Decorating
How Do You Like Them Apples?
Embrace the craze for vintage decor with a storage solution that has farm-fresh appeal
If you’ve ever been to a secondhand market, chances are you’ve seen a good number of wooden apple crates. They’re frequently used to hold knickknacks for sale, but it’s often the crate itself that’s the real find. Growing in popularity, these vintage containers are starting to pop up everywhere. Read on for some ideas on using them in your decor.
Use your worn and weathered crate as a beside table. It offers ample storage and can be used either vertically or horizontally depending on the height of your bed.
What your bedside table says about you
What your bedside table says about you
You can typically score crates for around $30. On a good day, you’ll come across a bargain for $20, but at a more high-end market, you might have to shell out $45 to $50.
TIP: If you’re looking to buy a trio or more of crates, consider asking for a deal. Sellers often have truckloads of them and are willing to bargain when they can unload more than one.
TIP: If you’re looking to buy a trio or more of crates, consider asking for a deal. Sellers often have truckloads of them and are willing to bargain when they can unload more than one.
Hang your crates on a wall. This is a great way to show off your other secondhand finds. Keep in mind that you can come across reproduction crates mixed in with the real McCoys. Be sure you know which is which when making your selection.
Store some of your favourite dishes in an apple crate by the sink. This simple shelf is especially handy when wall space is lacking.
TIP: Wipe the crates with a damp washcloth. No cleaning solution is needed.
TIP: Wipe the crates with a damp washcloth. No cleaning solution is needed.
Sometimes you’ll find crates with a label or stenciled text, often that of a company logo. No logo is necessarily more collectible than others; just pick something that resonates with you.
Apple crates were once used to haul fruit across the orchard. Now you can trade apples for stuffed animals by using the crates for toy storage in the playroom.
TIP: If you plan to store toys in your crates, make sure there are no nails sticking out to prick a finger.
TIP: If you plan to store toys in your crates, make sure there are no nails sticking out to prick a finger.
Stash miscellaneous craft items in your crate. This is a stylish substitution for boring plastic containers.
Hacks to get your craft corner in order
Hacks to get your craft corner in order
Gather some crates together to create a unique coffee table. Once used on fruit farms of the 1940s, today these crates are ready and waiting to hold your stack of magazines and cup of morning coffee.
TELL US
Are you an avid upcyclist? Tell us all about your repurposed vintage finds in the Comments below.
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TELL US
Are you an avid upcyclist? Tell us all about your repurposed vintage finds in the Comments below.
MORE
15 DIY Storage Solutions to Get Hung Up On
Turn Vintage Pieces Into Practical Storage
Nifty Thrifting: 19 Inventive Repurposing Ideas
TIP: If you’ve bought a bundle of crates, some in worse condition than others, be sure to hide the more rickety ones within the structure. It helps not only visually, but with the overall sturdiness.