20 Creative and Easy DIY Wooden Crate Projects You’ll Love
Wooden crates are one of those simple materials that can be turned into just about anything with a little creativity. If you have a few lying around, you can quickly transform them into planters, storage solutions, or even stylish furniture pieces that add character to your home and garden.
These projects are budget-friendly, customizable, and a fun way to give your space a rustic, vintage, or even modern touch.
With just a bit of sanding, paint, or stain, a plain crate can become a charming bookshelf, a handy shoe rack, or even a cozy piece of outdoor décor. The best part is that you can adjust each idea to suit your style and needs.
Take a look at these inspiring DIY wood crate projects and get ready to roll up your sleeves, you ll be surprised at how much you can create with something so simple.
#1 Crate Planters
These wooden crate planters are a cheerful way to bring both beauty and fresh harvests into your garden. By painting the crates in different colors, you instantly add charm and personality while keeping your plants neatly organized.
To make one, line the inside with landscape fabric or a plastic liner to hold the soil, then fill it with your favorite flowers, herbs, or even vegetables.
Place the crates on a patio, porch, or balcony for an instant mini-garden. The best part is that you can easily move them around to catch the sun or refresh your outdoor setup.
#2 Crate Plant Stand For Balcony
This wooden crate plant stand is a lovely way to brighten up a balcony or sunny corner indoors. By stacking the crates in a staggered layout, you create a tiered display that makes even a small space feel lush and inviting.
To build one, arrange the crates securely against a wall, then fill them with potted plants, succulents, or small décor items. Add variety by mixing heights, shapes, and textures of plants for a balanced look.
It s an easy project that gives you a mini indoor garden while keeping things stylish and organized.
#3 Easy DIY Wood Crate Desk
This DIY wood crate desk is a clever and affordable way to set up a workspace at home. The crates double as both sturdy supports and built-in shelves, giving you plenty of storage for books, bags, or office supplies.
To make one, stack and secure the crates side by side, then add a flat wooden board on top for a smooth working surface. Sand the wood lightly to avoid rough edges, and consider staining or painting it to match your room.
It s a simple project that creates a practical desk with loads of rustic charm and functionality.
#4 Crate Flower Planters With Fall Decor Idea
These crate flower planters bring a warm and rustic touch to fall decorating. The mix of colorful mums, greenery, and little gourds creates a display that feels both seasonal and inviting.
You can stack crates in different positions to add height and dimension, then tuck in flowers, pumpkins, or pinecones for texture. Line each crate with landscape fabric before planting to keep soil in place.
This project is a simple way to dress up your porch or garden corner with cozy autumn charm.
#5 DIY Bookshelf
This DIY bookshelf shows how a few wooden crates can turn into a functional and stylish storage solution. The staggered arrangement gives space for books, plants, and even small décor pieces, making it both useful and decorative.
You can sand and stain the crates for a polished look or leave them rustic for extra charm. Secure the crates together with screws to keep them sturdy. It s an easy project that gives your books a cozy home while adding character to your room.
#6 Crate Shoe Storage
This wooden crate shoe storage is a clever way to keep your entryway tidy and organized. By stacking and arranging the crates, you can create cubbies that perfectly fit boots, sneakers, and sandals.
Painting the crates in a soft gray adds a clean, modern look while still keeping the rustic charm. To make it sturdy, secure the crates together with nails or screws. You ll love how easy it is to grab your shoes on the go while keeping clutter out of sight.
#7 Easy Christmas Crafts
This wooden crate Christmas craft brings a cozy, rustic charm to your holiday décor. Filled with evergreen branches, birch logs, and pops of red berries, it creates a warm woodland feel that fits perfectly by the fireplace.
A layer of burlap softens the edges and adds farmhouse texture, while string lights tucked inside give it a magical glow at night.
To recreate this, place floral foam inside the crate to hold the greenery in place, then layer in logs and accents. It s a simple way to make your living room look festive and inviting.
#8 Crate Bed
This DIY crate bed is a cheerful and practical way to brighten up a bedroom. The wooden crates painted in a bold yellow not only serve as a sturdy base for the mattress but also double as storage with colorful fabric bins tucked neatly inside.
The vibrant pillows and playful wall art bring extra personality, making the whole corner feel cozy and creative.
To try this, stack and secure your crates in the size you need, add a mattress on top, and slip in storage boxes underneath. It s an affordable project that gives you both a comfy bed and plenty of hidden storage.
#9 Crate Kitchen Storage Shelf
These rustic crate shelves bring charm and functionality to a small kitchen or outdoor cooking space.
The crates are mounted on the wall to hold plates, lanterns, and kitchen essentials, instantly creating open shelving with a farmhouse vibe.
Their natural wood adds warmth against the white backdrop, while potted herbs nearby give a fresh and lively touch.
To recreate this, simply sand and secure sturdy crates to the wall, arranging them to fit your storage needs. Add a mix of dishes, decor, and greenery, and you ll have stylish shelves that keep everything within reach.
#10 Tractor Toy Box
This toy box is not only practical but also playful, shaped like a little green and yellow tractor that kids will love.
It s made from a simple wooden crate, painted in bright colors, and fitted with large wheels on the sides for a fun design. The open top makes it easy for children to toss in stuffed animals, blocks, or other toys.
To make one, grab a crate, paint it in bold tractor shades, and attach round cutouts for wheels. Place it in a playroom or bedroom, and you ll have storage that doubles as cheerful decor.
#11 Crate Furniture
Here s a clever way to turn an old crate into a stylish and functional ottoman. By adding a padded cushion top with a bold patterned fabric, the crate instantly transforms into extra seating or a cozy footrest.
It still keeps its rustic wooden charm, while the soft top adds comfort and a touch of elegance.
To recreate this, measure and cut foam to fit the crate lid, wrap it with fabric, and staple it securely underneath. Place it in your living room, and you ll have a piece that works as seating, storage, and decor all in one.
#12 DIY Crate Side Table for Easy Storage
Here s a smart way to give a simple crate new life as a chic side table. Painted white and set on short legs, it blends rustic charm with a clean, modern touch.
The open shelves make it easy to store books, display decor, or keep essentials within reach.
To make one, just sand a crate smooth, give it a fresh coat of paint, and attach furniture legs at the bottom. Place it next to your sofa or bed, and you ll have a stylish piece that s both useful and full of personality.
#13 Crate Coffee Table
This DIY coffee table made from wooden crates is both functional and inviting.
The crates are arranged in a square with their openings facing outward, giving you handy storage for books, blankets, or baskets. A wooden top ties everything together and creates a smooth surface for daily use.
To recreate this, sand and stain your crates, then secure them with screws before adding a tabletop. It s a budget-friendly project that instantly adds rustic charm and extra storage to your living room.
#14 Wooden Crate Parking Garage
By adding cut PVC pipes inside the crate, you create little âparking spotsâ that neatly store toy cars while keeping playtime fun and organized. You can label or paint the pipes to make them look like real parking bays.
To build your own, measure and cut pipes to fit snugly, glue them in place, and add a âParking Garageâ sign for extra charm. It s a clever way to keep tiny cars from cluttering the floor while also giving kids a playful display for their collection.
#15 Crate Bathroom Storage Shelf
This DIY crate bathroom storage shelf is both practical and full of rustic charm. By stacking wooden crates vertically, you create a tall, slim organizer that makes the most of small spaces.
To recreate the look, sand and stain your crates for a weathered finish, then secure them together for stability. This project not only saves space but also gives your bathroom a cozy, farmhouse-style upgrade.
#16 DIY Two-Tier Crate Fruit Stand
This two-tier wooden crate fruit stand is such a clever way to keep produce organized and within reach. The angled crates make it easy to see and grab what you need, while the natural wood brings a warm, rustic touch to the kitchen.
You can line the crates with burlap for extra charm and to keep fruits and veggies fresh.
To build one, simply stack and secure two crates at a slight tilt on a sturdy frame. It s a budget-friendly project that turns everyday storage into a stylish feature in your home.
#17 Wood Crate Bar Cart
This DIY wooden crate bar cart is a smart and stylish way to bring extra function into your home. With a wooden top for serving and white-painted crates for structure, it blends rustic charm with modern practicality.
The woven baskets tuck neatly into the lower compartments for hidden storage, while the top crates hold wine glasses and decorative accents.
You can recreate this by stacking and securing painted crates, then adding a sturdy wooden board on top. Roll it into your dining area or living room for an instant entertaining station that s both budget-friendly and unique.
#18 DIY Crate Wall
This DIY crate wall is a fantastic way to turn plain storage into a bold design statement. By stacking and securing wooden crates around a mirror, you create both a functional shelving unit and a unique feature wall.
It s perfect for displaying plants, books, baskets, or personal treasures, giving the room a cozy and eclectic vibe.
To recreate this look, arrange crates in a frame-like layout, attach them securely to the wall, and mix in décor pieces that reflect your style. This project adds rustic charm and helps you maximize vertical space in a fresh and creative way.
#19 Crate Lamp
This DIY crate lamp is such a creative way to bring warmth and character into a room. A simple wooden crate is turned into a glowing display by adding a small branch, moss, and miniature figures, then finishing it off with a built-in light.
The soft illumination highlights the little scene, almost like a tiny world in a box.
To make your own, attach a light fixture inside the crate, secure natural elements like twigs or moss, and add any small details that inspire you. It s a fun mix of rustic charm and storytelling that doubles as both décor and a cozy lamp.
#20 Hanging Lath Crate
This hanging crate lantern is a lovely way to add rustic charm to your space. The weathered wood frame creates a cozy farmhouse feel, while the candle inside casts a soft, inviting glow.
A touch of greenery at the base gives it a fresh, natural look that makes it perfect for both indoor and outdoor settings.
To recreate it, simply repurpose a small crate, place a candle (real or LED) in the center, and decorate with faux or real greenery. Hang it with sturdy rope or twine, and you ll have a charming lantern that feels both vintage and handmade.