Wooden crates are as versatile as they are tough. Though normally used for transport, a quick touch of paint, some glue, and a few wood screws are all it takes to turn these old pieces of lumber into a permanent part of your home.
42 Wooden Crate Shelf Ideas
Using old wooden crates as shelves is not a new phenomenon, but people have gotten incredibly creative with using old crates! If you have several wooden crates on hand and don’t know what to do with them, these 42 wooden crate shelf ideas should inspire you!
Like a Store
Credit to barhomeliving
Wooden crates can go anywhere, from living rooms to bedrooms and yes, even pantries! This homeowner spiced up their pantry by using old wooden crates and a few sheets of wood to create a shelf that looks like it belongs in a store! A bit of sanding was all it took to turn old wooden crates into something that almost literally shines.
Modular Shelf
Credit to woodenify.co.uk
Wooden crates typically have a set of standard dimensions. As such, stacking one on top of the other leaves very little empty space, making them the perfect building material for a DIY shelf. This designer didn’t stick with a uniform color—instead, they used any old wooden crate on hand and fastened them together to create a multi-color modular shelf.
Outdoor Use
Credit to theweddingofmydreams_shop
As you may have guessed, wooden crates need to be tough to withstand long trips during transport. As such, they’re perfect for outdoor use. Even wooden crates as old as these in this picture still have a few years, if not decades, of life in them, despite being placed in nature. Feel free to use wooden crates to give your backyard a unique feel.
Portable Cubby
Credit to oddallyspaces
While this isn’t a shelf made of wooden crates per se, this image highlights the versatility of wooden crates as a storage solution. By sticking a few casters underneath each crate, this person has a portable cubby to keep kitchen supplies within reach at all times. Portable wooden crate cubbies would be perfect for hobby rooms of all kinds!
Ceiling High
Credit to zerowastergv
How high can you stack wooden crates? Well, it depends on how well they fit together and what sort of fasteners you use. This homeowner went with a shelf design made up of wooden crates that span from the floor to the ceiling, creating multiple layers of storage. Potted plants and books are just a few of the things you could possibly fit in a ceiling-high shelf made of old crates!
For the Kids
Credit to cratesandpallet
For those with young children, here’s something to consider. If you’re afraid of investing in a shelf your child may not like in the future, use inexpensive wooden crates instead. This clever designer came up with an open-concept shelf using a few crates anchored to a wooden frame. The desk in the middle is definitely a nice touch!
Bedroom Furniture
Credit to decorating.reader
While on the subject of decorating bedrooms with wooden crates, here’s another one for you. Instead of placing large desks or trunks on the end of your child’s bed, a few wooden crates should do the trick. They’re large enough to store heavy, hardcover books, while also light enough to reorganize as your child grows. Skip the sanding to give your wooden crate shelf a more rustic feel.
The Playroom of Dreams
Credit to my_cornishpixies_and_me
The wooden crates don’t exactly make this the playroom of dreams—the abundance of colors and toys does! However, the crates do help in keeping things organized, which is what every child’s parent aims for. The wooden crates in this image blend beautifully into the scenery, from the wooden accents of the toys to the flooring.
Hanging on the Wall
Credit to brig81
Floating shelves are perfect in any situation, especially when you don’t have a ton of space for a large shelf. Here, we see the creative side of a homeowner by utilizing old wooden crates and turning them into floating shelves in the bathroom. Fresh towels, shower supplies, and TP will always be within an arm’s reach thanks to these shelves!
Bakery
Credit to rustyrailcelebrations
If you run a bakery, here’s an idea: use old wooden crates as a platform for your baked goods! They stand sturdy atop tables, creating a higher platform to show off the smaller items in your shop. As you can see from this picture, the crates here stay true to their rustic nature and meld seamlessly into the overall woody theme, from the table top to the barrels used as supports.
Doll Showcase
Credit to designmindsouthafrica
This image does more than show off the storage possibilities of wooden crates. If you look below the table, you’ll see crates used to support the table, creating a desk for a child to do their homework or to scribble. The crates also house several of any child’s important belongings—i.e., adorable plush dolls. Just make sure to sand the base of each crate to give them an even footing as supports.
Café Theme
Credit to modernfarmhousemnl
To see just how well wooden crates fit in any situation, you’d correctly guess that these crates are in a coffee shop. A bit of sanding and a stain were all it took to turn reclaimed sheets of lumber into a focal point in a place of business. Tumblers, jars of coffee, random knick-knacks—anything would work as a decoration in these wooden crate shelves!
Attic Man Space
Credit to birdieandhall
Attics are usually home to spiders and other creepy crawlies, but you can turn any old attic into a man space with a bit of creativity and elbow grease. The walls of this man cave were decorated using nothing but a few wooden crates that work as makeshift floating shelves. They suit the overall rustic feel of the attic while providing some much-needed storage space for random items.
Organizing Goals
Credit to northernwamthco
Ask anyone who yarns or crochets how easy it is to keep their supplies organized, and you’d probably get a look of pain of despair as an answer. Luckily, there’s a simple solution for this: add tons of storage space to your hobby room! This hobbyist used crates on the bottom to house various supplies, while a wall-mounted pegboard showcases numerous rolls of yarn.
Integrated Lighting
Credit to superlite_ltg
While the wooden crate shelf is a thing of beauty, what truly makes this piece pop is the lighting. Who knew a bit of integrated lighting could turn a dark, drab crate into something worthy of housing an Oscar? Plug-in or hardwired puck lights were used in this picture to give every other crate a warm glow.
Festive Décor
Credit to themerrymorriscottage
If it’s the season, you might as well get festive! And if you’re going to get into the spirit, then it’s time to decorate your shelf! Or you could get a seasonal shelf made of wooden crates to store in the attic whenever it’s out of season. Just look at how adorable these Christmas decorations are! It’s sort of like decorating a tree for the holidays!
For College Students
Credit to heartstringcrochet
To the college students out there, this one’s for you. It’s common knowledge that students don’t have the funds to furnish their dorms or apartments however they want. You don’t need to spend a fortune on a nice shelf—two crates stacked one on top of the other should do the trick! Also, having a papasan might give your dorm a bit of flair, but that’s optional.
Gardeners Love It
Credit to gluttonousgardener
Earlier, we saw how useful wooden crates can be outdoors. This person took it to a whole other level by creating a shelf for all sorts of gardening supplies. Bits of lumber, straw, and rocks, and even a nifty decorative nook filled with pinecones! While mainly used for decoration, you should get a ton of functionality out of this piece by packing each cubby with whatever suits your hobby the best.
Freestanding and Floating Shelves
Credit to fur.naturewoodcrafts
Why choose between freestanding shelves and floating shelves when you can get the best of both worlds? This person crafted a large freestanding shelf using several wooden crates oriented in different directions. Beside that is a floating shelf used to house bottles of wine for the time being. These pieces would fit great in any hobby room!
A Rustic Look
Credit to unique_furniture_group
Wooden crates aren’t always the cleanest in terms of looks, but instead of altering their appearance, you can steer into the skid. This person maintained the rustic look of their crates by skipping the sanding and staining, and instead, stuck these crates against a wall to create a makeshift shelf.
Bedroom Partition
Credit to vo3designs
Here’s another bedroom design that uses wooden crates in an untraditional way. Wooden crate shelves are great, but instead of stacking them against the wall, you can use them as a partition to separate your kids’ beds! Just make sure there are crates pointed in both directions to give each child enough storage space!
Shelf with Desk
Credit to shkarwoodshop
It’s the multifunctionality of wooden crates that make them the perfect building material for any DIY-er. If you have the will, you can fashion a shelf with a fold-out table, just as this homeowner did! Granted, a few wooden pallets—not just crates—were used in this project, but it’s still inspiring how creative some people can be!
Tons of Floating Crates
Credit to coisacomfy
For those who don’t have the floor space to dedicate to an entire shelf, floating shelves are your best bet. And what better way to keep your belongings off the ground than to fasten a ton of wooden crates onto the wall? From tiny to large, this homeowner has nearly every crate size to store their numerous decorative items.
Simple Bookshelf
Credit to krafy_creationzz
And here, we end with a classic: a freestanding shelf made entirely of wooden crates. What makes this particular shelf different from the others is its smooth edges and dark stain. This particular homeowner didn’t want to bring their childhood bookshelf to their new home, so instead, they stuck together a ton of beautifully finished crates and called it a day.
Wall-Mounted Wine Rack With Crates
Wooden crates serve as rustic shelves for wine bottles in this wall-mounted display. Metal brackets support each crate, and wine glasses hang from sturdy hooks underneath. The exposed brick wall enhances the vintage charm and creates a functional focal point in any kitchen or dining area.
Under-Stairs Storage Solution With Crates
A collection of wooden crates fits perfectly under the stairs and offers storage for sports equipment, blankets, and garden tools. Each crate holds a specific category and keeps the space neat. The stacked design allows easy access and uses every inch of the awkward corner.
Stacked Rustic Bookshelf
Wooden crates form a tall bookshelf and bring natural character to the living room. Books, potted plants, and framed art fill each shelf. The mix of textures and heights draws the eye and provides a practical way to display favorite items in a cozy setting.
Pet Bed Nook With Storage Crates
A pair of wooden crate enclosures creates a dedicated spot for a dog’s bed and leash storage. The open crate at the bottom holds a plush cushion, while the upper crate stores pet gear in baskets. The arrangement adds charm and organization to a pet-friendly home.
Outdoor Potting Bench With Crate Shelves
An outdoor potting bench uses colorful crates to organize pots and gardening supplies. The crates on the lower shelf keep tools and extra planters sorted and ready. The upper shelf holds potted herbs and flowers, so the workstation remains practical and attractive on the patio.
Mudroom Catch-All Shelf
Wooden crates line the wall in a busy mudroom and offer labeled cubbies for each family member. Hats, gloves, and sports gear stay sorted in their own spots. The personalized design ensures every item finds its place and morning routines run more smoothly.
Kitchen Pantry Organizer With Crates
Open shelving in the kitchen pantry uses sturdy wooden crates to organize potatoes, onions, canned goods, and snacks. Every shelf features a dedicated crate, which prevents clutter and makes grocery restocking a breeze. This setup brings order and rustic charm to the pantry.
Kitchen Island With Crate Shelves
A kitchen island crafted from stacked crates provides storage for cookware, cookbooks, and serving dishes. The open sides make every item easy to reach. The natural wood finish and unique construction lend a handmade touch to the modern kitchen.
Industrial-Style TV Console With Crate Shelves
Wooden crates create a sturdy TV console and provide shelves for electronics, books, and small plants. The unit sits low to the ground and gives the room an industrial, yet cozy look. The simple lines and raw wood texture blend well with modern décor.
Hallway Display Shelf With Wooden Crates
Wooden crates hang on the hallway wall and display potted plants, framed photos, and art prints. The staggered layout adds interest and transforms an empty space into a mini gallery. The natural wood and greenery give the area a relaxed, inviting mood.
Floating Crate Nightstand Beside the Bed
A wooden crate on the wall serves as a practical nightstand. Books, an alarm clock, and small potted plants find a home on the shelf, while shoes stay tucked away in baskets below. This arrangement creates a restful corner next to the bed.
Entryway Shoe and Bag Storage With Labeled Crates
Wooden crates with handwritten labels sort shoes and bags for every member of the family. The crates fit beneath a rustic bench, and each person has a designated spot. Mornings feel less chaotic when belongings remain within easy reach.
Simple Desk Organizer With Wooden Crate
A natural wood crate corrals office supplies, folders, and a potted succulent. The organizer rests on a desk under a bright window and keeps everything in plain sight. Paperwork no longer disappears, and the workspace feels more inviting.
Indoor Plant Wall With Hanging Crates
Rows of wooden crates create a lush vertical garden indoors. Each crate holds ferns, succulents, and trailing vines, forming a living tapestry on the wall. Greenery fills the room with fresh energy and color.
Coffee Table With Open Crate Storage
Crates beneath a glass top provide hidden storage for games, baskets, and favorite books. The table anchors the living room and adds rustic appeal to the space. Guests notice the practical design and clever use of crates.
Closet Organizer With Crate Shelves
Wooden crates stacked in a closet display shoes, handbags, and neatly folded sweaters. Everything has a place, and items remain visible for quick access. This setup helps streamline the daily routine and eliminates clutter.
Children’s Book and Toy Storage With Colorful Crates
Painted crates line the wall under a sunny window, each one filled with storybooks and plush animals. Bright colors and playful shapes draw a child’s attention. Picking out a book for bedtime feels fun and easy.
Bathroom Shelf Stack With Painted Crates
Pastel-colored crates rise beside the bathroom sink and hold towels, toiletries, and extra rolls of paper. Each shelf contains essentials for daily use and frees up space elsewhere. The cheerful colors give the bathroom a fresh update.
