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Vintage Wooden Cheese Boxes: Heirloom Home Accents

By Rachel

published 12/05/2020

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Last Updated on September 26, 2024 by Rachel Granholm

Vintage wooden cheese boxes are heirloom home accents, like stories etched in time.

Do you even know what a cheese box is? I hadn’t up until a few years ago when my eye was drawn to one in an antique store. These vintage wooden cheese boxes are heirloom home accents, exuding such rich character and patina.

There is something about them that is so raw… maybe it’s the wood or the small nails that hold it together. Or it could be the old, worn logo designs on the sides. Whatever it is that draws me to vintage decor and these storied boxes, I’m going to share with you some simple ways of decorating with vintage cheese boxes!

Table of Contents

Brief History of Cheese Boxes

Cheese boxes were originally a tool used for transporting cheeses in branded boxes with lids.

They were first used in 1890 to ship cheese from Europe. These boxes were typically made of maple, ash, or hickory sides which were nailed to pine wood pieces on the top and bottom.

The wood on these vintage decor pieces was usually printed with the name of the farm or factory and the type of cheese. The box helped protect the cheese from flipping over during transport.

You will find cheese boxes in large circular forms as well as rectangular boxes of varying sizes. Antique cheese boxes vary widely in value depending on the size, brand, factory, etc…

You can find them from as low as $8.00 to upwards of $40 or more. Cheese boxes are pretty easy to find in antique stores and come in a variety of sizes, some showing more wear than others.

Vintage Wooden Cheese Boxes: Heirloom Home Accents

These antique boxes can be used in a variety of practical ways in your home.

Here are some ideas to try:

1. As a place to corral essential oil bottles.

2. As a holder for rolled up cloth napkins in the kitchen.

3. To hold clothespins in the laundry room.

4. Flip it upside down and use it for height to put something on top of in a display.

5. As a caddy to hold lotion or small bottles in the bathroom.

6. An organizer for essential pet items like ear wipes, nail clippers or shampoo.

7. A larger one could be a pretty centerpiece on a table filled with faux greenery.

8. As a pen holder on a desk.

9. Cheese boxes make a great entry way catchall for keys, mail, or sunglasses!

Closing Tidbits on Styling Vintage Wooden Cheese Boxes

Simple and useful, cheese boxes are able to provide you with handy storage solutions. I truly hope that these simple ideas for using vintage wooden cheese boxes encourages you to think outside the box when it comes to decorating your home!

Vintage decor, especially cheese boxes, are clever ways of incorporating raw wood accents into your space. Wooden cheese boxes are minimalistic yet add a touch of interest and character. Be encouraged to find one that speaks to you and make it a part of your story.

Leave me a comment! How would you use a vintage cheese box? I love hearing from you!

If you are new here, I’m Rachel, the writer and content creator here at The Antiqued Journey. I’m so happy to have you! I encourage you to stop by the ‘about me’ page to get to know me a little more.

Here on the blog, you will find loads of inspiration for decorating with vintage and antique decor, simple DIY crafts and many thrifting adventures. If that interests you, I invite you to sign up for my e-mail. You will receive a free digital download as a thank you!