Upcycled Cardboard Box Crafts: 24 Creative Projects

This post is packed with crafts using recycled cardboard boxes!

Instead of tossing old cardboard boxes in the recycling, why not turn them into something creative using one of these recycled cardboard projects?

From epic kids’ playhouses to clever storage hacks and DIY home decor, cardboard box crafts are the perfect mix of budget-friendly and brilliant. Whether you’ve got shoe boxes, shipping boxes or cereal boxes piling up, there’s a crafty project here with your name on it!

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Cardboard Bookshelves

This easy to follow tutorial will show you how to transform an old cardboard box into useful storage for all your kids books! Make it to fit whatever size space you have. 

Cute Cardboard Kennel

Kids love to craft, and this super cute toy dog kennel is a great way to keep them busy without a screen. Get the tutorial here.

Cardboard Ramp For Cars

With just a few steps, you can make your child a DIY cardboard box ramp that will entertain them for hours as they play with their cars and trucks! This quick and easy tutorial is great to get them involved too.

DIY Marker Storage

This tutorial will show you how to make the most inexpensive DIY Marker Organizer by reusing an old cardboard box! This is the perfect way to organize your markers – extra points for rainbow order!

Cardboard Train and Rocket Playhouse

This fun project will show you how to make a 2 in 1 train and rocket playhouse from a large leftover cardboard box. Your kids will love this!

Stuffed Animal Zoo

If your kids have soft toys everywhere, why not put them in their very own stuffed animal zoo? This quick and easy tutorial will show you how to take an old cardboard box and turn it into something fun (and helps keep those toys tidy!). 

Cardboard Dollhouse

Inspire hours of imaginative play with this DIY cardboard box dollhouse. With a little bit of recycled materials and fun you’ll transform an old box into a home for Barbies, baby dolls or miniature dolls.

Metallic Gold Arrow

For a quick and easy craft, why not try this metallic gold arrow? Made using recycled cardboard, this tutorial shows you how to achieve a flawless finish. Perfect for display in your home!

DIY Photo Display Board

We all have too many photos on our phones, and not enough space to display them! This easy tutorial will show you how I made an Ikea dupe photo display board from some recycled cardboard and fabric. 

Weathered Wood Look Flower Box

You’ll never believe what this amazing wood look flower box started out as! Get the step by step tutorial to create a distressed wood finish on cardboard and make your own unique flower box.

No Sew Dog Bed

This project is a great way to recycle a large cardboard box and is a no-sew project you can complete in under an hour. Make one for your dog, cat or any pet – you can choose the box size to suit!

Easy Valentine’s Day Garland

Make this adorable wrapped hearts garland for Valentine’s Day using this easy tutorial! Change the colors and sizes to suit your space. 

Decorative DIY Mirror Frame

This is a fun and easy mirror frame decor craft using simple supplies. Recycled cardboard becomes the base for a frame, and hot glue from a glue gun gives the frame an embossed look. Go as detailed or as simple as you like!

DIY Pirate Ship

Who doesn’t love a craft that you can play with? This tutorial will show you how to turn an old cardboard box into a fun pirate ship for hours of play. 

Christmas Tree Garland

This Christmas Garland is such an easy Christmas craft for toddlers and uses only a few basic craft supplies. Hang your finished garland over the fireplace or on your tree in readiness for Christmas Eve!

Cardboard Laptop

How adorable is this cute cardboard laptop? Turn a plain old cardboard box into a pretend kids laptop for hours of screen-free play – perfect for little ones who want to work just like the grown-ups! 

Primitive Statue

Give an old cardboard box a second life as a bold primitive-style statue – an easy, upcycled DIY that adds instant character and artsy charm to your home decor!

Cardboard Storage Cubes

This tutorial will show you how to create your own bespoke storage cubes for the Ikea Kallax unit by taking old cardboard boxes and covering them with kraft paper or wrapping paper to suit your home decor. 

DIY Magazine Holders

I decided to upcycle some cereal boxes and leftover wallpaper to make my own DIY Magazine Holders. This is a fun, budget-friendly project that’s both practical and pretty!

Decoupage Shoe Box Storage

Got a few old shoe boxes gathering dust? This creative decoupage project is the perfect way to give them a new lease of life – it’s fun, simple, and turns an everyday item into something stylish and useful!

DIY Storage Bins

No need to splash out on fancy organizers – these fabric storage boxes are easy to make and perfect for keeping your bits and bobs in check. Get the tutorial and make your own from recycled cardboard boxes. 

Little Mermaid Tail 

Turn playtime into an under-the-sea adventure with this easy DIY mermaid tail – perfect for little ocean lovers and imaginative minds. This easy to follow tutorial will show you how!

Cardboard Gingerbread House

If you’re after a fun and frugal holiday craft, this cardboard gingerbread house ticks all the boxes! It’s festive, simple, and perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit. 

Upcycled Storage Box

Interior decor doesn’t have to break the bank, and this upcycling project is a great example! Using a few inexpensive materials and items you already have at home, you can create a beautiful storage box.

I hope you’ve been inspired by these creative recycled cardboard projects!