Drawer Boxes: The Ultimate Luxury Packaging Guide (2026)

Drawer boxes create the most theatrical unboxing experience in packaging. The slow, deliberate slide of the inner tray from the outer sleeve builds 3-5 seconds of anticipation that no other box format can match. That is why brands selling products at $50 and above overwhelmingly choose this format.

This guide covers everything from greyboard construction to velvet-flocked inserts, based on production data from Cubit's custom drawer box program.

How Drawer Boxes Are Constructed

A drawer box consists of two pieces: an outer sleeve and an inner sliding tray. Both start as 2mm greyboard (approximately 1200 GSM chipboard), which is then wrapped in specialty paper and laminated.

The sleeve and tray are precision-cut with a 0.5mm tolerance gap between them. This creates a satisfying friction fit: tight enough to feel substantial, loose enough to slide smoothly with one hand. A ribbon pull or thumb notch is included as standard for easy opening.

Unlike folding cartons that ship flat, drawer boxes are fully assembled during manufacturing. This means higher per-unit costs ($2.50-$7.00 vs $0.50-$2.00 for folding cartons), but the structural rigidity and perceived value are incomparable.

Material Options

Art Paper Wrap: Coated 157 GSM paper mounted to greyboard. Accepts full-color CMYK offset printing with photographic quality. The most versatile option for brands with complex graphics or product photography.

Textured Specialty Paper: Linen, felt, or leather-grain papers add a tactile dimension. Available in 20+ stock colors. No additional printing needed — the texture IS the design. Popular for watches, executive gifts, and high-end jewelry.

Metallic Paper: Pre-laminated gold, silver, or holographic paper creates an all-over shimmer without the per-piece cost of foil stamping. Effective for cosmetic and fragrance packaging.

Interior Options

Velvet-Flocked EVA Foam: Die-cut EVA foam with a velvet fiber coating. Creates a jewelry-store presentation. Available in black, navy, burgundy, and white. Custom cavity shapes are CNC-cut to cradle your exact product dimensions.

Satin Ribbon Pillow: A small satin pillow pad for perfume bottles, cosmetic jars, and irregularly shaped items. The pillow conforms to the product shape for a snug fit.

Printed Paper Insert: Full-color printed card stock that lines the tray interior. Extends branding into the interior without the cost of foam or flocking.

Best Industries for Drawer Boxes

Jewelry and Watches: The sliding reveal creates ceremony. Velvet inserts hold rings, necklaces, and timepieces securely. The box becomes a keepsake display case.

Perfume and Fragrance: Die-cut foam cradles the bottle. The outer sleeve becomes the brand billboard. Interior printing extends the fragrance story.

Electronics: Apple pioneered this format for a reason. Precision foam inserts protect devices during shipping while creating a premium first impression.

Explore our drawer box collection or compare with rigid boxes for different formats.

FAQ

How much do custom drawer boxes cost?

$2.50 to $7.00 per unit depending on size, wrap material, interior treatment, and finishing. A standard 6x4x2 inch box with full-color print and matte lamination runs approximately $3.50/unit at 200 MOQ.

What is the minimum order?

100 units per design. Volume breaks at 200, 500, and 1,000 units. Lead time is 12-15 business days due to rigid box construction.