I love finding ways to turn everyday materials into miniatures, and cardboard packaging is one of my favorite supplies. It’s free, easy to cut, and perfect for a rainy day in summer, together with your (grand)kids.
As a matter of fact, I am writing this in the middle of a thunderstorm during a heatwave 🙂
For this project, I built an entire miniature bedroom using recycled cardboard from packaging that would normally end up in the recycling bin. The room includes a bed, dresser, storage cabinet, shelving unit, and even a small decorative rug.
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For the legs, cut four pieces measuring approximately 2 x 3 cm, fold them into simple supports, and glue them underneath the bed.
Create a decorative headboard from thin cardboard and glue it to one end of the bed.
Step 3: Make the Dresser
Cut a rectangle measuring 6 x 8 cm.
Add borders measuring 3 cm on all four sides.
Cut the corner slits, fold the borders inward, and glue the tabs to create a box.
Once dry, glue two thin cardboard rectangles onto the front to create drawer fronts.
Finish by adding small cardboard circles as drawer knobs.
You can create multiple ones with different measurements:
Step 4: Make the Tall Drawer Unit
Cut a rectangle measuring 4 x 12 cm.
Add borders measuring 3 cm around all four sides.
Fold and glue the cardboard in exactly the same way as the dresser.
Once assembled, add three drawer fronts made from thin cardboard and, again, glue a small cardboard circle onto each drawer.
Step 5: Make the Bookshelf
Cut a rectangle measuring 4 x 10 cm.
Add borders measuring 2.5 cm around all four sides.
Cut the corner tabs, fold the sides upward, and glue the box together.
To create shelves, cut three narrow strips of cardboard and glue them horizontally inside the unit.
You can decorate everything with wood-colored cardstock paper.
The shelves don’t need exact measurements. Simply trim them until they fit snugly between the side walls.
Step 6: Add a Rug
Cut a square from decorative scrapbook paper and place it on the floor.
I chose a floral pattern to add a little color to the room, but any scrapbook paper or printed design will work.
Place the bed, dresser, drawer unit, and bookshelf inside the room.
Move the pieces around until you’re happy with the layout.
At this stage, the room is still plain cardboard, but the basic furniture is complete and ready for painting, wallpaper, bedding, books, and other miniature accessories.
Wrapping up
Let me know in the comments below if you want me to build some more things for this bedroom or/and if you want me to build another type of cardboard room, like a little cardboard kitchen!
