Embracing creativity without expertise or specialized tools has been a recurring theme in our DIY series. We’ve showcased various projects that require minimal skills and resources, encouraging you to get creative and unleash your inner maker. Today, we’re excited to share an easy, budget-friendly DIY project that repurposes wood crates into functional pieces of furniture or storage solutions with a rustic charm. The beauty of this project lies in its versatility.
You can customize the finished product to fit your unique style, whether you’re aiming for shabby chic, vintage, farmhouse, or contemporary flair. And the best part? The durability of these crates is impressive, thanks to their original design, which was meant to withstand heavy loads. With a little creativity and some TLC, you can transform these humble wood crates into stunning pieces that add character to any room.
Stack Crates To Create A Bookshelf
By repurposing old crates, you can quickly create a unique shelving unit for your bedroom or living room. To start, stack the crates on their sides and secure them in place. You can use the crate’s original surfaces to store items or add additional sections by inserting wooden planks or other materials into the middle of the stacks. This not only provides ample storage but also adds a touch of rustic charm to your space.
As an added benefit, this DIY shelving solution helps keep your home tidy and organized, making it easier to find what you need when you need it.
Natural Crate Table Display Tray
This versatile tray seamlessly integrates into the modern farmhouse style of the living room, providing a touch of rustic charm. Crafted from a repurposed crate, the underside has been meticulously sanded to reveal a smooth finish, free from imperfections and dirt. Its multifaceted functionality allows it to serve as both a practical serving unit and an elegant table centerpiece, thoughtfully showcasing vintage accents in a harmonious decor arrangement.
Non-Permanent Built-Ins From Crates
For a bedroom makeover that’s not too drastic, look no further than wooden crates as inspiration for an affordable shelving solution. By stacking and hanging them on the wall above your bed, you’ll create a built-in design without the hefty price tag of actual construction.
If you’re starting from scratch, head to your local Dollar Store where you can find new crates for around $10 each.
This creative idea might just inspire you to take it up a notch and add a storage shelf unit around the TV in your living room as well.
DIY Pet Crate Bed
Transform an old wooden crate into a snug haven for your small breed or young dog while also enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your interior space. By incorporating a soft cushion and a charming tag on the front, this DIY project prioritizes both canine comfort and stylish presentation. To ensure seamless access, two slats are removed from the crate’s original design, allowing for effortless entry and exit.
This creative upcycling project is a testament to innovative problem-solving and repurposing, as seen via The Inspired Hive.
Add Storage To A Firewood Holder
A unique and practical DIY firewood rack design takes center stage, offering ample storage space for logs both indoors and outdoors. The structure’s chest-like appearance is cleverly reimagined with crates instead of drawers, providing a spacious storage solution. At the base of this ingenious rack lies the log organizer, capable of holding a generous supply of logs for daily fireplace use.
Whether placed on your porch or inside your home, this DIY masterpiece ensures no dirt accumulation on your living room floor, keeping your space tidy and organized.
Multi-Functional TV Stand
When moving into a new home, deciding where to place the TV can be a challenge. To temporarily hold your TV in place until you’ve decided on a final spot, consider repurposing crates as a makeshift stand. By stacking four crates in two rows, you can create a stable base for your TV that also provides open storage compartments for magazines, DVDs, and remote controls. The best part?
This DIY solution is not only budget-friendly but also visually appealing, making it a feasible option to consider turning into a permanent TV stand if needed.
Storage Crate On Casters
Transforming a standard crate into a portable storage unit is a simple yet effective way to create extra space in your home or office. By attaching casters to the bottom of the crate, you can easily move it around to store heavy items such as laundry and cleaning supplies. The compact footprint and rigid design of this versatile box make it ideal for storing a wide range of goods, from household essentials to industrial materials.
Crate Storage Ottoman
With just a few simple steps, you can upcycle an old milk crate into a one-of-a-kind ottoman that’s as functional as it is stylish. The process involves stapling fabric to a foam piece, which serves as the top surface – a clever solution that requires no sewing skills whatsoever. This creative project has endless possibilities for enhancing your living room or outdoor space, whether you’re looking to create an inviting spot at your porch or expand the seating area in your home.
Add PVC For Toy Organization
Turn a mundane wooden crate or Dollar Store find into a fun and functional toy car organizer with your kids. By combining recycling with creativity, you can create a unique storage solution that will make sorting small items like jewelry, scarabs, socks, and more a breeze. This clever project uses toilet paper rolls to add dedicated compartments for storing tiny treasures, making it an engaging activity for the whole family. Borrow inspiration from Frugal Fun 4 Boys and Girls to get started!
Integrate A Light Fixture
This innovative crate project offers a dual benefit – providing additional storage space for your walls while also incorporating a unique lighting feature. The clever design involves drilling a hole on one side of the crate to accommodate a bulb socket with a cord that passes through. This creates a visually striking light scone-like effect, harmoniously blending the simplicity and rustic charm of the shelf’s farmhouse style with the clean lines and minimalism of the overall design.
Two Shelf Rolling Crate Cart
If you’re an avid reader or magazine enthusiast, you know how important it is to have a dedicated space for your treasured collections. One way to achieve this is by transforming a crate into a storage solution that not only keeps your books and magazines organized but also allows for easy cleaning and relocation if needed.
To add an extra layer of customization, you can treat the wood with paint or stain to ensure it seamlessly blends in with its surroundings or serves as a stylish focal point in the room.
Decorate A Hanging Crate For Handy Storage
For individuals with an organizational addiction, this upcycling project is a dream come true! Not only does it offer a fun and easy DIY experience, but it also provides a solution to keep small entryway items in check. The key to this project’s success lies in transforming a crate into a functional organizer. To do so, simply screw hooks onto the bottom side of the crate. This versatile piece can then be painted to match your entryway’s décor or left as is to add a touch of rustic charm.
Once complete, hang it on the wall and revel in the newfound sense of order that has taken over your entryway.
Build Your Own Custom Shoe Rack
For women, having ample space for their shoes is a coveted ideal. To achieve this, one can repurpose an Ikea storage unit into a shoe rack or upcycle crates into a storage compartment – both options being budget-friendly and creative solutions. The outcome will be a unique design featuring multiple compartments perfect for storing numerous pairs of shoes. When opting for the crate route, you can experiment with positioning and alignment to introduce visual appeal to the space.
Pretty Painted Crates For Kid’s Storage
Transform the wooden crates you have into vibrant storage solutions for your children’s room. By painting them in bright colors, you can create a cohesive look that complements the cheerful atmosphere. Arrange the stacked crates in a pattern that suits the available space, and use them to store toys, organize books, sort Lego sets, or even keep clothes tidy. The open design allows for easy access, promoting self-reliance and organization skills in your kids.
Sectioned Crate Makes Perfect Utensil Organizer
A vintage wooden bottle crate, once destined for obsolescence, has been revitalized to reclaim its place in the heart of the home. The original woodwork has been refreshed with a coat of crisp white paint, imbuing the surfaces with a clean and inviting appearance. To further personalize this upcycled treasure, a stencil is employed to inscribe a charming kitchen-themed message, transforming it into a one-of-a-kind creation.
Add Drawer Hardware For A Standing Cabinet
The inspiration behind creating a unique cabinet with sliding drawers is the design of the crates themselves, which boast a striking combination of durability and aesthetic appeal. The crates are cleverly integrated into the design through the use of sliding bars, allowing for effortless access to stored items while protecting their contents. The structure’s ladder-like sides and sturdy square boards provide a robust foundation, topped and bottomed by solid panels that add to its rugged charm.
Once assembled, the possibilities for customization are endless – distressed finishes can evoke a rustic ambiance, bright hues can inject a pop of color into a neutral space, while decoupage and whitewashing techniques enable homeowners to tailor the look to their personal style.
Staggered Storage In A Colorful Entry
Transforming wood crates into functional storage units can be an excellent space-saving solution, especially when working within limited constraints. By upcycling these crates and placing them on walls, you can create a unique and personalized storage system that not only adds extra capacity but also injects a touch of creativity to the space.
To take this DIY project to the next level, consider painting each crate in a distinct color that complements the surrounding interior design or matches the favorite hue of the individual the crate is dedicated to. This thoughtful approach can make for a meaningful and functional addition to any room.
Upgrade A Humble Crate With Cottage Paper
As the author sought to infuse her interior with a dash of shabby chic charm, she turned to a creative solution – crafting a wooden crate from scratch. Drawing inspiration from reclaimed wood projects, she assembled a brand new crate using lumber slats as the foundation. To complete the look, the inside was adorned with floral-patterned wallpaper, subtly nodding to the characteristic elements often found in shabby chic design.
Moveable Side Table
Transforming a crate into a magazine bookcase is a clever upcycling idea. The casters on its bottom provide added functionality, allowing the piece to be easily moved and repurposed as needed. To further elevate this DIY project, consider adding a plywood board to the top of the crate, effectively converting it into both a side table and a bookcase. This design modification eliminates any openings, creating a seamless surface perfect for displaying your favorite reads.
Corral Items With A Crate Toybox
In many projects, crates are transformed into versatile storage units equipped with casters, allowing them to seamlessly transition between locations and functions. This concept is particularly effective when applied to kids’ rooms, where a crate can be customized to reflect a playful and youthful aesthetic. Moreover, unlike traditional toy boxes that often come with hefty price tags, this creative storage solution provides a spacious compartment at an affordable cost of under $10.
Cozy Bed For Your Furry Friend
In this design, a pet bed is crafted from a crate by removing the top slats from three sides, leaving only one intact as an entrance. This unique arrangement allows for easy access and creates a cozy retreat for your furry friend. To add flexibility to the design, casters have been added, enabling you to move the bed to different rooms as needed. A whitewashed finish gives the bed a rustic charm, providing a blank canvas for personalizing it with your dog’s name.
Add Whimsy To Kid’s Crates
When it comes to providing storage solutions for kids, budget-friendly options that fit their thematic interests are a must-have. Crates are an excellent choice, as they can be easily customized and repurposed. Whether you opt for vintage finds or store-bought pieces, the original appearance of the crates isn’t a concern since they’ll be transformed into unique creations. Before getting creative, make sure to sand down any wood surfaces to ensure a smooth finish.
Adding casters to the bottom will give kids the freedom to move their new containers around, turning playtime into an immersive experience. To complete the transformation, paint the crates a crisp white and add whimsical faces and patterns. The result is not only a functional storage solution but also a fun and interactive toy container that can be used for nighttime tidying up or daytime imaginative play.
Pretty Patterned Planter
Small wooden crates can add a touch of elegance to any room, whether they’re used as a romantic wedding centerpiece or a decorative accent at home. These versatile holders are perfect for displaying flowers, candles, and other knick-knacks. If you’re looking to create your own unique decor, consider upcycling pallets or lathes to craft the crates yourself. Simply sand down the wood, apply paint or stain as desired, and use stencils to add a personal touch.
Alternatively, leave the wood in its natural state for a farmhouse-inspired look.
Keep Counters Clean With Crate Snack Storage
Storing ‘forbidden’ snacks for kids in a comfortable way requires some creativity. One clever approach is to use a chic wooden crate that doubles as a fun and interactive snack box. The design of this crate is inspired by traditional storage crates, but with a twist – a thick side features a chalkboard surface perfect for writing playful messages or reminders. Meanwhile, the open-top allows kids to easily access their favorite treats while keeping them out of reach.
Decorative Crate Holds All Your Treasures
Transforming a few wooden pallet slats into a chic storage box requires minimal materials. This versatile piece can serve multiple purposes – storing books, cosmetics, or bathroom essentials, or even doubling as a planter or rustic centerpiece for your table or mantel. The creative possibilities are endless! To achieve the transferred image on the wood, simply use plain wax paper – a clever and easy technique detailed in the tutorial to follow.
Get inspired by the creative process at A Piece of Rainbow.
Add Shelf And Casters For A Stylish Side Table
This rustic console table seamlessly blends farmhouse charm with modern practicality. Constructed entirely from crates, it boasts an impressive 9 open shelves for storing living room essentials like remotes, chargers, and books. The top surface features an added wooden beam, cleverly concealing the gaps between the crate slats to create a functional work area. With its rustic aesthetic, this piece is ideally paired with decorative items that amplify its natural beauty.
This versatile design can be applied to various rooms where storage space is needed but space is limited. In particular, it excels in entryways, efficiently organizing shoes and bags on a vertical plane, freeing up floor space.
Stack Crates For Easy Nightstand
When it comes to creating a budget-friendly nightstand, it’s possible to achieve a great balance between form and function without sacrificing style. One innovative approach is to utilize two stacked crates secured with sturdy glue. This DIY project offers a unique opportunity to personalize the final look by painting or staining the crates to match your room’s interior design. To complete the piece, add some decorative elements, a reading lamp, and voila!
You’ll have a one-of-a-kind nightstand that not only fits your budget but also adds a touch of personality to your bedroom.
Wall Mounted Crates For Vertical Storage
When designing a small bathroom, it’s essential to maximize vertical space. Instead of settling for ordinary floating shelves, consider repurposing crates to add a touch of uniqueness to your bathroom’s organization. Choose sturdy crates that can be securely fastened to the wall using suitable hardware. This creative solution allows you to store essentials like cosmetics, towels, and candles near the bathtub.
If you’ve made use of the wall above the toilet, convert the crate into a functional toilet paper roll holder, ensuring a clutter-free bathroom experience.
DIY Bench Storage Project
For many DIY outdoor furniture projects, crates are the go-to material due to their exceptional durability and strength. This tutorial will guide you in grouping three crates together to create the foundation of a charming porch bench. To enhance its stability and functionality, additional boards are carefully assembled on top and bottom. The bottom board is fitted with sturdy wooden legs cut from posts, providing a solid base for the structure.
Meanwhile, the flat and smooth top surface invites relaxation, doubles as a plant stand, or serves as a display for seasonal decor.
Get Artistic With Decorative Garden Crates
Transform your outdoor space with a unique and functional handmade wooden crate, perfect for plant enthusiasts! If you’re one of them, this beautifully crafted box will not only elevate your garden’s aesthetic but also provide an attractive and practical planter. Made from reclaimed pallet slats, the size can be customized to fit your greenery of choice, ensuring a personalized touch.
The outer surface boasts a charming garden-themed color scheme and whimsical designs, serving as a lovely reminder of the TLC you shower on your plants. This delightful planter is sure to bring a smile to your face every time you tend to your garden.
Moveable Crate Storage Trunk
Imagine a storage ottoman that not only keeps your home tidy, but also seamlessly integrates into your living room’s aesthetic. This DIY crate project takes creativity to new heights by incorporating rolling casters at the base, making it a breeze to collect toys and store bulkier items. What’s more, when the lid is closed, this versatile piece of furniture transforms into an additional seating area – talk about multi-tasking!
Easy Crate Indoor Planter
Bring the outdoors in with this versatile crate idea, perfect for a planter box that can be placed opposite the door to welcome nature into your living room. With wire sides that allow sunlight and air to reach up to three small pots, you can grow a variety of plants such as greenery, succulents, or even blooming flowers. Alternatively, transform it into an indoor kitchen garden planter by growing fresh herbs and enjoying the flavor of homemade cooking with freshly added spices.
Attach Legs For A Stylish Table
This vintage-inspired side table exudes charm through its unique combination of rustic design and decorative flair. The DIY project begins by transforming a wooden crate into a functional piece, attaching dowel legs to one side with screws. To enhance the crate’s rustic aesthetic, the legs are stained dark, creating a striking contrast that draws attention. As a result, the finished product becomes a beautiful focal point in any room.
Stackable Book Storage
To create this straightforward DIY project, stack three or more crates atop one another to form a functional shelving unit. The storage unit’s color palette and accents can be tailored to seamlessly blend with the interior space it will occupy. For a polished finish, apply wallpaper to the inner surface of each crate, effectively concealing any gaps between slats and imbuing the piece with a customized appearance.
Let The Slats Make A Statement
Transforming an empty wall into a statement piece is a bold move that can pay off in spades. For those who are willing to take the leap, consider incorporating crates as the foundation of your design. By arranging them in an alternating pattern, you can create a unique collage that also provides open storage options. To really make the display pop, give the crates a coat of black paint before attaching them to the wall.
This will create a striking contrast against the surrounding white space and produce a playful zebra-inspired aesthetic. Don’t forget to tie the statement wall in with complementary decor accents like a bold rug, vibrant planters, plush cushions, and more.
Crate Toy Wagon
Another innovative approach to decluttering kid’s toys involves designing a toy bin that can be easily moved by both adults and kids. To achieve this, the bin comes equipped with casters, allowing children to slide it effortlessly across the floor using the handle slot. This not only empowers kids to take an active role in cleaning up their toys but also makes the process more enjoyable for them.
The project’s creative twist lies in the addition of framed tags on each crate, enabling users to sort toys by category with ease.
Paint A Stylish Crate For Storage
This rustic crate box serves not only as a storage solution, but also as a versatile tool for reorganizing and rearranging your favorite throws around the house or patio. As the seasons change, effortlessly relocate your cozy throw blankets from indoors to outdoors and back again. To elevate its functionality, add a decorative touch by embellishing the exterior with paints, stains, decoupage napkins, or ribbons, giving it a unique personality that reflects your personal style.
Easy Outdoor Coffee Table
If you’re looking for a functional coffee table that won’t overwhelm your porch, consider creating one from crates. This DIY project provides ample storage space for items like books, flower pots, drinks, and snacks, while its compact footprint ensures it can fit even on the smallest of porches. To bring this design to life, you’ll need four crates, some lumber, and castors.
The key to achieving the storage feature lies in arranging the crates properly – ensure their openings face outwards and their bottoms are aligned back-to-back. A stable structure is achieved by fixing the crates together with a lumber frame forming the base of the table. Use a staple gun to secure the pieces and attach the castors to the frame using a screwdriver. With these steps, you’ll have a unique coffee table that’s both functional and visually appealing.
Indoor Flower Planter
A rustic planter design that’s both functional and visually appealing, this crate box planter combines white and gold to evoke a charming farmhouse vibe. The added handles serve as more than just a stylistic flourish – they also provide a sturdy anchor for the planter’s presence. With its versatility, this design is perfect for showcasing seasonal decor, whether it’s a vase filled with fresh cut flowers in the summer or a faux arrangement in the winter.
And come autumn, small pumpkins can be displayed to add a pop of color and festive flair. The crate box planter from Petticoat Junktion offers endless opportunities for creative expression.
Utilize Underbed Storage Space
The bespoke wooden bed is designed with comfort, functionality, and personal flair in mind. Crafted entirely from lumber, its raised platform features a hollow base that cleverly accommodates four storage crates on either side of the frame. These versatile containers can be used to stash essentials like blankets, pillows, and books, adding a touch of practicality to this already unique piece of furniture.
Midcentury Iron Legs Crate Table
Inspired by the rustic-industrial fusion of a side table made from a crate on dowel legs, this DIY project takes the concept a step further with a unique twist. The addition of hairpin legs attached to a sturdy beam via screws provides a striking contrast to the distressed crate, blending the rough-hewn charm of natural wood with the sleek modernity of industrial design elements.
Prior to assembly, the crate undergoes an extra layer of distressing using paint, giving it a weathered look that’s further enhanced by custom-painted images achieved through stencil art.
Crafty Wine Storage Solution
This innovative project transforms a humble crate into a unique storage solution for wine enthusiasts. Its clever design features diagonal cross-sections that create four triangular compartments, ensuring safekeeping of wine bottles. Moreover, the flat surface on the crate’s side offers an added benefit – it can serve as a makeshift side table when you need to place your wine glass or other small items.
This multifaceted project showcases the power of creative repurposing, making it a delightful discovery for anyone looking for clever solutions.
Hanging Halved Crates Hold Kids’ Books
The beauty of using crates lies not only in the creative possibilities they offer but also in their versatility. With no need for a formal tutorial, this project encourages experimentation and exploration. By experimenting with different positions, you can discover endless applications for these humble storage containers.
For instance, attached to an empty wall space, crates can provide additional storage for bulkier items like books, taking advantage of the vertical space and keeping your floor clear.
Stack for Vertical Or Horizontal Storage
This custom bookshelf, designed specifically for a child’s room, achieves optimal organization by cleverly storing books of varying sizes. The stacked crates are thoughtfully arranged to create a visually appealing display that also adds functional storage space.
To enhance the rustic charm, each crate has been carefully stained dark, resulting in a unique and inviting aesthetic.
This modular shelving unit is adaptable for use in any room where supplementary open storage and interior design are needed to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Staining Adds Sophistication
For an empty wall in the living room, consider a compact bookshelf designed to inject visual interest. The dark stain adds a warm contrast to the neutral interior, making it perfect for adding storage and decorative flair. This thoughtful addition can transform the space into a cozy retreat, inviting conversation and connection. Inspired by DIY Craft Corner, this simple yet effective design solution can elevate your living room’s ambiance.
Add Graphics For Fun Tabletop Crates
To craft a unique wooden box, begin by acquiring pallet slats that have been partially sanded to achieve a smooth finish. Subsequently, apply a thin layer of stain to the wood to standardize its color and create a visually appealing contrast for the transferred images. This process can be replicated using wax paper or alternative methods like stencils or decoupage paper, as demonstrated by creative DIY enthusiasts.
DIY Desk Storage With Crates
The concept of a home office has become increasingly popular, and repurposing wood crates is one such creative way to create a functional space without breaking the bank. If this setup won’t be permanent, it’s essential to find budget-friendly solutions that can easily be adapted or removed when needed. To achieve this, you’ll need eight old crates: four will serve as desk supports, while the remaining four will function as shelves above the desk.
Three long beams will be combined to form a continuous desktop, providing ample space for your computer and other essential devices. Don’t forget to utilize the openings at the bottom of the crates by storing vital documents, printer paper, or other supplies.
Add Vintage Knobs For Jewelry Storage
Looking for a creative way to upcycle old crates into functional jewelry organizers? This DIY project is perfect for repurposing wooden crates you already have or finding on sale. The condition of the crates doesn’t matter, as they’ll serve as stabilizing supports rather than the actual storage space. Instead, it’s the vintage knobs, handles, and pulls that will take center stage, providing a unique and charming way to store your jewelry.
By combining these antique elements with the wooden crate, you’ll create a one-of-a-kind organizer that adds a touch of nostalgia and character to any room.
DIY Storage Coffee Table
Elevate your living room’s rustic charm by incorporating the DIY crate coffee table into your décor. Crafted from brand new crates, the table boasts a vintage aged look achieved through the strategic application of dark stain. The precise alignment of the crates not only creates a functional serving surface but also adds visual interest. Each opening crate can be repurposed as storage when oriented forwardly.
Furthermore, the clever incorporation of a hole within the assembly provides a unique opportunity to showcase a beautiful flower, fostering a sense of connection with nature.
Add Wall Storage In The Bath
If you’re a fan of basket storage, consider taking it up a notch by incorporating crates into your space. This versatile storage solution is ideal for areas where square footage is limited but organization is paramount. With crates, you can create makeshift shelves in the bathroom to corral towels and essentials with ease.
Attach them to the wall in the laundry room to store detergents or hang them above the toilet for a convenient paper roll repository – it’s a simple yet effective way to maximize storage in even the most compact spaces.
Stylish Details Add Industrial Flair
If you’re inspired by the industrial style, but also love the rustic charm of a farmhouse crate side table, consider combining the two for a truly unique piece of furniture. One way to achieve this look is by using copper piping, which can be connected together with elbows and then painted black to match your room’s color scheme. To add the crate element, suspend it on newly created legs made from brackets and screws.
Organized Entryway With Crate Storage
In an entryway, a crate shelving unit can be transformed into a stylish display – just imagine three white crates stacked on top of each other, providing a sense of airiness in this small but crucial area of the home. To further optimize the space, the owner has cleverly utilized the crates’ open compartments by inserting baskets, effectively creating a harmonious blend of wooden and rattan storage that doesn’t consume any floor space, all thanks to Aimee Weaver’s creative vision.
Coca-Cola Crate Repurposed
