Transforming your living space doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, with some imagination and a few supplies, you can turn ordinary cardboard boxes into functional and stylish home décor pieces. Cardboard, which is often discarded without a second thought, has incredible potential for crafting everything from storage solutions to decorative accents. Whether you’re looking to revamp your living room, tidy up your office, or add a personal touch to your child’s playroom, there’s a cardboard craft for every part of your home. Plus, these projects are not just eco-friendly but also cost-effective and easy to do. In this list, we’ll explore 19 creative ways to use cardboard to breathe new life into your space. Along with the crafting ideas, you’ll find product recommendations that will help you get the most out of each project. Let’s dive into the world of cardboard crafts and see how you can make the most out of what would otherwise be a disposable item.
1. DIY Cardboard Bookshelf
source @babblingbooks
Transform a stack of cardboard boxes into a custom bookshelf. Whether it’s for a small apartment or a child’s room, this DIY bookshelf offers a modern, minimalist aesthetic while providing ample storage space for books, trinkets, and decorative items. By cutting, stacking, and reinforcing the boxes, you can create a piece that blends seamlessly with your existing décor.
For durability, be sure to use extra-strength cardboard and glue to make sure your bookshelf can hold the weight of your books. This is a perfect project for those who enjoy a mix of functionality and style in their home. To make it even better, you can paint or cover the bookshelf in fabric for a polished finish.
2. Cardboard Drawer Organizers
source @amindfulmethod
Cardboard drawer organizers are a game-changer for anyone looking to maximize storage space. You can make customized dividers to organize everything from office supplies to cosmetics. Cut the cardboard into various sizes and shapes, depending on the items you wish to store, and simply glue them together to create sturdy compartments.
This is an incredibly practical solution for cluttered drawers that need a little TLC. For a polished look, you can line the dividers with patterned paper or fabric to match your home’s décor. These simple yet effective organizers help reduce clutter, making everything easy to find.
3. Cardboard Frame Wall Art
source @sanjaydhawanart
Create an elegant and cost-effective way to display photos or artwork with cardboard frames. These frames add a rustic touch to your gallery wall, and they can be customized with paint, washi tape, or fabric to fit any room’s theme.
For a more advanced version, try cutting the cardboard into intricate shapes like geometric patterns or flower designs to create a more decorative effect. These frames are an easy way to make a personal statement with your artwork, while also showing off your DIY skills. Plus, you can size them to fit any image, whether it’s a family photo, a motivational quote, or a beautiful print.
4. Repurposed Cardboard Storage Bins
source @timessquare_kitchenware
Repurpose cardboard boxes into sleek storage bins that can be used to hold anything from blankets to office supplies. With some crafting paper, fabric, and glue, these boxes can be transformed into stylish bins that will blend right in with your existing furniture.
Whether you’re trying to organize a closet or tidy up your living room, these bins are the perfect way to add extra storage space while keeping your home neat and organized. Add labels or decorative handles to make them even more functional and personalized.
5. Cardboard Storage Ottoman
source @raleighfabricdesign
Create a multi-purpose storage ottoman that serves as both a seat and hidden storage. Cardboard is surprisingly sturdy when reinforced, making it the perfect material for a DIY ottoman project.
To make the ottoman, simply glue several layers of cardboard together to form a strong base and cover it with fabric that matches your room’s theme. Inside, you can store extra throws, pillows, or magazines. This project is both practical and stylish, and it adds a comfy and functional piece to your living room or bedroom.
6. DIY Cardboard Lamp Shade
source @shivani_patel2004
An easy way to add ambiance to any room is by creating a custom lamp shade out of cardboard. The versatility of cardboard allows you to design a shade in any shape or style that complements your home.
For a modern touch, try cutting the cardboard into a spiral or lattice design. For a more industrial look, leave the cardboard in its natural brown state. Once the shade is assembled, just attach it to a light fixture and enjoy the cozy lighting that fills the room.
7. Cardboard Jewelry Organizer
source @imprintco_official
Cardboard is perfect for crafting a custom jewelry organizer that keeps your necklaces, bracelets, and rings neatly in one place. You can easily cut the cardboard into sections to create compartments for your pieces, and decorate it to suit your style.
To make your jewelry organizer even more functional, add hooks, pegs, or a mirror to turn it into a full-fledged vanity piece. You can hang it on the wall or place it on your dresser as a statement piece that’s both useful and stylish.
8. Cardboard Floating Shelves
source @affo.rdable_house_decor
Floating shelves are a great way to display knick-knacks, plants, or other décor items without taking up too much space. By reinforcing cardboard, you can create a sturdy yet lightweight shelf that can hold a variety of items.
You can customize the size, shape, and design to fit your space. For an added touch, cover the shelves with patterned paper or paint them in colors that match your room’s theme. Floating shelves are a great way to make the most of vertical space in any room, and they’re simple to make with cardboard.
9. Cardboard Toy Storage Box
source @craftmonsterz
Keep your kids’ play area organized by creating a toy storage box from cardboard. This simple craft project will allow you to store toys in a fun and functional way, while also providing an opportunity for creative personalization.
Paint or decorate the box to match your child’s room theme, and use it to store everything from blocks to dolls. If you want to make it extra special, add a lid or even design a box that can be used as a playhouse or a fort.
10. Cardboard Wall Décor
source @craftwithshabana
Turn a blank wall into an art installation with unique cardboard wall décor. By cutting and shaping cardboard into geometric patterns, flowers, or even animals, you can create striking pieces of art that are easy to hang and customize to fit your style.
This is an affordable and creative way to add a personal touch to your living room, bedroom, or hallway. You can paint the cardboard in any color, or cover it with fabric or wallpaper for a more refined look
11. Cardboard DIY Desk Organizer
source @robbkrautbauer
If you’re looking for a way to keep your workspace tidy and functional, a cardboard desk organizer is an excellent choice. Not only is it an eco-friendly solution, but it also provides plenty of customization options for your office supplies. This project involves cutting and folding cardboard into compartments of various sizes to accommodate pens, paper, sticky notes, and more.
You can easily personalize the design to match your desk’s layout, making it not just a practical item but also a stylish one. Feel free to add decorative touches, like fabric or patterned paper, to create a chic and coordinated look with your home office décor.
12. Cardboard Coffee Table
source @nataliemyers
A coffee table made from cardboard is an incredibly unique and functional way to transform your living room. By layering and reinforcing cardboard, you can create a sturdy and surprisingly strong table that can support everything from your coffee cup to your books and magazines.
This craft is not only a creative way to repurpose cardboard, but it’s also an affordable solution if you’re on a budget. You can customize the size, shape, and even add a glass or wooden top for extra elegance. To make it even more exciting, paint or decorate the cardboard to match your room’s theme.
13. Cardboard Plant Pots
source @craftwithshabana
Bring some greenery into your home by creating unique plant pots out of cardboard. These pots are a sustainable and budget-friendly option for anyone who loves having indoor plants but doesn’t want to spend a lot on decorative pots.
You can make the pots in various sizes and shapes depending on the plants you want to pot. To give your cardboard plant pots a more polished look, you can decorate them with fabric, paint, or even wrap them with twine for a rustic feel. Just make sure to line the inside with a plastic bag or waterproof lining to keep the moisture from damaging the cardboard.
14. Cardboard Wall Décor
source @colours_creativity_space
Transform a blank wall in your home by creating stunning cardboard wall décor. This could range from geometric patterns and flowers to abstract shapes and even animal silhouettes. The versatility of cardboard allows you to design whatever fits your vision.
For a more minimalist design, you can leave the cardboard in its natural color, or you can paint or decorate it to fit the rest of your space. These pieces make great statement art for living rooms, bedrooms, or even kitchens. You can experiment with 3D designs by layering the cardboard for more depth, creating a truly unique piece of artwork.
15. Cardboard Shoe Rack
source @jeannettefang
If you’re running out of space to store your shoes, why not create a custom cardboard shoe rack? This practical and creative solution will help you keep your footwear organized while adding a fun DIY touch to your closet or entryway.
Design your shoe rack with compartments for different types of shoes—high heels, sneakers, boots, or flats. Customize the size of each section to fit your footwear, and decorate the outside with fabric, paint, or even wallpaper for an elegant finish.
16. Cardboard Pet Bed
source @nvtsmall
For pet owners who love DIY projects, creating a cardboard pet bed is a fun and environmentally friendly way to pamper your furry friends. With just a few layers of cardboard, you can craft a sturdy base and soft pillow for your pet to curl up on.
This project is particularly great for cats and small dogs, and you can easily adjust the size to fit your pet’s needs. Once completed, you can add a comfy pillow or cushion inside to make it extra cozy. For added charm, cover the cardboard with fabric that matches your pet’s space, and it’ll look like a professional pet bed.
17. Cardboard Mirror Frame
source @garnerframing
If you have a plain mirror that needs a little jazzing up, a cardboard frame could be the perfect addition. Whether it’s a small vanity mirror or a large wall mirror, creating a cardboard frame allows you to add your personal touch and match it with your existing décor.
Cut the cardboard into a frame shape, decorate it with paint, fabric, or metallic foil for a touch of glamour, and securely attach it to your mirror. This easy craft project is an affordable way to update your mirror’s look, giving it a custom, boutique-like feel.
18. DIY Cardboard Magazine Holder
source @fatimamarini
Organizing your magazines has never been easier with a cardboard magazine holder. You can create a custom holder that fits your collection and keeps everything in one place. Not only is this a practical storage solution, but it’s also a fantastic way to add some DIY flair to your home office, living room, or even bathroom.
Simply cut and fold the cardboard to create a rectangular shape and separate sections for each magazine. You can cover the holder with paper, fabric, or paint to match your décor. This project is a great way to stay organized while adding personality to your space.
19. Cardboard Wall Hooks
source @propshop24
Maximize your storage space with cardboard wall hooks. Whether you need a place to hang coats, hats, or scarves, creating hooks out of cardboard is a cost-effective and creative solution. You can design them in a variety of shapes—whether it’s simple geometric designs or more intricate, nature-inspired forms.
Once you’ve cut the hooks, reinforce them to hold weight, and cover them with paint or fabric for a more polished look. These cardboard hooks are perfect for small entryways, bedrooms, or even bathrooms, offering both function and style in a unique way.
