Cigar boxes are tiny, sturdy, and weirdly perfect for small-space living—I’ve rescued more than a few and turned them into everyday helpers. Here are my favorite ways to upcycle a cigar box into storage and decor that actually earns its keep.
Desktop Supply Caddy
I turn shallow cigar boxes into a desk organizer by gluing in cardboard dividers for pens, sticky notes, and stamps. On my tiny dining-table-as-desk setup, it keeps everything contained so I can pack up fast for dinner.
A few helpful options:
- Adhesive Cork Sheets: Line the lid of your cigar box to create a mini pinboard for important notes and reminders.
- Craft Wood Sheets: Create custom compartments within your box to neatly separate pens, clips, and other small essentials.
- Patterned Washi Tape: Decorate the exterior of your organizer with colorful tape for a unique and personalized finish.
Vintage Keepsake Box Upgrade
When I find a beat-up cigar box, I seal the label with decoupage medium and add a small clasp so it becomes a proper keepsake box. I keep letters and tiny souvenirs in mine, and it looks charming on an open shelf instead of clutter.
These products might be useful:
- Small Antique Box Latch: Add a vintage-style clasp to your cigar box to keep treasures secure and enhance the rustic, antique aesthetic.
- Matte Decoupage Glue: Seal and protect the original cigar box paper labels permanently with a clear, matte finish decoupage medium.
- Decorative Box Corner Protectors: Install brass corner protectors to reinforce the fragile cardboard edges and give your keepsake box a polished look.
Tiny Sewing Kit That Travels
A cigar box makes the cutest sewing kit—I tuck in thread, needles, and a little pin cushion glued to the lid. I’ve hauled mine to quick clothing fixes at friends’ places, and it never spills because it closes tight.
Some ideas to consider:
- Small Wooden Divider Inserts: Keep your threads and tools organized by adding adjustable wooden dividers or small compartments inside your box.
- Vintage Style Sewing Scissors: Complete the aesthetic of your kit with sharp, classic embroidery scissors that fit perfectly in small spaces.
- Assorted Sewing Thread Spools: Stock your travel kit with a variety of neutral and essential thread colors for quick emergency repairs.
Reusable Gift Box With Style
I use a cigar box as a gift box that’s part packaging, part present—just add shredded paper, a note, and a few small goodies. I’ve reused the same box for multiple birthdays, and everyone ends up keeping it as storage afterward.
May just do the trick:
- Natural Shredded Paper Filler: Create a professional, rustic base for your gifts while protecting delicate items with this eco-friendly filler.
- Cotton or Silk Ribbon Spool: Add a delicate, finishing touch to your gift cards or small items with soft, neutral-toned ribbon.
- Dried Pampas Grass Stems: Tuck in a few stems of fluffy dried grass to instantly elevate the aesthetic of your gift presentation.
Mini First-Aid or Emergency Kit
I keep a labeled cigar box as a compact first-aid kit that slides into a narrow linen closet without getting lost. In my last apartment, that one little box saved me from rummaging through three different drawers when I needed a bandage fast.
Check these products out:
- Small Empty Wooden Box with Latch: Replicate the look with a sturdy wooden box ready for your own custom medical labeling and organization.
- Compact First Aid Supply Refill Pack: Fill your new kit instantly with essential bandages, gauze, and wipes without buying bulky pre-made plastic cases.
- Red Cross Sticker or Stencil: Give your DIY kit a professional finish and ensure it matches the recognizable safety aesthetic shown here.
