Transform your kitchen with this charming DIY farmhouse bread box – a budget-friendly project that's surprisingly easy to create! This tutorial walks you through building a rustic bread box using readily available materials from craft stores and hardware shops, keeping the total cost well under $20. Forget expensive, pre-made options; you can achieve that coveted farmhouse aesthetic without breaking the bank. We'll show you how to transform a simple wooden box into a functional and visually appealing piece that adds a touch of personalized charm to your home.Using readily available materials such as a plain wooden box, a small wooden dowel for a handle, paint (chalk paint works perfectly!), and stencils, you'll learn step-by-step how to construct your own bread box. We cover everything from painting techniques to adding decorative lettering and achieving that desirable distressed farmhouse finish. Get ready to unleash your creativity and enjoy the satisfaction of crafting a beautiful and useful addition to your kitchen, all while staying within a comfortable budget.
Pros And Cons
- Inexpensive (under $20)
- Cute
- Can be customized
- Feet were wobbly and had to be removed
- One coat of paint may look less finished than two coats
Read more: 5 Best Bamboo Bread Boxes: Top Picks for Fresh Bread
Source Materials and Costs
This project starts with a simple wooden box, readily available at various retailers like Ross, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, and Joann Fabrics. I found a suitable box for around $8.99, although smaller options are also available. The total cost of materials, including a wooden pole from Hobby Lobby (with a coupon discount), stencils, and paint, remained well under $20. This makes it a very affordable DIY project.
Besides the box, you'll need a small wooden pole for the handle, stencils for decorative lettering, paint (I used Waverly chalk paint), and possibly some screws and wood glue. Don't forget to factor in any additional materials you might want to add, such as decorative feet (although I ultimately removed mine). The project's affordability is a major advantage.
Painting and Preparation
I used a single coat of Waverly chalk paint for a rustic look. While two coats would provide a more polished finish, the single coat maintained the desired aesthetic. I applied the paint using a regular brush, although a sponge brush would also work well.
Before painting, consider adding decorative feet to your box, although I found mine made the box too wobbly. If you add feet, make sure they are secure and won't make the box unstable. After painting and before applying stencils, ensure that the paint is completely dry.
Handle Installation and Finishing Touches
The wooden pole serves as the bread box handle. I used screws to attach it to the top of the box, ensuring a secure fit. Matching screws with the pole is easy with a trip to your local hardware store, if needed.
To cover holes left by the wobbly feet, I used leftover contact paper from a previous project, which provides a surprisingly nice finish. This was a simple and effective way to create a clean bottom inside the box.
Stencils and Final Details
I chose a stencil that says “Baked Fresh Daily” and used a sharpie to transfer the design onto the box. The stencil's stickiness prevents slippage, eliminating the need for tape. Using a sharpie prevents bleed-through problems that may occur with craft paint.
Finally, I used a block sander to lightly scuff the edges for a distressed look and then wiped it clean with a damp paper towel. This subtle distressing adds a nice, rustic touch to complete the farmhouse design.
Conclusion
This DIY farmhouse bread box project is a success! The total cost remained well below the price of similar items sold online, making it a budget-friendly alternative. The finished product is charming, functional, and adds a unique touch to any kitchen.
The project's ease of construction and low cost are definite highlights. The combination of simple materials, rustic paint, and a decorative stencil creates a farmhouse style that is both visually appealing and practical. This project is a great way to add personalized charm to your kitchen.