When storage space is at a premium, get clever with where you stash your stuff. At just 14 inches high, these crates can serve as storage benches in an entry to hold purses, shoes, or hats. Or they can hide toys in a bedroom or playroom.

• Slatboard crate (available at crafts stores or unfinished furniture stores)
• Sandpaper
• Paintbrushes
• Primer
• Semigloss latex paint
• Decorative drawer pull
• Screwdriver
• Plywood cut to fit crate’s inside edge
• Electric drill and bit
• Scissors
• Batting
• Staple gun
• Fabric
• Interfacing
• Sewing machine and thread
• Crafts glue
• Four casters

How to enhance the storage crate:
1. Lightly sand the surfaces of the crate. Prime the crate and, when dry, apply two coats of paint.

2. Attach pulls to the front of the crate. If yours comes with unattractive pulls, replace them with sleek chrome ones.

3. To turn the crate into a rolling bench, cut a plywood top to size so it rests on the inside edges of the crate to create a secure seat. Leave enough room for a layer of batting and fabric to wrap all edges. Use a drill to cut a 1-inch-diameter finger hole 2 inches from the plywood’s front edge so you can lift off the top.

4. Cover the plywood top with a layer of batting, wrapping it around the edges; staple in place. Trim the batting that covers the finger hole. Place the fabric on the top and glue the clipped fabric from the hole to the back of the plywood; let dry. Gently pull the fabric to the back of the plywood piece to cover the batting; staple in place.

5. Add small casters to the bottom corners of the crate.

Tip: Find inexpensive crates online at michaels.com, lebedow.com, and woodboxsupply.com.

See more storage chests you can personalize.