Cardboard boxes have been around for about 200 years. The original purpose was packaging, of course, but since then people have transformed the simple brown box into some really fun and innovative things. Here are some of the coolest cardboard items you can buy, make or just dream of owning. As you’ll see, it’s an often-overlooked material with an impressive range of uses.
1. Cardboard Car
Lexus UK unveiled a drivable electric car made of cardboard in 2015. (Note: It’s drivable only in a highly controlled environment because the wheels are also made of cardboard.) Taking three months to build in London, this car is constructed of 1,700 precision-cut pieces of cardboard, which were adhered together by hand with water-based glue. The motor is mounted on an aluminum-and-steel frame. It has functioning doors, headlights, and a replica interior.
2. Cardboard Partition
Do you live with an open floor plan and want to mark off sections of your home? Instead of going with one of those generic panel room dividers, add a pop of color to your room with one of these freestanding, modular cardboard walls. These can be “configured into screens, partitions, displays or even rooms without hardware or damage to existing walls and ceilings,” making them ideal for renters or people needing flexibility. They were selected to be part of Treehugger’s Best of Green Design Awards in 2021.
3. Virtual Reality Goggles
Have you tried Google Cardboard yet? When you look into it, it’s like you’re really standing next to the Eiffel Tower or swimming the Great Barrier Reef. (A doctor has even used the device to perform a tricky surgery on an infant.) You can buy a cardboard viewfinder or download a kit and make one yourself. The kit includes “technical specifications and drawings for lenses, conductive strips, die-cut lines and more, plus manufacturing tolerances and material specifications.”
4. Cardboard Décor
Instead of mounting a real big game animal head on your wall (ew!), opt instead for a trendy cardboard one. You can pick from an elephant, moose, bison, rhino, lion and even a unicorn. These would make a great playful addition to a child’s bedroom. If you’re crafty, it’s something you might consider making yourself.
5. Cardboard Playhouse
Just think about all of the great imaginative play your kiddos can have with this mid-century modern cardboard house. Throw some blankets and pillows in there and let the games begin. This is something you could potentially recreate yourself, especially if you had a Makedo Cardboard-Building Set to help.
6. Cardboard Kitty House
Your BFF will be the coolest feline on the block when you give her a cardboard cat house. The best part is that it’s made from recycled cardboard and no there are no glue or toxic chemicals involved. All of the designs are printed with eco-friendly ink. Check out the Water Gem cardboard cat house by Boba & Vespa, selected for the 2021 Best of Green Pets Awards.
7. Cardboard Crafty
Looking for something fun and inexpensive to make this weekend with the kids? Learn how to make a cardboard igloo or play dome, a cute Lego storage house, and even a puppet theater. See Pinterest or Instagram for inspiration. You’ll be amazed by what you see.
8. Cardboard Robot
Build and decorate your very own robot out of cardboard. This kit could be for kids or for a robot-loving grown-up. The company also makes lots of cardboard craft kits as well, including castles, pirate ships and farm sets.
9. Cardboard Luggage
This retro designed luggage is a stylish storage container and it can even be a travel accessory (but it can’t be checked.) It’s been manufactured in Czech Republic since 1925. For stability, it has metal-reinforced corners and edges and wooden slats. Side pieces are riveted on and the inside is laminated with paper. If you want to make your own, check out this little DIY project, great for kids.
10. Cardboard iPad Stand
Tired of holding your iPad while binge-watching your fave TV show? This retro-inspired cardboard TV stand solves that problem nicely. Or make your own, less fancy kind that does the job just as well, as shown here.
