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hey there! I'm monica 

I pride myself on making amazing style and design accessible for everyone, regardless of location, budget, or ability! My design philosophy is rooted in authenticity + attainability - If I can do it, you can too! My work has been featured in countless publications, but I take the most pride in homeowners that have been personally inspired by my DIY ideas and have tried something in their own homes!

learn more about ME + MY BIZ

Every once in a while we do a project that has us wondering, “why the heck haven’t we tried this before!” and using craft crates to make DIY built-in shelves was one of those projects!  I think I said 250 times, “This is so stinkin’ easy!”

DIY Built in shelves

This project was part of our coastal bedroom makeover episode we did for “Knock It Off”  If you missed the episode a few weeks back, you can check it out here!

Screen Shot 2014-01-01 at 8.42.36 PM

We’re big fans of craft crates, we like that they’re cheap, easy to work with, and totally customizable! We picked ours up at Michael’s on sale for just under $10- but, we were kinda bummed though because they were on sale online for seven, but we waited and missed the sale. Dangit!

First, we painted all the crates white.  You could use spray paint, but it would get costly, and you could paint by hand, but your arm might fall off… we used a paint sprayer and it made it a quick and easy step!

We use a sprayer similar to this one that we connect to our air compressor.  Sometime soon we’ll do a round up of our go-to tools for the show- I know a lot of you have been emailing us about that.

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Once the crates were dry, we brought them into the room and stacked them on two bathroom vanities that we had picked up at our local ReStore.  We did a combo of vertical and horizontal and left open squares where the wall color could show through.

Once we had them all stacked, we just put a couple nails into the back of each crate, securing it to the wall.  It doesn’t get any easier than this people.  If you saw the episode you know that I did this project with a 6 month pregnant woman and even she worked it like a boss!  If you’ve never tried one of our building projects before, this would be the perfect one to start with!

craft crate project ideas

Finally, so that the crates could go all the way across, we cut a piece of pine, painted it, and rested it on either side, attaching it with a few nails.  Then, we could just sit the top row right on top (we also attached them to the wall with nails- we don’t want to be the ones responsible for anyone’s built-ins crushing them in their sleep! Yikes!)

DIY shelving

Sorry we don’t have more process pictures, but you could watch the episode (hint, hint) and then see every step in real time! Jess and I were chatting about this project and we think it could have a completely different feel if they were painted black or another color.   This room has a coastal vibe, but it could work with a ton of styles!

So, if you’re looking for an inexpensive solution for built-in storage, give craft crates a whirl! 

PS- If you think this project is kinda-sorta cool, would you Pin it? Facebook has been killing us and not letting the world see our projects.  Thanks for the help- we SO appreciate it!  Darn you Facebook! LOL.

The comments +

  1. this is such a game changer- I love it! I must remember it for when I turn one of my closets into a built in desk space!

  2. Gina says:

    Watched this video a few days ago and loved it! I want that room!! Or better yet come do something at my house ……any room you’d like

  3. Mindy says:

    Love it! I would love for you to redo my house. Sent you an email…..

  4. Ohhh I love this!! You have my wheels turning for my living room in the future…hhhhmmmm

  5. Monique says:

    It would be good if you could break down how you trim out and did the vanities. I am new to DIY and i need step by step instructions.

  6. Marlon says:

    Very nice! I would love if you guys would help me rearrange things at my house to give it a more Nutica feel. I have all American Signature furniture and accessaries but its missing your touch. Please contact me. Mrlon3132012@hotmail.com

  7. Jacqui says:

    I’m obsessed with “Knock It Off”!!!!! I’ve seen each episode multiple times. I have to say I absolutely LOVE the wall of built-in crates. Genius! Keep up the great work.

    • Monica says:

      Hi Jacqui,

      Thank you so much for watching the show and visiting our blog. We’re so grateful for your support! 🙂

  8. […] decided to revisit an idea I wrote about on East Coast Design–using wooden crates to create built-in shelving. I also wanted to try out a way to decorate the appliances using an unexpected […]

  9. […] decided to revisit an idea I wrote about on East Coast Design–using wooden crates to create built-in shelving. I also wanted to try out a way to decorate the appliances using an unexpected […]

  10. […] decided to revisit an idea I wrote about on East Coast Design–using wooden crates to create built-in shelving. I also wanted to try out a way to decorate the appliances using an unexpected […]

  11. […] decided to revisit an idea I wrote about on East Coast Design–using wooden crates to create built-in shelving. I also wanted to try out a way to decorate the appliances using an unexpected […]

  12. […] decided to revisit an idea I wrote about on East Coast Design–using wooden crates to create built-in shelving. I also wanted to try out a way to decorate the appliances using an unexpected […]

  13. Monique says:

    Where did you get that clock that is sitting on the bathroom vanity?

  14. […] Craft Crate Built-in Shelving […]

  15. […] CRAFT CRATE BUILT-IN SHELVING […]

  16. […] decided to revisit an idea I wrote about on East Coast Design–using wooden crates to create built-in shelving. I also wanted to try out a way to decorate the appliances using an unexpected […]

  17. […] Créer une bibliothèque intégrée sur mesure, comme ce projet vu sur East Coast Creative Blog. Si vous utilisiez les caisses en vente en quincaillerie, un tel aménagement couterait plus ou […]

  18. […] Craft Crate Built-In Shelving – Stacked crates on top of dressers creates a fantastic storage solution that looks built-in. Install lights above the headboard to to keep clutter off of your nightstands. […]

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