Why is it that at the start of each new year, we feel the need to get ourselves more organized? I know that I personally could use more organization in my life throughout the entire year. With that said, I guess we all need to start somewhere.
I recently installed a Rubbermaid Configurations Custom Closet Kit in my bedroom and I am LOVING the extra space, tidiness and organization. You can take a look at the before and after pictures here and you’ll understand why I am so excited!
DIY Fabric Covered Storage Boxes
And although you can also buy additional Rubbermaid accessories (drawers, baskets, etc) to add-on to the closet system, for now I decided to create a quick upcycled storage DIY to use in our newly organized closet. These storage boxes will hold our seasonal accessories such as t-shirts, tanks, scarves and mitts.
Materials Needed to create your own DIY Fabric Covered Storage Boxes:
- Cardboard box (mine measured 8 ½” high x 9” wide x 16” long)
- Elmer’s Fabric Spray Adhesive
- Woven Fabric, lightweight cotton, printed or solid; 36” long x 60” wide
- Extra large black Ric Rac trim (optional)
- Chalkboard Labels (optional)
- Scissors
- Measuring Tape
- Newspaper (to protect working area)
How to Make Fabric-Covered Decorative Storage Boxes from Cardboard:
Tip: Ensure the fabric is big/wide enough to wrap around the outer box edges and fold into the inside. Lay fabric down on protected surface with right side facing down. Position the empty box into the center of the fabric.
1. Cut the lid flaps and sides of the box to your desired size. Place it centered on the fabric. Using a pair of sharp scissors, cut out the corners of the fabric as shown. Leave ½” extra of fabric (i.e. a bit wider than the sides of the box you are trying to cover) on either side of the flaps (these will be folder in to make a nicer finished edge to the box).
Tip: Give the spray adhesive a shake before using.
2. Spray one side of box. Fold fabric up and press out any bubbles or air pockets.
3. Spray the inside of the box and fold fabric into the box. Press out the air bubbles. Repeat on opposite side of box.
4. Clip the fabric corners at the bottom corners of the box. Wrap the cut edges around corners of box.
5. Fold lengthwise cut edges as shown. Spray outside of box. Fold fabric up and press out all air bubbles. Spray inside of box and fold fabric into box. Repeat on opposite side of the cardboard box.
6. Measure and cut a piece of cardboard about ¼” to ½” smaller than the bottom of the box to finish the storage box. Spray and upholster with fabric and add it to the bottom of the box.
7. For decoration, you can add some ric rac to the top edge. Spray the underside of the ric rac and press onto box.
8. Add a label to mark the contents of the box if you want. I used a chalkboard tag and hung it onto a button that I hot-glued to the completed box.
Be sure to stop by this post to see how I organized these storage boxes and configured my new bedroom closet!
What ways are you bringing organization into your life?
Deb Pearl
I have a lot of cardboard storage boxes that I would love to be able to use, but I just don’t like the look of them. That is a great idea to decorate them into cuter boxes. I didn’t think about adding fabric to the sides of the boxes. Thank you for the tutorial!
admin_craft
Our pleasure, Deb. Glad you found it useful. I’m always on the look out for dale priced coordinating fabrics that I could use for more of these storage boxes.