Wine crates are a popular starting point for DIY projects, and with good reason. They are made of solid wood, have clean lines and are inexpensive.
I have had little luck finding them for free, but most local wine shops will let you buy them for a nominal fee. This project was my boyfriend’s invention and fits in well with his sparse, industrial style. Or as he calls it, “hobo chic.”
This is how he made it:
He started out with a found wine crate that was about 5” deep and attached it to the wall with screws into drywall anchors at the four corners. In order to create the shelving inside he took a mini crate (another find off the street) and screwed it directly into the first crate.
The crates replaced the existing dark, bulky wall-mounted cabinet, opening up the space and blending well with his aesthetic.
Images: Kim Lucian
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I've always liked the idea of reusing wine crates and even drawers for storage purpose. I just now need lessons on how to install them on the wall....
I get these for free all the time from my local Costco liquore store. I get these to store stuff like toys.
they shouldn't really charge you for these.
My husband and I have been getting them free from our local liquor store. You just have to ask the right person. Some employees will give them to you and some won't...just keep asking different people.
So random. I picked up a few from the liquor store warehouse awhile ago, and used them for this same purpose! Great minds think alike! :)
I have one that I use as a spice rack in the kitchen... with the addition of two shelves (resting on cut quarter-round pieces that were glued and nailed to the sides) it's perfect for that.
my local total wine & more charges $5 each I think.
Aaaaand...the '80s are back!
What a smart DIY project.
My bookcase is a series of wine crates, I got them for $5 a piece at Total Wine & More.
Two deep wine crates, side by side, fit perfectly in the sunken cargo space at the back of a Mini Cooper.
I love the idea! I'm concerned about moisture though. Should it be sealed with a water/mold resistant coating?!
I found a number of shallow drawers in front of a home - used to be part of a built-in butler's pantry that was being torn out. They worked great for similar storage. I think a traditional depth drawer would work well, too.
Can you tell me the size of crate?
A drawer would do [as stated] but making a simple from from old pine boards would do in a pinch.. couple of cleats good to go
I have a bunch of these that I'm using for a party. I emailed a local fine dining restaurant known for their wine selection. The manager emailed me back within minutes and said "sure come on by and take as many as you like. for free!"
I have been wanting to do the same thing, but my walls a cement! Any suggestions on anchoring into cement?
I really like how the little wine crate is in the middle of the big wine crate holding the glass bottles. This was a pretty well planned out project, because there is just enough room for the two towels up above!