Wooden Crates with Lids: Are They Worth It?
- Monica
- Jun 6
- 5 min read
Wooden Crates with Lids: Are They Worth It?
If you're looking for storage, you've probably seen plenty of wooden crates with lids online.
They look tidy.
They hide clutter.
They can double as furniture.
But are they actually practical in everyday use?
As someone who sells wooden crates, I'd say the answer is usually yes — but only if you choose the right crate for the job.
Not every storage problem needs a lid. In some situations, an open crate is actually more convenient. Let's look at where lidded crates work well and where they don't.
What Is a Wooden Crate with a Lid?
A wooden crate with a lid is exactly what it sounds like. It's a solid wooden storage crate with a hinged or removable top. The lid allows you to hide whatever is stored inside. This makes them useful in rooms where visible clutter quickly becomes a problem.
Many of our customers use them for:
Children's toys
Shoes
Blankets
Dog accessories
Seasonal decorations
Vinyl records
Craft supplies
Spare bedding
Unlike plastic storage boxes, wooden crates often remain on display as part of the room.
The Biggest Advantage: Hidden Storage
Open shelving looks great when it's tidy. The reality is that most homes aren't always tidy.
That's where lidded storage becomes useful. You can quickly put things away without needing perfectly organised shelves.
This is particularly helpful in:
Family homes
Small terraces
New-build living rooms
Children's bedrooms
Hallways
Many customers tell us they bought a crate because they were tired of seeing toys or shoes piled up in corners.
Wooden Crates with Lids Can Double as Furniture
One thing people often overlook is that a crate with a lid can serve more than one purpose.
Depending on the size, it can be used as:
A bedside table
A coffee table
A toy box
A hallway storage bench
A blanket box
This is especially useful in smaller UK homes where every piece of furniture needs to earn its place.
For example, our larger crates measure approximately:
60cm wide x 40cm deep x 31cm high
That makes them useful for storage while still fitting comfortably in most living rooms and bedrooms.
Where Wooden Crates with Lids Work Best
Living Room Storage
Living rooms often collect the most clutter.
Remote controls.
Blankets.
Board games.
Chargers.
A lidded crate allows everything to be stored in one place.
Unlike a basket, the lid keeps everything hidden.
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Children's Bedrooms
This is probably the most common use. Toys can be placed inside and hidden quickly at the end of the day.
Many parents prefer wooden toy storage because it looks more like furniture than a plastic toy box.
A practical tip:
Don't overfill toy crates.
Children often struggle to find things when everything is piled into one large container.
Two smaller crates usually work better than one huge one.
Hallway Storage
Hallways can become dumping grounds.
Shoes.
Scarves.
Dog leads.
School bags.
A wooden storage crate with a lid can help keep these items organised. This works particularly well in narrow hallways where larger cupboards would feel bulky.
If space is very limited, measure carefully before ordering. A crate that's 40cm deep may feel quite large in a Victorian terrace hallway.
Bedrooms
Many customers use lidded crates at the foot of the bed.
They're ideal for:
Spare bedding
Blankets
Cushions
Seasonal clothing
Unlike under-bed storage, everything remains easy to access.
Are Wooden Crates with Lids Better Than Open Crates?
Not always.
It depends what you're storing.
Open Crates Work Better For:
Books
Shoes used daily
Frequently used items
Display storage
Bathroom organisation
Lidded Crates Work Better For:
Toys
Blankets
Seasonal items
Spare bedding
Clutter you don't want visible
Open crates for everyday items. Lidded crates for hidden storage.
The Honest Downsides
You Need Space to Open the Lid
This sounds obvious, but it's easy to overlook. If the crate is under a shelf or window ledge, make sure the lid can open fully.
Heavy Items Can Make Access Less Convenient
If you're opening the crate multiple times every day, an open crate may be more practical.
For example:
Daily shoes are often easier to grab from an open crate.
Christmas decorations are better stored in a crate with a lid.
Solid Wood Means Weight
A properly built wooden crate will naturally weigh more than a plastic storage box.
This isn't usually a problem, but it's worth remembering if you plan to move it regularly.
What Size Wooden Crate with Lid Should You Choose?
The answer depends on what you're storing.
Small Wooden Crates with Lids
Best for:
Letters
Cables
Small toys
Craft supplies
Standard Wooden Crates with Lids
Best for:
General household storage
Children's toys
Bedding
Shoes
Large Wooden Crates with Lids
Best for:
Blankets
Larger toys
Vinyl collections
Seasonal storage
Are Wooden Crates with Lids Good for Toy Storage?
Yes.
In fact, this is probably their most popular use.
The main reason is simple.
Children's toys rarely look tidy.
A lid allows everything to disappear in seconds.
Many parents also prefer wooden storage because it blends into the room rather than looking like children's furniture.
Are Wooden Crates with Lids Worth It?
If you need hidden storage, absolutely.
They work particularly well if:
You want less visible clutter
You have limited storage space
You need furniture that serves more than one purpose
You prefer storage that can move with you
They're not necessarily better than open crates. They're simply designed for different jobs.
Many of our customers end up using both throughout the home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can wooden crates with lids be used as toy boxes?
Yes. This is one of their most common uses.
Can you sit on a wooden crate with a lid?
Some larger solid wood crates can be used as seating, but always check the product specification first.
Are wooden crates with lids suitable for bedrooms?
Yes. They're often used for bedding, blankets and clothing storage.
Do wooden crates with lids take up more space?
Not really, but you'll need enough room above the crate for the lid to open fully.
Our collection includes:
Whether you're trying to organise a small living room, clear a cluttered hallway or create practical toy storage, a wooden crate with a lid can provide simple storage without adding another bulky piece of furniture.
Looking for Wooden Crates with Lids?
Browse:
Or send us your measurements and we'll help you choose the right crate for your space.
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