DIY Adorable Playroom Chairs That Double As Storage

If there's one thing practically all parents need, it's more storage space in their kids' room. Between all the clothes, toys, books, art projects, old homework assignments, and everything else, it's no wonder so many kids' rooms are messy. But perhaps that's why it's good to take a page from your local kindergarten and elementary school teachers who really know how to make playrooms functional on a dime. For instance, teacher Lacey Neskes, aka @kindergartenkitties, found a way to repurpose some old milk crates and turn them into clever seating that doubles as storage. You'll cut plywood to fit on top of the crates, attach foam and fabric, and store whatever you desire inside.

Neskes mentions in her video that her plastic milk crates came from Target, where they retail for $5 each. You can also find similar crates for about $16 for a two-pack at Walmart and $12 at Home Depot. If you already have a milk crate, consider using that instead of purchasing one new. In addition, this project requires plywood that is cut down to fit the top of the milk crate while also being thick enough so no one falls through when they try to sit on it. Even if you don't have the space for woodworking, you can still do this project, since you can have wood cut for free at some home improvement stores like Lowe's. You'll also need thick foam, fabric of your choice, and a staple gun.

You'll first need to measure and cut wood to an appropriate size so it sits evenly on the crate. It should rest on the inside lip of the seat, otherwise it could easily become detached while sitting. You may want to bring the crate to the home improvement store when having the wood cut to size. For the seat, you can use a cut-up mattress pad or craft foam that's any thickness you want, but a thicker foam will make a more comfortable seat. When attaching, pull your fabric very taught to avoid wrinkles. You can also steam or iron the fabric before stapling it to the seat. One additional thing you can do to make the seat easier to lift is attach a loop of ribbon on one side so that it sticks out of the edge for easy gripping without pulling on the seat.

Once you assemble your seat, you're free to use it to store anything you'd like, from books to craft supplies. You can even create a set of matching seats and place them next to one another for a DIY storage bench in your playroom. Lacey Neskes uses it for her classroom reading nook, but you can use it anywhere you'd like a little more easy storage. Try placing them around a table or under a windowsill. Beyond your kids' room, you can opt for some weatherproof fabric for more outdoor seating. Or, if your milk crates are collapsible, you can take them camping or to the park with you, too.