Pillow Boxes

Custom Pillow Boxes UK

Package gifts, accessories and compact retail products in a curved carton made specifically for your brand.

All Custom Packaging produces custom pillow boxes for jewellery businesses, salons, clothing brands, event companies, online retailers and independent makers throughout the UK.

The pillow shape is created by bowing a flat carton and folding its curved end panels inward. This creates a soft, rounded structure without the square corners of a conventional product box.

Pillow packaging is particularly useful for businesses that need an attractive presentation box but have limited storage space. Boxes are normally supplied flat and formed only when required, making them practical for market stalls, salons, event suppliers and growing online shops.

What Is a Pillow Box?

A pillow box is a one-piece folding carton with two curved ends that fold inward to close. Once formed, the front and back panels bow outwards and create the recognisable pillow-shaped profile.

At the packing stage, most pillow boxes do not require additional glue or tape. The packer opens the flat carton, places the product inside and folds the curved ends into position.

Pillow boxes are commonly used for:

• Jewellery and accessories
• Hair extensions
• Scarves and ties
• Gift vouchers
• Wedding favours
• Confectionery
• Cosmetics
• Handmade soap
• Small clothing products
• Promotional gifts
• Event merchandise
• Seasonal products

The structure works best for lightweight and moderately weighted products. Heavy, fragile or courier-shipped items may require stronger board, an internal support or a separate protective mailer.

Why Brands Choose All Custom Packaging

All Custom Packaging produces bespoke pillow boxes from 100 units per design, helping smaller businesses introduce branded packaging without committing to large wholesale quantities.

There are no setup fees, and our service includes:

• Bespoke dimensions
• Free packaging design support
• A free 3D mockup
• Full-colour and Pantone-matched printing
• Kraft, coloured and speciality board options
• Die-cut windows and hanging features
• Physical sample video approval
• Production in 6 to 8 business days after approval
• Free delivery throughout the UK

Before the full production run, you can review a video of the physical sample. This lets you check the curve, end closure, product fit, board stiffness, artwork position and overall appearance.

Sampling matters particularly for pillow boxes. Board that is too light may dent or lose shape, while material that is too stiff may resist the curved folds and cause the ends to spring open.

Pillow Box Styles We Make

Our Custom Printed Pillow Boxes can carry artwork across the front, back and curved side areas.

They are suitable for:

• Retail accessories
• Beauty products
• Gift cards
• Small fashion items
• Product samples
• Event favours
• Seasonal gifts
• Promotional products

Artwork can include:

• Brand logos
• Product names
• Patterns
• Illustrations
• Event details
• QR codes
• Website information
• Product instructions
• Social media handles
• Disposal guidance

Because the panels curve after assembly, important text and logos should be positioned away from the deepest bends and end creases.

Custom Pillow Boxes with Logo

Our Custom Pillow Boxes With Logo can use a simple one-colour mark, full-colour branding or a premium foil and embossed treatment.

Logo-led designs work particularly well for:

• Jewellery brands
• Salons
• Clothing boutiques
• Wedding suppliers
• Corporate gifts
• Small luxury products
• Handmade businesses

A centred logo can create a clean presentation, while a repeating pattern can continue around the complete curved structure.

Brown Pillow Boxes

Our Brown Pillow Boxes use natural kraft board for a simple, understated appearance.

Kraft pillow boxes work well with:

• Black printing
• White ink
• One- or two-colour artwork
• Botanical designs
• Branded stickers
• Rubber-stamp-style logos
• Ribbon ties
• Product labels

They are suitable for handmade goods, accessories, natural cosmetic ranges and artisan gift products.

The natural brown appearance should be treated as part of the artwork because printed colours will appear differently than they do on bright white board.

Black Pillow Boxes

Our Black Pillow Boxes provide a strong base for metallic foil, white ink and contrasting labels.

They are often selected for:

• Jewellery
• Men’s grooming products
• Premium accessories
• Evening events
• Corporate gifting
• Luxury vouchers
• Limited-edition products

Black packaging can be kept minimal with a single logo or developed with full decorative artwork.

Blue Pillow Boxes

Our Blue Pillow Boxes can be used for corporate gifts, retail products, event favours and colour-led brand ranges.

Different shades can be created through printing or selected coloured board, depending on the design and required quantity.

Green Pillow Boxes

Our Green Pillow Boxes suit brands and events using green as a central visual colour.

They can be finished with:

• White logos
• Gold or silver foil
• Botanical artwork
• Matching ribbons
• Printed labels
• Contrasting internal colours

A green colour alone should not be used to imply that the packaging has specific environmental benefits.

Black and White Striped Pillow Boxes

Our Black and White Striped Pillow Boxes provide a ready-look pattern for gifts, accessories, events and monochrome product ranges.

Striped artwork should be aligned carefully around the curved panels so the pattern remains balanced after the box is formed.

Christmas Pillow Boxes

Our Christmas Pillow Boxes can be printed with seasonal colours, patterns and personalised messages.

They are suitable for:

• Small retail gifts
• Confectionery
• Jewellery
• Gift cards
• Staff presents
• Customer thank-you gifts
• Event favours
• Promotional products

The same structure can be reused with separate artwork for Valentine’s Day, Easter, birthdays and other seasonal campaigns.

Corrugated Pillow Boxes

Our Corrugated Pillow Boxes use a fine-flute material where additional stiffness is needed for larger or heavier products.

They can be considered for:

• Clothing accessories
• Larger gift items
• Product sets
• E-commerce presentation
• Heavier retail goods
• Promotional kits

Corrugated pillow packaging requires careful material selection. A heavy flute may not form a neat curve, while a suitable fine-flute grade can provide added strength without making the ends excessively difficult to close.

The physical sample confirms whether the chosen material forms correctly around the intended dimensions.

Personalised Pillow Boxes

Our Personalised Pillow Boxes can include names, dates, messages, campaign details or event-specific artwork.

They are suitable for:

• Weddings
• Birthdays
• Baby showers
• Anniversaries
• Corporate events
• Product launches
• Graduations
• Hotel and hospitality gifts

Variable labels or separate printed designs can be used where individual names or event details change between orders.

Wedding Favour Pillow Boxes

Our Wedding Favour Pillow Boxes provide a compact format for sweets, jewellery, keepsakes and small guest gifts.

They can include:

• Couple’s names
• Wedding date
• Venue details
• Monograms
• Ribbon slots
• Foil-stamped artwork
• Custom colours
• Thank-you messages

Explore our wider Favour Boxes range for alternative shapes and event packaging.

Materials, Sizes and Extras

Component	Available Options
Board	White SBS cartonboard, natural kraft, coloured board, metallic-effect stock and suitable fine-flute corrugated material
Sizes	Small jewellery and voucher boxes through to larger scarf, hair-extension and clothing-accessory formats
Windows	Open die-cut shapes or clear film-covered windows
Retail extras	Hang tabs, euro slots, ribbon slots, labels and tamper seals
Carrying features	Die-cut handles or ribbon handles for suitable larger formats
Assembly	Normally supplied flat and formed by bowing the carton and folding the curved end panels

Choosing the Correct Board

The curved end panels are the working part of a pillow box, so the board must be flexible enough to fold while remaining stiff enough to hold the final shape.

White SBS Cartonboard

White SBS provides a smooth, bright surface for:

• Full-colour printing
• Detailed artwork
• Product photography
• Small text
• Pantone colour matching
• Premium finishes

It is suitable for cosmetics, jewellery, accessories, event gifts and colourful retail ranges.

Natural Kraft Board

Kraft creates a brown, uncoated appearance for simple or handmade branding.

It is suited to:

• Artisan products
• Handmade gifts
• Soap
• Jewellery
• Accessories
• Event favours
• Natural product ranges

The chosen grade should still form the curved ends cleanly and provide enough stiffness for the product.

Coloured and Metallic Boards

Coloured stocks can provide a strong base colour without printing the complete surface.

Metallic or pearlescent boards can be used for:

• Weddings
• Jewellery
• Christmas gifts
• Beauty products
• Premium events
• Promotional launches

Availability and print results vary between paper stocks, so the final appearance should be reviewed through the physical sample.

Fine-Flute Corrugated Board

Fine-flute corrugated material can provide more stiffness for suitable larger pillow boxes.

It should be considered where ordinary folding cartonboard would bow, dent or fail to support the packed weight.

Custom Sizes Made Around Your Product

Pillow boxes do not have one universal internal depth. Their usable space changes as the flat carton bows into shape.

The dieline should therefore be developed around the actual product rather than simply copying its length, width and height into a rectangular-box template.

When requesting a quotation, provide:

• Product length
• Product width
• Product depth
• Finished weight
• Number of items
• Wrapping or tissue thickness
• Required insert
• Retail or postal use
• Desired opening direction

The product should fit inside without forcing the curved ends apart.

Too little space can make the carton difficult to close. Excessive space can allow the item to move and may make the box look partially empty.

Small Pillow Boxes

Small pillow boxes are suitable for:

• Rings
• Earrings
• Bracelets
• Gift cards
• USB drives
• Small chocolates
• Samples
• Event tokens

Compact sizes require precise scoring because small variations in the curved ends are more noticeable.

An internal card, cotton pad or jewellery insert can be added where the product needs to remain centred.

Large Pillow Boxes

Larger pillow boxes can hold:

• Scarves
• Ties
• Hair extensions
• Gloves
• Small clothing items
• Product collections
• Lightweight hamper items

As the box becomes wider, the front and back panels have a greater unsupported span. The material may therefore need to be thicker or reinforced.

Large pillow boxes are best suited to lightweight products. Heavy contents may distort the curved body or force the ends open.

Pillow Boxes for Hair Extensions

Pillow cartons can be developed around bundled, folded or packaged hair extensions.

The internal length should account for:

• Hair bundle dimensions
• Product card
• Protective sleeve
• Clips or accessories
• Instruction leaflet
• Tissue or wrapping

The box can include a window so customers can see the colour and texture without fully opening the packaging.

For a broader range of long-form and rigid packaging, explore Hair Extension Packaging.

Pillow Boxes for Jewellery

Jewellery pillow boxes can be combined with:

• Foam pads
• Cotton inserts
• Card holders
• Velvet-effect pads
• Ribbon pulls
• Jewellery cards

The outer box provides branding and presentation, while the insert helps stop the item from moving inside.

Jewellery that can scratch, tangle or bend should not be placed loose inside an oversized carton.

Pillow Boxes for Scarves and Ties

Longer pillow boxes work well for scarves, ties and lightweight fashion accessories.

The box can include:

• Branded tissue paper
• A folded product card
• Ribbon closure
• Window
• Swing tag
• Gift message

The internal dimensions should be based on the final folded garment rather than the unfolded product size.

Pillow Boxes for Vouchers and Gift Cards

Slim pillow boxes provide a more substantial presentation than a standard envelope.

They can be made for:

• Salon vouchers
• Spa gift cards
• Hotel certificates
• Restaurant vouchers
• Membership cards
• Event tickets
• Corporate rewards

A card insert or internal slot can hold the voucher in the centre of the box.

Windows and Product Visibility

A die-cut window can show the colour, texture or shape of the product.

Window options include:

• Oval windows
• Rectangular openings
• Custom logo shapes
• Long product windows
• Small central cut-outs
• Open windows
• Film-covered windows

The opening should not extend too close to the curved folds because removing too much board can weaken the carton.

A clear film window may affect the recycling route and should be considered separately from the paperboard section.

Hang Tabs and Retail Display

Pillow boxes can include a hang tab or euro slot for retail hooks.

The tab should be:

• Centred over the packed product
• Strong enough for its weight
• Positioned away from important artwork
• Tested on the physical sample
• Compatible with the intended retail hook

A hanging pillow box may require a reinforced panel because the curved structure does not distribute weight in the same way as a conventional rectangular carton.

Ribbon Slots and Handles

Ribbon slots can be added for:

• Decorative bows
• Wedding favours
• Gift presentation
• Carrying loops
• Branded ribbon closures

Larger pillow cartons may also include die-cut or ribbon handles, provided that the board and packed weight support them.

Handles should not be added to a lightweight carton carrying a product that could tear through the top panel.

Printed Pillow Boxes

Pillow packaging can be printed in full CMYK colour or matched closely to supplied Pantone references.

Printing can cover:

• Front panel
• Back panel
• Curved side areas
• End flaps
• Internal panels where suitable

Artwork should be prepared on the final dieline because the curved shape changes how designs are viewed after assembly.

Large blocks of text should remain on the flatter central sections. Logos, patterns and illustrations can continue further around the curved surfaces.

Printing and Finishing Options

Full-Colour Printing

CMYK printing supports detailed artwork, photographs, gradients, illustrations and multi-colour patterns.

Pantone Colour Matching

Pantone references can help maintain closer consistency with existing brand packaging.

The final appearance depends on whether the board is white, kraft, coloured, coated or textured.

Foil Stamping

Gold, silver, copper, rose-gold and other available foils can highlight:

• Logos
• Names
• Borders
• Event dates
• Product titles

Embossing and Debossing

Embossing raises selected artwork, while debossing presses it into the board surface.

Both treatments work best on controlled logos and patterns positioned away from the deepest curves.

Matt Lamination

Matt lamination creates a smooth, low-reflection appearance and can reduce light surface scuffing.

Gloss Lamination

Gloss creates a brighter, more reflective finish.

Soft-Touch Lamination

Soft-touch provides a tactile surface for premium gifts, jewellery and beauty products.

Spot UV

Spot UV adds glossy highlights to selected areas of a matt design.

Laminations and decorative additions can change how the finished box is recycled, so finishes should be selected according to both presentation and end-of-life priorities.

Plain and Hand-Finished Pillow Boxes

Plain pillow boxes can be supplied for businesses that prefer to personalise them after production.

They can be completed with:

• Stickers
• Rubber stamps
• Ribbons
• Printed labels
• Belly bands
• Swing tags
• Handwritten names
• Seasonal decorations

This can be practical where one structural size is used for several products or changing events.

Pillow Boxes for Food and Confectionery

Pillow boxes may be used for suitable sweets, chocolates and dry confectionery where the complete material specification meets the intended food-contact requirements.

The structure should consider:

• Wrapped or unwrapped product
• Grease and fat content
• Moisture
• Contact duration
• Required liner
• Product information
• Ingredients and allergens

Unwrapped food should only touch the carton directly where the board, inks, coatings and adhesives are confirmed as suitable for that use.

A separate pouch, wrapper, food-contact liner or individual sweet cup may be required.

Pillow Boxes for E-Commerce

A pillow box is primarily a presentation carton, not automatically a courier-ready shipping box.

The curved sides and folded ends can be crushed when placed loose inside the postal network.

For e-commerce orders, the pillow box may need to be packed inside:

• A corrugated mailer
• A postal carton
• A padded envelope for suitable lightweight items
• A box with paper cushioning
• A larger shipping carton for multiple products

The outer packaging should be sized closely enough to prevent the pillow carton from moving and becoming scuffed.

Explore Gift Boxes for lidded presentation formats and stronger Custom Mailer Boxes for direct-to-customer despatch.

Flat-Packed Storage and Fast Assembly

Pillow boxes are supplied flat, which reduces the amount of storage space occupied before use.

To assemble the box:

1. Open the flat carton and allow the curved body to form.
2. Fold the curved flaps at one end inward.
3. Insert the product.
4. Fold the opposite end closed.
5. Add any ribbon, seal or label.

No additional packing glue or tape is normally required unless the design includes a tamper seal or decorative closure.

Boxes should be stored flat in a clean, dry environment so the scores and curved panels remain in good condition.

Recycling and Environmental Claims

Selected unlaminated paperboard pillow boxes may be accepted with paper and card recycling when they are clean, dry and permitted by the relevant local collection service.

The disposal route can be affected by:

• Plastic windows
• Lamination
• Foil
• Glitter
• Adhesive labels
• Metallic boards
• Foam inserts
• Product contamination

WRAP’s workplace guidance excludes laminated paper and paper containing foil or glitter from standard paper and card collections. The actual route should therefore be checked against the finished specification rather than the base board alone.

Environmental claims printed on packaging should be clear, specific and supported by evidence. A kraft appearance, brown colour or paper-based outer layer does not automatically prove that the complete box is recyclable, biodegradable or compostable.

Coordinate Your Packaging Range

Pillow boxes can be matched with:

• Favour Boxes
• Gift Boxes
• Custom Product Boxes
• Jewellery Boxes
• Hair Extension Packaging
• Branded tissue paper
• Custom stickers
• Swing tags
• Paper bags
• Mailer boxes

Using consistent colours, typography and finishing references across these products helps create one recognisable packaging range.

How Ordering Works

1. Send Your Product Details

Provide the product dimensions, weight, required quantity and preferred pillow-box style.

Also confirm:

• Retail, gifting or postal use
• Board preference
• Window requirements
• Hang tab or handle
• Ribbon slots
• Insert requirements
• Artwork and brand colours

2. Select the Material and Structure

Our team recommends a suitable board grade, box dimensions and additional features based on the product.

3. Review the Free 3D Mockup

Our designers prepare the dieline and artwork placement, then provide a free 3D mockup for review.

4. Approve the Physical Sample

You receive a video of the physical sample showing:

• Product fit
• Curved shape
• End closure
• Board stiffness
• Window or hang tab
• Printed colours
• Finishing details
• Overall presentation

5. Production and Free UK Delivery

Production normally takes 6 to 8 business days after final artwork and sample approval.

The completed order is delivered free of charge throughout the United Kingdom.

Order Custom Printed Pillow Boxes

To request an accurate quotation, provide:

• Product length, width and depth
• Finished product weight
• Required quantity
• Preferred board
• Printed, kraft or coloured style
• Window requirements
• Hang tab, handle or ribbon slots
• Insert or internal support
• Artwork and Pantone references
• Finishing preferences
• Retail, event or e-commerce use

Our team will review the details and recommend a suitable size, board grade and curved-end construction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a pillow box?

A pillow box is a folding carton that forms a curved shape when its two end panels are folded inward.

Are pillow boxes supplied flat?

Yes. They are normally supplied flat to reduce storage space and formed when required.

Do pillow boxes require glue during packing?

Most pillow boxes do not require additional glue or tape at the packing stage. The curved end panels fold inward to close the carton.

Can pillow boxes be made to exact dimensions?

Yes. Bespoke dimensions can be developed around the product size, weight and any tissue, insert or wrapping placed inside.

What products can be packed in pillow boxes?

They are suitable for jewellery, vouchers, scarves, ties, hair extensions, favours, cosmetics, confectionery and other small or lightweight retail products.

Which material is best for pillow boxes?

White SBS works well for detailed printing, while kraft provides a natural brown appearance. Larger or heavier formats may need a suitable fine-flute corrugated material.

Can pillow boxes hold heavy products?

They can hold moderately weighted products when correctly specified. Very heavy items may distort the curved body or open the end flaps and may require another box structure.

Can a window be added?

Yes. Open or film-covered die-cut windows can be added where they do not weaken the curved structure.

Can pillow boxes include hang tabs?

Yes. Hang tabs and euro slots can be added for suitable retail products and tested against the loaded weight.

Are personalised wedding pillow boxes available?

Yes. Names, wedding dates, monograms, colours and messages can be printed onto favour boxes.

Can pillow boxes be used for food?

Yes, where the complete board, inks, coatings and adhesives are suitable for the intended food-contact conditions. Some products may require an inner wrapper or liner.

Are pillow boxes suitable for postal delivery?

They are mainly presentation boxes. A corrugated outer mailer or other protective packaging is normally recommended for courier delivery.

Are kraft pillow boxes recyclable?

Selected unlaminated kraft cartons may be recyclable when clean and accepted locally. Windows, laminations, foil and labels can affect the disposal route.

Can pillow boxes be composted?

They should only be described as compostable where the complete packaging has been verified for the claimed composting process and an appropriate collection route exists.

Can I approve the box before production?

Yes. You receive a free 3D mockup and can approve a video of the physical sample before the full production run.

How long does production take?

Production normally takes 6 to 8 business days after final design and sample approval.

Is delivery available throughout the UK?

Yes. Completed custom pillow-box orders include free delivery throughout the United Kingdom.