Covering a blanket box is one of the quickest and most effective ways to refresh the look of a child’s bedroom or a guest room. A simple, sturdy storage box holding extra blankets and pillows often becomes an eyesore, sitting in the corner with its worn fabric or mismatched colors. By investing a little time and following a precise method, you can transform this functional item into a seamless part of your existing decor, tying together color schemes and adding a polished finish to the room.
Preparation and Measurement
Before you begin the creative process, precision is key. Rushing to cut fabric without exact dimensions is the primary reason a DIY cover ends up looking amateurish. You need to treat this project like a tailored garment, where measurement is just as important as the stitch. Gather your supplies, which will typically include a high-quality cotton or linen blend fabric, sharp fabric scissors, a staple gun with staples, and perhaps a roll of decorative trim.
Start by measuring your blanket box from the outside. Measure the length, width, and height, ensuring you account for the lip or rim at the top of the box. It is generally wise to add an extra inch or two to your fabric dimensions to allow for seam allowances and to ensure the fabric drapes gracefully over the edges. If your fabric has a distinct pattern, such as stripes or floral prints, visualize how the pattern will align when wrapped around the box to avoid a chaotic look.
Cutting with Intent
With your measurements recorded, lay the fabric flat on a clean surface. Use a fabric marker or chalk to trace the outline of your blanket box cover. Unlike clothing, where fabric waste is often minimized, blanket box covers require generous padding. Cut the fabric out with sharp fabric scissors, aiming for a clean edge rather than a jagged tear. This initial clean cut will make the stapling process significantly smoother and prevent the fabric from fraying excessively during the application phase.
The Staple and Fold Technique
With the fabric cut, place the blanket box upside down on the wrong side of the fabric. This step is crucial—it ensures that when you flip the cover back over, the staple lines will be hidden, and the finish will look professional. Pull one side of the fabric tightly over the bottom of the box and secure it with a staple gun. Start with one side, creating a taut base, and then move to the opposite side, pulling the fabric snug to eliminate wrinkles. The goal here is to create a flat, stable surface that doesn’t sag.
Once the two opposing sides are secure, you can move to the adjacent sides. This is where the technique resembles wrapping a present. You will need to create crisp, folded corners rather than letting the fabric bunch up. To achieve this, fold the excess fabric at the corner inward to create a neat triangle, and then fold the triangle down to create a flat edge against the side of the box. Secure this final side with staples, working your way from the center outward to ensure the fabric remains smooth and wrinkle-free.
Finishing Touches
After the main stapling is complete, inspect the cover for any loose fabric or visible staples that might snag on clothing. If the box has handles, carefully cut slits in the fabric to allow them to protrude without tearing the material. For a luxurious touch, consider adding a piece of trim around the top edge where the fabric meets the rim of the box. This not only hides the raw edge of the fabric but also adds a layer of durability, ensuring the cover withstands regular use without pulling away from the box.
Finally, slide the covered box back into its spot in the room. The transformation should be immediate and striking. What was once a utility item now serves as a cohesive design element, storing essentials while contributing to the overall ambiance of the space. This project offers a sense of accomplishment that is both visual and tactile, proving that sometimes the most practical tasks yield the most rewarding aesthetic results.
