Omar Khalid
Plastic crates are often overlooked as a decorative item, but with a little creativity, they can be transformed into something beautiful and functional. Whether you're looking to add a unique touch to your home or simply need a creative storage solution, decorating a plastic crate offers endless possibilities. In this guide, we will explore different ways to style and repurpose a plastic crate, taking it from plain to fabulous. From simple paint jobs to creative upcycling ideas, get ready to unlock the design potential of this versatile item.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Wood, plastic |
| Decoration Techniques | Mod Podge, paint, sand, stencils, wood letters, fabric, photos, curtains, lamps |
| Purpose | Storage, furniture, home decoration |
| Styles | Rustic, chic, modern |
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What You'll Learn
Use Mod Podge stencils and sand to decorate a plastic crate
Mod Podge is a popular decoupage medium with a glossy finish. It can be used to decorate plastic crates and give them a new look. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use Mod Podge stencils and sand to decorate a plastic crate:
Prepare the Crate:
Start by washing the plastic crate with dish soap and warm water. This will remove any dirt or residue, ensuring the surface is clean and ready for decoration. Once the crate is dry, gently sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper (220 to 300-grit) to create a slightly rough texture. This step helps the paint adhere better to the plastic surface.
Painting the Crate:
Cover any areas you don't want to paint with painter's tape. Apply a coat of primer to the crate, which will help the paint stick better and create a more even finish. Once the primer is dry, you can paint the crate with spray paint, acrylic paint, or enamel paint. Choose a color that complements your design or the intended use of the crate.
Using Mod Podge Stencils and Sand:
After the paint has dried, it's time to add the Mod Podge stencils. Place the peel-n-stick stencil in the desired position, starting from the middle of the crate or a focal point. Smooth it down flat to ensure there are no air bubbles or gaps.
Use a spouncer or a paintbrush to apply a medium layer of Mod Podge over the stencil. Work quickly, as Mod Podge dries relatively fast. Completely cover the area you want to design or pattern. Once you're happy with the coverage, carefully peel up the stencil.
Adding Sand for Texture:
Immediately after removing the stencil, pour sand over the Mod Podge-covered area. Use a piece of paper or a tray underneath to catch the excess sand. This adds a unique textured element to your design. Allow the Mod Podge and sand to dry completely before repeating the stencilling and sanding process on other areas of the crate, creating a pattern or design that you like.
Final Touches:
Once you've finished stencilling and sanding the entire crate, let it dry completely. Then, use a paintbrush to gently sweep away any excess sand that didn't stick to the Mod Podge. If needed, touch up any areas by using a small paintbrush to apply Mod Podge and sprinkling sand just in those spots. Allow these touch-ups to dry, and then brush away any remaining excess sand.
Your plastic crate is now beautifully decorated with Mod Podge stencils and sand! You can use this technique to create various designs and patterns, making your crate functional and aesthetically pleasing.
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Add flowers or greenery to your plastic crate
Adding flowers or greenery to a plastic crate is a great way to elevate your space with a rustic charm. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Painting the Crate
Before adding flowers or greenery, you can paint your plastic crate to give it a unique look. Start by coating the crate with a base colour of your choice. While the paint is still wet, lightly brush over it with a secondary colour to give the crate an older, rustic look. Once the paint has dried, you can add a layer of antique wax to give it an aged finish.
Using Floral Foam
To create a flower arrangement in your crate, start by placing a block of floral foam at the bottom of the crate. You can secure it with hot glue if needed. For a spring-themed arrangement, add daffodil stems in the centre of the foam, surrounding them with smaller wildflower stems. Cut individual stems from the main branch to create a natural look. Add yellow ranunculus and white billy balls around the crate for a pop of colour. Finish off by adding faux pussy willow stems and grapevines from a garland, bending them into a rainbow shape and pushing the ends into the floral foam.
Creating a Festive Display
For a festive holiday display, fill your plastic crate with birch logs, lush greenery, and sparkling lights. Tuck the string lights in and around the logs and greenery, and hide the battery packs in the bottom of the crate, covering them with burlap or extra greenery. This display will bring a cosy, festive touch to your home during the holiday season.
Displaying Flowers and Greenery
If you prefer a simpler approach, you can place a selection of your favourite flowers or greenery in vases or mason jars and then put them inside the plastic crate. This creates an instant rustic centerpiece or table decoration. You can also use the plastic crate as a flower box in your garden, showcasing your flowers and herbs. Consider stacking multiple crates to create multi-level displays and give your garden a unique touch.
Adding Height and Versatility
The divided sections in plastic crates with compartments can add a fun display potential. Place vases of flowers horizontally within the compartments or use the crates as shelves by standing them up vertically. Plastic crates can also be used to display bottles, small vases, candle sticks, or hurricane lights, adding height to your decor.
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Use an old wooden crate as a bookshelf
Wooden crates are a fun and easy way to decorate your home, adding beauty and functionality to your space. Old wooden crates can be found in thrift stores, yard or estate sales, flea markets, and antique shops. They can also be purchased from stores like H&M Home, Anthropologie, and Zara Home, or even built from scratch.
Before using an old wooden crate, check for tell-tale little holes that could indicate woodworms. Raw wood can be doused in anti-woodworm liquid, but with varnished or painted wood, this doesn't always work.
To use an old wooden crate as a bookshelf, you can follow these simple steps:
- Source your wooden crates: You can purchase wooden crates from craft stores, home goods stores, or even online. Alternatively, you can build your own crate or repurpose an old crate you already have.
- Prepare the crates: If desired, sand any rough edges or surfaces using sandpaper or an electric sander. You can also choose to stain or paint the crates to achieve your desired colour and finish. Remember to set up your workspace outdoors when staining to avoid the strong odour.
- Assemble the bookshelf: Arrange the crates in your desired configuration. Stack them horizontally, vertically, or in an alternating pattern. You can play around with the arrangement until you find the best-fitting order.
- Secure the crates: Use wood glue and screws to attach the crates together. Drill pilot holes in the corners of the crates before screwing them together to avoid splitting the wood. Use the appropriate length screws for the way you arrange the crates due to the different wood thicknesses.
- Finish the bookshelf: Apply a thin, even coat of finishing wax to the bookshelf with a cloth. Allow the wax to dry thoroughly for 10-15 minutes, and then polish it with a clean cloth.
Your old wooden crate bookshelf is now ready to use! You can add books and other decorative items to create a functional and stylish piece for your home.
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Use your plastic crate as a planter
Plastic crates can be used as planters, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the type of crate and its intended use will determine whether you need to add a liner. Crates with large gaps between the boards will need a liner to prevent soil and water from running out. Solid boxes don't need a liner to prevent soil loss, but they can benefit from a plastic liner to act as a moisture block and prevent rotting.
When lining a crate, use heavy-duty plastic and cut it to size. Punch holes in the bottom for drainage and secure the plastic with staples or nails. You can also use a combination of heavy-duty plastic and burlap to line the crate for a more decorative touch. Avoid using chemical wood sealants or painted vintage boxes when planting edibles, as the paint may contain lead.
If you're placing a crate with less than 12 inches of soil in full sun, keep a close eye on it to ensure the soil doesn't dry out. Crates with damp soil that are consistently exposed to water are at risk of rotting, so it's important to elevate them from the ground and not let the soil get too soggy. Even with these precautions, a crate planter will likely only last a few seasons.
When selecting a crate, choose one that is at least 12 inches deep for growing herbs and annual flowers, and 18 inches deep for veggies and perennials. Look for sturdy crates that are in good condition, and avoid those that are painted or chemically treated if you plan on growing edibles.
Once your crate is lined and secured, fill it with fresh potting soil and any amendments like compost. Check the drainage by pouring water into the crate, and adjust as needed. Gently place your plants in the soil and fill in the gaps with more soil. If starting from seeds, moisten the soil and plant them at the recommended depth and spacing. Water the seeds or plants and position the crate in the right light exposure.
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Use your plastic crate as a toy box
Plastic crates can be used as a simple and stylish solution for toy storage. They can be easily customised to match any decor and are a great way to keep toys organised. Here are some tips to turn a plastic crate into a decorative toy box:
Firstly, decide on the size of the crate you will need. Consider the amount of toy storage space required and whether the crate will need to fit in a specific area, such as under a play table.
Next, source an unfinished wooden crate. You can find these at craft stores or online. Remember to choose a crate that is slightly larger than the desired size of your finished toy box, as you will be adding castors and handles, which will increase the overall dimensions.
Once you have your crate, decide on a design. You can paint or stain the crate to match your desired aesthetic, or leave it natural. If you want to add a fun design element, consider stencilling shapes or patterns onto the crate, either before or after assembly.
After decorating your crate, it's time to assemble the toy box. You will need small screws, castors, corner straps, and handles. Follow a tutorial for step-by-step instructions on how to assemble the crate, ensuring that all pieces are securely attached.
Finally, once your toy box is assembled and dry, fill it with toys! Your plastic crate has now been transformed into a decorative and functional toy box.
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