Decorative boxes are not just practical for hiding smaller items and keeping your surfaces tidy—they also make a stylish statement in any room. Why settle for generic boxes when you can craft your own custom design that truly reflects your personal style? In this DIY project, we’ll show you how to make your own chic and functional decorative boxes, perfect for adding a unique touch to your home decor.

This project is ideal for using up scrap wood, but don’t worry if you’re not into building boxes from scratch. You can easily buy unfinished wooden boxes like the ones shown here, and then jump straight to step 5 of the tutorial!

Materials Needed:

• Minwax Stain Colors: Navy Blue, Hunter Green
• Minwax Color Wash: Barnwood Brown
• Protective Finish: Minwax Polycrylic
• Unfinished Wooden Boxes: (affiliate links) Small 6″x5″x3″ box or Larger 9″x5″x4″ hobby box
• Embellishments: Box corners, Square latch (affiliate links)

Wood and Tools:

Scrap wood is perfect for this project! Just make sure that any visible pieces are made from the same type of wood or the same wood slab for consistency. The base can be made from any type of wood, as it won’t be visible.

For cutting, you’ll need a large sliding miter saw, jigsaw, or circular saw.

Cutting List:

• 2 Long Sides (A): ½” x 4″ x 12″
• 2 Short Sides (B): ½” x 4″ x 6″
• 1 Bottom Piece (C): ½” x 6″ x 11″
• Raised Lid: Same dimensions as the box, but the long and short sides should be 1.5″ tall
• Simple Lid: Interior piece the same as the bottom piece; exterior piece ½” x 1″

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep the Wood: Plywood edges aren’t meant to be exposed, so after cutting your pieces, sand all of them with 220-grit sandpaper, followed by a final smoothing with 120-grit paper. This step ensures a sleek, polished finish.

2. Assemble the Box: Apply wood glue along the edges of the pieces that will be joined. Carefully assemble your box, and secure it with clamps while the glue dries. Once dry, use small finishing nails at each corner to reinforce the structure. If desired, you can later cover the nails with decorative box corners.

3. Build the Lid: You can create one of two lid styles:

   • Simple Box Lid: A flat piece of wood that fits perfectly over the box. Glue a piece of wood, the same size as the box’s bottom, to the center of the lid.
   • Raised Box Lid: Similar to the box construction, but with shorter sides (about 1.5” high, or the height that fits your latch preference).

4. Prepare the Finish: If you’re using an unfinished box, start by removing any existing hardware and lightly sanding it. Then, apply a layer of Minwax Water-Based Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner. This step ensures that your stain will go on evenly without blotchiness. Let it soak in for a couple of minutes, then wipe off any excess.

5. Add Color and Depth: Now for the fun part—adding color! Choose a stain color from Minwax’s wide range of wood finishes. A semi-transparent stain will show off the natural wood grain, while a solid stain will give a more uniform color. For added depth and a touch of vintage charm, you can layer a coat of Minwax Colorwash in Barnwood Brown.

6. Seal the Deal: Finish off your custom box with a protective coat of Minwax Polycrylic. This will seal the wood, providing a durable and glossy finish while preserving your beautiful color.

Whether you go for a natural wood look or add a pop of color, these handmade decorative boxes will not only help organize your space but also add a stylish, personalized touch to your home. Plus, with a little creativity, you can customize them to suit any room, making them as unique as you are!