I’m sure you see them popping up all around blogland, the crate trend is hot — and I don’t mean milk crates but gorgeous, rustic wood ones. Crates that range in size and color and are making their way to homes everywhere… There are lots of companies who sell them, even more who find vintage ones and resell them, and then there are homeowners who choose to make them.
Kjerstis Lykke is a blogger who likes to use crates to store things in on the countertop in her kitchen as well as in her living room as a bookcase on castors.
If you want to make crates into something functional and good-looking try popping on some castors and roll them around as storage (great for magazines and kid’s toys), stack some for a bookcase, or mount one or several to a wall as shelving. If you can’t seem to find crates then try hitting a craft store or one of those natural wood shops. Retropolitan found her crates below at the Jo-ann craft store for $9.99 each (currently on sale for $6.99) and she shows exactly how she turned her boring find into a fab one with an A-Z how-to right here. Tip: You can also get sturdier crates from Target for $28 and make them look weathered by adding some stain, paint, sanding them in spots, hitting them with a chain or hammer… I’m not kidding! Crates that look vintage are all the rage.
Another homeowner who chose the DIY route is Ana White who happens to have a hammer on her hip for this tutorial. I love her crates that she has handmade shown above. Great work! Learn more here.
Bailey’s Home & Garden and The Selby
Three Potato Four shop
Images above are from an unknown source but if you are clever and know their origin please tell me so I can give them link love. :) Looking for vintage crates? Take your pick here on eBay!
Zakkamate on Etsy has them too.
Ironically, I couldn’t find one single wood crate at Crate & Barrel. Did you follow Will & Grace when it was hot? I loved that show, Grace Adler was my idol at the time! I wanted to BE her, red hair and all. :) Anyway, Will said in one episode, “Do people not know how long it takes to pickle something? I had to buy a barrel, for God’s sake. Those aren’t easy to find. You’d think they’d sell them at Crate & Barrel. But, guess what? They don’t. They don’t sell crates, either. Hey, next time, save me the trip and name your store Ottomans & Wicker Crap!”
What do you think of crates? Do you have them in your home? Do you want them in your home? Love? Hate? Somewhere in between?
(images linked to their sources above)
December 9th, 2010 at 5:17 pm
This trend irks me a little. Not because I dislike the look (I LOVE it), but because the popularity has really driven up the prices of vintage crates. I’m sure there are still places (out of the way, where people aren’t so trend-aware) where you can get a bargain, but generally I’m astounded at what some shops get away with charging for this look. After all, it’s only nails, wood and a bit of typography at the end of the day. All the more reason to DIY, I guess!
When I vintage shop, I like to challenge myself to look past the pricey “now” stuff, and try to predict what could be “next” in the world of decor. It’s hard though, trends move so quickly these days that something can go from eclectic to everywhere in the blink of an eye!
Ele´s last [type] ..Re-emerging- Almond Biscotti
December 9th, 2010 at 5:17 pm
This post is a case of perfect timing for me. I’ve been looking for alternatives to traditional jewelry boxes for a while and just love Zakkamate’s boxes. I just purchased one. Thanks Holly!
December 9th, 2010 at 5:17 pm
LOVE the bookshelf on wheels idea.. off to make me one of those. I use old dresser drawers on wheels underneath beds and benches for storage but those shallow crates would work awesome too!
Heather´s last [type] ..Pint Soap Dispenser Mason Jars
December 9th, 2010 at 5:17 pm
I use old wine box crates on my patio for planting lettuce greens or herbs. It looks beautiful, but you need to remember to drill holes in the bottom for drainage.
Another really cute idea is using old wooden cheese boxes for teabag storage – I love doing this. There are a million other uses for vintage cheese boxes, but that is my favorite.
December 9th, 2010 at 5:17 pm
Hehe, love the Crate&Barrel reference! The Chicago store used to (way back when) store products in crates and barrels (I remember barrels filled with votive candles and glass spice jars). Anyway, I’ve always using crates for decorating. I used to work for an Italian restaurant when I was in college. They allowed servers to take some of the wine crates, so I have a few of those. Also, an old soda factory in the small town where I used to live had hundreds of old wood crates from when they sold soda in glass bottles and they gave me a few when I asked. I’ve also found them at the Kane County Flea Market outside of Chicago. Currently I use some of them for storing sewing patterns for my shop, but thanks to this post, you’ve introduced some fantastic new ideas to me! Thank you!
December 9th, 2010 at 5:19 pm
I’ve got some great crates for sale here:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/56152371/vintage-wood-crates
Sarah Lynne´s last [type] ..red & white
December 9th, 2010 at 5:27 pm
Love that show, I wish they still ran the repeats. And love the crates of corse. I’ve been collecting some trying to create a look similar to the first bookshelf here, with large castor wheels. I’m just having trouble finding one’s that aren’t too tall, I need to make a more shallow bookcase. But thanks for the all the links, I’m off to check out ebay now. :)
Brooke H´s last [type] ..Costume Illustration- Giorgio Armani
December 9th, 2010 at 5:27 pm
I like the look, I like the idea, but I’m too stinkin’ practical to want it in my own home. I just think of how the vintage ones sometimes aren’t so sturdy, of how much work I’d personally want to put into a ‘new’ one (and money) and then I think how rough they are/could be and possibly scratching shelves/walls. (although I do put those felt furniture tab things under my woven baskets…)
I’m pretty sure I just rained on this parade, but I’m equally sure I’d love one if I found the right one at the right price! I do really like the rough-wood element, I just think I would maybe lean towards a different piece. They are nice looking, though!
juliette´s last [type] ..Advent Blog Calendar- Projects and Freebies 9
December 9th, 2010 at 5:28 pm
I find it funny that this is a hot item. I’m a woodworker, and we generally consider these kinds of grates to be, uh, bottom of the barrel in terms of craftsmanship and value. Exposed fastners, low-grade wood…
I like some of them – I prefer old shipping boxes, rather than crates. (Like this one that you linked. And the bookshelf idea is clever, I do like it — bookshelves are SUCH a boring item, normally.
Really hate it in a kitchen. Maybe as a wall mounted something, but on the counter? Just looks dirty to me.
Lis´s last [type] ..Expired Film
December 9th, 2010 at 5:32 pm
Great post! And yes, I love crates in the home. I’m stranded in suburbia so the golden luck of strolling through the city and finding a gorgeously worn crate was not an option. I ended up going to the craft store as you suggested and made my own “vintage looking” crate. I found one with drawers too and use them to store stacks of books.
Stephanie´s last [type] ..Encounters with strangers
December 9th, 2010 at 5:37 pm
I absolutely love crates! If my kitchen were bigger, I am quite certain I’d have that wall o’ crates….and counters o’ crates….etc… I think I will have to make a trip to JoAnn’s for that sale. Thank you for sharing!
December 9th, 2010 at 5:39 pm
Hi Holly,
Its winter again as I pretend to be in a snow filled fairyland. So kiss the snow in Germany for me please :)
I hate the Crate. It’s so unattractive. And a terrible choice for children’s toys because think of the splinters.
Can’t wait to see your German Mansion come to life as you decor8 each room
And LOVE the cover of your new book. I know its just as pretty on the inside :)
December 9th, 2010 at 5:41 pm
I love them and I have some in my home and would have more if they (vintage crates) were easier to find. All those images with crates made into shelves speak to me and I believe I have the first photo bookmarked somewhere. I know they have become so trendy that even big hardware supermarket chains here use them for visual merchandising, but I don’t care.
At the moment I’m a bit torn though. I have this vintage crate that I’ve been thinking about adding castors to, to make it easier to move around (I keep books and magazines there). But I started worrying that might ruin it. What if later on the castors no longer seem like a good idea. Then there’s going to be nasty wholes on one side of a beautiful vintage crate. It’s always difficult to decide what is okay to do when modifying vintage objects, because you don’t want to destroy something with a history.
Jutta´s last [type] ..Stunning Finnish home
December 9th, 2010 at 5:45 pm
I love the look created using crates, but I’ve never been able to find affordable ones. I actually think some of the antique ones are much more expensive than new crates. I wouldn’t want them all over my home, but in one spot, to store books — yes please.
Brandi´s last [type] ..Advent Calendars
December 9th, 2010 at 5:56 pm
I love this trend, but I can’t seem to make it work in my house. The couple crates I’ve tried just feel really contrived and I can’t figure out what I’m doing wrong! Until I figure it out, I don’t mind look at other people’s clever and beautiful use of them :)
jenn´s last [type] ..inspire holiday music suggestions
December 9th, 2010 at 5:57 pm
Hot. As long as you don’t use plastic milk crates (too bachelor!), you’re ok! ;)
Have a good day!
janis – pinecone camp´s last [type] ..A Shop I Could Live In – Old Faithful
December 9th, 2010 at 6:07 pm
@Michele – GREAT point about splinters and little kids!
Moms listen to Michele’s advise!!!
December 9th, 2010 at 6:19 pm
I LOVE this trend! I am about to redecorate slightly industrial and am always looking for some woods to warm up the space – I think this might just fit the bill. The added storage element is a plus …
December 9th, 2010 at 6:21 pm
well said, Will : ) we’ve been searching for crates or wire baskets to stack (like the first photo), for displaying essentials in our guest bathroom. inspiring post!
alli´s last [type] ..black- white red all over
December 9th, 2010 at 6:24 pm
I’ve really tried to have some at my place, but it didn’t work because I didn’t like the final result of having inside my place. I gave it to some friend who really appreciated very much. I don’t like at my place.
December 9th, 2010 at 6:24 pm
You can also check out the spirits stores for nice bordeaux crates! I was actually just doing that yesterday when I saw this post today! The holiday season has some nice decorative crates.
December 9th, 2010 at 6:25 pm
I currently have no barrels in my home, and I’m entirely sure there ever will be. If I were to use them, I would probably paint them. And that might miss the aesthetic appeal of the barrel trend – raw and vintage.
December 9th, 2010 at 6:35 pm
I totally dig it.
December 9th, 2010 at 6:42 pm
I just love crates… I buy our tomatoes in them and I am slowly building up a collection!!! Brilliant multipurpose storage that looks so very cool… Actually who hasn’t been using crates for years and years and suddenly they are trendy and pricey!!!
se7en´s last [type] ..Sunday Snippet- Se7en Gifts For My Kids… A GiveAway…
December 9th, 2010 at 6:42 pm
To love or not to love crates”…mmmm,I´ts one of those things I´ve been seeing for a while and althouth I do like how they noramlly look at peoples houses I´m not sure about having one…In spain, they are very common at the markets for selling the vegetables and fruits and at the end of the day, they just throw them away! the little strawberrie crates are really cute!!!
ishtar´s last [type] ..wood house- Casa de madera
December 9th, 2010 at 6:59 pm
I love, love, love crates…always have. I think they are so easy to keep everything together in a house.
And I thought I was the only one who used the word “wonky”…lol…;) glad to see someone else likes that word.
Dawn´s last [type] ..Lovely Second Life
December 9th, 2010 at 7:05 pm
I love the crate trend! I think they fit well in most decor and can be really useful.
Beth @ the Modern Home´s last [type] ..Acorn Wreaths
December 9th, 2010 at 7:10 pm
I am with Ele. It irks me that this may be the next trend. I thought I was so trendy last year when I put them into our home and only some seem to notice then. See, I was far behind and the trend was already on its way. Not long to wait and you will be swamped with them by House doctor for ridiculous prizes.
I got them at my greenery for the normal market price and I am getting them at my wine vendor and at my friends at the supermarket. The ones they have been using at Mutterland are custom made and they are easily put together. Every shop that sells wood like home depot will chop the pieces for you and there you go. I prefer the old used ones and I am using them for books, for my paper collection, for wrapping paper, as toy storage and as display cases in the children’s room. I love them and will love them even if everybody else has them. (I love IKEA and Green Gate and Arne Jacobsen and Eames chairs as well allthough everybody seams to have them who is trendy now somehow. No kidding here but I think it is not ok to buy them for a lot of money somewhere when all you need is a bit of organizational talent to get them.
I really love them and made a mosaic a couple of months ago
I think we will be seing them in the interior style group a lot. Let’s see how people decorate them.
Yvonne
Yvonne´s last [type] ..House tour – the entrance
December 9th, 2010 at 7:31 pm
Crates are hot! The ones with the wheels are awesome!
December 9th, 2010 at 7:33 pm
LOVE this trend…I think the older they look the better!
December 9th, 2010 at 7:37 pm
I LOVE the crate trend, even though I haven’t used crates myself in my home. The nearest I came to using crates was for a container for a compost heap :)
Sarah´s last [type] ..Butterflies – Digital Collage Sheet
December 9th, 2010 at 7:43 pm
Loving floral arrangement in crates!
http://www.oliveandcocoa.com/prod_detail_list/floral_gifts
December 9th, 2010 at 7:44 pm
I say: hot! :-)
December 9th, 2010 at 7:45 pm
It works for a while, but when you are ready to upgrade beyond post-college years furnishings they still look like a hold out. No getting around it.
December 9th, 2010 at 7:47 pm
@Emily – That was pretty!
December 9th, 2010 at 8:01 pm
i love them…but i think that it completely depends on the crate…the richness of the wood…the quality of the wood…I’m more of a blanket-box person, I think…but these would be AWESOME in a minimal – white & clean loft space with exposed brick & beams…
lizzie [love your way]´s last [type] ..christmahanakwanzika- lena of la petit coquin
December 9th, 2010 at 8:11 pm
I have a wall of crates in my kitchen after spotting a post over 3 years ago. I printed it out and hung it on my fridge. Finally moved into a house that had a completely blank wall and no room for any type of storage that would sit on the floor against the wall. Bingo! I have 8 crates hanging on the wall and I LOVE them. Of course, I got mine at out of the way places in the south. Mostly old junk shops that had yards full of scrap junk to buy. Not a single person walks into my kitchen and doesn’t comment on them.
December 9th, 2010 at 8:16 pm
Holly, what a beautiful surprise to see my crates on one of my favorite blogs. But as always, I find myself more delighted to be inspired by all the other wonderful crates ideas you posted. Thank you!
December 9th, 2010 at 8:18 pm
I absolutely LOVE crates! I actually just designed a store (my first big project) and attached the vintage crates to the wall to display vignettes. I posted all the pictures a few days ago on my blog :)
Renee @ eatliveshop.com´s last [type] ..Holiday Recipe Swap- Kate from The Goodie Life
December 9th, 2010 at 8:35 pm
It´s so nice to see that you are mentioning Kjersti´s Lykke´s blog. It´s one of my favorite blogs, and I admire all her great ideas when it comes to decorating and building furnitures yourself, and the crates are one of them.
I thinks that crates are a wonderful way to bring a rustic and unpolished look into a home. I have a few myself, but I want more of them! I´m planning on building a shelf in our new apartment in Norway.
//Nina
STYLIZIMO´s last [type] .. A little Christmas decoration tips
December 9th, 2010 at 8:41 pm
Hahaha…that is so true. I appreciate crates, but don’t feel like they would fit into my home very well. My friend on the other hand has a ton of apple crates that she uses all of the time!
Danielle´s last [type] ..Hand-made Pottery Giveaway
December 9th, 2010 at 8:43 pm
Love the industrial feel of the crates. It’s also a bonus that they are upcycled objects! Great post!
Linda @alamodestuff´s last [type] ..Trapeze – posted by Crafted by Lindy – Fab Finds from Etsy
December 9th, 2010 at 8:45 pm
Hot! Great ideas!! Love the crates as bookshelves next to the fireplace.
Katie Stephenson´s last [type] ..start with art- inspiration- khristian a howells le grand roue
December 9th, 2010 at 8:47 pm
I do love them but also old wine boxes for my magazines and in the kitchen for my cookbooks. I have an old crate for bottles from France and just like to have it as a display for my old syphon bottle and other old kitchen ware.
December 9th, 2010 at 9:03 pm
Love that you referenced Will and Grace! Thanks brought a smile. Having lived around crates, family in the grocery business, have to say I don’t really care for them as bookshelves or furniture-like pieces. I have to agree with ishtar- I love the small berry crates and even the vintage metal ones. But those more tabletop than free-standing.
December 9th, 2010 at 9:28 pm
I like it. I’ve had one as my bedside table for quite a while. Not only is the old wood beautiful, but they’re totally functional. Perfect combo.
But yeah, the rising prices suck. As it goes with trendy things…
December 9th, 2010 at 9:35 pm
I love the crate trend. I hope it doesn’t leave anytime. I love when I see wine stored in them
December 9th, 2010 at 9:40 pm
I love crates – especially the old ones with letters and/or numbers on them. I remember that in the nineties, it was a big hit to get one of those tea-crates (the ones with the metal reinforced corners) and use them as side or coffee tables.
So: Yes, definitely like them, but they just don’t fit with the stuff we have standing around here ;)
diana´s last [type] ..Wreath business
December 9th, 2010 at 9:52 pm
i have always loved old crates! these interiors are all so fun.
patti backer´s last [type] ..raffiaware
December 9th, 2010 at 10:08 pm
Not really something I would put in my home, but I do still love to see them in the right interior. Anna @ D16 posted about hers a few weeks ago and they looked fabulous.
Monica´s last [type] ..Our town in lights
December 9th, 2010 at 10:10 pm
Crates are really fun to make and it’s easy to make them look vintage. All you need is a little paint and a brush. No major artist skills necessary.
December 9th, 2010 at 10:13 pm
i love the look but, yea, they can be quite pricey considering what you get. i’d also be concerned about fabric and yarn getting caught on the rough surface or getting splinters (so i suppose it can’t be too rustic). although i laughed out loud at will’s “wicker crap” comment i recently bought a huge, round basket from target that keeps my in-progress crocheted blanket w/o snagging so i think i’ll stick with that for now. :)
the fabled needle (jen)´s last [type] ..Vintage Paper Garland Giveaway
December 9th, 2010 at 10:29 pm
Ohhh I have been looking for the perfect crates for my home!!! I want to have a couple to put under the island as potatoes and onions storage!
I was looking around eBay and with the shipping cost – they are quite expensive. I asked my local Pottery Barn to sell me some of the crates that they use for prop, nope…they won’t let me have ‘em.
So thank you, thank you, thank you, Holly! I didn’t even think about JoAnn. And what Ana White created above are gorgeousss.
Starlet´s last [type] ..Loving- Golden Stripes
December 9th, 2010 at 10:30 pm
I think, by the fact that there are 50+ comments as I write, that we are all rather crate-obsessed!!!!! Gorgeous post, as usual! X
Emily@theNest´s last [type] ..Advent- Day 9- Papercut Church Tutorial
December 9th, 2010 at 10:33 pm
I think it is cool and really works in some spaces. But to be honest, I´m a bit bored of them since this has been a huge trend for a very long time in scandinavia, Norway, where I am from. But, don´t get me wrong, they can still look cool :)
xoxo Marie
Marie´s last [type] ..Gallery Wall
December 9th, 2010 at 10:45 pm
love, love, love the first image and the timber warms up the white space x
December 9th, 2010 at 11:02 pm
Pretty hot, but wouldn’t fit into my home decor!
Lonely Wife Project´s last [type] ..Stocking Stuffers- Under 20
December 9th, 2010 at 11:56 pm
Thanks to Ana White I was inspired to build a Crate using pallet wood and then I made lots of little bins – all with pallet wood which has a great distressed finish naturally.
http://thatsmyletter.blogspot.com/2010/11/c-is-for-crate.htm
http://thatsmyletter.blogspot.com/2010/11/c-is-for-containers.html
Crates are great!
December 10th, 2010 at 12:00 am
I am loving the crates on wheels…I like the rustic yet functional look. Not so crazy about stacked or hung crates though, prefer those that look like furniture.
diane´s last [type] ..Learning to Sew—Making your own bias tape Part II
December 10th, 2010 at 1:22 am
fabulous post!! love it and the more crates the better for me!! xo.
December 10th, 2010 at 2:02 am
Oh the many uses of crates! I enjoy them, and I have used them as book shelves, to hold collections and more! Thanks for sharing!
Penny Patten´s last [type] ..Calendars
December 10th, 2010 at 2:12 am
I have such a thing for crates….not quite sure what it is about them that I love so much, but they just work for me! Love the idea of adding casters to them.
Julie´s last [type] ..An Unexpected Guest
December 10th, 2010 at 2:46 am
I love them! I love the idea of using them to store kids toys.
December 10th, 2010 at 3:25 am
I love being old enough to watch trends come and go and come again. In the 70′s my favorite store was “Crate Expectations.” I guess it is good, I still have some of my favorite crates. Is the 70′s vintage? :)
Fondly,
Glenda
Glenda Childers´s last [type] ..BIRTHDAY EXPLORATIONS
December 10th, 2010 at 5:33 am
I love them, love the look and love that they can be an affordable choice for home decor…
xo
Melis
Melissa de la Fuente´s last [type] ..The little things
December 10th, 2010 at 7:45 am
It looks good. But the prices are too high for an average person to buy.
December 10th, 2010 at 8:36 am
I love them! I probably never would have spent the money on the way they’ve been marked up due to the trends, but I’ve followed Ana White’s blog for some time now and when she posted her DIY crates I HAD to have them! I built mine out of upcycled pallet wood and a bit of new wood for the sides. Sanded the heck out of them (because of the splinter concerns) and built 3 on casters for my kids’ shoes. I even mod-podged their names and embellishments on each of them to fit their interests. I didn’t know they were trendy ’till I had them, but we love ‘em!
You can see them here (http://www.organizationalhysteria.com/2010/10/another-day-another-project.html) if you want!
December 10th, 2010 at 8:58 am
i can’t lie … i’m will all the above. i love crates. They have so many uses around the house plus i can then use them at craft fairs for my photographs. perfect!
laura evans´s last [type] ..childhood – whimsical fine art photography
December 10th, 2010 at 9:47 am
love the crates.. actually putting different kind of items in the house like the area rugs in the different shapes makes a new look in house…. so wonderful that i just reads yours.. thanks….
December 10th, 2010 at 10:08 am
Definitely hot, provided it is an old one and provided it fits in the style of the house (I am afraid my house is not rustic enough for this).
Iris´s last [type] ..Kant
December 10th, 2010 at 10:29 am
we have 4 crates on the wall in our sons room as bookshelf / storage and we put them up 6 years ago. We got some funny looks / comments back then and it makes me smile that they are now appearing everywhere and those that made the looks/comments are considering some :-)
Love kjersti’s home. I could move in there quite happily. Beautiful. Thanks for sharing some wonderful inspiration as always.
December 10th, 2010 at 12:06 pm
These are great!
We’ve got a load at home from the time my our father had an orange grove and used to export oranges and clementines. They were agandoned for a long time but last year we decided to reuse them and now we have a couple in our crefts room to store fabrics.
When we “made” them we posted them in our blog, wanna take a look?
First we sanded them: http://panopramangas.blogspot.com/2009/06/domingo-tarde-sunday-afternoon.html
Then they were painted white and put together in a pile: http://panopramangas.blogspot.com/2009/06/e-para-experimentar-o-efeito-and-to.html
WE JUST LOVE THEM!!! :-)
Margarida´s last [type] ..Cadernos Notebooks
December 10th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
Hot! but somehow I am still after wooden cases for wines (especially French wines)… some are absolutely gorgeous!
Marie @ etincellestudio´s last [type] ..With Christmas approaching
December 10th, 2010 at 2:56 pm
Hot trend!!
PriscilaPetersDecor´s last [type] ..Getting ready for the best time of the year
December 10th, 2010 at 3:00 pm
Hi Holly, I love this look! I recently blogged about all the things to do with a crate and shipping pallets. I really want to cover a wall with wood from a crate.
Check out my post!
http://athomewithalli.blogspot.com/2010/10/be-creative-with-crate.html
Love all your work!
Allison
December 10th, 2010 at 3:20 pm
I’ve had vintage crates in my house for almost a decade, but I’ve always used them as accent pieces to avoid making them look too trendy. I have tiny crates that hold my nail polish and perfumes and larger ones that hold my recycling in my office. Another one very tidily hides the enormous back-up battery for my computer. I can’t imagine using a large furniture piece–it’s just too overwhelming of a look for me, especially now that it’s trendy–but I like bit of boxes here and there.
Missives From Suburbia´s last [type] ..And With That- Its Over
December 10th, 2010 at 3:48 pm
We’ve been using crates in our house since I was a kid. When we lived in Italy, my Mom and her friend used to go on “crate runs” to snap up all the crates the shop owners were throwing out. We’ve used crates as our pantry, fabric storage, bookshelves, toy storage, everything! I had no idea it was so hot. Nice to be in style for a little while for once. ;)
December 10th, 2010 at 5:36 pm
Hot! Especially as they are used here. It’s the best of recycling and immediately adds cozy warmth to me! I’m CRATEful for the ideas!
Tracy Kunzler´s last [type] ..Personalized Dog Print With Your Choice of Dog Breed
December 10th, 2010 at 8:12 pm
I ADORE a good vintage crate.
There are a few at my local antique shop that I’ve been eying for a while. I’m having a hard time deciding exactly what I’ll do with them, though. The casters on the bottom seem like a fantastic idea, but I’m scared I’ll change my mind and the crates will me ruined.
We’ll see what happens!
December 11th, 2010 at 2:44 am
I never thought of decorating with crates. It is a great idea. I would paint the crates white or pink. To soften them up and make them look more romantic.
Shell´s last [type] ..Dream Thought 33 -Dreams
December 12th, 2010 at 1:13 am
Oehh nice! i really like this idea!
December 13th, 2010 at 2:12 am
oh, i do love old things. apple crates are hard to come by, but some of the wine crates have gorgeous typography. i found one printed ‘mademoiselle L’ when i was picking some up to hold my children’s playmobil, they love it! and i grew quite a bit of food in large wine crates last summer. x
December 13th, 2010 at 7:23 pm
I love the Will and Grace quote — hilarious! Would love to see someone walk in the CB and through that line at a cashier.
December 15th, 2010 at 12:00 am
I’ve got lots of these, because when I was living in Long Beach, CA there was a bookstore that was going out of business and people could buy their books and also their fixtures, which included awesome old crates. I was so pleased to see apple boxes from back home (British Columbia, Canada!). I picked up about four or five, and then my hubby and I also got wine crates for our Dutch bicycles (it seems to fit so nicely on them), mine being a posh Moet Chandon one! I’ve since repurposed it for my desk, to hold my huge collection of full Moleskine notebooks, but I am going to be biking more this spring/summer and might use it on the bike again.
Really love the last images of the wall shelves made from these great crates.
Tamara Komuniecki´s last [type] ..The Winter issue in a wordle…
December 31st, 2010 at 2:37 am
Wow, I haven’t thought about wooden crates in years! I worked for an 18th century reproduction store, and we used wooden crates as the display shelving. A local man made them for $2-$3 each! I wonder if he still makes them…I am definately checking in to this. I am thinking sanded, stained and with vinyl lettering/numbers!
January 3rd, 2011 at 3:56 am
i ADORE this. vintage crates or made from reclaimed wood – i just used both in the decor at my wedding and they are now a part of my home decor! love!
January 4th, 2011 at 6:43 pm
i had no idea about this trend until i just stumbled upon this post. over the past month i’ve acquired 15 or so old wooden apple crates from my parent’s apple farm and have them stacked up as shelving for my kids’ books and toys. they’re fun, useful – and the best thing was that they were free!
June 21st, 2011 at 12:10 am
Yes.
I absolutely adore the crate trend!