How To DIY a Crate Shelf: Transform Your Space With Dollar Store Finds

Are you looking for ideas to spruce up your living space on a budget? Look no further! In this step-by-step guide, I'll show you how to create a stylish DIY crate shelf using affordable materials from the dollar store.


Get ready to add a touch of charm to your home with this simple and creative project.


This post was transcribed by a member of the Hometalk editorial team from the original HometalkTV episode.

Tools and Materials:

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Dollar Store DIY Crate Shelving

1. Assemble the Crates

Start by assembling your crates.

Easy DIY Crate Shelf Project

If you've purchased collapsible ones like mine, put them together to form the desired shape for your shelf.

Fabric covered crate tutorial

2. Cover the Crates with Fabric

Take your chosen fabric and drape it over the inside of the crates.

Add hot glue to crate

Begin by applying a small amount of hot glue to the inner center of the crate.

Stick the fabric to the crate

Press the center of the fabric into the glue to secure it.


Continue wrapping the fabric up the sides and down the outside of the crate, adding glue as needed to keep it secure.

Cut the corners of the fabric

Cut off the excess fabric at each corner.

Wrap the bin like a gift

Secure the corners to the box.

How to make decorative shelves

Hot glue is your best friend here. Use it to stick the fabric flat onto the container.

Update Dollar Store organizer

You want a smooth surface.

Dollar store DIY

Flip the box over and hot glue the fabric to the bottom of the crate.

Crate Shelving Ideas

Make sure all the ends are securely stuck.

Easy guide for creative home decor solutions

3. Cover the Cardboard Backing

Trim a piece of cardboard to be slightly taller and wider than one crate.

Building shelves for displaying decor

Cover it with the same fabric used for the crates.

Wrap cardboard in fabric

Apply hot glue along the edges and press the fabric onto the cardboard.


Make sure to pull the fabric taut for a smooth finish.

Fabric covered cardboard backing

4. Assemble Your DIY Crate Shelf

Lean the fabric-covered cardboard against the wall to support your shelf.

Arrange shelves

Arrange the crates around the edges of the cardboard, ensuring they are stable and evenly spaced.

Stylish and budget-friendly DIY

Once everything is in place, fill your shelves with your favorite knick-knacks!


More Crate Ideas

This tutorial on Ways to Use Milk Crates is full of clever ideas on utilizing these organizers!

Organize your treasures while adding charm to any room

DIY Crate Shelf Tutorial

With just a few simple steps and affordable materials from the Dollar store, you can create these stunning DIY decor shelves to showcase your favorite treasures.

Stylish storage solutions

Give it a try and watch as your space is transformed with this budget-friendly solution.

Decor shelves using crates

Comment below and let me know how your DIY crate shelf turned out! I'd love to hear your thoughts and see photos of your creations.

Recreated Designs
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  1 question
  • Tupp Tupp on Feb 04, 2025

    They look very pretty, and nicely displayed... were these bought in Canada or the US ?

    Thank you for your reply.


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4 of 12 comments
  • Julie Julie on Mar 17, 2024
    I’m currently making a similar one with full sized wooden crates for a combo bedside table and book/magazine shelf.
    • Recreated Designs Recreated Designs on Mar 17, 2024
      That would be great too. You can make one in any size that you can find boxes/crates for. Great idea.
  • Ka Ka on Mar 17, 2024
    Yes, I am going to make one. You can make it like it was designed with any room. That is the most amazing, beautiful idea ever!!!! Thank you for replying! Kathy
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