In many fields such as packaging, storage, gifts, and handmade, cardboard boxes are indispensable. Especially cardboard boxes with lids, not only have stronger protection, but also have better sealing and aesthetics, which are very practical for both gift giving and storage. If you are tired of the stereotyped cardboard box shapes on the market, then making a personalized, covered cardboard box will be an interesting and practical choice.
This blog will teach you step by step to complete the process of making a covered cardboard box, easily master the cardboard box DIY skills, and create your own exclusive packaging box.
1. How to make a cardboard box with a lid?Prepare materials: material selection determines quality
Material preparation is the key to making a stable, practical and beautiful cardboard box with a lid. Here is a list of basic tools and materials:
Cardboard: It is recommended to use corrugated cardboard or double-gray cardboard, which is both sturdy and easy to cut;
Scissors or utility knife: for precise cardboard cutting;
Ruler: measure the size to ensure symmetry and neatness;
Pencil: mark reference lines to avoid errors;
Glue or double-sided tape: for fixing the structure;
(Optional) Decorative materials: colored paper, stickers, ribbons, etc., choose according to personal style.
Recommended tips: If this is your first attempt, it is recommended to practice with waste cardboard to reduce material waste.
1)Measure and cut the base
First, determine the size of the carton you want. For example, if you want the finished product size to be 20cm × 15cm × 10cm (length × width × height), then the base size should be 20cm × 15cm.
Mark the outline of the base on the cardboard with a pencil, use a ruler to ensure the straight edges and corners, and then use scissors or a utility knife to cut along the line.
2)Make the four sides of the box
According to the size of the bottom plate, cut out four side panels in sequence:
Two long side panels: 20cm × 10cm
Two short side panels: 15cm × 10cm
Assembly method: Stand the four side panels upright and surround the bottom plate, and fix them with glue or tape. It is recommended to glue one side first, and then gradually align and fix the other sides to ensure the stability of the structure.
3) Design and make the carton lid
In order to make the lid cover the top of the carton smoothly, it is recommended that the length and width of the lid be slightly larger than the box by about 0.5cm to 1cm.
For example, the size of the lid can be 21cm × 16cm, and the height can be selected according to needs. It is generally recommended to be between 2cm and 4cm. Cut a cover according to this size and make four shorter sides for it (similar to making a “shallow box”).
Assemble the lid: Fix the four short sides around the cover to form a complete lid structure. Note that the edges must be butted at right angles to ensure that the lid covers the box evenly.
4)Fixation and detail processing
After the production is completed, try to cover the lid on the box to see if it fits tightly. If it is slightly tight or too loose, you can adjust the edge appropriately or add a fixing strip inside the lid.
You can choose to fix the lid and the box as a one-piece structure (such as connecting with a cloth belt or paper strip), or you can make it completely separate, which is easier to open and close and reuse.
3.How to make a cardboard box with a lid?Creative decoration: give the carton a “personality”
The charm of a homemade carton lies not only in its practicality, but also in its plasticity. You can decorate creatively according to the purpose and aesthetics:
For gifts: wrap with colored paper, add ribbon bows, and attach handwritten cards;
For storage: attach classification labels and add small handles to improve convenience;
Brand customization: print LOGO or brand logo to create a unique image;
Children’s handicrafts: add cartoon stickers and graffiti patterns to make education entertaining.
Environmental reminder: Choose renewable or environmentally friendly paper materials, which not only has more aesthetic value, but also reflects the concept of sustainability.
4.How to make a cardboard box with a lid?Usage suggestions and precautions
Reasonable size planning
Plan the size of the items to be stored or packaged before making them to avoid making them “useless size”.
Pay attention to the firm structure
Especially in the bonding process, it is recommended to wait for the glue to completely dry before continuing to the next step to ensure strength.
Durability treatment
If you need to open and close frequently or use it for a long time, you can paste paper corner reinforcements on the four corners or use double-layer cardboard to enhance the structure.
Cartons with lids seem simple, but they actually contain multiple considerations of structural design, functional matching and aesthetic creativity. Whether you are creating an orderly space for daily storage or creating a high-end image for brand customized packaging, making a personalized carton by hand can make people shine.
Why not give it a try, add a little creativity to your life, and contribute to environmental protection. If you need more professional advice on carton structure design or printing technology, please leave a message at any time, I can provide you with more customized solutions!
If you still want to make advanced packaging techniques such as drawer-style paper boxes, magnetic buckle gift boxes, top and bottom lid structures, you can also tell me and I will continue to share the series of tutorials!
Post time: Jul-30-2025
