Do you want a rustic coffee table in your living room? Why not DIY this beautiful crate coffee table!
We all love a good repurposing project. They make for thrifty options for revamping your space and adding a down-home charm to your decor. Wooden crates are a particularly versatile DIY favorite.
Making your own crate coffee table is a DIY project you can do in just one afternoon, too!
And though all the materials for this project were purchased, the total cost was just under $100! Yes – including the coffee table decor. ;)
So that’s an expensive-looking piece of furniture, at a very low cost! What’s not to love?
Contents
Building a Crate Coffee Table
Do you want a DIY crate coffee table in your home? Learn how to build one by reading the step-by-step tutorial below!
Materials
- 4 Crates
- 3/8″ Plywood
- Dark Wood Stain
- Wood Screws
- Hooded Ball Casters
Tools
- Ruler
- Pencil Marker
- Cordless Drill
Click on any image to start lightbox display. Use your Esc key to close the lightbox.
Steps
Look at this bad boy! Individually, completely useless! Okay, maybe not completely, but still, four of these make for one sweet table. I got mine at a Michael’s craft store, I’ve seen them at some Walmarts as well. Check around for the best price that suits you. The crates I purchased were about 12$.
Staining: You could paint it, but staining wood, to me, brings out more of a rustic look. Depending on the space you wish to put it, base your decision on the color of stain by the color of the furniture that will surround it. The furniture in the room this table went into had dark brown tones with light accents making this dark stain perfect.
Assemble them properly first son: Screwing everything together is so much more simple when you arrange them in this fashion.
Due to the planks being 3/8 in. thick, thin screws in the center of each one will prevent cracks.
Two screws on every other plank separated by about 4 inches allows for a very solid structure in the end.
The base: 3/8 inch plywood is a good fit for this job. It is just thick enough to endure the stress of use and thin enough that it isn’t super heavy.
Since the crates are not created perfectly, it was most accurate to outline the crates on the plywood. Make sure to give a 1/2 inch border to the square drawn on the plywood. It brings the whole thing together.
Make sure to stain the cut out piece, only one side though! Only one will be visible when finished.
These hooded ball casters were inexpensive, but very solid! Based on the color you choose you may want to go for a different wheel. Although, you can’t really see them when fully assembled, it may not be the biggest deal to you. Make sure to keep them equally spaced in all the corners. No one likes an off kilter table!
With some decoration it looks right out of some interior design magazine. When all was said and done it was all under 100$!
Thanks to Mike0924 for this great project!
Customization Ideas
Creating your own crate coffee table is not just about following steps; it’s about infusing your personal style and functional needs into the piece. Whether you’re aiming for a vintage, modern, or eclectic look, customization allows you to make your crate coffee table truly yours.
Explore these creative ideas to transform a basic crate coffee table into a standout piece of furniture that reflects your taste and complements your living space.
Paint Finishes
Give your crate coffee table a fresh identity with a coat of paint. Choose a color that matches your room’s palette or go bold with a contrasting hue to make it a focal point. For a shabby chic look, apply a distressed paint technique using two colors, sanding the top layer to reveal bits of the base color beneath. This approach not only adds character but also enhances the rustic charm of the wood.
Decoupage
Decoupage can transform your crate coffee table into a visual storytelling piece. Use maps, vintage newspapers, photos, or fabric to cover the outer or inner surfaces of the crates. This technique not only personalizes the table but also makes it a conversation starter. Apply a layer of clear lacquer over the decoupage to protect it from wear and tear, ensuring your artwork remains vibrant and durable.
Adding Functional Handles
Incorporating handles into the design of your crate coffee table isn’t just about aesthetics; it boosts functionality. Attach stylish handles to the sides of the crates to make the table more mobile. Opt for brass pulls or leather straps depending on your decor style. This small addition can make a big impact, making your table more practical especially if you love rearranging your space frequently.
Creative Top Surfaces
Switch up the standard wooden look by adding a different material on top of your crate coffee table. A sheet of clear glass makes for a sleek surface that displays the contents of the crates, perfect for showcasing books, collectibles, or even a beautiful rug underneath. For a more rustic or industrial feel, a slab of polished concrete or reclaimed wood can add texture and interest.
Lighting Features
Integrate lighting into your crate coffee table to bring a warm ambiance to your living area. Install small LED strips under the lip of the table top or within the crates themselves. This can highlight decorative items stored inside or provide soft lighting to the room. Choose from a range of LED colors to match the mood or setting you wish to create.
Modular Design
Consider constructing your crate coffee table so it can be rearranged into different shapes or expanded as needed. This modular approach allows you to adjust the table configuration to suit different occasions or changes in your living space. Each crate can be made detachable and reattachable with simple locking mechanisms.
Eco-Friendly Materials
For those environmentally conscious, opt for eco-friendly materials when customizing your crate coffee table. Use recycled or sustainably sourced wood crates, eco-friendly paints, and natural stains. This not only helps reduce the environmental footprint but also ensures the safety of your home environment, free from harmful chemicals.
Each of these customization options provides a way to enhance the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your crate coffee table, making it an integral part of your home that reflects your personal style and values. By personalizing your table, you not only create a functional piece of furniture but also a memorable craft that adds warmth and style to your living space.
Styling Tips
Once your crate coffee table is assembled and customized, the next step is to style it to complement your living space. Styling isn’t just about decoration; it’s about creating a cohesive look that enhances the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your room.
Here are several styling tips to help you achieve a beautifully styled crate coffee table that becomes a central feature of your living area.
Select a Theme
Start by deciding on a theme that aligns with your room’s existing decor. Whether it’s rustic, modern, or eclectic, your theme will guide the choice of items you use to style your crate coffee table. This thematic approach ensures that your table doesn’t just blend in but actively contributes to the room’s overall atmosphere.
Balance the Arrangement
When placing items on your crate coffee table, aim for a balanced look. This doesn’t necessarily mean symmetrical, but the visual weight of the items should feel evenly distributed. For instance, if you have a large, heavy item like a thick book or a sculpture on one side, balance it with smaller, lighter items on the other side.
Play with Heights
Varying the heights of items on your crate coffee table can add interest and depth. Use stacked books, tall candles, or small plants to create levels. This technique not only draws the eye across the table but also makes the space more dynamic and engaging.
Include Functional Items
While aesthetics are important, functionality is key. Include items that you use frequently, such as coasters, remote controls, or reading glasses. Stylish trays or decorative boxes can be excellent for grouping these items, keeping them handy while maintaining a neat and organized look.
Add Natural Elements
Incorporating natural elements like plants or flowers can bring life and color to your crate coffee table. Choose low-maintenance plants that thrive indoors or fresh flowers in a small vase to add a touch of nature. These elements not only beautify the space but also improve air quality and mood.
Personal Touches
Personalize your crate coffee table with items that reflect your interests and personality. This could be anything from a vintage camera, travel souvenirs, or artwork by a favorite artist. These personal touches make the space uniquely yours and tell a story to your guests.
Seasonal Decor
Lastly, consider seasonal changes in your styling. Swap out items based on the season for a refreshing update. Light textiles and fresh flowers work well in spring and summer, while warmer tones and textured throws are perfect for fall and winter.
By following these styling tips, your crate coffee table will not only serve as a functional piece of furniture but also as a cornerstone of your home’s decor, reflecting both your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences.
Conclusion
With these creative customization and styling tips, your crate coffee table can transform into a stunning centerpiece that reflects your personal style and enhances your living space. This versatile piece not only adds functional storage and display options but also brings a unique, handmade charm to any room. Embrace the opportunity to make your crate coffee table a true expression of your design sensibilities and enjoy the blend of practicality and style it offers.
