How To Make a DIY Jewelry Box (Simple Step-by-Step)

Last Updated on June 7, 2025 by

Looking for a creative way to store your earrings, necklaces, and bracelets? Have you ever considered learning how to make a jewelry box? Creating your own DIY jewelry box might be the perfect solution! Not only will you have a functional place to keep your treasures organized, but you’ll also end up with a beautiful piece that adds character to your bedroom. In this post, I’ll share detailed instructions on how to make a jewelry box that’s both stylish and practical.

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En Nuestra Casa

Honestly I don’t even know where the idea came from. I came home from college one summer, determined to design and create a jewelry box with my dad. Never did I dream it would become a staple in my grown up bedroom years later! When it comes to woodworking (or basically engineering anything), there’s nothing my dad cannot do. He was a mechanical engineer for 36 years before retiring and still spends a lot of his time creating, tinkering, and dreaming up new projects. So when I asked him, “Hey Dad, remember that jewelry box we made together like 15 years ago?”, I knew he’d be able to recreate the plans. And that’s what I’m sharing with you today! Of course let me know if you try it out for yourself; I’d love to see your creation!

Materials You’ll Need to Make a Jewelry Box

Before diving into the construction process, gather these materials:

• Wood boards for the frame (we used thin pine boards)
• Mirror (approximately 14-1/4″ x 19-1/8″)
• Aluminum screen (approximately 14-5/16″ x 19-3/16″)
• 5/16″ x 3/8″ wood spacers
• Piano hinge (1″ wide x approximately 18-1/2″ long)
• 3/16″ thick luan plywood for the back
• Decorative fabric (optional)
• Brad nails (5/8″ long)
• Small latch hasp
• Sandpaper (various grits)
• Wood glue
• Hot glue gun
• Wood stain or paint (optional)

How to Make a Box for jewelry: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Design

First, determine the dimensions of your jewelry box. Our design is approximately 14-3/8″ wide by 19-1/4″ high, but you can adjust these measurements to suit your needs. Additionally, sketch out your design and make a list of all the wood pieces you’ll need to cut.

Step 2: Cut the Wood Pieces

Next, carefully cut all the wood pieces according to your jewelry box plan:

• 2 side rails (one for the hinge side, one for the latch side)
• 2 top and bottom rails for the cabinet
• 2 side rails for the door
• 2 top and bottom rails for the door

Remember to measure twice and cut once! Using a measuring tape, mark your wood boards precisely before cutting to avoid wasting materials.

Step 3: Sand All Wood Pieces

Using progressively finer grit sandpaper (start with 80 grit, then move to 120 and finish with 150 or 220), sand all the wood pieces until smooth. This step is crucial for achieving a professional finish. Pay special attention to the wood grain to ensure a modern look for your handmade jewelry box.

Step 4: Assemble the Frame

Now, construct the box frame using the side rails and top/bottom rails. For the best results, use butt joints secured with wood glue and brad nails. Make sure to create a sturdy structure for the long sides of the box.

Place the frame on a flat surface while the glue dries to ensure everything remains square and level.

Step 5: Create the Door Frame

Similarly, assemble the door frame by connecting the door side rails with the top and bottom rails. Again, use wood glue and brad nails to secure the joints.

Step 6: Install the Back Panel

Cut the luan plywood to fit the back of the box (approximately 14-3/8″ W x 19-1/4″ H). Attach it to the back of the frame using brad nails around the edges.

Step 7: Add the Mirror and Screen

Position the mirror on the door frame, then place the aluminum screen on the open side. These elements will both add a decorative touch and provide a practical way to hang earrings.

The aluminum screen is particularly clever because it gives you a place to hook earrings, while the mirror lets you see how your jewelry looks when you wear it.

Step 8: Add Decorative Fabric (Optional)

While mine doesn’t have velvet fabric inside, that definitely could have been an option! You could add thin batting and velvet fabric to the interior back of the jewelry box for a luxurious touch. We used a hot glue gun to glue fabric into place in the interior back of our jewelry box. This adds a personal touch and makes the jewelry box feel more refined.

Step 9: Install Spacers

Attach the wood spacers around the inside perimeter of the frame. These create the space needed for the door to close properly. Secure them with wood glue and small brad nails.

Step 10: Attach the Door with Hinges

Connect the door to the frame using a piano hinge along the right side. Make sure the door opens and closes smoothly. You may need to adjust the spacers if the door doesn’t align perfectly.

Step 11: Install the Latch

Attach the small latch hasp to the left side of the door and frame. This will keep your jewelry box securely closed when not in use.

Step 12: Final Touches as you learn How to make a box for jewelry

Finally, you can stain or paint your wooden jewelry box to match your decor. Alternatively, you could use clear varnish to highlight the natural wood grain. For extra durability, add a couple of coats of clear sealer.

Tips for how to make a Jewelry Box

• If you’re new to woodworking, consider starting with pre-cut wood pieces from a craft store.
• Use painter’s tape to mark your cutting lines for cleaner cuts.
• Paint stir sticks can be repurposed as small strips for interior details.
• Test your hinges before permanent installation.
• Consider adding small compartments at the bottom of the box for rings and other small items.
• Customize the interior with different fabrics or sections to make it truly your own.

Why You’ll Love This DIY Jewelry Box

Making your own jewelry box is a great woodworking project that doesn’t require a lot of wood or specialized tools. The result is beautiful, functional, and can be customized to fit your specific jewelry storage needs. Plus, there’s something special about using jewellery boxes you’ve crafted yourself!

Whether you’re creating this as a gift or for your own jewelry collection, these free plans will help you create something truly special. The bottom panels can be adjusted, the fabric can be chosen to match your decor, and the overall size can be modified to suit your space.

So, have you ever thought about how to make a jewelry box? It’s a rewarding project that combines craftsmanship with practical storage solutions. I’d love to see your creations if you decide to build one! And as always, check out our latest DIY projects on our Instagram!