Immediately when I saw this (using a mail box for storage) on Pinterest I knew I would want to copy the idea for my new back garden. It’s such a great idea to have a few often used tools on hand like that.
So imagine my joy when I found this original mail box in the attic along with that treasure of original wallpapers. It’s a little bit junkier looking than “my look” but I love how it’s marked with the name of the area rather than the street (I’ve blurred the number for privacy reasons) and I love the almost military look of it.
I imagine it was being used before the streets in the neighborhood were named and way before people actually moved into the houses but there was still need for mail boxes during the long build period. Oh, and this photo was taken just after Wille and I found it and before wiping 50+ years of attic dust off it so it’s in a little bit better shape than it appears actually. Can’t wait to find a space for it!
I too love the name of the neighborhood on the box you found! I hope you'll show us how it looks once it's put up. :)
Posted by: Melissa of craftgasm | March 21, 2012 at 07:49 AM
What a good idea! There's great stuff to be found on Pinterest.
Posted by: Judith | March 21, 2012 at 08:38 AM
oh, i LOVE it, what a fabulous object. can't wait. x
Posted by: elisa | March 21, 2012 at 09:01 AM
So you will make this box a happy again! :)
This, reminds me that it's been long since you find some interesting thing in your work's attic (?) and you'd find a way to reuse them.
Such posts are somehow among my favorites to read!
Posted by: Gül | March 21, 2012 at 11:15 AM
Underbar idé, precis vad jag behöver!
//Rebecca
Posted by: Rebeccas.se | March 21, 2012 at 11:15 AM
Nice solution! Have to copy that idea.
Posted by: Nini Tjäder | March 21, 2012 at 11:22 AM
I went to the recycling station a while ago but there was nothing great there at the time. Will have to go there today! Thanks for reminding me!
Posted by: Benita ~ Chez Larsson | March 21, 2012 at 11:24 AM
Our neighborhood switched from these kind of boxes to the "traditional "(at least in the U.S.) mailboxes. I have been wanting to re-paint mine and put it up again, and this is a great idea. The only problem for us is we would have brown widows living in there (related to black widows). Love the box you found!
Posted by: Kim Ballou | March 21, 2012 at 11:38 AM
In the Finnish calendar today is the name day of Benita. Do you have name days in Sweden? Anyway happy name day for you.
Lovely post box. Will the box be easy to remove from the wall and cleaned? If not you could add holes on the bottom so all the dirt can fall out?
Posted by: Leena | March 21, 2012 at 12:20 PM
Happy Name Day via Finland and Leena!
I have a Milk bottle box that came with our house 40 years ago. I love the history of it but never thought of a use. Maybe a tool holder will be it. It's cloudy aluminum outside and not attractive so I can paint it!
Posted by: Missy | March 21, 2012 at 12:36 PM
No luck today!
Posted by: Benita ~ Chez Larsson | March 21, 2012 at 12:45 PM
Ooh, thank you! I actually used to have today as my name day here in Sweden too when there were three names per day. When they switched back to just one or two a day they skipped me and Bengta and only Bengt stayed :).
Posted by: Benita ~ Chez Larsson | March 21, 2012 at 12:47 PM
As for the dirt, I think I remember there being holes at the bottom already but I'll make sure I can get dirt out easily somehow!
Posted by: Benita ~ Chez Larsson | March 21, 2012 at 12:49 PM
Oh I love that box! And how nice to give it a new job!!
Posted by: rebeccaNYC | March 21, 2012 at 01:04 PM
That is such a great idea! How handy and stylish! Thanks for sharing it. I pinned it to my boards.
Posted by: Beatrice | March 21, 2012 at 02:20 PM
Oh you and your amazing finds without even leaving the house!
Posted by: Hxx | March 21, 2012 at 02:37 PM
I like the patina it has and it looks a bit industrial too, something I could have seen in the pages of House Doctor( the danish home goods company)! Very cool.
Posted by: Sophia | March 21, 2012 at 03:44 PM
Commenting to you on my NEW MacBook Pro! I was so in need of a new laptop and on the fence about switching from PC to Mac. Your experience helped tip me to the Apple side!
I love the historic nature of that old mailbox, and your intention for its use!
Posted by: Lisa | March 21, 2012 at 04:09 PM
Such a GREAT idea! THANK YOU! I am always struggling with what to do with my very few garden tools... seems like every outdoor container is too big and every small container is no good for outdoor use. This is PERFECT.
Of course, I'm jealous of your cool vintage mailbox, but even a modern one will work for me now. Super excited to do this!
Posted by: kelly | March 21, 2012 at 04:52 PM
What a great treasure! That attic is a real bonus for it's finds! Looking forward to seeing the box in use.
Posted by: Lesley | March 21, 2012 at 06:48 PM
oh! Good luck for next times & my greetings from Turkey!
Posted by: Gül | March 21, 2012 at 07:18 PM
What a great idea! Thanks, Benita!
Posted by: Cynthia Wig | March 21, 2012 at 08:02 PM
I love reading your blog every day! Always a good idea or inspiration. I enjoy your organizing and decorating ideas the most, but always enjoying reading what you're doing. Thanks for sharing all this with us!
Posted by: Carol | March 22, 2012 at 04:48 AM
Suverän idé!!! Den norpar jag rätt av. Har länge funderat på vad jag ska göra med småspadar, och annat pryttel som jag behöver i trädgården. Tack!
Posted by: Ett stenkast från Fyndet | March 23, 2012 at 12:30 PM