One of our flea market fantasies is coming across a large lot of old apple crates, like those seen here. Their perfect patina would be just the right rustic touch to add to a home, be it just a couple boxes or a whole wall of shelves...

Really, the DIY options for apple crates are endless, but finding good ones can be harder than you might think. If we did come across a few, we might do something like this for storage and display (um, but minus the row of old shoes seen in the first picture). For more apple crate inspiration, click here, and here's a source for purchasing them new.
Top image: Houzz

Nomade Express Slee...
I love this!!
Do you think it's best to just leave this in their natural state or paint them? Thanks for the idea. Adding it to my list!
I would love to know where the lamp in the first picture came from.
@ironcup: Stain them! Paint would not match with the rustic look, and stain would help to "age" them.
Love that, especially the first one. Sadly old wooden crates seem to have become a hot-ticket item, so unless you're able to prowl estate sales or out of the way flea markets and antique places, they'll probably be a huge ripoff. At least that has been my experience, we got one on the cheap from ebay, intending to get another and use them as end tables, but by the time we got around to looking for another they had become insanely overpriced, and suddenly they are all over stores here in brooklyn being sold for 40 dollars. Ended up with a couple of lovely mid-century solid wood end tables in need of a little tlc for the same amount we would have had to pay for rickety old crates.
I'm pretty sure that the first picture is from Bailey's by mail. And, you can buy the crates in a variety of forms.
Hmmm... this seems like another recycled photo/story combo from AT a while back if my memory serves correctly... :::sigh:::
That. Is. Adorable.
There is a local wine bar by my apartment. I once asked the bartender what they do with the wooden crates, and he said I could have them if I stopped by around closing.
If you are looking to source wooden crates, it is worth a shot to check with your local bar/pub.