How to Choose a Handmade Wooden Tissue Box
Naqshi lacquer or carved sheesham? How to choose, place and care for a handmade wooden tissue box, from Sillanwali Handicrafts.
A tissue box is one of those things every home needs and few people think about. Most end up as a printed cardboard box on the side table or the car dashboard. A handmade wooden cover changes that. It hides the cardboard, sits neatly on a table and becomes a small piece of décor in its own right.
At Sillanwali Handicrafts we make two wooden tissue boxes, both in sheesham. This guide explains the difference and how to choose.
Why choose a wooden tissue box
- It looks better. A wooden box blends with furniture instead of standing out like packaging.
- It lasts. Sheesham is dense and durable, so a good box can be used for years.
- It's practical. It holds a standard tissue pack and keeps it tidy.
- It's handmade. Each piece is shaped and finished by craftsmen, so no two are exactly alike.
Our two styles
Naqshi Wooden Tissue Box
The Naqshi Wooden Tissue Box is made in sheesham with hand-scratched naqshi banding. Naqshi is the traditional lacquer work of our area: layers of coloured lac are applied to the wood, and patterns are scratched through by hand so the colours beneath show.
Choose it if you want colour and pattern, your room is fairly plain, or you already own other naqshi pieces. It's also an easy, affordable gift.
To learn more about the craft, read What is naqshi lacquer woodcraft?
What is naqshi lacquer woodcraft?
Carved Wooden Tissue Box
The Carved Wooden Tissue Box is sheesham with a hand-carved lid. Instead of colour, the beauty comes from the carving and the natural grain of the wood.
Choose it if your home has wooden furniture, you prefer a quieter, classic look, or you're buying for an office or reception desk.
How to decide
Look at the room around it. In a drawing room with plain walls and sofas, a naqshi box adds a spot of colour. In a room full of pattern, from rugs or curtains, a carved box keeps things calm.
Match your other pieces. If you have carved sheesham furniture, such as a carved side table, the carved box will look at home. If you have lacquer pieces, like our naqshi nesting tables, the naqshi box fits in.
Think about where it goes. Tissue boxes end up on dining tables, bedside tables, dressing tables, office desks and reception counters. Choose a style that suits the place it will spend most of its time.
Consider buying more than one. Many homes need a tissue box in several rooms. Matching boxes in the drawing room and dining room give a coordinated look.
Pairing ideas
A tissue box looks best as part of a small group:
- Dining table: with a serving tray set and a wooden salt and pepper set.
- Dressing table: next to a naqshi powder box.
- Side table: beside a lacquer table lamp.
Caring for your tissue box
- Dust with a soft, dry cloth.
- Wipe spills straight away and keep it away from standing water.
- Avoid harsh chemical sprays on lacquer or carved surfaces.
- Keep it out of long hours of direct sunlight, which can fade colours.
For more tips, read How to care for lacquered wood.
How to care for lacquered wood
A small gift with a handmade touch
A wooden tissue box is a useful housewarming gift, a thoughtful extra in a wedding hamper and a good choice for corporate gifting in quantity. For bigger orders, see our corporate gifts guide.
Order from Sillanwali Handicrafts
Both tissue boxes are handmade in sheesham in Pakistan. Prices are on each product page, and cash on delivery is available. Browse the home decor collection, or visit bulk orders for gifting in quantity.