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Rae Gun Ramblings

I'm an auntie, crafter, philosopher (no really I've got a degree), lover of food and lots more. I love sharing the things that make me smile, my baby clothes, and my little fabric shop. I share my creative adventures, recipes, reviews and I even do giveaways.

Home » tutorials » Ikea Expedit Fabric Covered Boxes

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Ikea Expedit Fabric Covered Boxes

Created On:   |  Updated:   |   44 Comments

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This cheater fabric box tutorial is so easy and I use them to organize my stuff in almost every room!
shelf with colorful fabric boxes
 

This is a project I’ve been meaning to do for years, ahem since I first shared my work space with you guys. ugg. It was such an easy one I’m not sure why I kept putting it off.

I have a few of those Ikea Expedit shelves as I’m sure many of you do as well. The thing is, I”m not really a basket girl and all the boxes and tote options just don’t do anything for me.

These work on the new Ikea Kallax shaves and most cube shelve options too!

More Organizing Tips You May Like

How to Make Fabric Covered Boxes

I decided to cover just the front side of the box just to conserve fabric and since these boxes aren’t ever going to be hanging out in the open.

I just pull them out for a minute or two and put them right back. But I’m sure you could use this same idea to cover the full box.

What You Need To Cover Boxes with Fabric

I have a high preference for the Costco ones, they are double thick and all the other kinds I’ve use have ripped over time these are study and awesome

  • File boxes
  • Hot glue gun and glue
  • Fabric (I used about 15×13 inch pieces for each of mine)
  • White fabric for an in between later if your fabric is thin or see through
  • Tape

How to Make Fabric Storage Boxes

Now it’s time to get to it. Really this couldn’t be any easier!

  1. Cut fabric for each box. If there are any parts of the box showing through cut white fabric to act as a lining and glue the white fabric in place.
  2. Fold the edges of the fabric around the box and glue and fold as you go trying to pull it as tight as possible.
  3. Cut slits in the handle hole. I used my rotary cutter to get in. Glue fabric around the hand hole.
  4. Tape the edges of the fabric. This is probably optional but the way I use these boxes I wanted an extra safeguard against unraveling and pulling.
  5. Look at your beautiful boxes and wonder why you didn’t do this sooner.

I really really love my boxes. Sorry, I didn’t bother cleaning up for you guys but I figured I always love seeing other people’s work spaces so I did a zoomed out shot for you all.

Can you believe I used to have that nasty paper printing showing? Oh man looking at the pictures in the old post cracks me up I’ve added a few tables and lots other crap haha.

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  1. Amber Liddle says

    We are moving soon and I am dreaming up ways to organize the fabric and other mess that has taken over my dining room! This is PERFECT, I will totally be stealing the shelves and boxes idea, thank you. And also, thanks for not cleaning up–I love to see real life, not the cleaned up, staged version of your life, you know? Looks super cute.

    Reply

  4. Laurel Ann Walker says

    A) I feel stupid for not thinking about this myself but

    B) I’m really glad you posted this because

    C) YOU SOLVED ONE OF MY CURRENT DILEMMAS except

    D) Now what fabric to buy? Hmm…

    Reply

  8. Taylor-Ann says

    This is to stinking cute. What a great job. I would love it if you showed it off at my new linky party @ Kampenlane.com.

    I can’t wait to see what else you create.

    ~Taylor

    Reply

  9. BJ_Mama says

    Love this idea! It’s been on my TO-DO list as well…along side 50million other things ;)
    WHat I really love is that you shared your REAL space. Thank you! If I have to see one more perfectly organized, creative space, I might just quit blogging! :) LOL! ok, maybe I’m being a little dramatic.

    Reply

  11. marissa says

    thanks guys I totally recommend it, I’m loving mine

    and BJ’s mama that makes me happy that my mess can keep you sane. Let be cheer you up every more, that was partially picked up haha

    Reply

  14. Betsy Pool says

    Wow – I love this. So gorgeous!! I love all the fabrics you used. This is such a great idea. I’m definitely pinning this.

    Thanks so much for linking up to Romance on a Dime!!

    Reply

  16. Christine says

    The boxes look FABULOUS!!!!

    Oh and I love how your work space is ”real life”… I don’t have a work space… but it would surely look exactly like that :)

    Thanks so much for sharing at The DIY Dreamer… From Dream To Reality!

    Reply

  18. MGal @ WatchMeDIY.com says

    Marissa! Love these fabric covered boxes. I have 7 of them myself and now I know just how to make them cute. Stop by and check out My Home Tour that I just posted on my blog when you have a chance. ;) Cheers, MGal watchmediy.com

    Reply

  28. Jenn Lifford says

    Fabulous idea! I love all of the different fabrics together! Thanks so much for sharing at The Creative Spark – i’ll be featuring these today. Happy Sunday!
    Jenn :)

    Reply

  32. Sass - aka - Kathy says

    Marissa – Definitely will be stealing this idea – no question. It’s soooo great! Love, too, that you only covered the front face. Who cares about the back and undersides if you generally never see them? By the way, thanks for introducing me to Goodreads. I ran right over there and signed up! Later, I’ll figure it out.

    Reply

  36. Kristi says

    This is great. I love how a little thing like covering boxes can make such a difference. This is just the inspiration I need for our daughter’ play area. Thanks!

    Reply

  39. Terry says

    I love how you used regular boxes and turned them into something so pretty and usable…thanks for sharing this at Sunday Blog Love and this is one of my favorite picks! So glad you shared this and hope you’ll link up again this weekend! Have a super weekend!

    Reply

  42. g*rated says

    i just bought my first expedit bookshelf for the twins rooms and when i googled cheap boxes for it, this came up. love this idea! can’t wait to find some cute fabric to match their room. :)
    -marie

    Reply

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