Box decor: simple and stylish options on how to beautifully decorate a box for storing gifts or personal items

Every home has at least one empty box left over from shopping. In most cases they are simply thrown away. However, few people think that they can be used to make an original and unusual box for storing things and various small items.

DIY storage box decorating idea

DIY cardboard box decor

Original decoration of cardboard boxes

How to make a box or box from newspapers with your own hands.

This material is the most economical, and the finished products are original and look decent in the interior. The craftsman can independently choose the shape, size and color of the finished decorative box. To make this accessory with your own hands you will need:

• Newspaper tubes - these can be made by tightly winding a strip of newspaper diagonally onto a thin knitting needle. The edges are secured with glue;
• Base (box or any salad bowl, according to the shape of which the product will be created) and cardboard bottom;
• Acrylic paint;
• Scissors;
• PVA glue;
• Decor elements.

DIY storage box decoration

Decor of storage boxes

Creating a box with your own hands from old magazines or newspapers must start from the base. The easiest way is to use a cardboard base, onto which newspaper tubes are glued along the perimeter at equal distances (about 2-5 cm). Before weaving, newspaper tubes must be painted in the desired color. Weaving consists of inserting a working tube back and forth and vertical tubes alternately. When one of them runs out, it needs to be “grown” using a new tube and PVA glue.

The finished box can be decorated with any materials you like.

DIY storage box decorating idea

Original decoration of cardboard boxes

DIY cardboard box decor

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Great storage ideas

Simple and inconspicuous cardboard boxes for shoes, sets of dishes and small household appliances can be transformed into a masterpiece, you just need to use your imagination.
The main criterion for selecting a suitable box is its sufficient density and strength. The shape also plays an important role - rectangular cardboard boxes are much more convenient. Cardboard shoe boxes can be covered with gift paper

The most suitable option is to use shoe boxes. Depending on the size, they can be used to store a variety of things: jewelry, accessories, stationery, cosmetics, tools, children's toys, medicines, books, magazines, some food, industrial products, clothing, shoes, and much more. In addition to the main function - storage, decorated cardboard boxes will become an integral part of the interior, and, undoubtedly, a source of pride for the owner.

What to use to decorate a decorative box

If you can’t weave a box with your own hands, you can use old shoe boxes, for example, and decorate it beautifully. What can be used for this:

• Wallpaper or wrapping paper - simply cover a cardboard box using double-sided tape or PVA glue;
• Fabric – any old item can be used to decorate boxes (for example, old jeans or a T-shirt);
• A paper napkin with beautiful designs - make the design using decoupage technique;

DIY storage box decoration

Decor of storage boxes

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Nuances of decoration methods

Working with different materials always has its pros and cons (see table)

The exciting process of turning a nondescript box into a work of art can be a very rewarding hobby for anyone. It’s better not to settle on just one, but to try different methods of decoration. This will require a lot of time and patience, but the end result is undoubtedly worth the effort.

Decorating the box with fabric

In addition to a basic storage box and a piece of fabric, you need:

• Scissors;
• Thread and needle;
• PVA glue;
• Double-sided tape or silicone glue;
• Decorative elements (buttons, beads, lace, etc.).

DIY storage box decorating idea

DIY cardboard box decor

Original decoration of cardboard boxes

The fabric must be cut in the form of a cross of five rectangles. These rectangles are the sides of the cardboard box. You should leave a margin of 1-1.5 cm on each side. Place the box in the middle of the pattern and glue the base with double-sided tape. Afterwards, glue each side in turn so that the edges of the fabric overlap slightly and are wrapped inward. The inside can also be glued using light fabric, or the bag can be sewn to the size of the box. You can make double-sided Velcro along the edges. This way the inner bag can be removed and washed if dirty.

DIY storage box decoration

Decor of storage boxes

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Practical tips before starting work

Before the decorating process:

1. Look through all the shoe (and other) boxes in the house to select the newest, intact, thick cardboard ones.
2. Distribute what items you will use the boxes for in the future.
3. Prepare a place (with good lighting) and tools for work.
4. Collect everything you might need for wrapping materials and small decorations, buy what’s missing (glue, paper).
5. Decide on a technique for decorating boxes with your own hands (quilling, decoupage, origami, etc.).

Decorating the box with pieces of wallpaper and buttons

Experienced craftsmen know that creativity requires enough space on the table to lay out the necessary items. It is advisable to remove everything unnecessary so that it does not distract in the creative process. The free time factor is also important - you don’t always want to return to the unfinished work of decorating boxes, but you need to start when you have the motivation and desire to create with your own hands.

Remnants of wallpaper are a suitable material for decorating boxes

Important! Think bigger, use other people's ideas, maybe you have a more interesting scrap, wallpaper or wrapping paper than in the example samples. The final result directly depends on them.

Original box decor with jute rope

For most types of needlework, approximately the same set of tools and available materials is used:

• glue (PVA, liquid nails, silicone, etc.);
• sharp scissors and a stationery knife;
• stapler with staples;
• double-sided and plain tape;
• square and ruler;
• yarn, ribbons, threads;
• spray paint;
• eraser, marking pencil, chalk, marker.

Before work, take the necessary measurements - the basic material should be enough to decorate the boxes with your own hands. Decoration elements are easy to vary.

Decorating a box using decoupage technique

This type of decor is the most financially expensive, since it requires many tools necessary for work:

• decoupage glue;
• iron;
• acrylic lacquer;
• baking paper;
• synthetic brush;
• acrylic primer;
• paper napkin with a pattern;

DIY storage box decorating idea

DIY cardboard box decor

Original decoration of cardboard boxes

The preparatory stage includes priming the box in two layers, each of which must dry, and then sanding them with fine-grain sandpaper to a smooth surface. The next stage is painting with acrylic paint. Then follow these steps step by step:

• Coat the entire surface of the box with acrylic glue and let dry;
• Lay the napkin evenly on the surface of the cardboard box, straighten out all the irregularities;
• Iron the surface with a hot iron at medium temperature through the parchment;
• Trim off excess edges of the napkin;
• Cover with a thin layer of varnish.

DIY storage box decoration

Decor of storage boxes

This process must be repeated for each side of the box. After the varnish has dried, you need to iron each side through the paper. If desired, you can additionally paint the resulting accessory for storing things with acrylic paints.

Anyone can create a custom decorative box for storing things with their own hands. This article describes the main decor options, which can be continued endlessly. And each new item will become a unique interior decoration.

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Where to begin

Before you start modifying shoe boxes, you need to provide everything so that you don’t get distracted from the work process by little things:

• choose a suitable box, think over its design;
• choose a comfortable, well-lit workplace;
• find a sufficient amount of material;
• Prepare tools: scissors, stationery knife, tape, glue, etc.

Original lamps from boxes

Choosing materials for decoration is very simple. You can simply paint it with paints, cover it with paper for decoration, colored paper, wallpaper, newspaper, sheets of music, geographical maps, napkins, stamps, jute rope, woolen threads. Products covered with various types of fabric, ribbons, leatherette, and oilcloth also look impressive. Children's boxes can be covered with candy wrappers, sheets from coloring books, stickers, key rings, matches, drawings of animals or favorite characters, parts from construction sets, and mosaics.

The most popular way to decorate shoe boxes is to cover them with paper or fabric.

How to cover a box with paper

Wood weaving

In ancient times, baskets woven from vines and pine roots were one of the very first “storage systems.” They not only collected and stored mushrooms, berries, healthy herbs, vegetables, but also took them with them on trips, putting everything they needed there. Willow branches collected in spring or autumn were usually used for weaving.

Wicker boxes, caskets, chests will perfectly decorate the interior in the style of:

• Provence;
• country;
• ecological;
• vintage.

In the modern world, almost anything is stored in such baskets - balls and knitting needles, clothes and shoes, notebooks and pens, drawings and magazines. They are quite well ventilated; in the kitchen or loggia, dried vegetables and numerous rag bags with medicinal herbs are placed in them. Previously, wicker wooden bread boxes with lids, boxes for cookies, and sweets were very popular. To weave such things well, certain skills are required.

Preparation is the basis of everything

In order to start creating, you need to prepare a box:

1. Tape the folds and corners with paper or masking tape, because... If you neglect this in the future, the appearance of the product may become untidy.
2. Prime the surface in 3 layers. After applying each layer, you must wait for it to dry completely and treat it with an abrasive material.
3. Proceed to creating the background: apply acrylic paint of the selected color.

From plastic bottles

Plastic bottles and plastic candy boxes, if beautifully decorated, will become a container for various things, decorating the living room or bedroom. They are suitable for beads, earrings, rings, buttons, rivets, beads, paper clips, as well as other costume jewelry and sewing items. In the kitchen, cereals, seeds, spices, dried vegetables are poured there, cutlery is placed there.

Five-liter bottles will make large boxes that are not afraid of moisture, so they can be used in damp rooms. The upper edge is decorated with fabric, knitted lace, the base is decorated with self-adhesive film and painted with spray paint. A cap is made from a piece of another similar bottle - it is attached to the base using a “zipper” sewn into the upper part. This design is suitable for styles:

• pop Art;
• industrial;
• loft;
• art-believe;
• modern

If desired, a large shoe or clothing box is made from two bottles; for this, several parts are fastened with a stapler, and handles are cut out in the upper part, decorated with soft fabric.

Application in different rooms and interior styles

From the bedroom to the bathroom, decorated drawers will be indispensable. The living room is often filled with friends, with whom it is a pleasure to play. This way the chest will store decks of cards, board games, and other entertainment toys. In another place there will be sets of dishes and stacks of photographs.

Transformed with your own hands and beautifully decorated, the box will serve for many months as a “storage” for all kinds of little things.

Note! By sorting everything into specific boxes, the problem of constantly searching for something specific will disappear.

Entering the kitchen, one begs for an arrangement of created “helpers.” All rackets and jars of seasonings are placed in one box, cereals in another, and teas and various types of coffee in a third. An attractive basket filled with fruit can be displayed in a prominent place.

From cardboard

After purchasing household appliances, furniture, dishes, shoes, boxes of corrugated cardboard and regular cardboard are often left behind. The easiest way to decorate in this case is to cover the existing box with the following materials:

• wallpaper left over after renovation - if you decorate a box or drawer with it, it will be barely noticeable against the background of the walls and will not visually clutter up the space;
• self-adhesive films - they are highly decorative, have a variety of textures, colors, patterns, are not afraid of moisture, therefore they are used in the bathroom, wiped with a damp cloth to remove dirt;
• colored paper, old postcards, pages of glossy magazines - they decorate a nondescript gray, white, black box, turning it into a unique decorative item.

To glue paper parts you will need PVA glue or silicate, double-sided tape. The container is simply pasted over with sheets, pieces, strips of paper, or paper tubes are rolled up, gluing them sequentially from bottom to top or from any edge, laying each next row after the previous one has set. When decorating with threads or cords, the box is smeared with glue, and the rope is wound turn by turn, pressing tightly.

Depending on the decoration method, such boxes will fit the following styles:

• loft;
• avant-garde;
• minimalism;
• art-believe.

Boxes made of thin cardboard are not suitable for storing excessively heavy items, and for use in the bathroom to store dirty laundry, they should have holes for ventilation.

Gift for a man

The decor of a gift box for a man will additionally emphasize a good attitude towards a person. To create a romantic gift, the box is decorated with photographs of them together, a note with wishes is attached, and the product itself is complemented with a dark bow.

To congratulate a colleague, you can choose your favorite alcoholic drink and place it in a box of a suitable size; the box is decorated with coins and complemented by a postcard with congratulations.

The cardboard case for the stylish pen is decorated with a mustache and hat cut out from a template. For bulky and heavy gifts, you can create the image of a suitcase or sports bag.

And now about delimiters

Drawer dividers are special strips that are used to optimize free space in any drawer, regardless of its size and dimensions. It’s enough just to take separators that suit the parameters. Usually they are made in the form of strips that are assembled inside the box into a spacer and allow you to create several compartments in it to place things in them.

Egg container as an organizer for storing small items

Even a muffin tin can serve as an organizer.

Dividers are especially relevant for storing small kitchen utensils; they are also convenient to use for cosmetics, tools, medicines and other small things. If you simply put all the small items into a drawer without using an organizer, they will in any case get mixed up with each other, and you will have to look for the desired item for a long time. If there are dividers, getting out any item will not be difficult, because it will lie in its strictly designated place.

Organize your kitchen drawer

If we are talking about storing kitchen items, for example, forks, spoons, knives, then it is best to use plastic or wooden dividers. They will not be as susceptible to moisture as cardboard or fabric-lined ones, although dividers can be made from a variety of materials. But for storing small items of clothing, cosmetics and other things, you can also use cardboard dividers covered with fabric or covered with paper. There can no longer be any contact with water, and therefore there is no need to worry about something going bad.

Cutlery tray

You can also use dividers in the bathroom if there is some kind of chest of drawers or cabinet with drawers. And here it’s also worth assessing which ones are better to use – plastic, wood or cardboard. It will all depend on what needs to be stored. Thus, rags and sponges are stored well only in plastic containers with plastic dividers. But some dry personal hygiene items can also be placed in boxes with wooden or cardboard dividers.

An organizer will help you neatly place your underwear in your closet.

Decoration methods

As already mentioned, different materials are used for decoration. The most commonly used and available are fabric and paper.

Knitted boxes and baskets

With a little effort, you can create stunning crocheted storage boxes. Such products are suitable for the interior of any room. The original solution is boxes for the dressing room. Such items will not only decorate the interior, but also make it more functional and practical. They are used to place all kinds of things. You can make stylish decor with your own hands.

Detailed lessons on how to weave a basket yourself, as in the photo, follow the link!

Compact and spacious baskets will help create coziness in the kitchen. To make them you will need a hook and ribbon knitted yarn. Such products can be used for storing nuts, eggs or baked goods.

Additional storage containers will also come in handy in the bathroom. With their help, you can correctly place all the items. Original baskets can be fixed in one of the corners of the room.

The elegant decor is also suitable for decorating the living room. You can store blankets, books, firewood or TV bullets in it. A similar basket is especially appropriate in the hallway. Changes, bank cards, wallet or keys will fit inside.

This knitted item looks perfect as a flower pot. Bright decorative elements will create original accents in the room.

Crocheted boxes are best made using a crochet hook. There are a large number of schemes with which you can create an original product.

Baskets made from Ribbon or Spaghetti yarn, braid, rope or knitted yarn are popular. To create decor, you can choose synthetic or cotton yarn. This material is a continuous narrow strip. Products made from yarn are knitted in a short time and hold their shape remarkably well. The original box is ideal for the garden. The basket can be made with or without handles. You can also create a knitted item from old T-shirts, cut into ribbons. The knitted strips should be pulled in different directions so that the edges are rounded. A 10 mm hook is used for this work. Knitting a basket begins with an amigurami ring. For this you will need a special circuit. Then knitting is done in a circle.

Using cloth or paper

An existing or home-made laundry box can be covered with any type of fabric. To do this, you need to take a flap of suitable size. In addition, you need to stock up:

• glue (PVA or special glue for fabric or paper is suitable);
• braid or tape;
• small decorative elements (optional).

First you need to take measurements of all sides of the box. In this case, you need to add 1-1.5 cm to the hem on each side. The easiest way is to take one piece of paper to cover the bottom and sides, and cut off separate rectangles for the front and back walls. Then they need to be glued to the box. When applying glue to the surface, you need to make sure that it is all coated evenly. Otherwise, bubbles may appear later.

Before applying the sticker, the wrapping paper can be moistened in water, then it will lie better on the surface.

After the box is covered with fabric, it must be covered with a thin layer of acrylic varnish and decorated with ribbons, bows, buttons, appliques - whatever your heart desires!

Fabric

The fabric trim is interesting, the choice is unlimited. Subsequence:

1. adjust sizes;
2. attached with glue, double-sided tape.

Measurements are made by adding 2 centimeters of indentation to the main one. Needed for gluing inside the fabric. The finishing is carried out carefully from the outside, then from the inside. The lid is decorated with a handle, lace, and beads.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper can be purchased in any type. Glue with PVA using a special solution. Finish with varnish. Protects from external damage and moisture.

For decoration, you can use any wallpaper with a pattern you like.

Decor:

1. use a utility knife to cut out parts of the wallpaper;
2. start gluing from the bottom;
3. process the sides of the box;
4. the fabric is based inside.

Decorating a box with wallpaper is not at all difficult.

Decorate with stickers, inscriptions, and soft elements.

Newspaper tubes

This is a very simple, but at the same time quite effective way to decorate a drawer or storage box. First you need to take a newspaper and cut it into strips. After this, take a knitting needle and wrap the strip tightly around it. Then the tubes can be painted in the desired color. Now they are simply glued to the box, or you can make an imitation of weaving. But for this option, the base of the tube must be flexible. At the end of the process, the surface can be varnished.

Cigarette paper

This material is characterized by fragility. But this paper makes a beautiful floral decor. The gift can be placed in the center of the paper and the envelope folded, then tied with ribbon.

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Gift paper

This type of paper has low cost and availability. In the store you can choose any material option.

A wonderful option is bright coated paper in a checkered pattern. The smooth coating can be complemented with original forest decor.

The box wrapped in bright paper looks unusual. A wonderful addition would be the red braid.

An original solution: paper wrapper with prints in oriental style.

To wrap gifts, you can use paper with different patterns and in different color palettes. Colorful paper itself is an excellent decorative option.

Even ordinary packaging can be given a little originality. The use of Japanese origami techniques will come in handy for this. An element such as plaiting is performed simply and quickly.

Black paper with golden decoration will give the gift a solid look.

The design made from combined paper looks festive.

Ribbons

Ribbons are often used to decorate the box. The product can be made of organza, satin or paper.

You can use different types of ribbons for decoration. This can be a thin braid, corrugated decor, a foil element or even a woolen thread

You can use bright ribbons to create original flower arrangements. The ornament in the form of roses looks great.

Narrow ribbons can be an excellent addition to the main decor. A good option is to use double elements of different colors. Homemade lambs made from small pompoms also look original.

Satin ribbons combine perfectly with thin lace and openwork braid.

Greenery

Green twigs and leaves can be used to decorate holiday packaging. Plant elements will help give a festive look to even simple packaging. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to create light and stylish decor.

For decoration, you can use not only regular wrapping paper, but also white. You can use it to create frames. Instead of ribbons, plain white twine will do.

You can use any decor for brown paper bags.

Gray and white twine is used for decoration. For larger packages, double threads can be used.

White and brown labels are used for greeting inscriptions.

Leaves and spruce branches are placed under each bow.

Flowers, which can be placed on the surface of the box, are also used to decorate gifts. If the plant itself is used as a gift, it must be beautifully packaged. Decorative baskets and beautiful paper are used for this.

You can also use beautiful branches with flowers, which can be attached with adhesive tape.

Greenery can be attached framed by a beautiful paper napkin.

Plant-style packaging can be complemented with satin ribbons and live plant branches.

White and black boxes decorated with ribbons and plant elements look elegant.

Pompom decor

You can decorate the box interestingly with the help of unusual accents in the form of pompoms. Similar elements can be used as a bow or used instead of the main decoration. A colorful bow made of satin ribbon or even a simple twine is suitable for decoration.

A pompom can be the centerpiece of box decor. This element looks unusual in the form of a flamingo figurine.

Plain packaging can be decorated with multi-colored pompoms. Small parts are glued over the entire surface of the gift.

A fluffy white pompom with a silver ribbon is suitable for decorating packaging in a delicate color palette.

A light pompom goes well with an abstract ornament.

Buttons

An original solution is the ornament with buttons. Required tools:

• patterns;
• different buttons;
• acrylic paints;
• pencils;
• brush;
• quick drying glue.

An original solution is decor with buttons.
The box is painted and dried. Distribute the pattern, draw the expected location. A pattern is used for a uniform pattern. Use a small amount of glue to glue the buttons. Finish by applying a protective varnish.

Important! You can place the buttons when the previous side is dry.

Decoupage technique

This method is more complicated. It will require more time and materials. In addition, it is better to make it not on a cardboard base, but on a wooden, harder one. For decoupage you will need:

• special glue;
• acrylic varnish;
• sandpaper;
• baking paper;
• iron;
• primer;
• acrylic paint;
• paper drawing or decorative napkin.

The first step is to clean the surface to be decorated, sand it with sandpaper and prime it. After this, paint is applied. When it dries, the selected design is taken and applied to the surface using glue. To make it lie flat, you need to cover it with baking paper and iron it with a warm iron. The last stage is applying acrylic varnish. A beautiful storage box is ready!

Fabric design

It is recommended to use thick denim and linen material. Five rectangles are cut out of the fabric for the bottom and four sides. You should leave a couple of centimeters for reserve.

All parts are glued using double-sided tape, turning the sides inward. The bottom can be decorated with a decorative pad, and Velcro can be added to the edges to remove the cover.