Band Boxes were first used in the nostalgic 1800's to store trinkets, hats, men's collar bands (from which their name is derived) or even an entire change of clothing. They were produced in mass quantity from 1820 to 1850. Most Band Boxes were made out of pasteboard, hand sewn together, and lined with scraps of newspaper. The most common shapes were graceful ovals and drum-like rounds all ranging from three to twelve inches in height and diameter. Boxes specially shaped to cradle top hats, epaulets, or even knitting needles have been found along with a great favorite, the heart shape.

Band Box manufacturers combined the making of the boxes with that of selling wallpaper. Multicolored papers for the outsides were obtained from France and later from domestic companies that printed the paper by hand with carved wooden blocks. Only as the boxes became a standard accessory did paper stainers begin creating papers with motifs specifically proportioned for the boxes' tops and sides.

We, at Boxes and Bows, hand-assemble each box, duplicating the original as closely as possible in construction and finished product. The boxes are lined with stories on the inside pertaining to life in early America. The outsides are covered with wallpaper ranging from today's most popular prints to authentic reproductions of historical designs. Each box is tied with a gros-grain ribbon of the customer's choice.

Although the boxes can be used purely for decoration, customers are encouraged to buy the boxes for a wide variety of uses. They can be used by children and adults for storing items such as tissue, toiletries, clothing articles, stationary and much more.