DIY crate bookcase




I've been hunting for a new bookcase but finding one that fit my alcoves (and my taste) was proving a challenge. I was pretty resigned to keeping my old one when I stumbled across a solution..

much to my delight (and james dismay) I realised I could download the new ikea catalogue onto my iPhone so I spent my night browsing their new items (and creating a whopping wish list in the process.) then I discovered their crates, hallelujah I was sold, I figured stacking them up would be a far more fun way to display my books!




so like the annoying girlfriend I am I dragged james down to pick some up a few days later..

this isn't really much of a DIY, more an ikea hack if I'm being generous. all you have to do to build the crates (which are super sturdy) and stack them to your pleasing. you could also stain them but I'm all for bare wood these days so I left mine naked.




I have a few crates left over so I may add another layer but I'm kind of enjoying the lower style right now. my old bookcase was really tall so this one makes the room feel brighter..

you can grab the crates from ikea (they come in 2 sizes) or if you're lucky you might be able to source some from your greengrocers but I'm not sure they would be as strong as these babies.

what do you think? 

back soon!

caroline x





31 comments

  1. It looks absolutely great and it's a brilliant idea!
    I love the look of your house by the way!

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    1. thanks so much sandra- hope you're well :) xx

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  2. This is such a unique solution, I love it! Looks lovely any minimal, and fits perfectly into that snug little alcove :)

    Helen xx
    Hels Yeah | Fashion & Lifestyle

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    1. so happy when I measured them and they fitted haha! thanks helen- really glad you like them too :) xx

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  3. I really love these, although I would need a lot more crates haha!

    Maria xxx

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    1. I know- I need another 5 to house the rest of my books eeek! best make some space somewhere in the meantime :) xx

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  4. You always have the cutest little ideas! X
    graciousghost.blogspot.com

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    1. thanks you! I've seen people use boxes- so I figured crates would work too :) xx

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  5. This is gorgeous. Could you come around my house and just do a bit of DIY for me? Haha. I love it! x

    www.pintsizedbeauty.com

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    1. haha- if you provide tea and cake I'll be there ;) xx

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  6. I love DIYs! Thanks for sharing!
    xoxo Lynda
    http://fashion-petite.com/

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  7. This is a great idea! I love this look; thanks for sharing!

    ♡ Victoria // http://astaeroid.blogspot.com/

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  8. What a brilliant idea, looks amazing love the stacked look! Hallelujah Ikea!

    www.ohjanuary.blogspot.co.uk

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  9. I love this, it looks gorgeous! I've been on the lookout for a book case for our bedroom, I'll be showing my boyfriend this idea!

    Lillies and Lipbalm
    xx

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  10. These look fab, I am considering doing something similar to act as a bedside table! Thanks for sharing!

    & Projects

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    1. great minds think alike haha- we had one left over that we're using as a bedside table! they're the perfect height- although it looks a little odd with just one so we may have to grab another for the other side of the bed :) xx

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  11. These are so so cute! Great way to organise books that is a bit different to your usual bookcase x

    http://poundingyounghearts.blogspot.com.au/

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    1. thanks hannah- I thought so- it'sa bit more fun :) xx

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  12. Fantastic bookcase alternative!

    Vivian | LIVE . IN . LOVE

    ~

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  13. That is such a good idea, I might have to try this as I have so many books but I am running out of space for them in my cupboards so probably should invest in a space just for them!!

    Jodie | a-textile-perspective.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. I know I hate the idea of giving books away- we desperately need another alcove for theremaining books so I may have to reorganise another room to make space :) xx

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  14. Such a clever idea!

    littlepaperswans.com

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  15. What a cute idea, those look really nice, especially considering they're just plain crates. I like the lower style too, I think it gives the ceiling looking high and with the "organized chaos" way the books are stacked, it might get a little crazy with more crates. That's just my two cents though :)

    Sophie | http://www.fairlyinterested.com

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    1. yes that's what I thought- the books are quite colourful too so the white space above kind of balances it all out?! I was even thing of turning the spines around so you only see the paper pages to make it look even more minimal.. :) xx

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  16. LOVE these crates <3
    Jas } jaspooleblog.com } photographing life through stories and biscuits.

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