Good Questions: White Lacquer Boxes for Less?

Dana sent us an email: I've been looking for some simple white lacquered boxes but everywhere I find them they are just so expensive!

I'd love to know where others have found white lacquered boxes for less! I believe CB2 carried some for awhile but no longer and the standby IKEA is definitely lacking.

Hoping someone can help!

(Note: Include a pic of your problem and your question gets posted first.
Email questions and pics with QUESTIONS in subject line to:
chicago(at)apartmenttherapy(dot)com)

Got any suggestions for Dana? Let her know in the comments...thanks!

Photo: Osaka Boxes from CB2

Comments (10)

Try eBay - or get some simple boxes and spraypaint them yourself w/ a glossy white and sand/buff between coats to achieve the glossy finish.

i know places like hobby lobby sell unfinished simple wood boxes for next to nothing. Buy a small container of enamel paint and a good primer for (together no more than $15) and you can probably churn out more lacquered looking boxes than you would know what to do with.

I'm having the same dilemma- Crate and Barrel has a set of 3 lacquered boxes on sale right now, but they're green!

Best of luck, and be sure to let us know if you find a good solution!

laquer boxes are hard to find and almost indispensable. They can be used to keep things organized on a night stand or to hold stationary... I love them and i'm glad that there is an easy and afforable way to make them. Thanks bepsf and Apartment Therapy!

I JUST bought some at Crate & Barrel, Toronto, so they must certainly be available in the U.S., even if they're not on their website. I got a small box with lid, a large box with lid and a tray and received $10 off for buying the set.

West Elm had some (and they still might -haven't checked). They were cheap... and boy did they look it! I drooled over them online and seeing them in person was a reality check. True lacquer is expensive and well worth the quality.

Anyone know where I can get the water pitcher and glass in this photo? Thanks so much!

I too have made exhausting searches for these boxes as well, and assume you are looking for the more sophisticated boxes with the decorative border outlines.
First, Barney's NY website.

http://www.barneys.com/Boxes/BOX01,default,sc.html

Second, with more options, Plantation.

http://store.plantationdesign.com/decorate-boxes.html

Both manageably expensive, but you get what you pay for.