Custom Awards & Corporate Plaques – Sustainable Wooden Recognition, Made in Ireland

Custom Wood Designs creates bespoke awards, plaques and medals that feel as meaningful as the achievement. Hand-finished in Dublin using FSC-certified timbers (oak, birch ply, beech) with precision laser engraving From one-off centrepieces to 500+ unit rollouts, we blend craft, brand consistency, and sustainability.

Bespoke wooden awards and plaques, made in Ireland. FSC timber, laser engraving, Pantone/RAL matching. One-off to 500+ units. Fast 3–4 week lead times.


Custom Awards & Plaques

Custom Awards & Plaques

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Creative Ways to Decorate and Utilize Wooden Crates: Versatile and Stylish Ideas for Your Home - Custom Wood Designs

Creative Ways to Decorate and Utilize Wooden Crates: Versatile and Stylish Ideas for Your Home

Wooden crates are not only charming and eco-friendly, but they also offer endless possibilities for decorating and repurposing in your home. With some creativity and a little DIY effort, you can transform these rustic containers into functional and stylish décor elements. In this blog post, we'll share some of the best ideas for decorating wooden crates and explore various purposes they can serve, along with inspiring examples.

  1. Bookshelf or Display Case

Wooden crates can be easily converted into bookshelves or display cases for showcasing your favorite items. Simply stack the crates horizontally or vertically and secure them together with brackets or screws for added stability.

Example: Create a one-of-a-kind bookshelf by painting several wooden crates in complementary colors and arranging them in a geometric pattern on your living room wall.

  1. Coffee Table or Side Table

With a bit of imagination, wooden crates can be turned into unique coffee tables or side tables for your living room or bedroom. Stack two or more crates and secure them together, or place a single crate on its side and add a glass or wood top for a polished look.

Example: Combine four wooden crates to create a square coffee table, leaving the center open for storage or displaying a decorative centerpiece.

  1. Shoe Storage Solution

Keep your entryway organized and clutter-free by transforming wooden crates into a functional and attractive shoe storage solution. Stack the crates or arrange them side-by-side, depending on your available space and preference.

Example: Paint a series of wooden crates in a neutral color and place them near your front door as a convenient and stylish place to store shoes, umbrellas, and other outdoor accessories.

  1. Wine Rack

Wooden crates make excellent wine racks for storing and displaying your favorite bottles. Turn the crate on its side and add wooden dividers to create individual compartments for each bottle.

Example: Create a rustic wine rack by staining a wooden crate a dark color and adding chalkboard paint to the front, allowing you to label and organize your wine collection easily.

  1. Kitchen Storage and Organization

Utilize wooden crates in your kitchen for additional storage and organization. They can be used to hold cookbooks, utensils, or even fresh produce. Hang crates on the wall or place them on your countertop for easy access.

Example: Mount a wooden crate on your kitchen wall to serve as a stylish spice rack, keeping your most-used herbs and spices within arm's reach.

  1. Garden Planter

Wooden crates can be repurposed as charming planters for your garden or patio. Line the crate with landscape fabric or plastic to protect the wood, and then fill it with soil and your favorite plants or flowers.

Example: Arrange several wooden crates in various sizes and colors to create a visually appealing container garden, adding a pop of color and life to your outdoor space.

  1. Bathroom Storage

Transform wooden crates into stylish and practical bathroom storage solutions. Hang crates on the wall for easy access to towels and toiletries or stack them on the floor to create a unique shelving unit.

Example: Paint a wooden crate in a pastel color and attach it to your bathroom wall as a convenient place to store hand towels, washcloths, and small bathroom essentials.

Conclusion

With their rustic charm and versatility, wooden crates offer a wealth of decorating and repurposing possibilities for your home. From bookshelves and coffee tables to kitchen storage and garden planters, there are countless ways to breathe new life into these simple containers. By embracing your creativity and experimenting with different decorating techniques, you can turn wooden crates into functional and eye-catching additions to your living space.

Bespoke wooden awards and plaques, made in Ireland.

Premium, sustainable recognition pieces for corporate, hospitality & events

Custom Wood Designs creates bespoke awards, plaques and medals that feel as meaningful as the achievement. Hand-finished in Dublin using FSC-certified timbers (oak, birch ply, beech) with precision laser engraving and UV colour printing. From one-off centrepieces to 500+ unit rollouts, we blend craft, brand consistency, and sustainability.

Why choose our awards


  • Sustainable materials: FSC wood, water-based lacquers, low-waste production

  • Brand-perfect finishes: laser engraving, UV print, paint-fill, RAL/Pantone colour matching

  • Any format: desk awards, wall plaques, wall medals, trophy blocks, certificate frames

  • Fully custom: sizes, shapes, stains, inserts, mixed materials (wood + glass/acrylic accents)

  • Personalisation at scale: names, categories & numbering via CSV/Excel import

  • Made in Ireland: fast, reliable lead times and worldwide shipping

Popular styles


  • Solid Oak Block Awards — timeless, weighty, engraved or printed front face

  • Wall Plaques — oak/birch with hidden fixings; ideal for reception or back-bar walls

  • Tiered/Layered Awards — laser-cut face plates for depth, colour and contrast

  • Medals & Wall Medals — wooden medallions with ribbons or wall-mount sets

  • Eco Recognition Sets — plaque + certificate frame + gift box for premium presentation

Finishes & options


  • Natural, smoked, walnut, black or white stains; clear matte/satin lacquer

  • Laser engraving, spot-colour paint-fill, UV full-colour print, metal/acrylic badges

  • Edge profiles (bevel/chamfer/radius), hidden keyhole hangers for plaques


Gift packaging: branded boxes, kraft sleeves, foam fitments

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