8. Drawer-Style Wooden Crate Rack
Repurposed wooden crates make wonderful magazine racks because they already have the right shape, the right slatted sides for airflow, and plenty of vintage character. If you can find old produce crates or soda crates at flea markets, even better.
For a new build, construct a simple crate using ½-inch plywood for the bottom and 1×4 boards for the sides, with a 1×4 face frame around the top opening for a finished look. The back can be solid plywood or left open depending on whether you plan to push it against a wall or use it as a room divider. Sand everything smooth, then stain in a warm honey tone or paint in a soft matte color.
Materials: plywood, pine boards, wood screws, brad nails, wood stain or chalk paint. Time: 3 to 5 hours. Difficulty: beginner. Adding small caster wheels to the bottom transforms the crate into a movable magazine caddy that rolls easily under a console table when not in use.
Style this rack as the centerpiece of a reading nook. Stack two or three wooden crates at different heights, fill the top one with magazines, and use the lower ones to store extra books or rolled throws.