Paper Lined Shaker Boxes

This gallery showcases examples of previously sold paper-lined boxes. If you’re interested in a specific size, finish, or lining option, please submit a request form or email me at robert@lehays.com. This helps me gauge interest and ensures you’ll be notified when new pieces become available. Pricing for paper-lined Shaker boxes varies based on box size and the paper used. Rare or historically significant newspaper linings may increase the final price.

A Nod to Tradition

For centuries, people have lined boxes, cabinets, and drawers with printed paper to help protect the interior, and for decorative purposes. Whether it’s a 19th-century newspaper advertisement, a Civil War battle report, or an elegant floral design inspired by historical interiors, these linings give each box a unique connection to the past.

Available Lining Options

Authentic 19th-Century Newspapers – Carefully selected from original antique newspapers that might otherwise be lost to time, these linings preserve a piece of history inside each box.
Reproduction Floral Paper – High-quality prints based on authentic 19th-century designs, chosen for their historical accuracy.

Request Item
  • Shaker box with vintage 19th century newspaper lining, antiqued natural finish.

    Antiqued Natural Finish

  • Shaker box with vintage 19th century newspaper lining, black milk paint finish.

    Black Milk Paint Finish

  • Shaker box with vintage 19th century newspaper lining, blue milk paint finish.

    Blue Milk Paint Finish

  • Shaker box with vintage 19th century newspaper lining, green milk paint finish.

    Green Milk Paint Finish

  • Shaker box with vintage 19th century newspaper lining, grey milk paint finish.

    Grey Milk Paint Finish

  • Shaker box with vintage 19th century newspaper lining, New Lebanon style finish.

    New Lebanon Style Finish

  • Shaker box with vintage 19th century newspaper lining, antiqued natural finish.
  • Shaker box with vintage 19th century newspaper lining, red milk paint finish.

    Red Milk Paint Finish

  • Shaker box with vintage 19th century newspaper lining, black milk paint finish.
  • Shaker box with vintage 19th century newspaper lining, yellow milk paint finish.

    Yellow Milk Paint Finish

  • Shaker box with vintage 19th century newspaper lining, antiqued natural finish.
  • Shaker oval box with vintage 19th century newspaper lining.

    Paper Sample

Craftsman shaping swallowtail joints for a handcrafted Shaker box in Maine, perfect for needlework and sewing storage.

Construction

Materials: The sides of this box are constructed from maple or birch and the top and bottom boards from quarter-sawn pine. All lumber is milled at our shop here in Embden, Maine.

Hand-Cut Joints: Each swallowtail joint is individually hand-cut by Robert LeHay, ensuring each piece is unique.

Fasteners: The band and top and bottom boards are secured with copper tacks made on original 19th-century machines.

Finish Options: Available in a variety of milk paint and natural finishes. All painted pieces receive two coats of a high-quality tung oil finish, while natural finish boxes receive five coats. This oil finish ensures that the box is well protected and the finish will only get better with age.

Aged Appearance: Copper tacks are darkened to provide a vintage look. Following tradition, the bottom of painted pieces is left unpainted, then dyed and oiled to provide an aged patina.

Handcrafted wooden oval shaker box from Maine with sewing supplies, resting on an antique newspaper.

Paper Lining Process

Each box is carefully lined using a multi-step preservation process to ensure durability:

  • The interior is painted off-white to highlight the text or design and to minimize imperfections.
  • The paper is sealed with a protective acrylic coating to strengthen the fibers and prevent ink from smudging.
  • Once dry, the back of the paper is fully coated with adhesive, then carefully applied and smoothed onto the wood.
  • A clear protective topcoat is applied to encapsulate the lining, followed by an additional acrylic sealant for long-term durability.

This process protects the paper lining, ensuring it remains durable and well-preserved for years to come.

Please note: The newspaper lining is sealed with a clear acrylic top coat to protect the paper and help the cover slide on and off more easily. A slight temporary odor from the sealer may be noticeable, especially when the lid is closed. This will fade over time. To help speed things up, you can leave the box open for a week or so, or temporarily place a cotton ball inside with a drop of essential oil (lavender or citrus both work well).