Do you have a collection of old jewelry boxes gathering dust in your home? Instead of letting them collect cobwebs, consider repurposing them into functional and decorative items. Here are some creative and eco-friendly ideas to transform your old jewelry boxes into something new and exciting.
Why Repurpose Old Jewelry Boxes?
Repurposing old jewelry boxes is not only a great way to declutter your home, but it's also an eco-friendly and budget-friendly solution to update your living space. By giving new life to old items, you're reducing waste and adding a unique, personal touch to your home decor. Plus, it's a fun and rewarding DIY project!
Clean and Prepare Your Jewelry Boxes
Before you start any project, it's essential to clean and prepare your old jewelry boxes. Remove any old jewelry, trinkets, or debris. Use a damp cloth with mild soap and water to clean the exterior and interior surfaces. If the box has a strong odor, you can place a small bowl of baking soda inside to absorb the smell. Allow the box to air out for a few days before starting your project.

1. Vanity Organizer
Transform an old jewelry box into a stylish vanity organizer. Line the interior with velvet or fabric to protect your makeup and skincare products. Add dividers or small compartments to keep items organized. You can also paint or decoupage the exterior to match your vanity or bathroom decor.
- Materials needed: Fabric, glue, paint or decoupage supplies, dividers or compartments
- Time required: 1-2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
2. Planter Box
Give new life to a wooden jewelry box by turning it into a beautiful planter. Line the interior with plastic to prevent water leakage, and add drainage holes to the bottom. Fill the box with soil and plant your favorite flowers, herbs, or succulents. You can also paint or stain the exterior to match your outdoor decor.
- Materials needed: Plastic sheet, drill, soil, plants
- Time required: 1-2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
3. Secret Message Holder
Create a unique and sentimental keepsake by turning an old jewelry box into a secret message holder. Write a heartfelt message or special memories on small pieces of paper, roll them up, and place them inside the box. You can also add small trinkets or mementos to make it even more personal. Seal the box with a lock and key for added security.

- Materials needed: Paper, pen, lock and key, small trinkets or mementos (optional)
- Time required: 30 minutes - 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy
4. Wall Art
Turn an old jewelry box into a stunning piece of wall art. Remove the hinges and any hardware that would prevent it from laying flat. Paint or decoupage the exterior, and add embellishments like beads, buttons, or fabric to create a unique design. Hang the box on the wall using a sawtooth hanger or picture wire.
- Materials needed: Paint or decoupage supplies, embellishments, sawtooth hanger or picture wire
- Time required: 1-2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
5. Toy Storage
Transform an old jewelry box into a fun and functional toy storage solution. Line the interior with fabric or foam to protect small toys and pieces. Add dividers or compartments to keep toys organized. Paint or decoupage the exterior to match your child's bedroom or playroom decor.
- Materials needed: Fabric or foam, paint or decoupage supplies, dividers or compartments
- Time required: 1-2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
6. DIY Candle Holders
Create beautiful and unique candle holders using old jewelry boxes. Line the interior with aluminum foil to protect the box from heat and soot. Place a tea light or small pillar candle inside the box, and add embellishments like beads, buttons, or fabric to create a decorative design. Group several candle holders together for a stunning centerpiece.

- Materials needed: Aluminum foil, candles, embellishments
- Time required: 30 minutes - 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy
Creative Ideas for Multiple Jewelry Boxes
If you have multiple old jewelry boxes, consider combining them to create even more unique and functional items. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
| Project | Materials Needed | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jewelry Box Bookshelf | Multiple jewelry boxes, wood glue, saw, sandpaper, paint or stain | 2-4 hours | Moderate |
| Tiered Planter Stand | Multiple jewelry boxes, wood glue, saw, sandpaper, paint or stain, casters (optional) | 2-4 hours | Moderate |
| Jewelry Box Wall Shelf | Multiple jewelry boxes, wood glue, saw, sandpaper, paint or stain, brackets | 2-4 hours | Moderate |
With a little creativity and some elbow grease, you can transform your old jewelry boxes into functional and decorative items that you'll love to use and display. So go ahead, get crafty, and give new life to those forgotten treasures!




















