Strange as it sounds, the unassuming wooden packing crates and pallets are a DIY-er’s dream and come with endless possibilities. You’ve probably seen them around hundreds of times but hardly given them a second look. But like me, if you’re artistically inclined, you’ve given them a thought and considered their potential. Now not so much but back when I was a rather poor fresh adult, I’d take any free or cheap home decor options and pallets were right there. One of the first home makeovers I did on a bachelor pad of mine heavily featured pallets and crates! Years down the line, I may have started buying my furniture now, but I still look at those crates rather lovingly 😉
In this post, I’m going to show you how you can use basically any kind of packing or fruit crate (also called pallets) into smart, essentially free storage solutions or even as low-budget furniture alternatives. And yes, it has its own rustic, rugged charm and the ultra satisfied feeling of having done it yourself.
Kinds of crates and where to get them
1) The shelf-like ones that are used for packing glass and other construction material. You can get them at newly constructed or nearing-completion construction sites.
2) Fruit crates: These are the most common variety. They can be narrow and deep or basket like and are usually available for free for a small amount (Rs. 50-100) at large fruit vendors and produce markets. Or just keep an eye out at your local dumpyard! (Yup, i’ve actually picked up a couple at a dump yard near my place.)
3) The large frames: Are rare to spot but you can buy them at scrap furniture stores.
Here’s 5 ways I’ve used these wooden pallets and crates for various solutions in my place.
1) As a storage rack for cups and smaller items to fit behind the door
2) Line a bunch of crates as an entertainment unit and bookshelf
3) Lie a large pallet flat and use as a work table for a floor-seating set-up
4) Paint and use a crate as a bedside table.
5) As a mattress-frame
6) Use the flat crates as a temporary dog gate/barrier.
7) Use the tall ones as master-planters for random odd-sized pots and planters
8) Use the rectangular crates as a holster for brooms and mops
9) Use wooden crates as a cover-up for unsightly items on visible lofts
10) Assemble a bunch of wooden pallets as whole ass beds!
While this is something I haven’t personally done, but seen umpteen times on various groups and more. In fact, pallet beds are sold for a pretty penny in the second hand market! And sure enough, pallet beds ain’t as simple as lining a bunch of pallets together, and rather require some basic carpentry but once done, the effect is quite the stunner. You can even take it to the next level by inserting some LED lights into the frame like this person here. (Although it’s not my thing at all.)
But honestly, your imagination is your world here! Use them as it is, paint them, buff them or do decoupage or any other artsy things with them, wooden pallets come with endless possibilities. Next time you see one lying one at the side of the street, you know what to do!
