21 Ikea Knagglig Crate Hacks that Show It’s Amazing Versatility

The Ikea Knagglig crate has got to be one of the most basic products from Ikea, yet there is so much you can do with it if you apply the right Ikea hack.

These Ikea Knagglig crate hacks demonstrate just what you can achieve with a little imagination. They range from kid’s furniture to plant stands and ottomans!


Fun Storage Play Zones With Crates

natural pine wood crates in a children's playroom from @3doong_home showcasing ikea knagglig crate hacks & ideas with colorful toy storage and hanging hooks
Source: @3doong_home

These Ikea Knagglig crates transform an ordinary playroom corner into a wonderfully organized space. The natural pine tones give a warm, classic vibe that pairs perfectly with the whimsical wallpaper and bright toy colors.

The crates stack neatly, creating bins with lids and open shelves that hold toys and containers for easy access. Hooks on the front cleverly hang play shovels and other gear, keeping everything visible and within reach for little hands.

This setup inspires creativity and tidiness, ideal for anyone wanting colorful, functional storage that grows with their child’s playtime needs.


Cozy Storage With Rolling Crates

natural pine wood rolling storage crates from @a.glimpse.of.steffi. compact movable stack with children's items and books ikea knagglig crate hacks & ideas
Source: @a.glimpse.of.steffi

This clever setup stacks Ikea Knagglig crates vertically, turning them into a compact, movable storage tower perfect for tight spaces. The natural pine wood adds a warm, rustic charm that brightens up the room effortlessly.

Small caster wheels on the bottom crate give it smooth mobility, making it easy to move next to the bed or around the room. Books, toys, and boxes nest neatly on the shelves, giving everything a dedicated spot that’s as functional as it is charming.

This stackable crate idea sparks lots of playful and practical possibilities for organizing personal spaces.


Sturdy Rustic Charm With Simple Crates

natural pine wood crate stack with white brackets from @pepoaliaga. Rustic storage beside sofa ikea knagglig crate hacks & ideas
Source: @pepoaliaga

This bright and breezy crate stack adds a fresh twist to rustic storage using natural pine wood’s warm grain. The raw edges and subtle knots offer a down-to-earth vibe that’s both practical and cozy beside the sofa.

White plastic corner brackets lend unexpected contrast, reinforcing the structure while giving it an industrial touch. You could switch up the brackets for metal or paint the wood for a splash of color, adapting the look to your space.

It’s a smart way to boost functional storage with a minimalistic, handmade feel.


Polish Your Space With Rustic Knockouts

natural pine ikea knagglig crate hacks & ideas shelving unit from @thatscandinavianfeeling. Rustic display with books and minimal decor
Source: @thatscandinavianfeeling

This setup proves that simplicity doesn’t mean boring. The natural pine crates give a warm, rustic vibe that’s endlessly charming and super versatile.

Stacked with precision, these crates transform into a neat shelving system perfect for displaying books and quirky decor. The raw wood finish invites personalization, think paints, stains, or even decoupage for a playful twist.

Adding vintage trays or framed art atop these crates upgrades the look without much effort.


Fun Crate Shelving Boosts Cozy Kitchen Charm

light natural wood crate shelving from @designedtotravel.ro. ikea knagglig crate hacks & ideas with kitchen storage and charm
Source: @designedtotravel.ro

Natural pine crates cluster in a playful, asymmetrical pattern that adds instant warmth and interest to this kitchen nook. Each crate opens up as a tiny shelf perfect for showcasing pasta jars, oils, and cute kitchen wares.

It’s a fresh way to upgrade simple storage with texture and personality, while keeping essentials handy without clutter. The crates’ light wood and visible grains create a Scandinavian vibe that feels light, airy, and homey all at once.

The open design invites you to mix and match container styles and even throw in small plants or fun decor.


Fun Ways To Showcase Logs With Knagglig

natural wood and muted green wood crates stacked with firewood from @abackens_lantliv. Rustic fireplace corner with greenery and storage crates ikea knagglig crate hacks & ideas
Source: @abackens_lantliv

Stacked Ikea Knagglig crates painted a soft sage green bring warmth and order to this cozy fireplace corner. Their clean slat design lets the natural textures of the chopped firewood shine through beautifully.

Grouping two crates vertically creates an effortlessly chic firewood holder that blends practicality with style. Nearby, lush potted plants add a lively pop of green that contrasts with the earthy tones of the logs and crates.

This setup proves simple wooden crates can become charming storage and decorating essentials in any rustic or vintage-inspired home.


Arrange Lightweight Storage With Sleek Hairpin Legs

natural pine ikea knagglig crate with white hairpin legs console from @wohngoldstueck minimalist storage with decor and plants
Source: @wohngoldstueck

This clever piece shows how Ikea Knagglig crates become airy storage units when paired with slender white hairpin legs. The natural pine crates keep their rustic charm while gaining a modern twist.

The open design works perfectly for displaying simple decor like woven baskets and delicate ceramics without feeling cluttered. Hanging a bag on the side adds casual practicality, making it feel lived-in yet curated.

This combo nails minimalist style with a natural, Scandinavian vibe anyone can copy.


Fun Mix Of Crates For Plant Display

whitewashed wooden crate planter stack from @karins_leben. ikea knagglig crate hacks & ideas with potted plants and decorative lights
Source: @karins_leben

This stacked crate structure stylishly organizes greenery with a fresh, whitewashed finish giving it a airy vibe. Different crate sizes create a playful asymmetry that draws the eye in a pleasant zigzag pattern.

The addition of tiny star lights adds a whimsical touch, perfect for soft evening moods on a balcony or porch. Pots and containers in soft pastels and metallics enhance the natural charm while keeping things modern.

The crates rest on wheels, making moving this leafy corner effortless and practical.


Boost Rustic Charm With Dark Wood Finish

dark stained wood crate from @mitt_kreativa_jag with ikea knagglig crate hacks & ideas rustic storage box on white surface
Source: @mitt_kreativa_jag

This Ikea Knagglig crate gets a fresh twist with a deep, rich stain that really brings out the wood grain. Its sturdy form and natural knots add a cozy touch to any space.

The simple handles remain perfectly practical while the dark wood transforms the crate into a chic storage solution. Pair it with light-colored décor or vintage pieces for a standout contrast.

It’s a quick way to add that handmade, warm vibe without much effort at all.


Ikea Knagglig Book Box Crate Hack

Source: Hester’s Handmade Home

This is a really cute book box hack from Hester’s Handmade Home. All it entails is removing one of the side pieces on the KNAGGLIG and adding some stumpy legs to the bottom.

They’ve given it a bit of matching pink paint here and there, but it’s still really simple to do.

You could add a bit more paint, some stain or even washi tape if you wanted to jazz it up even more.

Customised Flower Box Hack

Source: The How To Home

We love the simplicity of this flower box hack from The How To Home. There are some castors added to the bottom, but the real work is done with the stencils.

They have created stencils to paint on lettering and images, much like vintage storage crates. A bit of varnish or stain has finished the job perfectly.

Toy Horse Stable

Source: Frugal Fun 4 Boys

This is such a great idea from Frugal Fun 4 Boys. They have used the KNAGGLIG crate to make a toy horse stable.

All you need is some paint, a few scraps of wood and some lollipop sticks for the fencing.

Kid’s do not care where the stable comes from, as long as it does the job! This would work equally well for a toy shop, police station, farm, whatever your imagination can come up with!

Stunning Mid-Century Nightstand

Source: Made Up Style

We’re going a bit classier with this mid-century nightstand from Made Up Style.

You can get the hairpin legs quite easily on Etsy or Amazon and simply glue them to the bottom of the crate. They have also painted the crate a grey-blue which works really well with the copper legs.

Denim Topped Ottoman Crate Hack

Source: Ikeahackers

Another vintage style crate, this one from Ikeahackers. They have gone a bit further with this hack though by adding a lid with a padded denim top to create an ottoman.

This is a great way to re-use old jeans and you can add your family name to the side of the box to create a bit of personalisation.

Painted Wall Shelves

Source: Imgur

We love the multiple sizes and layers in this wall shelving hack we found on Imgur. Combined with the dark grey paint and the accessories placed within, this is a really stylish set up.

It works really well against the brickwork and the faux candle looks great lit up inside one of the crates.

Panter Stand Crate Hack

Source: Wohnklamotte

This is a fantastic way to create a raised planter. This hack from Wohnklamotte uses two KNAGGLIG crates fixed together and some dowels for legs.

Add some stain or paint the wood to give it a bit more impact.

Knagglig Toy Barbecue Hack

Source: Limmaland

There seem to be many ways to make kid’s toys or furniture with the KNAGGLIG crate and this toy barbecue hack from Limmaland is no exception.

They have simply stacked the crates on top of each other and then used TROFAST boxes with the custom Limmaland barbecue decals.

Toy Shop Knagglig Hack

Source: sara_mispelter on Instagram

This hack from sara_mispelter on Instagram takes the play furniture to a whole new level!

We love this play shop made up from IVAR shelving, KNAGGLIG boxes and various other items.

This will get a lot of love!

Industrial Side Table

Source: Wohnklamotte

Going back to something a bit more stylish, this side table hack from Wohnklamotte uses longer hairpin legs to create an industrial look with the crates.

It looks great and has really useful storage too!

Toy Box Crate Hack

Source: sushibarista on Instagram

These toy boxes are so cute! This KNAGGLIG hack from sushibarista on Instagram is a really imaginative way to use the crate.

They have made some end panels for the faces and painted the whole thing in a variety of characters.

The added wheels and pull rope complete the look.

Wall Shelving Hack

Source: Oh Wunderbar

This is such a great way to create stylish wall storage that is both rustic and useful.

This KNAGGLIG crate hack from Oh Wunderbar simply involves fixing the crates to the wall in an arrangement that suits you.

You could finish the wood with a stain or paint if you wanted a bit different.


The KNAGGLIG is such a simple product, which is perhaps why it can be turned into so many great things so easily!

These Ikea Knagglig hacks really demonstrate the variety of projects you can carry out with this simple crate.