I have several Facebook friends in the UK and from them I learned of a bank holiday called Boxing Day. It is the day after Christmas and celebrated in most countries except the United States. But recently, Mr. Menace and I created our own boxing day and I’d like to share with you how to decorate with antique wood boxes.
I have owned these wooden boxes for at least 30 years. They have been moved from house to house and used in my decor over and over. They hold memories. Decorating with heirlooms and personal items is so much more interesting than the mass produced decor items at the big stores. And Martha Stewart agrees in her article Living Room Decorating Ideas Using Keepsakes and Mementos.
Top: antique fan Middle: Uncle Davy’s pilot log Bottom: antique corbel |
Top: Daddy’s Big Little Books Middle: Daddy’s tractor and car Bottom: collection of globes |
Top: Dating memories Middle: Wedding memories Bottom: Birmingham collections |
Each and every one of them is special for it’s unique shape or label or beautiful wood or stamp of origin.
Detail of several boxes |
Who cares about blog worthy photos? |
So this time I decided that I wanted them on the wall to use as shelves.
*This post contains affiliate links to products or companies that I truly love and believed in before I joined the affiliate program. If you use these links to make a purchase, I will be compensated at no extra cost to you.*
How to Effectively Use Wood Boxes as Shelves
RESEARCH:
So I scoured Pinterest and found ideas that I liked, (see my wood box board by clicking here), and even more helpful were the ones that I didn’t like.
ARRANGE:
Then I pieced my design together on the floor. Like a giant puzzle.
The Puzzle |
HANG:
Mr. Menace (Dennis the) decided to help me hang them. I guess he didn’t trust me. It sure made it easy for me though so I’m not complaining!
Mr Menace and his Drill |
Done! |
STYLE:
Then came the fun part of styling them.
Tobacco Stick on top |
Love seat from Alabama Furniture Market - Link at end of blog post. |
This wall is in our Study.
When you break down a task into simple steps, it doesn’t seem so daunting. I find that so often to be the key to getting something done. Instead of letting the WHOLE project overwhelm you, break it down into manageable parts. Even decorating.
This project was done in four easy steps:
- Research
- Test Arrangement
- Hang
- Decorate
I have to wonder, do you ever really finish decorating a house? I hope not. I love this stuff. Maybe I’ll get through in time to start over at the beginning. 🙂
Lisa says
I love the way the boxes look hanging up and each has such interesting stuff inside! Our current house is so weird - there isn't much wall space for hanging things, but to my disappointment. So I have a few of the wooden boxes ( from Mom Jenny's shop) scattered around for various things and I just love them. I have some soda crates I have ideas for too.
And no - we never finish decorating a house! 🙂
Nikki G says
I am sure you know that I got my boxes from there also, just many years ago.
Laura says
What a wonderful idea! I love all of the different shapes and sizes.
Thank you for visiting White Spray Paint! I am a new follower-
Laura
Nikki G says
Thanks for coming over Laura! And I love the name of your blog. Thats what made me visit. LOL
🙂
Cathy Lawdanski says
Love the way you styled them with each section having a “theme”. Thanks for sharing with #overthemoon
gwingal says
I love these boxes. It turned out even better than I imagined. Thanks for hosting! and for stopping by to visit. 🙂
Christine Vandormolen says
Hi Nikki, wow I am lovin all of your crates!!! Want to come over and steal some! And btw — thanks so much for leaving me some sweet comment love on my BOHO style foyer!!!
gwingal says
Hi Christine! And I want MORE boxes! Thanks for visiting. 🙂
Kyla Matton Osborne says
What a charming way to use old crates and wood boxes! I would love to have shelving like this on my wall 🙂
gwingal says
Thanks Kyla! It’s one of my very favorite projects. 🙂
Jenny says
I hadn’t heard of boxing day until recently myself. I love how these shelves turned out. They look so good.
lauren says
I love that shelf display! A little country, a little vintage and so cozy. We love going antiquing, I’ll have to keep an eye out for some shelves like that!
gwingal says
Thanks Lauren. I am hoping to find more old wood boxes. I love using them for display. Good luck! 🙂
Dee | Grammy's Grid says
Looks very nice on the wall, great job ♥
Rebecca Schiro says
How did you actually get them to stay together and hang them?
gwingal says
They are each individually screwed to the wall.