How to Make Pretty Storage Boxes

Lori Greco
by Lori Greco
5 Materials
I’m sharing a way to make your own storage boxes that look so pretty you’ll want to show them off. I created these boxes to help me organize my home office but they can be used for almost anything and in any room of your home. They’re easy to make and you’ll want to show yours off too!
I refinished this mid-century dresser over a year ago and I love how it came out. It sits in my home office as a much needed storage piece and I love the mid-century style. I wanted this piece to look less like a bedroom dresser so I removed the middle drawers thinking I would replace them with some storage bins or baskets.
But, I looked everywhere for something to fill these three open shelves and I just couldn’t find the right solution. They’re very shallow openings and the shelves have notches where the baskets or bins would sit. These notches will keep my boxes secure and not move around too much but this made my options even more limiting. In addition, I didn’t want to compromise the mid-century style of the piece. I couldn’t use many baskets because they looked too rustic and country. And plasitc bins looked too flimsy. So I decided to make my own storage boxes. And over a year later, they have held up so well and still look super pretty!
You’ll need the following materials:


Foam core – my piece was 35″ x 26″ flat. The size of your foam core will depend on your final box dimensions. See below. I got my foam core board at Staples.


Decorative paper – I used 4 sheets of this specialty paper from Paper Source but you could also use heavy duty wrapping paper or even adhesive contact paper.


Spray Mount Adhesive (unless you’re using adhesive contact paper)


White duck tape, along with another color for decorative purposes. I used metallic gold.


X-acto knife, ruler
First you need to figure your dimensions: Since my boxes are going inside the dresser openings, I need to be very specific with my dimensions. I measured the openings and made my box dimensions slightly smaller to fit. My final box dimensions are: 22” wide x 13” deep x 6.5” high.
You’ll need to cut out this final dimension from your foam core. I drew a diagram so it made sense to me and how to trim my foam core board. The top and bottom dimensions are the length of the box. The left and right dimensions are the depth of the box and the notches that are cut out of each corner are the dimensions of the box height. I find it’s best to use a sharp X-acto utility knife and ruler to cut the foam core. But please BE CAREFUL! I just recently did some serious damage to my thumb using a (very sharp) X-acto knife.
Next, with the BACK of your X-acto blade, score the bottom edges of your foam core board. To score the board means you are creating a light notch in it so that it folds easily, but you are not cutting all the way through it.
This will allow for you to fold the sides up with out ruining the board. I use the BACK of the X-acto blade because this is still sharp enough to make a mark but not too sharp to cut through the board.
Step 4 – Now fold up the edges of your box and tape the corners together with the white duck tape. You can wrap it onto the inside for a little extra support.
Now that your box is constructed, you’ll need to decorate it. I used this specialty paper from Paper Source. It’s slightly heavier than regular wrapping paper and it’s just so, so pretty. I’ve been working with self-adhesive contact paper lately and I think that would be a good option too. If you’re using paper without an adhesive on it, you’ll just need to trim pieces to the size of your box sides and attach with the spray adhesive. I cut my sheets slightly larger than the sides of my box. This way, I could wrap them around the sides a bit and into the inside to give the boxes a more finished look. Don’t worry too much about the corners, we’ll be addressing that in the next step.
After your box is covered, add a strip of your decorative duck tape to the corners. Originally, I used washi tape but it was too thin and didn’t adhere as well. Ideally you’ll want your duck tape to go vertically so that it’s centered on the corners. This adds a nice finishing touch and keeps the decorative paper in place. You can extend the tape around to the insides too.
Now you have your own custom-made storage boxes that are also very pretty. I use mine to hold artwork and supplies in my office and they’ve held up really well.
This is a great solution when you can’t find that perfect piece in the store. Or if you just want a one-of-a-kind, unique storage solution for your home.
Suggested materials:
  • Foam core (my piece was 35″ x 26″ flat)   (Staples)
  • Decorative paper or adhesive contact paper   (Paper Source)
  • Spray Mount Adhesive   (Staples)
See all materials
Lori Greco
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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