Reuse An Old Milk Crate To Create A Unique Hidden Storage Solution

Don't you just love finding new ways to add storage to your home while also reusing or upcycling items that may otherwise go ignored? One clever idea for creating a place to keep everything from linens to toys and electronics is tagging in a piece of furniture, like this DIY ottoman that isn't just cute but functional too. However, if mushroom or cottagecore decor isn't your thing, there's another way to create a multi-purpose stool that can hide your belongings in any room until you need or want them. All you need is an old milk crate, along with some fabric, paint, and thick foam, to build your very own ottoman that also serves as home storage. You can always upgrade this DIY with things like ribbon, rope, or other craft items, but the bare minimum supplies will still get you a stylish piece that elevates your space.

You may not have old milk crates just lying around your home, but if you do, this is a great way to reuse them. If you need to purchase one, you can find them online for under $20, such as this Jezero Multi-Purpose Milk Crate. Most come in black, but the color doesn't matter since the end goal is to have the whole vessel covered — no one will ever know what your ottoman was really made from.

Once your crate is prepped, you want to decide how you plan to cover the exterior. Jute rope wrapped around the crate can give it a rustic or coastal finish that can match a variety of interior designs. A rope is certainly one of the easier options, and you can simply glue one end of the string or twine to a top or bottom corner and wrap it around until all of the plastic is covered. Alternatively, try wrapping it in ribbon or even fabric. The best materials for your ottoman range from leather and vinyl to polyester and even microfiber.

Once your plastic is hidden (as this will keep the items inside hidden, too), then you can work on creating the top. This will serve as your ottoman cushion, and you have several options as to how to create it. One way involves using thick foam, which you can cut to size so it fits over the crate and adds cushioning. You can easily trim this with an electric knife, then lay it on a piece of precut fabric that fits the entire foam piece and glue or staple this into place.

If you want to get a little more crafty or try other options for your ottoman cover, find a plain pillow that will fit over the crate's opening and cut a piece of cardboard the same size as the cushion. Lay a piece of fabric or material on a flat surface (upside down so the print is away from you), adding your cushion on top. Place your cardboard on top of the cushion, creating a harder base that will keep the pillow from falling into the crate if too much weight is placed on it. 

You can also swap out cardboard for a piece of plywood or anything that will add a sturdy layer beneath the cushion. Wrap all your layers in the fabric and secure with a hot glue gun or Gorilla Glue. This option allows you to have a thinner ottoman topper that still provides a softer, comfier finish. If you want to change up your supplies, you can also swap out the milk crate for a wood version and leave this exposed rather than wrapping it, as long as the wood planks are in good condition to sand, paint, or stain.This homemade ottoman will spruce up your living space and add storage to keep your home tidy, too!