Culture Art & Media 10 Cool Things Made From Cardboard By Kelly Ladd Writer University of Central Florida Before Ladd became a full-time artist, she was a parade performer at Disney World and an editor and prop stylist for Parenting magazine. our editorial process Kelly Ladd Updated May 17, 2020 This cardboard card constructed by Lexus is is made of 1,700 precision-cut pieces of cardboard, which were hand adhered together with water-based glue. Lexus UK Share Twitter Pinterest Email Culture History Travel Sustainable Fashion Art & Media Holidays Community Cardboard boxes have been around for about 200 years. The original purpose was packaging, of course, but since then people have transformed the simple brown box into some really fun and innovative things. Here are some of the coolest cardboard items you can buy, make or just dream of owning. 1. Cardboard Car The interior of the Lexus Origami Car. It doesn't look super-comfortable, but it's still pretty cool. Lexus UK Lexus UK recently unveiled a drivable electric car made of cardboard. (Note: It’s drivable only in a highly controlled environment because the wheels are also made of cardboard.) Taking three months to build, this car is constructed of 1,700 precision-cut pieces of cardboard, which were hand adhered together with water-based glue. The motor is mounted on an aluminum-and-steel frame. 2. Cardboard Partition The Karton NOMAD dividers, shown here in the background in white, green and black, bring a pop of color to a room. Karton Group Do you live in an open floor plan and want to mark off sections of your home? Instead of going with one of those Asian-inspired panel room dividers, add a pop of color to your room with one of these freestanding, modular cardboard walls. 3. Virtual Reality Goggles You can buy Google Cardboard goggles, or download a kit and make them yourself. Imcardboard.com Have you tried Google Cardboard yet? When you look into it, it's like you're really standing next to the Eiffel Tower or swimming the Great Barrier Reef. (A doctor has even used the device to perform a tricky surgery on an infant.) You can buy a cardboard viewfinder or download a kit and make one yourself. (A doctor has even 4. Cardboard Décor No need for an actual elephant head when you can have a cardboard version. Cardboard Safari Instead of mounting a real big game animal head on your wall (ew!), opt instead for a trendy cardboard one. You can pick from an elephant, moose, bison, rhino, lion and even a unicorn. Buy it here. 5. Cardboard Playhouse This playhouse made of cardboard is modeled after a Mid-Century Modern. Design-Conscious.co.uk Just think about all of the great imaginative play your kiddos can have with this Mid-century Modern cardboard house. Throw some blankets and pillows in there and let the games begin. 6. Cardboard Kitty House Made from recycled cardboard and eco-friendly ink, s could be your cat's newest nap place. Cat Cube Your BFF will be the coolest feline on the block when you give her a cardboard cat house. The best part is that it's made form recycled cardboard and no there are no glue or toxic chemicals involved. All of the designs are printed with eco-friendly ink. Buy it here. 7. Cardboard Crafty A cardboard igloo makes for a fun play space for little kids. Mumaroo Looking for something fun and inexpensive to make this weekend with the kids? Get ideas from Alicia at the Mumaroo blog. Learn how to make a cardboard igloo (pictured), cake stands and even a puppet theater. Check it out. 8. Cardboard Robot A Calafant cardboard robot is fun for adults and kids. Calafant Cardboard Toys Build and decorate your very own robot out of cardboard. This kit could be for kids or for a robot-loving grown-up. The company also makes lots of cardboard craft kits as well, including castles, pirate ships and farm sets. Buy them here. 9. Cardboard Luggage While this cardboard suitcase is a great travel accessory, you can't check it at an airport. MoMA This retro designed luggage is a great storage container and it can even be a travel accessory (but it can't be checked.) It's been manufactured in Czech Republic since 1925. For stability, it has metal-reinforced corners and edges and wooden laths for stability. Buy it here. 10. Cardboard iPad Stand No need to hold your iPad while watching your favorite shows or movies with this TV-styled stand. Cardboard Safari Tired of holding your iPad while binge watching your fave TV show on Hulu? This retro-inspired cardboard TV stand solves that problem nicely. Buy it here.