These 11 Ideas Will Make Cigar Boxes Your Favorite Thing To Repurpose Around The House

Empty cigar boxes are like mini treasure chests waiting to be transformed into something new. Even if you only have one lying around the house, there is a lot of potential for what it could be. Cigar boxes are generally made from cedar plywood, solid cedar, or mahogany. The durable material, lid, and metal hardware make it a great item to repurpose. We have 11 creative ideas to turn empty cigar boxes into extra storage, stylish decor, and backyard accessories.

You can use cigar boxes of different sizes and styles for any of these projects. You can even check buy nothing groups or local cigar shops for free boxes. The majority of these craft ideas are beginner-friendly and only require one container. Cigar boxes usually have engravings or stickers that dictate its style, but if they don't match your home's aesthetic, paint is an easy way to change that. Grab your cigar box, supplies, and let's get crafting.

With a few craft supplies and creativity, the cigar box becomes unique decor for your home. Decorate the box's exterior and style it on a coffee table like you would an ornamental book. Prop the cigar box open, embellish the interior, and use it as a display shelf to show off your favorite trinkets. You can also set a jar filled with flowers inside or on top of the cigar box and use it as a centerpiece. There are many ways to personalize the wooden container so it speaks to your space while adding a unique flair.

A shadow box is a unique decorative idea to repurpose a cigar box into a treasured item. Trade the wooden lid for a transparent frame, and it becomes a chic display case. It's best to line the inside of the box with wallpaper or paint to add depth before arranging your favorite pieces — pictures, flowers, trinkets, whatever speaks to you. Just think of it as a 3D scrapbook page. You can even decorate the shadow box's window for another stylish layer. It makes a stunning home decor piece or personalized gift.

It's a modern trend to go 3D with your gallery wall, so if you have one or are looking to start one, a few cigar boxes are a great place to begin. Just arrange the boxes however you like and secure them to the wall. The cigar box's original design adds a unique, authentic look, but feel free to decorate them as you please. You can also place mini vases and sculptures on top of and inside of the boxes. Leave the lids wide open, shut, or both to interact with the display and change things up.

A cigar box is also a stellar base for a storage caddy that you can store on a flat surface or mount onto the wall. Simply glue the box's lid shut and cut the cigar box in half at a 30-degree angle. That's it! From one box, you get two caddies. Use it inside your kitchen cabinet to organize spices, on top of your desk to house office supplies, or in the garage to store tools. You can even add a handle and turn it into a portable storage caddy.

Another innovative storage use for a cigar box is to turn it into a mini cabinet. Just add dividers inside of the case to create shelves. You can orient the cabinet vertically or horizontally to make the most of your space. The mini cabinet is a great place to store safety glasses in the shed, plant seeds in the garage, or accessories in the bedroom. Similarly to the caddy, you can mount the mini cabinet onto the wall or lay it on a flat surface.

With large cigar boxes, you can remove the lid and use it as a catchall tray. Place it near the front door for keys and mail, use it in the living room for TV remotes, or leave it on your desk for pens and paper clips. Lids from smaller cigar boxes also make ideal compact trays or glue multiple lids together for a larger piece. While the lids are at work, you can use the base boxes for another one of our repurposing projects.

Give an empty cigar box new life and keep your closet organized with a DIY jewelry box. The wooden container is the perfect place to store necklaces, earrings, rings, and other precious accessories. Line the cigar box with velvet or felt for a protective layer. Pieces of cardboard are also great for divider sections to organize your accessories. Then, you can neatly store the box on a shelf or on top of a dresser for easy access. It also works for storing sewing supplies, coins, or mini tools.

A lamp is a stylish and functional way to repurpose an empty cigar box. The sturdy container is the base for the light fixture. Use one box or stack multiple. All the electrical wires are hidden inside the cigar box, so in the end you have a sleek lamp without clunky cords. You can even use battery-powered bulbs if wiring isn't your thing and mount the lamp onto the wall to make sconces. Try a funky lightbulb design for a minimalistic look or cover the bulb with a lampshade for another decorative layer.

A DIY clock is a fun piece to craft from a cigar box. You can style it on top of a table or add it to your 3D gallery wall. You just need the clock mechanism and a few art supplies, and the empty box will be able to tell time. Decorate the clock face with different numerical styles and colors to tailor the accessory to your home. It's a lovely functional piece that'll stand on its own as a focal point or pair well with other cigar box projects.

With such a sturdy wooden box, how could we not include a planter upcycle? Use the cigar box as a wooden vase and store cut flowers, branches, or artificial plants. For live greenery, line the container with landscaping fabric, add soil, and nestle in your favorite plants. Cigar boxes with deep interiors are best for live plants as the roots will have space to grow. They make a chic, rustic planter, and with a coat of waterproof sealant, you can even use these plant containers outdoors.

Last but not least, you can use your empty cigar box to make a charming birdhouse. To complete the construction, add an opening for the birdies to fly inside and a perch for them to rest. You can cut the corners off the top of the box to make a traditional triangular roof or leave it as-is with its rectangular silhouette. Upgrade your birdhouse with a feeder and water bath to further entice the local birds. See, cigar boxes come in handy for more than you'd think.