Cardboard Decorative boxes

Don't throw away old cardboard boxes - turn them into home decor instead.

Whether you've recently moved, just bought a new appliance or received an item in the mail, chances are good that you've got a few cardboard boxes collecting dust somewhere in your home. Instead of throwing them away, you can actually use those old boxes to create some interesting - and useful - decor items for your house. And you don't have to be an expert crafter to pull it off. With the right tools and materials, you can turn any cardboard box into a decorative piece that you're proud to show off.

Colorful Shelving

If you need extra storage for your home, you can create a colorful shelving unit with leftover cardboard boxes. Arrange the boxes next to and on top of one another in any formation that fits your room, and use paper or binder clips to connect the pieces. The project typically works best if you use boxes that are all the same size, but you can play around with different sizes for a unique look - you can even create a pyramid by stacking the largest boxes on the bottom and using boxes that decrease in size as you reach the top. To give the plain cardboard a more decorative look, paint the boxes in bright colors that match the rest of the room's decor before you clip them together. Acrylic paint works well on cardboard, but it's a good idea to prime it with undiluted gesso before painting so the boxes don't absorb too much paint.

Desk Organizer

With smaller cardboard boxes, you can create a variety of desk organizers that can help brighten the look of your home office or your child's desk. A wide, shallow box can be divided into several sections with pieces of scrap cardboard to organize paper clips, push pins, tape and other office supplies, while a smaller, deeper box can become an ideal pencil holder. But to create a decorative organizer for your desk, you'll want to dress up the cardboard - and wrapping paper makes the job very easy. Choose a color or pattern that you like and wrap the boxes as you would gifts. If the inside of the box is visible, you'll want to place paper in the interior as well. For an especially eye-catching look, use foiled gift wrap to give your desk organizer some glamor.

Lampshade

If you have a decorative lamp that needs a shade, a cardboard box can be an inexpensive option. Find one that's the right size for your lamp and cut off any necessary flaps so the box is open on both ends. To give the shade a decorative look, cover the box with fabric that matches the rest of the decor in your room. You can add other embellishments, like fringe, beads, tassels or bows, as well. To secure the shade to the lamp, use two pieces of sturdy cardboard scrap to create a cross at the top of the shade. Measure the finial at the top of your lamp's harp and make a hole in the center of the shade's support cross so you can fit it over the lamp and secure it in place.

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