DIY Cigar Box Makeover: From Smoky to Chic with Wallpaper

I’ve always loved using cigar boxes around my house — they’re sturdy, beautifully made, and perfect for organizing all sorts of things: cords, remotes, craft supplies, and those little odds and ends that somehow multiply when we’re not looking!

However, as much as I appreciate the craftsmanship, I sometimes don’t necessarily want the “cigar” branding front and center in my living room or craft room. So, I came up with an easy and fun solution: give them a makeover using wallpaper!

Why Cigar Boxes?

Cigar boxes are one of my favorite organizing tools. They’re usually made of wood, have a nice hinged lid, and feel so much more special than a plastic bin or basket. Plus, they’re often free or inexpensive if you ask nicely at a cigar shop or reuse one you already have.

The Makeover Idea

For this project, I decided to wrap a cigar box with a beautiful wallpaper scrap I had on hand that I purchased from Dollar Tree because it is just so pretty! It instantly transforms the box into something cute, stylish, and totally personal — no cigar labels in sight.

Materials I Used

• A cigar box
• Wallpaper (you can also use wrapping paper, fabric, or even scrapbook paper)
• Scissors or a craft knife
• Double-sided tape or glue
• Ruler
• Pencil

How I Did It

1. Measure and cut: I measured each side of the box and cut pieces of wallpaper slightly larger than needed. It’s always easier to trim down than to come up short! I have a paper cutter from Amazon that I use to get straight lines! Find the affiliate link here.
2. Apply adhesive: I used peel-and-stick wallpaper, but you could use double-sided tape because it’s less messy than glue and gives a smooth finish, but you could use any strong adhesive you like.
3. Wrap carefully: Starting with the larger panels, I wrapped the wallpaper around the box, smoothing out bubbles as I went. Then I folded the edges neatly inside for a finished look. If you wanted, you could use felt to line the inside of the box. Since I am using this for scrap pieces of paper/wallpaper, I didn't see the need to finish the inside.
4. Trim and tidy: I carefully trimmed any excess wallpaper and pressed down all the edges to make sure nothing would peel up over time. I know that because it's paper, it may peel away in time, but I can always mod-podge it down later if needed.

The Result

I’m so happy with how this box turned out! It looks pretty enough to leave out on a coffee table or shelf, and no one would ever guess it started as a humble cigar box.

I love having these customized boxes around the house — each one can match a different room or mood. It’s an easy and affordable way to stay organized while expressing a bit of creativity at the same time.

Final Thoughts

If you have cigar boxes lying around (or any other small boxes), give them new life with wallpaper or your favorite decorative paper. It’s a quick project, and the possibilities are endless.

I’d love to see how yours turns out — feel free to share photos or ideas in the comments!