Hello, fellow home decor fans! Are you looking for simple ways to add country beauty to your home? Wooden crates might be just what you need.
These humble boxes fit perfectly with farmhouse style and can solve so many home organization problems.
What’s great about wooden crates is how useful they are in any room. You can stack them as shelves, use them for storing items, or turn them into eye-catching wall features.
In this article, I’ll show you simple and creative ways to use wooden crates in your home. From coffee tables to bathroom organizers, these ideas will help you add warmth and function to every corner of your house.
I’ve tested these ideas ourselves, so you can trust that they’re practical and won’t break the bank. Let’s get started with these easy-to-follow crate ideas!
Farmhouse Wooden Crate Decorating Ideas
Wooden crates offer a simple way to add a country touch to your home. These basic boxes can be found at flea markets, yard sales, or even grocery stores, making them both cost-effective and full of character.
1. Rustic Crate Bookshelf
A row of wooden crates laid sideways makes a beautiful bookshelf that fits any wall space. Paint them in soft white or leave them natural for true farmhouse appeal. Add small items like photo frames between books to create visual interest without cluttering. The uneven edges of the crates create a casual, lived-in look that suits country style perfectly.
Multi-Purpose Features: These shelves work double-duty as display spots and practical storage. Turn some crates vertically and others horizontally for spaces that fit both tall and short items. During holidays, clear a section for seasonal decor without changing the whole setup.
2. Wooden Crate Coffee Table
Four crates attached in a square formation create a coffee table with built-in storage. Top it with a thick piece of wood or glass for a smooth surface. The open sides of the crates face outward, giving you spots to store books, blankets, or games within easy reach while relaxing on your couch.
Multi-Purpose Features:his table offers hidden storage that keeps your living room tidy. The sturdy base can handle snacks, board games, or even tired feet at the end of a long day. For parties, it becomes extra seating when topped with cushions.
3. Farmhouse Crate Wall Shelves
Mount wooden crates directly to wall studs for floating shelves with country touch. Alternate between horizontal and vertical placement to create a unique pattern. These shelves work wonderfully in kitchens for displaying dishes or in living rooms for books and keepsakes.
Multi-Purpose Features:Wall crates save valuable floor space while adding visual interest to plain walls. The deep sides keep items from falling off, making them safer than flat shelves. They can hold heavy items like cookbooks without sagging when properly secured.
4. Rolling Storage Crate with Wheels
Attach small wheels to the bottom of a sturdy crate to create mobile storage that slides under beds or into closets. This works especially well for toys, craft supplies, or extra linens that need to be accessible but not always visible.
Multi-Purpose Features:The mobility makes cleaning day much easier—just roll it aside to sweep or vacuum. It can serve as a footstool with a cushion on top, then wheel away when not needed. Perfect for small homes where furniture needs to pull double duty.
5. Crate Entryway Shoe Organizer
Stack two or three crates near your front door to create cubbies for shoes. This keeps pairs together and off the floor. You can add small labels for family members or shoe types to maintain order in busy households.
Multi-Purpose Features:The top of this organizer makes a perfect drop spot for mail, keys, and sunglasses. During winter, the cubbies can hold hats and gloves instead of or alongside shoes. Add hooks to the sides for hanging bags or dog leashes.
6. Crate-Topped Side Table
Place a wooden crate upside-down next to your sofa or bed for an instant side table. Sand rough edges to prevent snags on clothing. This humble table brings farmhouse simplicity to any room without looking out of place.
Multi-Purpose Features:Flip the crate over when you need extra storage instead of a table. If guests arrive, it becomes bonus seating with a cushion on top. Its lightweight design means you can move it easily when cleaning or rearranging a room.
7. Stacked Crate Nightstand
Three crates stacked and secured together create a bedroom nightstand with open storage. Place them with openings facing the bed for easy access to books and personal items. The uneven texture adds interest next to smooth bedroom linens.
Multi-Purpose Features:The open sides allow for charging cables to pass through easily for phones or tablets. Different-sized openings can hold both books and water glasses safely. If your needs change, unstack them and use them elsewhere in your home.
8. Crate Bathroom Towel Storage
A tall stack of crates in the bathroom creates perfect cubbies for rolled towels and toiletries. Finish with water-resistant sealer to protect from moisture. The open design allows air flow, helping towels dry faster than in closed cabinets.
Multi-Purpose Features:Beyond towel storage, these crates keep toilet paper supplies visible but tidy. The top surface works well for candles or plants that add life to bathroom spaces. In small bathrooms, they can substitute for missing linen closets.
9. Hanging Crate Herb Garden
Mount shallow crates to a sunny kitchen wall, line with plastic, fill with soil, and plant herbs for fresh cooking ingredients at your fingertips. Label each herb with small wooden tags for a complete farmhouse look that’s also practical.
Multi-Purpose Features:These planters can switch to holding cut flowers when herbs aren’t in season. The same setup works outdoors on a fence during summer. The wooden boxes protect walls from moisture better than typical planters.
10. Crate Display for Mason Jars
Line a wooden crate with mason jars filled with dry goods like pasta, beans, or flour. The transparent jars show off the natural colors of foods while the crate keeps everything organized on countertops or pantry shelves.
Multi-Purpose Features:This display can shift with the seasons—fill jars with Christmas cookies in winter or fresh berries in summer. During parties, use the same setup for drink stations with jars of straws, garnishes, and cocktail supplies.
11. Seasonal Crate Centerpiece
A small crate in the center of your dining table becomes the perfect holder for seasonal items. Fill with mini pumpkins in fall, pinecones in winter, or wildflowers in spring. The wood tones complement most table settings without competing with food.
Multi-Purpose Features:This centerpiece container can hold salt, pepper, and napkins during family meals. For dinner parties, fill with small potted plants that guests can take home. During homework time, it corrals pencils and supplies.
12. Crate Kitchen Island Base
Four large crates secured together and topped with a butcher block create a movable kitchen island with tons of storage. Paint in a color that complements your kitchen cabinets for a custom look at a fraction of the cost.
Multi-Purpose Features:This island provides workspace, storage, and casual dining spots all in one piece. The open sides can hold cookbooks, less-used appliances, or basket-contained produce. Add hooks to the sides for hanging cooking tools.
13. Crate Planter with Burlap Liner
Line a wooden crate with burlap and fill with potting soil to create a rustic planter for porch or patio plants. The wood weathers beautifully over time, adding to the farmhouse appeal. The drainage is excellent for plant health.
Multi-Purpose Features:These planters transition easily between flowers, vegetables, or herbs depending on your needs. When not growing season, the same crates can hold firewood near doors. The liners are replaceable if they wear out.
14. Wall-Mounted Crate Spice Rack
Attach a small crate to your kitchen wall horizontally to create spice storage that keeps bottles visible and accessible while cooking. The lip of the crate prevents items from falling, even in busy cooking sessions.
Multi-Purpose Features:This wall organizer works equally well for craft supplies in hobby rooms. In bathrooms, it holds small toiletries without taking up counter space. Near entryways, it becomes a mail and key holder that saves table space.
15. Crate Toy Storage with Chalk Labels
Paint wooden crates with chalkboard paint on one side to create labeled toy storage that children can help maintain. Stack them in playrooms for easy cleanup, which teaches organization. The open tops make seeing the contents simple.
Multi-Purpose Features:As children grow, these labeled crates transition to hobby supplies or school materials. The chalkboard sides allow changing categories without new paint. They stack differently as needs change, growing with your family.
16. DIY Crate Wine Rack
A wooden crate turned on its side with dividers added creates a perfect wine storage solution. The slots keep bottles properly positioned, while the top provides space for glasses or openers. The natural wood grain complements wine labels and adds warmth to dining areas or kitchen corners.
Multi-Purpose Features:Beyond wine storage, this rack works for water bottles or rolled kitchen towels. Remove a few dividers to create space for larger items like pitchers or vases. During parties, it becomes a full beverage station with minimal effort.
17. Crate Pet Bed with Cushion
A large wooden crate with a fitted cushion makes a cozy pet bed that blends with your decor. Sand all edges smooth for pet safety and add your pet’s name to the front for a personal touch. The wooden sides give pets a sense of security while resting.
Multi-Purpose Features:When your pet prefers other sleeping spots, this bed converts to extra seating with a thicker cushion. The space beneath holds pet toys or blankets for easy access. For homes with multiple pets, these can stack to save floor space.
18. Crate Laundry Basket Holder
A wooden crate slightly larger than your laundry basket creates a tidy frame that hides plastic basket edges. This simple addition makes your laundry area look intentional rather than utilitarian. Add small hooks to the sides for hanging lingerie bags or lost socks.
Multi-Purpose Features:The frame prevents laundry baskets from warping under heavy loads. The space between the basket and the crate holds dryer sheets or small bottles of spot remover. When not holding laundry, it works for storing extra blankets or pillows.
19. Crate TV Console Base
Several crates secured side by side create a base for your television that offers plenty of storage for media equipment. The open fronts allow remote signals to reach devices while hiding cords. This budget-friendly option brings farmhouse style to modern living rooms.
Multi-Purpose Features:The separate compartments naturally organize gaming systems, DVD players, and streaming devices. Cord holes in the back prevent tangles while keeping everything accessible. The top edges become display space for small items like photos or plants.
20. Tiered Crate Garden Stand
Stack crates in a pyramid formation to create a multi-level plant display for porches or patios. Each level holds different-sized plants, creating visual interest and maximizing growing space. The wood develops a lovely patina over time that enhances the farmhouse look.
Multi-Purpose Features:This stand works equally well for herb gardens or flower displays. In winter, it becomes a storage for garden tools or pots. During holidays, it transforms into a multi-level decoration stand for lights and seasonal items.
21. Crate Bar Cart with Handles
Add rope handles and wheels to a large crate for a movable bar cart with rustic appeal. The deep sides keep bottles from tipping during movement. A simple wood finish lets your colorful bottles and glassware stand out as the real decoration.
Multi-Purpose Features:This cart serves drinks during parties then becomes a coffee or tea station for quiet mornings. Roll it to different rooms as needed or outside for patio gatherings. When not in use for beverages, it holds books or crafts for rainy day activities.
22. Floating Crate Wall Cubes
Mount crates to the wall in a cube pattern, alternating depths and sizes for three-dimensional interest. This arrangement creates wall art that’s also functional storage. Paint in complementary soft tones or leave natural for a true farmhouse feel.
Multi-Purpose Features:These cubes hold items of varying sizes from books to small plants. The arrangement can change as your needs evolve without buying new pieces. Some cubes can have backs added for more secure storage, while others remain open.
23. Crate Storage Bench
Place a long crate on its side, add legs and a cushioned top to create a bench with hidden storage. This piece works perfectly in entryways or at the foot of beds. The hidden compartment keeps clutter at bay while providing extra seating.
Multi-Purpose Features:The bench serves as a spot to put on shoes, extra seating for guests, and hidden storage, all in one piece. The top can flip up or slide forward, depending on your design, for easy access to the contents.
24. Crate Pantry Organizer
Line pantry shelves with small crates to create divided sections for different food categories. This system makes grocery unloading simpler and helps track inventory at a glance. Label the front of each crate for family-friendly food finding.
Multi-Purpose Features:These organizers can move from the pantry to the counter when cooking with multiple ingredients. They catch spills for easier cleanup than direct shelf contact. When food supplies are low, the same crates hold kitchen tools or appliance parts.
25. Crate Craft Supply Storage
Divide a large crate with wooden separators to create organized storage for craft supplies like yarn, fabric, or paper. The visible storage helps inspire creativity while keeping materials tidy. Wall mounting saves precious craft table space.
Multi-Purpose Features: The divided sections work for supplies of all sizes, from tiny beads to larger fabric cuts. The same system adapts to office supplies or children’s art materials as needed. Add small dowels for ribbon storage along the sides.
26. Crate Tabletop Tray Decor
Turn a shallow crate into a coffee table tray that corrals remote controls, coasters, and small decorative items. The sides keep everything contained, even when moving the tray to make room for games or meals. This simple addition helps maintain tidy surfaces.
Multi-Purpose Features:This tray moves easily from coffee table to ottoman to floor for game nights. During meals, it holds condiments or napkins. For outdoor gatherings, it carries drinks from the kitchen to the patio without spills.
27. Outdoor Crate Lantern Holder
Use a wooden crate as a protective surround for outdoor lanterns or candles. The sides block wind while allowing light to shine through the slats. For safety, add sand to the bottom to stabilize candles and catch any wax drips.
Multi-Purpose Features:These holders protect lights during outdoor gatherings and create a warm patio ambiance. When not holding lights, they store outdoor dining supplies or small garden tools. Add handles for easy movement as the sun sets.
28. Crate Book Nook Organizer
Place a crate on its side next to a reading chair to hold current books, reading glasses, and a small lamp. The compact footprint fits in tight corners while keeping reading essentials within arm’s reach. Add felt to the bottom to prevent floor scratches.
Multi-Purpose Features:This organizer works for crafters with current projects, students with study materials, or anyone with a hobby requiring small items close at hand. The top provides space for drinks or snacks during relaxation time.
29. Farmhouse Crate Mail Station
Mount a crate horizontally near your entrance to catch incoming mail and outgoing items. Add dividers for sorting different types of mail or family members’ correspondence. A small chalkboard on the front can list mail-related reminders.
Multi-Purpose Features:Beyond mail, this station holds keys, sunglasses, and phones for grab-and-go convenience. During busy seasons, it keeps greeting cards organized until sending time. Small hooks added to the bottom hold lanyards or masks.
30. Crate Blanket Storage Basket
Line a large crate with fabric to create a soft-sided basket perfect for storing extra blankets in the living room. The rigid wood structure prevents sagging while the fabric interior protects delicate blankets from snags. The result looks purposeful rather than like emergency storage.
Multi-Purpose Features:his basket works equally well for pillows, stuffed animals, or seasonal decor when not filled with blankets. During warm months, it holds outdoor cushions overnight to protect them from dew. The top can serve as a side table in a pinch.
31. Crate Shoe Rack for Closet
Lay a long crate on the closet floor to corral pairs of shoes that might otherwise get separated. The contained space prevents shoes from spreading across the entire closet floor. For boots, place the crate vertically to maintain their shape.
Multi-Purpose Features:This rack can hold accessories like belts and scarves when positioned differently. In mudrooms, the same setup collects wet shoes until dry. For closets with high shelving, it becomes a step stool with storage inside.
32. Crate Porch Welcome Display
Set a crate vertically by your front door to hold seasonal decorations, potted plants, or a welcome sign. This creates a friendly focal point that you can change throughout the year without major effort. The height draws the eye and improves curb appeal.
Multi-Purpose Features: This display spot doubles as package protection, keeping deliveries out of sight. During gatherings, it becomes a spot for drinks or guest amenities. In winter, the same crate holds practical items like rock salt or snow brushes.
33. Rustic Crate Plant Shelf
Set long, low crates along a sunny window to create perfect shelving for houseplants. The natural wood complements plant greenery, and the raised position allows trailing plants to grow freely. The lip prevents pots from being knocked off during watering.
Multi-Purpose Features:These shelves provide space for humidity-loving plants to share air. The same setup works for seed starting in spring. When plants move outdoors for summer, the shelves hold collectibles or books until plant season returns.
What Are the Best Farmhouse Wooden Crate Decorating Tips?
Wooden crates add country style to homes without breaking the bank. These are some useful tips to make the most of these versatile items:
1. Keep It Simple
I’ve found that wooden crates look best when you let their natural beauty stand out. You don’t need fancy finishes! The grain and knots in the wood tell a story all their own. If you want a softer look, try a light whitewash instead of thick paint. This shows off the wood’s character while fitting into lighter color schemes.
2. Mix Function with Beauty
Why choose between pretty things and useful things? You don’t have to! I always tell my friends to pick crates that work hard and look good. Put one by your couch to hold books and magazines. Use another in your kitchen for fruit or snacks. When something works well and looks nice, that’s the sweet spot.
3. Stack Smart
Safety first! When I stack crates to make shelves or tables, I always make sure they won’t tip over. For tall stacks, use screws or L-brackets to connect them. This is extra important if you have kids or pets who might bump into them. A wobbly tower of crates is not your friend.
4. Get crafty
Make your crates one-of-a-kind! You can add stencils with words or pictures that match your style. New handles can make old crates easier to move. Want your crate to roll? Add caster wheels to the bottom. These small changes don’t cost much but make your pieces unique.
5. Repurpose old crates
The best crates often have a past life. Check flea markets, yard sales, or even your grandparents’ barn! Old fruit crates or milk boxes bring real history into your home. Each scratch and mark adds to their beauty. You can’t buy that kind of character at a big box store.
What crate ideas have you tried in your home? The best part is there’s no wrong way to use them—just what works for you and your space!
Where to Find the Best Wooden Crates for Farmhouse Decorating?
1. Local Thrift Stores and Flea Markets
I’ve found some of my favorite wooden crates while digging through local thrift shops. There’s something special about the hunt! You might find old apple crates, milk boxes, or soda crates with original labels still intact. These older crates often have more character than new ones. The worn edges and faded stamps tell stories about their past lives.
2. Craft Stores and Home Improvement Stores
When I need crates in specific sizes, I head to craft stores or home improvement shops. You can count on these places for clean, uniform crates that don’t need much work. Most craft stores stack them right in the front of the store. Prices are usually reasonable, and you can often catch them on sale.
3. Online Shops
Can’t find what you want locally? Online shopping opens up so many options! I’ve ordered custom-sized crates from Etsy sellers who can add special touches like your family name or farm-themed words. Amazon is great if you need several matching crates at once. Just read the reviews first to check for quality.
4. DIY Route
Have you tried building your own crates? It’s easier than you might think! I made three last summer using some leftover fence boards and basic nails. You only need a saw, hammer, nails, and some wood planks. The best part is getting the exact size and look you want. Plus, there’s nothing like the feeling of pointing to a crate and saying, “I made that!”
What’s your favorite spot to find wooden crates? Remember, the best finds often come when you’re not even looking for them!
Conclusion
I hope these wooden crate ideas have sparked your creativity! The beauty of farmhouse style is that it doesn’t need to empty your wallet. Simple materials can create the coziest spaces.
Why not try a crate project this weekend? Start small with a bedside table or wall shelf. You might be surprised how one wooden box can change the feel of a room.
Have you already created something with crates? I’d love to see what you’ve made! Share your projects in the comments below so we can all get more ideas.
Remember, the most welcoming homes aren’t the ones with perfect, store-bought everything. They’re the ones filled with personal touches and hand-picked items that tell your story. Sometimes the most basic materials—like a humble wooden crate
—can bring the most warmth to your home.
What will you create first?