The most satisfying DIY projects are those that serve not just a practical purpose, but an aesthetic one as well. Here’s a DIY storage ottoman– or storage coffee table– that’s totally practical, and it’s visually appealing.  It’s made from a couple wooden crates, some plywood and casters. You can tuck away remotes, magazines, kids toys inside. Wheel it out of the way when you need space for a family game of charades.

Just follow the step-by-step tutorial to make your own DIY storage ottoman.

Materials for the DIY Storage Ottoman:

• 2 18″ x 12 ½” x 9 ½” wood crates
• ½” x 2′ x 4′ Sandeply Hardwood Plywood project panel
  • Get it cut to size in the lumber department. Two 25″ x 18″ pieces will be the base and the top, respectively.
  • Also note that online, we sell this in a package of four boards. You only need one to complete this project. You can purchase a single board at your local Home Depot store.
• 4 2″ casters – locking or non-locking
• 1/2 Pint Varathane Wood Stain
• Paint brush & rags
• Hinges
• Drill & Bits
• 2 pack 1-1/2″ Satin Brass Non-Removable Pin Narrow Utility Hinges (Note: Use shorter 1/2″ screws to attach.)
• 4 pack #6-1/2 Screws Brass Finish
• 12 pack of #8-3/4″ screws

Total cost: About $100 (not including the drill)

Step 1

The first step is to attach both wood crates to the base layer of plywood. Line them up next to each other, and secure the #8-3/4″ screws in the corners.

Step 2

Next, attach the casters with #8-3/4″ screws.

Be sure to align the caster where the screws will go into a plank on the base of the wood crate. If you miss it, the screw might show through. Plus, it’s an extra layer of strength to screw through the plywood and into the wood crate.

Step 3

Next, the trickiest part of the project, I measured and marked where to attach the hinged top. To make the hinges align with the handles in the wood crate, simply measure to find the middle of each crate, above the handle.

Step 4

After I marked the screw locations and hinge locations on the wood, I stained my piece.

Tip: You can complete the staining step anywhere in the process. It worked out well timing-wise for me to let the piece dry overnight, so I stained in the middle of production.

Step 5

When you’re ready to attach the top, secure the hinges on the door first. Use shorter #6-1/2″ screws.

Here’s where it really helps to have two people– one to hold the top piece, and one to help align the hinges and hold them in place.

The first screw is the hardest to get into place, but once you get the first one the others will fit into place easily.

Finally, fill your crates with books, blankets, or other items, and close the top!

Your friends will be so impressed that your ottoman does double duty as a secret storage spot the stuff that can clutter a living room.