Packaging is an important element of branding for businesses and retailers for many reasons. However, the most obvious one is its visual appeal that captures the eye. In this regard, pillow boxes always win as they appear uniquely on the shelves and market the brands in a way that is more effective than any other source.
Nowadays, different types of packaging are introduced in the market with a unique purpose behind them. However, pillow box packaging stands out because of its unique shape and ample space for holding a product.
But it can also go wrong easily especially when you are new to this. To end up with effective packaging, learn the basics below and go through the 7-step guide to create custom pillow boxes on your own. So, learn it today and impress your customers with not only your products but also with its unboxing experience and overall presentation.
How Pillow Box Packaging Benefits Your Sales?
Eye-Catching Design Matters
The unique and stylish appearance of pillow boxes attracts everyone's attention on the shelf. Overall, the product quality is enhanced and looks more appealing to the target audience. The more customer interaction, the more will be the sales at the end of the day.
Effective Branding Drives Recognition
The central area of pillow design provides enough room for brands to add elements like logos or taglines. This boosts trust and loyalty which turns viewers into buyers.
Versatile Packaging Expands Product Options
A broad area of pillow packaging is capable of holding multiple products from smaller accessories to larger items. It counts as a packaging flexibility that brands can use the same style for more than one product lineup to keep branding consistent and save money.
A Memorable Unboxing Experience Creates Impact
Unique style and a thoughtful opening of the box create a lasting impact on customers. This way, customers remember products for longer and consider repeat purchases in the long run.
Step-by-step Guide to Creating Pillow Boxes
1. Measure Your Product for a Perfect Fit
Measuring the exact product dimensions is important. The measurements of height, width, and length of a product give the exact margin of the packaging as well as the overall material required in this process. At this step, avoid guessing the approximate values to start with the packaging. Rather, take a ruler or a measuring tape to note down the exact measurements.
After taking initial values, consider your packaging material thickness and the cushioning inside the box to protect the items. In this regard, add a small margin to each side of the box and make sure that it snugs the product perfectly. Generally, adding 1/4 to 1/2 an inch to the dimensions is a good rule of thumb.
In case of unique product shapes or items with extending parts, try to add space according to the projecting parts. For example, custom pillow boxes for coffee mugs require space for mug handles as well, in addition to the mug itself.
2. Create Your Pillow Box Template
When you have the product measurements in hand, it's time to create a template for a pillow box packaging. The template makes sure that the final box prototype is of the right size and shape before cutting into your final material. At this stage, you can proceed with drawing on cardboard with dimensions greater than your actual box size.
First of all, draw the calculated measurements of the box starting with a rectangle which gives a body to the box. Next, draw two half-circle shapes on each side of the rectangle. These arcs represent the edges of a pillow box packaging that make it appear unique on the shelf.
After this, add folding lines to your template along the length of a rectangle where it has to fold in half and at the edges of each curve. It's essential to guide the folding to make it easier to form the box later.
If you aren't comfortable with manual drawing, draw it using software that you can easily manage as well.
3. Choose Your Pillow Box Orientation
Before cutting the packaging material according to your template, plan the orientation of the box. Choose how you want your product set inside the box either horizontally or vertically, and how it opens. This step is important to enhance the presentation of a product and the functionality of custom pillow boxes.
In general, flatter items like notebooks, clothing accessories, or packaged treats suit horizontal orientation with an opening mechanism along the longer side. Similarly, taller or thicker items such as bottles, candles, or delicate ornaments go great in a vertical orientation with the opening mechanism at the top.
In both situations, visualize your box orientation and add it to your template so that it keeps the content safe inside. Not just this, a thoughtful packaging template ultimately leads to a unique presentation and memorable unboxing experience.
4. Create a Die-line for Cutting
Before proceeding with cutting, consider adding a die-line to your template. It helps in deciding where to cut and fold the material accurately for a perfect pillow box shape and structure. It ensures the precise cut so that your exact measurements can be executed smoothly with a professional look.
To start with, take the template and trace it onto a sturdy material, and outline the outer edges including curved lines carefully. Next, add central fold lines to ensure easy box opening and closing.
5. Print Your Design onto the Material
According to your die line, it's time to print your design on the material. Printing adds personality to the pillow packaging and provides space for branding elements like logos or promotional messages.
For this purpose, you should have a thoughtful design containing product details, logos, graphics, stunning color art, and company details. You can either design it yourself or take help of the professional designers.
For batch printing, we provide bulk printing services while also offering design services as per your preferences. Before printing, align your die line to the design dimensions and make sure that printing doesn't harm the location of each element. With us, choose the custom options and printing or finishing techniques to give a unique look to your custom pillow box packaging.
6. Cut Out the Custom Pillow Box Shape
After ensuring that the die line and printing are in place, proceed with cutting the pillow box shape. If you have printed a sample packaging to check the functionality, do manual cuts. However, if you are ordering bulk packaging, the service provider will deliver you the final form after cutting and often folding as well.
We Print Boxes offer complete packaging services, so we provide precise cutting with smooth edges for added grace.
7. Add Finishing Touch to Your Pillow Boxes
Add final details to your packaging with either any of the finishing options or custom elements for a unique presentation.
At this step, you can add decorative elements to your boxes like ribbons, handles, stickers, or custom wishes for special occasions to win customers.
There are also ordinary and luxury finishing options depending on your budget and target consumers
Trending Ideas for Decorating Your Pillow Boxes
Consider the following simple ideas to make your packaging super effective and special for customers every time they buy your products.
Add a Personalized Tag
Personalization always attracts and presenting your products as a gift to your customers is a great hook. So, add a small tag with the customer's name, message, or occasion detail to make unboxing moments unforgettable.
Wrap with a Colorful Ribbon
Bright colors influence our buying decisions and wrapping your pillow boxes with a colored ribbon instantly adds up the style. Choose bright and bold colors complementary to your brand theme to stay focused.
Stamp with Custom Designs
We Print Boxes allow you to use stamps to add patterns, logos, and symbols onto the packaging. It's an easy yet effective way to look different than your competitors without spending a lot on customization.
Attach a Dried Flower or Greenery
If you are going with plain boxes or minimal designs, add a small offshoot of dry lavender or faux leaves to give a natural look to your packaging.
Use Stickers or Seals
Invest a little more in decorative stickers and branded seals to protect your boxes while promoting brand awareness. It's a simple way to enhance the designs, especially when you are working with plain packaging.