Rigid box
Pillow box · Paperboard
Custom pillow boxes
Custom pillow boxes are curved paperboard boxes that close by folding in each end. No glue, no tape. They suit small, light items like jewelry, gift cards and accessories, and we make them from 50 units per design.
- Over 30 years in print and packaging
- Free structural design
- From 50 units
- Plastic-free options
- Style
- Curved-end pillow
- Board
- Paperboard or kraft
- Best for
- Small, light gifts
- Minimum order
- 50 units
- Typical production window
- 10–12 days
- Paper-first materials
- 100% recyclable
- For structural design
- $0
Overview
What is a pillow box?
They're light by design, so they protect very little. Use them for presentation, not for the post.
A pillow box is a single sheet of paperboard, scored with curved creases at each end. It ships flat; you pop the sides out and fold each curved end in, and it closes into a soft pillow shape.
It's quick to pack, looks good handed over a counter, and prints on both faces.
- Body. Two printable faces.
- Curved ends. Fold in to close. No glue needed.
- Window (optional). Die-cut, to show the product.
- Hang hole (optional). For retail pegs.
Specifications
Custom pillow boxes: specifications
Every box is drawn to your product, so these are the options, not a fixed catalogue. Your specialist confirms the exact spec on the proof.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Style | Pillow box with curved fold-in ends |
| Board | White paperboard or kraft paperboard |
| Both faces, one color to full color | |
| Add-ons | Die-cut window, hang hole, ribbon slot |
| Size | Drawn to your product |
| Recyclability | 100% recyclable |
| Minimum order | 50 units per design |
| Structural design | $0. We draw the dieline around your product |
| Proof | Digital proof on your dieline, checked for bleed, folds and barcodes |
| Production | 10–12 days on most orders, from proof approval. Shipping time is on top |
| Default finish | Aqueous coating on every box. Water-based, and it recycles with the box |
| Point of contact | One packaging specialist, from first sketch to delivery |
Board and build
White or kraft pillow box?
Board decides the look.
| Board | Look | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| White paperboard | Bright, full color | Gift cards, cosmetics, bright brands |
| Kraft | Natural, one or two inks | Handmade jewelry, soap samples |
If a stock pillow box already fits and you don't need it printed, buy stock. It's cheaper and faster. Custom earns its cost when the print matters.
Compare
Pillow box or tuck carton?
Both are small paperboard boxes.
| Pillow box | Tuck carton | |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Curved | Square |
| Stands up | No | Yes |
| Best for | Handing over, gifting | Shelves, stacking |
If the box needs to stand on a shelf, use a custom folding carton.
Sizing
Small and flat works best
Pillow boxes suit flat, light items. Send the product's length, width and thickness, and we draw the curve to fit.
Thick or heavy items push the curved ends open. For those, a tuck carton is safer.
What goes in pillow boxes
- Jewelry. See custom jewelry boxes for rigid options.
- Gift cards and vouchers.
- Hair accessories and small apparel items.
- Samples and favors.
Finishes
One finish on the face.
Aqueous coating goes on every box by default.
Foil stamping
A small logo on the face.
Spot UV
Gloss pattern on white board.
Aqueous coating
Default on every box.
Quote
Get a quote for custom pillow boxes
One measurement and a quantity is enough to start. Your specialist replies with a structure, so you can see the box before you commit to anything.
How it works
Four steps, one person.
The specialist who picks up your first email stays with the project until the boxes arrive.
Step 01
Tell us what you're packing
Send the product dimensions, how it ships and how many you need. A photo on a ruler is enough to start.
Step 02
We draw the structure
Your packaging specialist builds the dieline around your product. Structural design is free.
Step 03
You approve the proof
Drop your artwork onto the dieline. We check bleed, folds and barcodes, and send a digital proof.
Step 04
We make and ship
Production takes 10–12 days on most orders. Boxes ship flat, packed in cartons, to your door.
FAQ
Custom pillow boxes: questions.
What is the minimum order for custom pillow boxes?
50 units per design.
Do pillow boxes need glue?
No. The curved ends fold in and hold closed.
Can pillow boxes be mailed?
Not on their own. They're light and protect very little.
Do pillow boxes ship flat?
Yes, and they pop open in seconds.
How long do custom pillow boxes take?
10–12 days on most orders, counted from proof approval. Shipping time is on top.
Honest fit
When not to hire us.
Your product is thick or heavy
Heavier items push the curved ends open. Use a tuck carton.
You need fewer than 50 boxes
Our minimum is 50 units. For 10 or 20, a stock box with a printed sticker will cost you less.
You need boxes next week
Production runs 10–12 days before shipping. If your launch is sooner, buy stock boxes now and switch to custom for the next run.
You want plain brown boxes
If nothing gets printed, a stock box supplier is cheaper and faster. We're worth it once the box carries your brand.
What goes inside?
Send the product size and how many you need. We'll draw the pillow box.
Start a projectPopular boxes
Related boxes.
Folding carton
Folding cartons
Tuck-end cartons for the shelf. Ship flat, fold in seconds, print edge to edge.
Paperboard
Sleeve and drawer
Printed box sleeves
A printed band around a plain box. The cheapest way to brand stock packaging.
Paperboard
Folding carton
Kraft boxes
Unbleached kraft cartons with one- or two-color print. Reads as natural without saying so.
Kraft