Wooden Crate Upcycling.
What do these humble crates (think of the kind used for fruit or delivered old-school?) turn into anything?
Let’s ‘turn basic into brilliant’.
Why craters?
Supercheap or even free (check local stores, markets, or recycling centers!).
Customize so easy
Suit any place — entryway, living area, bath, bedroom
Instantly adds character or charm
What You’ll Need:
Wooden crates (however many your undertaking requires)
Sandpaper or sanding block
Wood stain or chalk paint (optional)
Paintbrush or rag (for staining)
Screws + drill (for stacking or wall-mounting)
Casters (optional, for a rolling model)
Wood glue (for extra stability, optional)
Handles or stickers (for decor + function)

Project Examples (Select Your Favorite or Do Them All!)
- Rustic Shoe Rack
Stack 2-3 crates on their sides (open side out); screw them together and place them in your entryway. Voilà—an instant shoe station.
- Rolling Crate Coffee Table
Turn the crate upside down, put on the wheels, then stain the whole thing dark walnut, and now it’s a coffee table with lots of hidden storage inside-hello functionality.
- Bathroom Towel Shelf
Hang crates vertically on the wall. Roll your towels into spa rolls and further create luxury hotel vibes by hanging some eucalyptus around it.
- Book Shelf or Toy Bin
Line up 4-6 crates against a wall and then stack them and secure with a few screws. Just ideal for children’s bedrooms or home offices!
- Under-Bed Storage Drawers
Put small wheels on a shallow box so it can slide under your bed. Store shoes, linens, or anything that you want to hide away in plain sight.
Finish Touches
Once put together, here’s how to take perfection to the next level with crates:
Stain: go for those rustic hues of walnut, chestnut, or grey wash
Paint: use chalk paint for that very worn farmhouse-type look
Distress: lightly sand the edges for a feel of “loved for years”
Add Handles or Labels: Metal handles or stenciled tags = chef’s kiss
Style Add mason jars or woven baskets inside for texture Line crates with fabric for a soft touch Add fairy lights or LED strips for a cozy glow
Share Your Crate Makeover! Have you done the DIY? Yep, we really want to see it. Tag your project with #LeInteriore so that the rest of the DIY fam can drool!
Last Words: No one has to break the bank for a big effect. A few wooden boxes made creative can produce fabulous functional storage that warms the home with personality.
The rustic has never looked quite so real.