From Diaper Box to Stylish Storage

4 Materials
$15
1 Hour
Easy

I love free things that I can make into pretty things for my home. This is one of my favorite projects. My friend Jill had a baby last September and was all too happy to get rid of the diaper boxes. I needed some storage so this is what I made.

What a difference some fabric can make...right?

First I used a newspaper print roll to create a pattern for the fabric that would cover the box. Then I used the pattern and a drop cloth from the paint store and cut out the shape.

I used spray adhesive for most of the sides and bottom then used a little (affiliate link) Fabri-tac to touch up any spots that weren't adhering like they should.

First I sprayed the bottom and set the box onto the fabric. Then I worked on the larger sides. I sprayed with the adhesive then pulled the fabric up and wrapped the top into the box and the sides just around the corners.

The smaller sides were sprayed, then I turned the edges in and applied the fabri-tac to the turned in edges. I pulled up the fabric and turned the top into the box. The new turned in edges went right to edge of the box. You can see it in the picture below.

They turned out nice. I did have to re-stick some of the fabric but most of it stayed put.

I cut out fabric that I purchased at JoAnn's for the liners. It was all measured and cut in pieces then stitched together. I measured the sides and the bottom width and length and added 1/2 inch seam allowances and 3 1/2 inches at the top edge so it could fold over the top of the box. I stitched the smaller sides to the bottom piece, then stitched the larger sides to the bottom piece leaving a little on the sides that did not get stitched. That seam went right up next to the first seams. If I had kept going there would have been a weird corner. Then I stitched up the sides (the corners of the liner).

I pressed the seams open and the top edge down and stitched a nice finished edge.

This was my first trial fit before finishing the top edge.

It fit nicely and I was happy. Then I finished them off. I created three of these boxes for my "drop zone" in my kitchen.

They fit perfectly under the buffet. When I get home my purse goes into the middle one. The other two hold things that we need to take with us in the morning so we don't forget.

What do you think? I absolutely love them and they are nice sturdy boxes. I am planning to use more of them to organize in my pantry.

I hope if you like this post you will sign up for my email/newsletter You will receive a free download to create an amazing gift for a friend.

For more ideas please visit my blog! Thanks for taking a look.

Resources for this project:
See all materials
Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Hometalk may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page.More info
Michelle James
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Go
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 5 questions
  • Leisa Tracy Benson Leisa Tracy Benson on Dec 31, 2016
    Would vinyl tablecloths work in place of fabric? Then they could be wiped clean & be more protected from damp & dirt. You can find a variety of prints at dollar stores or recycle ones you have.
  • The fly The fly on Oct 02, 2018

    Do u do same way for all cardboard boxes and different sizes

  • Peggy Sue Peggy Sue on Jan 24, 2021

    Great idea, since diaper boxes are so sturdy! Yes, I would love to have handles. How about cutting handles on the short ends of the box?

Comments
Join the conversation
4 of 168 comments
  • Linda Ross Linda Ross on Jul 24, 2023

    I have done similar except I then how glue sissel rope all around the outside and added casters on the bottom. They look like woven baskets.

  • Laura A Crawford Metz Laura A Crawford Metz on Sep 10, 2023

    I love your ideas. I recycle boxes and other things I think I can use later like this. My husband just cringes every time he sees me put something in my recycle bin 🤣

Next