New Uses For An Old Reliable: 17 Ways To Upcycle Cardboard Boxes

The good old cardboard box is an institution in packaging. This box is the most reliable shipping material—90 % of everything shipped in the US still using cardboard boxes.

The good news is that aside from recycling them, there are clever ways to upcycle them. And cardboard is versatile—it’s easy to cut, fold, paint, wrap in fabric, etc. All it takes is a little creativity, and the possibilities are endless.

We want to share with you 17 ways to turn cardboard boxes into items you can use everyday.

1. Say thank you. Turn the original packaging of a gift to you into a nice thank you card to the giver.

2. Delightful napkin rings. Take the tube from foil or plastic wrap, cut it up to the size of napkin rings, and use fabric glue to cover each one with pretty fabric. For eight napkin rings you’ll need a quarter of a yard of fabric.

3. Planters. Instead of using baskets or boxes, decorate a cardboard box. Line it with a plastic bag with holes for drainage.

4. “Wood” toys for small kids. Make toys that help toddlers improve their fine-motor skills. Cut several pieces in different shapes, color them, poke holes, and use fluted dowel pins for guiding the different pieces.

5. Chic storage bags. With spray adhesive, cover 3 boxes with your favorite fabric, using gold screw bolts for decoration. Use old belts as straps.

6. Feline-friendly. Make a scratching post from a long strip of corrugated cardboard rolled tightly into a circle. Paint the outer layer for a finished effect.

7. Maze plays. With large appliance or moving boxes, make a maze for kids. Cut a hole large enough for a child to crawl through, and attach the boxes using plastic clips.

8. 2-in-1. What could be simpler than cutting coaster-sized circles out of sturdy cardboard, covering them with pretty duct tape—and voila! PS—they can also be used as furniture sliders.

9. Labels and tags. Decorative cardboard can be upcycled into gift tags in various shapes and sizes. You can also use it for any kind of label you need at home.

10. Garden helpers. Since cardboard can be composted, it can also help you with the weeds in your garden. Simply put very wet pieces on weedy patches, and then cover with soil.

11. Cardboard palette. A hard piece of cardboard with a hole for your thumb makes a great palette when you paint.

12. File holders. Turn cereal boxes into file or magazine holders by cutting them and covering them beautifully.

13. Flower garland. Paper towel rolls can be painted, glued and hung on a string to make a flower garland for party décor.

14. Shoebox art. Shoebox covers can be cut, painted with primer, decorated, and hung on your walls.

15. Feed the birds. Cover a toilet paper roll in peanut butter before rolling in birdseed. Hang from your window with a ribbon.

16. Nifty gifties. Convert cereal boxes into gift bags by cutting a handle into each one and painting them.

17. Photo frames. Cut cardboard into frame shapes and glue fabric unto them, to set off your best pictures.