What's a girl to do? Make my own, of course. I used the same fabric and milk crates from this post and they look suspiciously similar. I originally took pictures to put a tutorial together, but with all my picture re-organization this last month, these are the only two that survived.
I started with this:
I wrapped the crate with thin batting, it is just hot glued onto the basket. After the batting was on the crate, I set it in the middle of the upholstery fabric and wrapped the basket like a present. I didn't worry too much about the edges on the inside, because I planned to line the basket. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of starting to use them right away because I had run out of fabric; and now I have never gotten around to lining them.
After the outside was covered and the corners were folded in nicely (just like making a bed), I cut a piece of 3/4" plywood just a bit larger than the top of the crate for the lid. Using a piece of 1"seat cushion foam, and more fabric I covered the top of the plywood lid just like you would cover a seat cushion for a chair.
I used two hinges screwed directly into the plywood and the top edge of the crate to attach the lid. I was nervous that the screws would work out of the crate since it is just plastic but I couldn't think of another way to attach them.
After the lid was on, I folded the edges under on and lined the lid with another piece of fabric, this edge does show a lot so it was important to make sure it was lined well.
We have enjoyed these boxes, they are used for extra seating, particularly for playing video games, I store magazines and toys in them. And amazingly enough, they have held up to my crazy crew. Now that we have lived with them for a while, the only thing that I will change when I make some for my kids' rooms is to add small wooden feet. I lift and carry them, but of course, my kids scoot them across the floor, and the fabric on the bottom is beginning to wear.
What do you think? I would love to see any ideas you have for storage issues, especially in small spaces.
I am linking to:
What a fabulous idea. How smart you are for providing a cute way for storage.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic idea for those ugly crates!!! One can NEVER have enough storage.
ReplyDeleteWhat a terrific reuse idea! I actually love old milk crates for their strength, and now you've shown how to make them beautiful, too!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea! They turned out cute! :)
ReplyDeleteMartha
Love this idea! I can't wait to get started on 3 for our playroom. :)
ReplyDeleteI love this idea. We are redoing our boys room and I want ottomans to sit on and for storage. It is a small room and with 2 twin captians beds (my husband made) with very deep drawers we have no room for furniture that can not move out of the way. I am going to show this to my husband. Thanks for sharing. CA in KC
ReplyDeleteWow! I love this!! I knew there was a way to DIY, but was not creative enough to come up with a way!! TFS.
ReplyDeleteTotally Awesome - love it !
ReplyDeleteKammy
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