A few years ago, I posted about the DIY Crate Bookshelf my Dad and I created. Never did I realize the post would bring about so much interest on Pinterest. Weirdly enough, this is one of my most-viewed posts of all time on LPB! While my photography and staging of props have changed since that post, this DIY Bookshelf has not! It’s actually been the most versatile piece of furniture I have and has morphed from a bookshelf in my classroom to a bookshelf in my new apartment, and now to a bathroom storage shelf. This is truly one of the easiest DIYs and I can’t recommend it enough to create, especially if you’re looking for something chic, easy, and affordable to create.
I was originally inspired to create this DIY Shelf from a friend in college who had created her own night stand for her dorm room. It was so cute and made her whole space feel more cozy. I ended up perusing Pinterest for all the different ways to utilize crates in various DIYs and got lost in the multitude of options. If you are ever looking up new DIYs, I recommend you look up wood crate DIY…there are plenty of options.
I originally had this DIY Crate Bookshelf in my bedroom as a mini bookshelf until I ordered a larger bookshelf to support my ever-growing collection of books during Quarantine. I quickly moved it to my bathroom since I have limited under-sink storage. This became the perfect place to put all the additional toilet paper I had been buying up, (Because buying up TP in March of 2020 was a thing) as well as all my face washcloths. I’ve been a big proponent of using a new washcloth each time I wash my face and had nowhere practical to put them. Voila! This shelf became the perfect addition. The handles on the side of the shelf also make it the easiest piece to move.
To create this DIY Crate Bookshelf/Storage Shelf, you will need two crates of the same size, wood glue, L-Fasteners, and clamps. I ended up finding two crates that were already pre-finished and painted white at Michaels. I would recommend checking out your local craft store for crates as there always seems to be a variety in stock.
DIY Crate Bookshelf/Storage Shelf
- Use wood glue to spread on one side of the milk crate, and a matching side of another milk crate, to create a stack. I connected the crates on the long side.
- Clamp together using wood clamps to ensure that the crates are glued together. Wait until the glue dries. (I waited 12 hours before taking them apart.)
- Screw a fastener or bracket on the back of the crates to make sure they will stay together. This bracket should connect both of the crates. This allows the crates to carry more weight as well.
- You are all set!
My current DIY Crate Bookshelf setup I’ve used to store extra toilet paper and Kleenex, as well as my extra towels, face washcloths, and Kleenex. I also picked up a metal crate for washcloths (similar here), a Kleenex box holder, and this basket which helps break up the white from the shelf and the color on the walls.
My bathroom has been a big decor change over Quarantine and I’ve been so happy with how it turned out! This DIY Crate Bookshelf has been the perfect accent piece.
Let me know if you try out this DIY project! I’d love to hear how it turns out and how you utilize it!
Kristen Woolsey says
What a clever little piece! It seems like you could very easily tailor it to every room in your house. This definitely deserved the attention it got on Pinterest!
CaitlinLemonadePress says
Thank you, Kristen! I so agree!