A drawer box is a rigid two-part box in which a tray slides out of a wrapped sleeve, like a matchbox. TBPB builds custom drawer boxes to your dimensions and artwork with no minimum order, and we will beat a written quote for the same specs.
How a drawer box is built
The tray and sleeve are both made from rigid chipboard, usually somewhere between 1.5 and 3 mm thick, then wrapped in printed paper, textured paper or specialty stock. The tray is a four-walled base that is wrapped inside and out. The sleeve is a loose tube that closes on the sides and leaves the front and back open. Because nothing latches, the fit between tray and sleeve decides the whole experience. Too tight and it fights the customer; too loose and the tray slides out when the box is tilted.
A ribbon pull tab or a thumb notch in the sleeve makes the opening easier, and it is also where most brands add a small detail of their own, such as a foil-stamped end or a contrasting ribbon color.
What goes inside, and what to protect
The drawer shape is made for small, flat or compact objects: rings, bracelets, watches, perfume samples, candles in small tins, stationery, memberships, gift cards, and curated kits. Anything with a defined shape deserves an insert. A satin-wrapped board, an EVA foam cut-out or a paperboard divider keeps the item from sliding back and forth. Our custom foam inserts can be cut to match a ring row or a watch cushion.
Sizing a drawer box
Start with the largest item or the full set, laid out the way it will sit inside. Add about 1/8 inch of clearance per side, then add the thickness of any insert. The sleeve is then sized to the tray plus the wall thickness of the board, which we handle in the dieline. Depth is the number people forget: a pendant that looks flat can need more headroom than expected once it sits on a pillow.
Why order a prototype first
Drawer boxes are the style where small tolerances show. A tray that is 1 mm too wide drags against the sleeve, and a sleeve that is a touch too generous lets the tray fall open when someone picks the box up. Because TBPB has no minimum order, you can order a single sample, slide it a hundred times, put your real product in it and shake it. If the fit needs adjusting we change the dieline, not the whole production run. For gift and jewelry brands, that one sample is usually the cheapest insurance in the project.
Finishing options
- Printed wrap paper in CMYK or Pantone-matched color.
- Matte, gloss or soft-touch lamination on the wrap.
- Foil stamping, embossing and debossing on the sleeve.
- Spot UV for a logo that catches the light.
- Satin, velvet-feel or uncoated paper lining inside the tray.
- Ribbon pull tab in a custom color.
When a different rigid style is the better call
A drawer box is a sleeve format, so it opens from the end and never really lies open on a table. If you want the lid to hold an item or a message, a book style rigid box opens like a cover and shows the contents all at once. For heavier items, a two piece box with a separate lid is simpler and cheaper to run in volume. Browse the full custom rigid boxes range if you are still comparing.
To begin, send us the product dimensions and the quantity, even if it is a single box, and TBPB will draw the dieline and quote it.
Frequently asked questions
What is a drawer box?
A drawer box is a rigid box where a tray slides out of a sleeve, like a matchbox. The tray holds the product and the sleeve protects it. It is common for jewelry, watches, small gifts and any item that benefits from a slow, deliberate reveal.
Is there a minimum order for drawer boxes?
No. TBPB has no minimum order. You can order one drawer box as a sample or a prototype, or order thousands, and the construction and print quality stay the same.
How thick is the board in a rigid drawer box?
Rigid chipboard for drawer boxes is typically 1.5 to 3 mm thick, wrapped in printed paper. Thinner board suits light jewelry and stationery. Thicker board holds its shape better for heavier items or larger boxes.
How do I size a drawer box?
Measure the largest item or the full set as it will sit inside, then add about 1/8 inch of clearance per side plus the thickness of any insert. The sleeve is calculated from the tray size in the dieline.
Can drawer boxes have inserts?
Yes. Common choices are foam or EVA cut-outs, satin-wrapped board and paperboard dividers. An insert stops items shifting when the tray slides, and it presents small pieces cleanly. Send the product and we will suggest a layout.
Drawer box or book style box: which is better?
A drawer box gives a slow, tactile slide and suits compact items. A book style box opens like a cover and shows everything at once. Choose the drawer for the reveal, the book style for a larger display or message panel.
More Custom Rigid Boxes
See the full Custom Rigid Boxes range, or explore related options with no minimum order and our best-price guarantee:
