last spring I was joking with some students that if they did good enough work I'd put it up on my fridge. That's when I got this idea. I wanted to take an old fridge with a latch handle and use it as shelving for my class. I told another teacher in the school who used to run the drama dept (which is no longer active, sadly). She said I could have the old drama fridge. Thus the project began.

Step 1 Supplies

Old Fridge
Sand Paper
Scouring sponge
Soap/Water
Angle Aluminum
Plexi Glass
Drill
Sheet Metal Screws
Spray Paint and Primer
Tape Measure
Hack Saw

Comments

[ghostrider2]

dont forget, you can also use the fridge to escape a nuclear blast.

[uncle frogy]

well I never would have thought of using a frig. as a "book self" .  I have seen them used for paint lockers and a place to store "welding rod"  I have myself a "paint locker" even with a bad door seal paint keeps remarkably well. good for years in fact even out side.
nice work adds a little whimsy to the class room!

[vrodney]

That Compressed air,......wasnt air, it was more likley amonia, or freon (depends on the age), Which is not a reccomended thing to breath I love old appliances!! Anything besides air is not recommended to breath ever tried to breath water doesn't work!

[mrhermanson]

Coolest thing ever. I am excited about more vintage re-purposes!

[yonsje]

So where's the secret beer compartment? Just kidding, great idea!

[bwpatton1]

Wow, interesting.....great instructable! That Compressed air,......wasnt air, it was more likley amonia, or freon (depends on the age), Which is not a reccomended thing to breath I love old appliances!!

[uldics]

Muhahahaaa! I never thought, my old fridge could qualify for an instructable. I have an old, sure from 1970ties, fridge. And it has been used for a long time as a cabinet for some tools, nails, screws, sandpaper, some old small hardware junk. But I dont adwise using such things like that. My fridge started smelling wierdly for a few days. I'm pretty sure, it leaked freon.

[and-reas]

Wow! That's really nice use for an old fridge :) And very good for the environment (as if I care), and stylish to

[Weissensteinburg]

This is great! I'd love to have one.

[dragonvpm]

That's a great use for an old fridge, but one thing to remember is that those old fridges can be very dangerous. It might be a good idea to remove the catch from the main body either permanently or possibly just while you're working on it and there's still room for kids or critters to find their way in and potentially get trapped inside. Not to detract from a great project, just something for people to keep in mind if they bring one of those particular fridges home.

[devonteran]

yep I'm with you on that. As far as my situation goes I also screwed in the metal supports going across the front. It would take a lot of work for one of my students to actually get in this thing and close the door. I definitely would not suggest using this around small children though without removing the latch. If you do that it'd work well to attach magnets like newer fridges have around the edges of the door so that it still stays shut when you want it to but can easily be opened.

[Warlrosity]

Just what I need! I love it, faved 5 staers and subcribed!

[Solderguy]

You can also convert it into a meat smoker. :D

[devonteran]

I'd like to see your instructable on that