Every crate tells a story, once stacked in corner stores, filled with glass bottles clinking with promise. Now, they’ve been reborn as drawers, sliding in and out of a modern frame with ease.

The dresser hums with nostalgia, the logos whispering of summers past and roadside diners where soda cost a nickel.

Rolling it across the floor feels like wheeling a piece of history into the present.

This isn’t just storage; it’s memory preserved in wood, ready to hold the treasures of today.

Materials Needed

• 8-12 vintage soda crates (wooden, approx. 18″ × 12″ × 6″ each)
• Metal or wooden frame (custom built to fit crate dimensions)
• Casters (4 heavy-duty wheels with locks)
• Wood screws and brackets
• Drill and driver bit
• Sandpaper
• Optional: clear wood sealant

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Gather your soda crates. You should clean them gently, sanding rough edges without removing the original printed logos.

Step 2: Build or source a frame that matches the width and height of your crates. A steel frame adds industrial flair, while wood keeps it rustic.

Step 3: Attach casters to the bottom of the frame to make your dresser mobile. Then choose locking wheels so it stays put when needed.

Step 4: Slide the crates into the frame, adjusting spacing so they move easily but sit snugly in place.

Step 5: Seal the crates with a light coat of clear finish if you want to preserve the colors without losing their vintage feel.

Step 6: Load your dresser with whatever needs organizing like records, art supplies, pantry goods, or even tools. Step back and admire the blend of nostalgia and utility.

Tips:

I love pairing this dresser with other reclaimed furniture, like an old butcher-block table or metal shelving.

It feels like creating a conversation between the past and the present, and it always draws compliments from visitors.