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A Guide to Vintage Wooden Crates: Clever Decor, Storage, and Centerpiece Ideas

By Rachel

published 08/21/2025

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Think outside the box! This guide to vintage wooden crates shares in-depth decor, storage, and centerpiece ideas.

Do you ever find yourself scrolling through Pinterest, admiring beautifully decorated homes and wishing you had that same level of creativity? Let me tell you a little secret…just between you and I? You already do! Vintage wood crates are not only versatile and affordable, but they are an accessible way to showcase your creativity since they already possess such timeless character. In this guide, we’ll explore the endless possibilities of using vintage wooden crates as clever decor, functional storage, and eye-catching centerpieces!

Unassuming Charm: Favorite Ways to Decorate with Vintage Wooden Crates

Many times, the most charming decor pieces come from the most unexpected places. Vintage wooden crates are a prime example of this with endless potential! This in-depth guide, with 8 unique ideas, showcases these rustic finds as more than just old boxes.

From repurposed options to DIY projects, anyone can add one-of-a-kind, functional, and budget-friendly home decor to any space through the use of thrifted vintage crates. Here, I’ll cover the benefits of decorating with crates, where to find them, and smart styling tips.

Let’s dive in and discover how these simple wood boxes can elevate your home, even in the most mundane spaces!

Why Decorate with Vintage Wooden Crates?

Years ago, I stumbled across an old wood liquor crate at an antique store. It had the most beautiful colored wood, worn in all the right ways. The age of the box showed, with some of the lettering barely visible. Something about it just spoke to my soul and, for just $10, I knew it was supposed to come home with me.

Fast forward to now, over five years later, and I’ve found myself drawn to using vintage wooden crates throughout my home, no matter the season! Below are a few reasons as to why these old boxes are a part of my everyday decorating:

Character & History: Their worn patina, old stamps, and imperfections tell a story that new decor items cannot.
Versatility: Crates are highly adaptable to a wide range of styles, from modern farmhouse to industrial to mid-century.
Budget-Friendly: These vintage boxes are often inexpensive home decor pieces to find at flea markets, thrift stores, and antique shops.
Functionality: They can take on dual purposes as both a decorative element and a practical storage solution.

Truly I don’t know what there is to not love about these vintage crates!

Where to Find Vintage Wood Crates

Vintage wooden crates can be sourced secondhand in various ways. The unfortunate thing is, at least in my area, vintage crates are extremely hard to find, especially for an affordable price. Maybe you have better luck where you live?

Regardless, here is a list of shops or online sources for finding wood crates:

Thrift stores– best bet for low budget crates
Antique malls– larger variety
Estate sales– can bargain for a better deal
Online shops– such as Facebook marketplace, Etsy , or eBay

Shop the Vintage Look!

A Guide to Vintage Wooden Crates: Clever Decor, Storage, and Centerpiece Ideas

Now, let’s get into the meat and cheese of today’s topic…decorating, using, and styling vintage wood crates! I have found so many ways to utilize these old boxes in my home and I’m sure there are so many more that I haven’t thought of. Truly, wooden crates are some of the most timeless and practical pieces of home decor there is!

Below are 8 unique ideas to try in your own home.

Wooden Crates for Display

Old wood crates make for the prettiest display focal points, whether it be on a shelf, inside a hutch, in a kitchen, or on a coffee table.

1. Shelf Decor

I love to use smaller wooden crates on shelving as part of seasonal vignettes because of the warm texture they bring.

Here, I’ve placed a small wooden fruit crate, standing on end, in the back of a fall shelf display. The wood tone acts as a nice neutral backdrop for seasonal fall decor placed in front of it such as faux leaves, thrifted pitchers, or other vintage accessories.

2. Risers

Another fun way to use old crates is to have them serve as a riser(s) to elevate decor. Many times, when I’m styling a vignette, a certain decor piece will need more height. And, usually, I turn to a wooden crate to do the job!

The summer vignette below, which many of you have probably seen, is an amazing example of this. I needed my ironstone pitcher to be taller than everything else in the display, so I reached for my small fruit crate. Voila! Instantly better.

Also, don’t worry when the lettering becomes upside down when the crate is turned over! I think that adds to the charm 🙂

Wooden Crates for Storage

Vintage wood crates make for the prettiest storage bins! I mean…wouldn’t you rather stare at an old wood crate than a cheap plastic tote?! In my opinion, a wooden crate is so much more personal than plastic bought from the dollar store. It’s SO much more aesthetically pleasing, too!

3. Essential Oil Holder

I found this vintage soda crate on Facebook marketplace last year for just $6.00! It’s super sturdy, has cool old red lettering, and the wood tone is as pretty as can be.

As you can see, it holds all of my essential oil bottles. I love storing my oils this way because I can clearly see the label and what each oil is rather than having them stacked up side by side.

These crates with the individual cubby holes are extra useful: think rolled up hand, dish, or face towels, jewelry organizer, makeup holder, entryway organizer, etc…

4. Pet Accessories

Another fun and easy way to use vintage crates for storage is to keep pet accessories inside! I’ve used this crate to hold Tilly’s harness, leash, towel, and coats for many years now. The crate keeps everything contained yet is a pleasing decor accent to look at.

It sits right at the back door for quick access to the things that we use everyday!

Larger wood crates such as this one are also super handy in an entryway to hold shoes or kid’s accessories, as well.

5. Side Table

Last, but certainly my favorite storage idea for crates, is to use them as side tables! These can include beside tables as well as living room end tables.

Here in my office, I needed some more light behind my desk. Not wanting to buy anything new, I searched my house for things to use. And, wouldn’t you know it…the largest of my crates came in clutch! Here it is, standing on its side, holding a vintage lamp.

This is truly a space-saver of a table, tucked right up against the wall. The inside provides extra storage if needed, too. It can’t get better than that!

For a living room specific end table, consider stacking two crates or adding hairpin legs to the bottom to create more height.

Wooden Crates for Decor

Truth be told, there are endless ways to use vintage wood crates for decor. However, with respect to everyone’s time, below are two practical ideas!

6. Vignettes

Wood crates are the handiest things to use when it comes to vignettes! With a crate, you already have a built in base AND it can easily be moved around…so good, right?!

As an example, I created this super simple vignette for Thanksgiving last year. All I did was turn the crate on its side, then filled it with thrifted seasonal decor that I had around the house.

This method can be used for any season and with any size crate. Try styling crate vignettes on a dining table, on top of a kitchen island, in an entryway, or on a coffee table.

7. Christmas Tree Base

Years ago, I wanted my Christmas tree to be taller. But, obviously, faux trees can’t grow, so I decided to try placing my tree on top of a vintage crate. You guys…truly one of the best design decisions I’ve ever made! Not only does the crate elevate the tree but there is so much more room to put presents.

For a pretty, one-of-a-kind Christmas tree base, vintage wooden crates are it!

Vintage Wooden Crates for Centerpieces

Though technically still considered a vignette, I thought a crate centerpiece deserved a category all on its own.

Especially for large gatherings such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, a centerpiece that is contained in a vintage crate is much more practical while still being a lovely table decoration.

8. Thanksgiving Centerpiece

For a seasonal centerpiece, I placed a crate in the middle of my dining table and filled it with Thanksgiving decor. This includes items such as vintage pitcher filled with faux leaves, acorns, a linen, and fairy lights.

Another idea for this category is to create a serving station for entertaining. You could use a wooden crate to add height to a buffet or dessert table. Alternatively, utilize a crate for holding glassware at a mini bar, or coffee bar, station.

Closing Tidbits on A Guide to Vintage Wooden Crates: Clever Decor, Storage, and Centerpiece Ideas

It’s my hope that you can visualize the versatility and creative potential of vintage wooden crates for any home! On your thrifting trips or antiquing adventures, keep an eye out for these special finds. You never know when you’ll come across the one that’s meant for you.

This time of year, when there are many transitions and everything is moving at a mile a minute, be encouraged to slow down. Take a few deep breaths and allow yourself to be grateful for the simplest of things; something as simple as an old wooden box.

Leave me a comment! How would you use vintage wooden crates in your home? Share your ideas below.

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If you are new here, I’m Rachel, the writer and content creator here at The Antiqued Journey. I’m so happy to have you! I encourage you to stop by the ‘about me’ page to get to know me a little more.

Here on the blog, you will find loads of inspiration for decorating with vintage and antique decor, simple DIY crafts and many thrifting adventures. If that interests you, I invite you to sign up for my e-mail. You will receive a free digital download as a thank you!