Turn Old Milk Crates Into A Stylish Side Table With Hidden Storage

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Many people use old milk crates for things like garage storage or moving into a new home. They're so versatile, you might've even flipped one over to create a makeshift piece of furniture! The problem is, milk crates aren't necessarily winning any beauty contests with their industrial appearance. But as a DIYer from HGTV showed, if you wrap two of them with cordage, they can become a really chic side table. Not just an ordinary one, though. Since the milk crate's openings remain accessible, you can store all kinds of items inside. 

The typical milk crate is 13-by-13-by-11 inches. When two are stacked together, they become a great size for a side table. There are other smart ways to use milk crates around the house. But this is one you can proudly show off in your living room (and guests will have no clue what it started out as). You'll need two plastic crates for the project. If you don't have any, consider searching online selling groups, where you might be able to grab some locally. Or, perhaps a neighbor has a couple to spare? The rest of the supplies include enamel formulated for plastic (such as Krylon ColorMaxx Spray Paint), hot glue, soft rope, and a tray large enough to cover a milk crate.

First, bring your milk crates outdoors, spray paint them, and allow them to dry. You're now going to wrap them with rope, one at a time. Squeeze hot glue onto the side of a milk crate, right at its bottom. Attach the rope, then start wrapping the container, while also adding more glue periodically along the way. Keep the layers close together to hide the plastic and achieve a polished look. Once you reach the top, move onto the second crate and give it a makeover as well.

You're now ready to turn the containers into a beautiful DIY table. Stack one on top of the other, making sure they're straight. Set the tray over the milk crates, and it'll become the piece's top surface. But what about the hidden storage? All you have to do is move the tray or separate the crates to reveal it. How heavy the table is will naturally be determined by what you store inside it. Fortunately, milk crates were originally designed to hold bottles, so they're known for being sturdy.

Like other side tables, this is one that would be excellent next to a couch or chair. So why not fill it with cozy throws? Instead of draping them on your furniture, hide folded blankets inside of the crates until you're ready to snuggle up. You could keep DVDs, books, magazines, or your slippers in it, too. Alternatively, use it to conceal electronic items like game controllers, tablets, or unsightly cords. If you adore entertaining, use the table for storing all your board games in a convenient spot.

This can also make a good storage idea for a small bedroom. While using it in place of a traditional night stand, fill the crates with shoes, clothing, or boxes of jewelry. It could even be a giant photo container if you enjoy sifting through memories. If the bathroom connected to your bedroom could use more storage, hide spare toiletries inside. Whatever items you store, just keep in mind that you'll have to dismantle the table each time you want to pluck them out.

The tray portion will be useful for setting down remotes, cell phones, and beverages. Grab something to protect the surface, like Lazebox Set of Coasters, to prevent damage to the wood. A thrift store is a wonderful place to look for a tray if you don't have one already. Keep in mind that you could use a different flat object if something else jumps out at you. For example, a cabinet door, cutting board, or tile could possibly take the tray's place if it's large enough. Bring a tape measure with you while thrifting or shopping to ensure it'll be a good fit.