Gym lockers: Sensible and stylish

I was never a fan of gym class. I didn't like the uniform I had to wear. I didn't like dodgeball or kickball or running (still don't). And most of all, I didn't like my gym locker. It would always stick when I tried to open it, thus making me late for that class and the one that followed. Man I hated that locker. I had the same one for four years. And I've had ill feelings towards said metal objects ever since my high school phys ed days. Well, until now.

When I came across the above photograph of a kitchen in which storage lockers are used to make up for the lack of cabinets, my previous disdain for the tall, slender compartments turned into a slight infatuation. Ends up they make for a rather smart, industrial-chic addition to residential rooms lacking storage space. And they're not hard on the eye either.

While I can't confirm if the white lockers (shown above) are vintage, they have that antique look. And if that's the case, those suckers tend to have a starting price of $500, and can go for as much as $3,000. Yes, for lockers. But if money isn't an issue, I suggest checking out Sonrisa Furniture and Twenty Gauge for some luxe lockers. I'm digging Sunrisa's 4-door unit. But it's $1,600, so let's move on.

If money is an issue don't fret. You can still get the above look for way less. How does spending $63 on a single-tier locker sound? Well thanks to Locker Supply, you can score this item (shown at left) for that price. The one catch, it comes unassembled. But for about $25 more you can buy the same model preassembled and rearing to go. Just look around Locker Supply's website. They have many models in many colors.

So whether your kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, hallway or laundry room is short on storage, or you just want to add some nostalgic flair (for you gym lovers out there) to your rooms, lockers are a good get. And since I've overcome my hatred for the bright blue locker I had back in the day, I'm thinking of buying a similar one for my bedroom. Maybe I'll keep my running shoes in there for old time's sake.