Pillow box
18pt SBS, curved die-cut ends300 minimum · 8 to 10 business daysA pillow box is a folding carton with a curved die-cut shape that tucks closed at both ends without glue, giving it the rounded, pillow-like silhouette the name comes from. We produce them on 18pt SBS from 300 units, ready in about 8 to 10 business days after proof.
When to choose it, and when not to
Choose a pillow box for a small gift item, soap bar, jewelry piece, or party favor where the curved shape and tool-free assembly matter more than internal rigidity, and you want a distinctive shape on a retail shelf.
Choose a standard tuck-top folding carton instead if the product needs a flat, stackable box for shelf display or shipping, since the curved pillow shape doesn't stack or nest as efficiently as a square-cornered box.
Specifications
| Board | 18pt SBS paperboard, printed and die cut |
|---|---|
| Shape | Curved die-cut body, flat on the front and back panels |
| Closure | Tuck-end at both sides, no glue or tape needed to assemble |
| Offset CMYK, matte or gloss finish, foil accents available | |
| Fill | Best for lightweight items that don't need internal support |
| Minimum | 300 units |
| Lead time | 8 to 10 business days after proof |
| Prototype | On request; timing confirmed in your quote |
| Sizes we run | 3 x 4 x 1 in (small gift item) 5 x 7 x 2 in (standard) custom size to your product |
Materials that suit it
Questions people ask
Does the pillow shape need glue to hold together?
No, the tuck-end closure at both sides holds the shape on its own once folded. No glue or tape is needed for assembly, though we can add a glued seam if you want a more permanent close.
What items work best in a pillow box?
Lightweight items that don't need firm internal support, soap bars, small jewelry, candy, ribbon-wrapped gifts. Heavier or fragile items are better suited to a rigid box with internal padding.
Can I add a hang hole for retail pegboard display?
Yes, a die-cut hang hole at one end is a common add-on and doesn't affect the tuck-end closure at the other end.
How does the curve affect the print layout?
The curved panels take print fine. Just note that a design meant to wrap around the curve should be built with that curve in mind rather than a flat rectangular layout, and we can guide the artwork setup.
Do pillow boxes ship flat or assembled?
They ship flat and are folded into shape by hand at your end. Assembly takes a few seconds per box once you get the fold motion down.
Is 18pt board sturdy enough, or should I go heavier?
18pt is our standard and holds the curved shape well for typical gift and retail weights. We can quote a heavier board if your product is on the denser side.
How is a pillow box different from a wedding favor box?
The pillow box is one style of carton: 18pt SBS with a curved body that tucks closed at both ends without glue, in any print, for small light items, from 300 units in 8 to 10 business days after proof. The wedding favor box offers pillow, tuck-end and gable styles on 14 or 18pt SBS, with names and the date included in the design and a ribbon slot option, from 200 units in 10 to 12 business days. For a wedding, start with the favor box. For retail or year-round use, the pillow box.
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Ready to price your pillow box?
Send the size and quantity for a quote and a dieline, usually within one business day. Your digital proof follows, usually within one business day of your artwork. Design help and the Swatch Book of materials are free.