Bottle crate side table

Upcycle and decorate your own furniture

This is the perfect project for those who enjoy making their own furniture (or want to give it a try!) and are looking for an unusual upcycling idea: build a really cool side table out of two empty drinks crates. It’s an easy idea that uses edding permanent spray. The combination of pastel rose and light grey creates an elegant look which goes well with almost any interior colour scheme. With the handy tips shown in our Spray Basics section on how to achieve the perfect spraying technique, even beginners will soon be getting impressive results with edding acrylic spray paint. edding spray paints have outstanding properties: they cover exceptionally well and are quick-drying and durable. And if you’re inspired to make more than just a side table, it’s no hassle at all to build an entire display shelf system out of crates. With the broad range of paint colours offered by edding, you’ll be able to achieve the perfect styling for your room!

Categories: Home decor
Living room
Products: Permanent spray
Materials: Plastic and foil
Difficulty: A bit more challenging
Downloads: Images (ZIP)

Step-by-step

Step 1

Gather all of the materials you need before you start. For our crates, we used permanent spray in light grey (colour code 925) and pastel rose (914) and universal primer.

Step 2

To prepare, wash the crates thoroughly and cover your working area extensively with protective film.

Step 3

First of all, give the crate a coat of universal primer. This provides excellent adhesion and gives the subsequent topcoat a beautiful sheen. Before spraying the primer, shake the spray can for 3 minutes, then remove the sprayhead and prise off the safety ring with the aid of a screwdriver. We recommend that you spray continuously at a distance of approx. 25 cm, using horizontal and vertical strokes, so the paint covers more evenly. Check out our Spray Basics section where you’ll find handy tips on how to achieve the perfect spraying technique. Leave the primer to dry for 2-4 hours.

Step 4

When the primer is completely dry, it’s time to give the crate some colour. Shake the spray can for 3 minutes, remove the sprayhead and use the screwdriver to help you prise off the safety ring.

Step 5

In the photo below, you can see the crate being sprayed in pastel rose. Repeat the same steps for the second crate – prime the surface and, when it’s fully dry, spray on your chosen colour.

Step 6

After approx. 30 minutes, check whether the paint has dried. Once it’s totally dry, you can start to assemble your table. Place one crate on top of the other with the open side facing towards you, and glue them together using the hot glue gun. Place the wooden panel on top to create the tabletop. If you want, you can attach legs to the bottom of your new crate side table, either with screws or with glue.