Wooden crates can be remarkably useful and versatile—and they're also widely available and cheap compared to 'pre-made' versions of some of the things you can do with them.

Turn Your Crate Into Something Beautiful

One of the reasons these crates are such excellent choices for a bit of DIY decor is that they're generally made out of plain, untreated wood. This means you can paint them with pretty much any kind of paint you like, and once the paint is on there are endless choices for decorating on top of it. The important thing is to give your crate a good rub down with some sandpaper before you begin--this will help the paint go on more easily and save you from splinters later.

Try using a sponge with a second colour for a stippled effect, or getting some stencils and a can of spray paint for a precise design of your choosing. Foam stamps work well with most paint types, and if you're really feeling handy you can even make your own quite easily from a kitchen sponge. Don't forget about specialist paints, either. Chalkboard paint is a great choice, especially if the finished product is going to be in a child's room.

Create A Magnificent Storage Solution--Or Beautiful Bespoke Furniture

Once your crate has had its makeover, there are no end to the ways you can use it in your home.

• If you have a box-style crate with a lid, try attaching some wheels to the bottom. What's left is a handy coffee table or end table that's easy to move and doubles up as extra storage. Smaller lidded crates re-purposed this way make great toyboxes or end-of-bed chests.
• Multiple smaller crates can be nailed together to create a cubby-hole storage unit perfect for books, DVDs, music storage or anything else you want to show off. If you'd like to use a unit like this as you might a chest of drawers, try attaching some fabric to the front to keep everything hidden away. The beauty of this is that you can make your new storage unit to whatever size and shape you require--perfect for alcoves next to chimney breasts or the spaces underneath flights of stairs.
• A single crate attached to the wall as you might a shelf makes a fantastic place to keep smaller things, such as spices or tins in the kitchen. Add hooks to the underside to hang utensils from and you have even more options! Units like these are just as handy in sheds and workshops.