Wooden crates bring instant farmhouse charm to any room without breaking your budget. These simple storage pieces cost a fraction of store-bought furniture and work in every space from kitchens to bedrooms.
The best farmhouse wooden crate decorating ideas combine style with function. You can stack them for bookshelves, mount them as wall storage, or add wheels to create rolling carts. Each project takes just a few hours but gives your home that cozy, rustic feel everyone loves.
This guide shares 10 tested projects that real homeowners use daily. You’ll get step-by-step instructions, styling tips, and room-by-room placement ideas.
Most projects need basic tools and cost under $30 to complete. Start with one crate and watch how quickly these versatile pieces spread throughout your home.
10 Farmhouse Wooden Crate Decorating Ideas
These farmhouse wooden crate decorating ideas work in any home and fit most budgets. Each project solves real storage problems while adding rustic style to your space.
1. Rustic Crate Bookshelf
Stack wooden crates in different configurations to create custom bookshelves that fit your space perfectly. You can build tall towers for narrow walls or spread them horizontally for low, wide displays.
Secure stacked crates with wood screws through the back corners to prevent wobbling. Wall-mounted versions need sturdy brackets rated for the weight of books plus the crate itself.
Mix vertical and horizontal crates in the same stack for visual interest. Leave some compartments open for books while filling others with baskets, plants, or decorative items.
2. DIY Crate Coffee or Side Table
Two crates stacked with a wooden board on top create an instant coffee table with built-in storage below. Add furniture legs to a single crate for a side table that matches your sofa height.
Rolling casters turn any crate table into a mobile piece that moves easily for cleaning or rearranging. Choose locking wheels for stability when the table is in use.
Sand the top board smoothly and apply matching stain to blend with your crate finish. The storage space inside holds magazines, remotes, blankets, or board games.
3. Entryway Shoe Organizer
Place crates horizontally near your front door to create cubbies that hold shoes, boots, and slippers. Each family member can have their own designated space.
Vertical crates work better for tall boots and take up less floor space in narrow entryways. Add hooks above for coats and bags to create a complete drop zone.
Line crates with waterproof mats during wet seasons to protect the wood from muddy shoes. Label each section if you have kids who need help staying organized.
4. Bathroom Storage Tower
Stack small crates vertically in bathroom corners to hold towels, toiletries, and cleaning supplies. The open design lets air circulate to prevent moisture buildup.
Choose crates that fit your space height and seal them with polyurethane for bathroom humidity protection. Add small baskets inside to contain loose items like cotton balls and hair ties.
Position the tower away from direct shower spray but close enough for easy access. The rustic wood adds warmth to tile and ceramic bathroom surfaces.
5. Crate Kitchen Island or Bar Cart
Large crates make perfect rolling kitchen islands when you add a butcher block top and heavy-duty casters. The storage space holds pots, dishes, or small appliances.
Create a coffee or bar cart by stacking two crates and adding a serving tray on top. Include dividers inside for wine bottles, glasses, or coffee supplies.
Choose food-safe finishes for any surface that touches dishes or food. Position wheels so the cart rolls smoothly but locks securely when loaded with items.
6. Garden Crate Planter Box
Wooden crates work perfectly as rustic planters for herbs, flowers, or seasonal displays. Line them with landscape fabric before adding soil to prevent rotting.
Group multiple crates at different heights to create tiered garden displays. Small crates work well for herbs while larger ones hold flowering plants or vegetables.
Apply exterior wood sealer annually to protect crates from weather damage. Drill drainage holes in the bottom of your crates don’t already have gaps between boards.
7. Wall-Mounted Display Shelves
Mount crates flat against walls to create shadowbox-style display areas for collections, plants, or decorative items. The depth gives you room for layered arrangements.
Use heavy-duty wall anchors rated for the crate weight plus whatever you plan to display. Position crates at eye level for the best visual impact.
Paint the back wall of each crate a contrasting color to make displayed items pop. Group odd numbers of crates together for the most pleasing arrangement.
8. Kids’ Toy or Book Storage
Label wooden crates with fun signs or chalkboard paint to help kids organize toys by category. Each crate becomes a designated home for blocks, dolls, or art supplies.
Low crates let small children reach their toys independently while teaching organization skills. Choose smooth, splinter-free crates for safety in play areas.
Make cleanup fun by turning it into a sorting game where toys race to find their proper crate homes. Stack crates to grow with your child’s changing needs.
9. Cozy Pet Bed or Blanket Holder
Add a cushion to a wooden crate to create a cozy bed for small dogs or cats. The enclosed sides help pets feel secure while the open top allows easy access.
Use crates as stylish storage for throw blankets in living rooms or bedrooms. The rustic look fits farmhouse decor while keeping blankets dust-free and organized.
Sand all edges smooth to prevent scratches and choose non-toxic finishes if pets will be in direct contact with the wood. Size the crate appropriately for your pet’s comfort.
10. Seasonal Display Crate
Designate one crate as your seasonal decoration station that changes throughout the year. Fill it with pumpkins in fall, pinecones in winter, or fresh flowers in spring.
Keep a collection of seasonal items stored nearby so you can quickly swap displays when holidays change. The crate becomes a focal point that keeps your decor fresh.
Position seasonal crates on mantels, entry tables, or front porches where guests will notice them first. The rustic wood complements both indoor and outdoor seasonal decorations.
Styling and Finishing Tips for Crate Decor
The right finish makes all the difference in how your farmhouse wooden crate decorating ideas look in your home. Simple techniques can age new crates or refresh old ones to match your style perfectly.
- Whitewash creates a soft, weathered look that works with any farmhouse color scheme
- Chalk paint gives a matte finish that’s easy to distress for added character
- Clear wood stain lets natural grain show while protecting the wood surface
- Light gray or sage green paint adds subtle color without overwhelming rustic charm
- Distressing with sandpaper on edges and corners mimics years of gentle wear
- Steel wool creates fine scratches that catch light and add texture
- Outdoor sealers protect crates used in gardens or covered porches
- Always sand rough edges smooth to prevent splinters and injuries
Mix different wood tones and paint colors within the same room for a collected-over-time look that feels authentic. Light and dark woods together create visual depth while staying true to farmhouse style.
Where to Use Crate Decor in the Home?
Every room in your house can benefit from the practical storage and rustic style that wooden crates provide. The key is matching the right size and finish to each space’s specific needs.
- Entryways: shoe storage racks, umbrella holders, mail sorting stations, coat closet organizers
- Living rooms: coffee tables with storage, side table alternatives, book and magazine holders, blanket storage
- Bathrooms: towel storage towers, toiletry organizers, under-sink storage solutions, toilet paper holders
- Bedrooms: nightstand alternatives, under-bed storage boxes, toy organization for kids’ rooms, closet shelving
- Kitchens: pantry organizers, fruit and vegetable storage, dish and utensil holders, spice rack alternatives
- Patios and gardens: planter boxes, herb garden organizers, outdoor toy storage, seasonal decoration displays
Start with one room and let your crate collection grow naturally as you see how useful and versatile these pieces become in daily life.
Conclusion
Farmhouse wooden crate decorating ideas work because they solve real storage problems while adding character to your home. These projects cost less than store-bought furniture but offer more flexibility to fit your exact needs.
The beauty of crate projects lies in their simplicity. You don’t need advanced woodworking skills or expensive tools to create functional, attractive storage solutions. Most projects take just one afternoon to complete.
Start with a single crate project that addresses your biggest storage challenge. Maybe it’s shoes by the front door or books in the living room. Once you see how well it works, you’ll find dozens of other spots that could use the same treatment.
Your home should reflect your personality, not a magazine spread. Make these farmhouse wooden crate decorating ideas your own by choosing colors and finishes that match your style. The rustic charm will grow on you, and guests will always ask where you found such great pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make old crates look farmhouse-style?
Sand rough spots smooth, then apply whitewash, chalk paint, or light wood stain. Distress edges with sandpaper for a weathered look. Clear sealer protects the finish while maintaining the rustic appearance.
Can I use crates for both storage and decor?
Absolutely. The best farmhouse wooden crate decorating ideas serve dual purposes. A crate coffee table stores blankets while displaying books. Bathroom towers hold towels while adding rustic charm to the space.
Where can I buy wooden crates for cheap?
Craft stores carry new crates that go on sale regularly. Thrift shops and estate sales often have vintage options. You can also build simple crates from pallet wood for the lowest cost option.
What tools do I need to modify crates?
Basic projects need a screwdriver, wood glue, sandpaper, screws, and a drill. More complex builds might require a saw, level, and measuring tape. Most homeowners already own these common tools.
Do crate projects work for small spaces?
Yes. Wall-mounted crates use vertical space efficiently. Stacked crates provide more storage per square foot than separate pieces. Rolling crate carts move out of the way when not needed.
