25 Wood Crate Upcycling Projects For Fabulous Home Decor

I love the look of wooden crates. They offer such rustic appeal and they’re so useful for storage and other things. Whether you’re a fan of industrial decorating or you prefer French country or a vintage look, there are a number of ways that you can incorporate wooden crates into your decorating.

The great thing about crates is they are very inexpensive. You can find old wooden crates at most flea markets and thrift stores for just a few dollars each. If you have to buy them new, Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, and various other craft stores have them for around $10 each – they’re not expensive at all and they offer such versatility when it comes to decorating. You may even be able to get them for free from grocery or liquor stores – some of them typically just break them down and throw them out anyway.

Much like pallets, wooden crates can be used for just about anything. Speaking of pallets, you should really check out this beautiful pallet coffee table that you can totally DIY in just a couple of hours. It will look beautiful with some of the side table projects you can build from wooden crates.

Upcycling is my favorite thing, which is why I love all of these wooden crate DIY projects. Not only do you get gorgeous rustic furnishings, you also help to save the environment because you are reusing something that you may otherwise throw out. You can customize all of these DIY wooden crate projects to meet your specific color and design needs, and most of them require few to no additional tools or materials to make. In addition to the low cost, you can create such a beautiful interior with wooden crates. Plus, wooden crate pieces look beautiful with farmhouse décor. If you haven’t yet added farmhouse pieces to your home, be sure to check out these 55 DIY farmhouse furniture décor projects.
Now, let’s get back to what you can do with those wooden crates. From bathroom storage to toy boxes and so much more, there is definitely going to be a wooden crate project in this collection that speaks to you. I can’t wait to hear what you’ve made!

1. Built-In Shelving

This built-in shelving is something that you would pay a small fortune to a contractor for – but you can do it for so much less. Those wooden crates can be purchased at most hobby stores as well as Dollar Stores for around $10 each, if you don’t already have some on hand. You use them to create this amazing shelving unit around the headboard or you could do this in the living room around your television.

Tutorial: eastcoastcreativeblog

2. Cushioned Ottoman

This is an amazing project and one that doesn’t take long. You can turn a vintage milk crate into an ottoman with a pillowed top and plenty of storage. You don’t even have to sew – the top is stapled on in true upholstery style. If you’re planning a rustic look for the living room, this ottoman is a definite must.

Tutorial: jenniferdecorates

3. Little Car Storage

How adorable is this little car garage? It’s made with an old wooden crate and some cardboard mailing tubes, which you can pick up at postal stores for just a few dollars. I love the ingenuity of this. Not only does it neatly store those little cars when they’re not in use, it doubles as a toy since it’s a “garage”. Kids are going to adore it!

Tutorial: frugalfun4boys

4. Front Door Organizer

Most people – me included- would love their keys if they weren’t hanging somewhere safe. I have a shelf beside my entry door that houses all the car keys so we always know where they are. I really love the idea of turning that shelf into a vintage looking piece with an old crate. You would just need to add hooks and maybe stencil in something clever and then hang.

Tutorial: kammyskorner

5. Rustic Nightstand

Turn that old crate up on its side and make it a gorgeously rustic nightstand or a side table for the living room. You can add one of those cube shelves from the Dollar Store – they’re about $5 each – and make plenty of storage inside your table. Add burlap or a bit of lace for decoration and you’re all set.

Tutorial: rustic-crafts

6. Corner Bookshelves

You don’t even have to spend hours turning your wooden crates into amazing décor. You can simply stack them up and use them to house books and other knick-knacks. I do recommend that you secure these somewhat, especially if you have small children or animals in the house. You could simply clamp them with small metal clamps through the slats so that they don’t topple over, and you’ve got a great new rustic bookcase.

7. Mud Room Rack

Those old wooden crates would be perfect in the mud room or if you don’t have a mud room, just set them up right inside the back door. You can use them to house muddy shoes and boots, as well as scarves and even put hooks on them to hold jackets if you want. There are so many ways to make a customized mud room rack with those wooden crates.

Tutorial: infarrantlycreative

8. Decorative Toy Storage

Painting those wooden crates different bright colors makes them perfect for adding a storage unit to your child’s bedroom or playroom. These can be used to house so many toys, depending on the number of crates you have on hand. You can organize toys in each crate which will make playtime and cleanup time much easier and more efficient. If you homeschool, this would be the perfect storage unit to keep studies organized.

Tutorial: smartschoolhouse

9. Filing Cabinet With Sliding Drawers

Who says you need to spend loads of money on home office furniture? You can make this amazing filing cabinet with sliding drawers out of those wooden crates and it works like a charm to keep things organized and tidy. This would also make a wonderful extra dresser if you need it – you know, because some of us have way too many clothes. However you use it, it’s easy to build and offers amazing storage capacity.

Tutorial: virginiasweetpea

10. DIY Coffee Table

I’m a sucker for a unique and creative coffee table project. I absolutely love this wooden crate idea. Not only is it beautiful and rustic looking, it also gives you storage and you can stain or paint it whatever color you need to match your living room décor. You’ll need four wooden crates, all the same size to create this as well as plywood and some basic woodworking type tools.

Tutorial: myanythingandeverything

11. Decorative Side Table

You can paint that crate a nice pastel color, add some little legs and some lovely wallpaper to the inside and have the perfect nursery side table. You could use this anywhere really. It’s a gorgeous table and so very easy to make. You’ll need to choose your wallpaper or if you are really creative, you could just paint something on the inside of the table.

Tutorial: beatrice4273

12. Tall Side Table

I really like this side table idea, as well. Instead of standing your crate up on its end, you’ll turn it sideways and add long legs to it. It still offers wonderful storage and an amazing rustic look, but this one has a more retro 60’s look to it, which is really love. Use legs from an old table or chair, or you can pick them up at a thrift or bargain store.

Tutorial: ehow

13. DIY Toy Box On Casters

Toy boxes are pretty expensive, especially if you get one that’s big enough to hold your child’s toy lot. That’s why I love this wooden crate toy box idea. Not only is it big enough to hold several toys, it’s really inexpensive compared to store bought toy boxes. You’ll pay about $25 or so for the crate as opposed to $100 for the toy box. Plus, it’s on casters so it’s easy to move around as needed.

Tutorial: addicted2diy

14. White Basket Storage

I’m a huge fan of those open shelving units that hold baskets. You can make the same thing for your entryway, bathroom, or anywhere you need it with a few crates, some paint, and your chosen baskets. You don’t have to paint the crates white but they really do pop, don’t they? Just choose however many you want, paint, and then affix to your wall or even stack them on each other. Then add your baskets to hold your items and you’re all done.

Tutorial: aimee-weaver

15. Flower Planters

Whether your crate has these small sections or is completely open, you can use it to create a rustic and gorgeous looking planter for any number of flowers or herbs. This is great for adding color to the porch or deck. Just add potting soil and your blooms of choice and sit the crate wherever you want to add a little extra pop.

16. Sofa Table

First, I love that this sofa table or console table has casters which makes it so easy to move about. Second, I adore the color – it looks so rustic and country charming, doesn’t it? Just stack those crates – after you have painted them of course – and add your casters and you have a beautifully rustic console table that fits perfectly in the foyer or behind the couch. And, you can store so many things in the crates.

17. Colorful Wooden Crate Bench

Believe it or not, this amazing bench will only cost you around $50 or so, and that’s if you have to purchase the crates. If you already have wooden crates that you can use, it won’t cost much at all. I love the idea of turning crates into a bench, and especially since there’s so much wonderful storage under the seating. This would be perfect for the front porch or deck.

Tutorial: operationhomeblog

18. DIY Rolling Magazine Rack

I have so many magazines that are delivered to my house – and I always end up with stacks on my coffee table. I love the idea of turning an old crate into a rolling magazine rack to keep those magazines all neat and tidy. This one is so easy. You just add casters and you’re all done – you could also add a piece of plywood to the top if you don’t want the slats to be open.

Tutorial: deveilingkist

19. Wooden Crate China Cabinet

This china cabinet made from stacked wooden crates is amazing. I love the bright green color against white dishes, but of course you could do this in any color that you need. If you’re decorating your dining room with rustic appeal – and especially if you have a farmhouse style table – this china cabinet would be the perfect accent piece. Plus, it’s really easy to make and it looks absolutely stunning.

Tutorial: handimania

20. Colorful Bathroom Storage

You don’t need to spend a fortune on cabinetry for the bathroom to get the storage that you need. I love the idea of painting old wooden crates colorful hues and using them to store towels and other bathroom necessities. Just stack them on top of each other and maybe even create a design with your stacking – you’ll have room for everything you need and you’ll have a bathroom cabinet that screams rustic country.

21. Under Bed Storage

This rustic looking bed is beautiful and it’s very efficient with wooden crate storage underneath. The extra storage is perfect for keeping additional blankets or pillows organized, or you could use it for books, pajamas, or anything you need. You can build this entire thing in a weekend and have a gorgeous rustic bed with so much storage you won’t know what to do with it.

Tutorial: bobvila

22. Repurposed Wooden Crate Wine Rack

Even if you don’t drink wine, this wooden crate wine rack will definitely come in handy in some way. It’s really easy to make, and if you do drink wine, it’s the perfect place to store those bottles. You could also add hangers on the sides for wine glasses if you want to be really creative. Stain or paint the color that you need and add the dividers – it’s a simple project that you can finish in a couple of hours.

Tutorial: myanythingandeverything

23. Elevated Dog Feeder

Larger dogs typically require elevated feeders. You can make one – and save yourself a couple hundred bucks – with a wooden crate and some stainless steel bowls. Just turn the crate upside down and cut in the holes for the bowls. You might also want to cover it with a waterproofing stain to keep water from causing stains. This is such an easy project and one that you and your favorite pet are sure to love.

Tutorial: designsponge

24. Upcycled Wood Crate Desk

Those wooden crates make the perfect base for a large desk – or a small one, whatever you need. Just stack the crates and then cover the top with a sturdy piece of plywood. You’ll have plenty of room for all of your home office necessities and you’ll have the most creative desk in the neighborhood. Stack additional crates on top of your desktop for even more organization and storage.

Tutorial: upcycled-wonders

25. DIY Jewelry Storage From Crates

Those smaller wooden crates can be used to make this amazing jewelry organizer. You just add drawer pulls or whatever you want to give yourself somewhere to hang necklaces and bracelets. These would look beautiful on a vintage dresser or you could easily hang them on the wall so that they’re out of the way and still offering a great storage solution for jewelry. Customize them by painting, staining, or even stenciling in some decorations or a cute little message.

Tutorial: ninethousandthings