Flat Cardboard Boxes | The Art Shipping Solution That Saves 70% on Costs

Can a smarter choice of shipping gear really cut costs by most of a paycheck and still protect prized prints and frames? Short answer: yep. Long answer… it depends on the size, the board, and how you pack. We built this guide around what The Boxery actually stocks and ships every day, so you can make fast choices that feel obvious once you see them.

Quick context from the studio: I once sent a framed print in the wrong-size box—too tall, too much void. The corner protectors drifted, the frame kissed the side, and my stomach dropped when the customer emailed me a photo. That was my turning point. Since then, I’ve standardized on lower-profile, purpose-fit picks like flat cardboard boxes for thin work and dialed-in depths for layered work. It’s calmer now—fewer surprises.

We designed The Boxery to make selection easy. There’s a clear directory of sizes—from shallow 2? depths to 6?+ options—that trims dimensional weight and keeps carrier fees low. Practical savings meet reliable protection: on-sale picks like 14×12×4 at $0.85 and 16×12×4 at $0.90 help you test winners before you scale, while bulk breaks at 25/100/250/500/1000 lower per-unit cost predictably. If you just want a sharp, everyday cardboard box without hunting, there’s a page for that, too.

Key Takeaways

• Choose the right size to reduce dimensional weight and lower shipping fees.
• On-sale sizes make it easy to test cost-effective options quickly.
• Bulk price breaks (25–1000) make scaling predictable and affordable.
• Shallow depths protect art while saving on carrier dimensional charges.
• Oversized SKUs are freight-ready with pallet-friendly counts for gallery pieces.

Explore The Boxery Service Directory: Flat Cardboard Boxes for Every Shipment

Find the right shipping solution fast by browsing the size-first catalog. Coverage spans small to freight-ready: from snug 6 × 6 × 2 up to large 32 × 32 × 8. Midrange best-sellers include 14 × 14 × 4 ($1.05), 16 × 12 × 4 ($0.90), and 18 × 12 × 4 ($0.99). If you’re browsing broadly, you’ll see corrugated cardboard boxes in every useful format so you can match items without overbuilding.

Depths run 2? to 8?+ with specialty options like 17.25 × 11.25 × 3. Many SKUs carry bulk breaks at 25/100/250/500/1000 units for predictable per-unit savings. When in doubt, start with a reliable corrugated box that keeps handling simple and corners crisp.

Corrugated strength and packing profiles

Browse by dimension first to avoid wasted space. For framed art, square formats such as 14 × 14 × 4 and 20 × 20 × 4 hold items centered with minimal movement. If you’re shipping heavier pieces or adding layered foam, a sturdier corrugated cardboard box with a 4–6? depth helps keep billed volume sensible without sacrificing protection.

Filter by depth to reduce dimensional weight and lower carrier charges. We stock consistent profiles so your packing stays predictable across replenishments, and freight-ready SKUs (e.g., 28 × 28 × 6 with pallet counts like 10/120) simplify receiving. If you prefer everyday naming, think of it as picking the right carton box for the job—same idea, just practical.

Flat Cardboard Boxes: Sizes, Specs, and Fit-for-Purpose Selection

Choosing an exact fit saves material, space, and money at every stage. Start by measuring your product and adding only the padding you need. For compact goods, best-selling small-to-medium sizes—14 × 12 × 4 ($0.85 on sale), 16 × 12 × 4 ($0.90 on sale), 14 × 14 × 4 ($1.05 on sale), and 18 × 12 × 4 ($0.99 on sale)—deliver snug fits with minimal void fill. Need a bright presentation for subscriptions or gifts? Our cardboard boxes white keep the unboxing clean and fuss-free.

Large-format picks like 20 × 20 × 4, 24 × 24 × 4, and freight-ready 28 × 28 × 6 give panel area for framed art and prints. Choose a 6? depth when adding corners or layered foam. Depth choices from 2?–6? let you tune internal space: 2–3? for thin stacks, 4–6? for layered packing. Specialty sizes such as 17.25 × 11.25 × 3/4/5/6 support niche products without overpaying for extra volume. Prefer a crisp look? A white carton box can feel on-brand without complicating packing.

Match the item to size first to cut dimensional weight and carrier fees. Keep a near-neighbor mix (e.g., 14 × 12 × 4 and 16 × 12 × 4) to avoid over-sizing, and rely on consistent corrugated profiles so packing and storage stay predictable.

Pricing, Bulk Tiers, and How The Boxery Helps You Save Up to 70% on Shipping

Choosing slimmer profiles and the right quantities is one of the fastest ways to cut shipping costs. We publish clear price breaks so you can forecast spend and plan orders with confidence. Start small with on-sale picks—14 × 12 × 4 at $0.85, 16 × 12 × 4 at $0.90, 14 × 14 × 4 at $1.05—then scale into companion sizes as demand rises. Want a bright look for larger kits? Try a cardboard box white on seasonal drops.

Higher-volume choices like 18 × 18 × 4 and 20 × 20 × 4 qualify for multi-tier discounts, so you can standardize outbound packaging. Oversized items (e.g., 28 × 28 × 6) show freight indicators and pallet-friendly counts to streamline receiving. If you’re kitting multiples, a set of white carton boxes can simplify labeling across stations.

Build a right-sized assortment—one compact, one mid, one large—to lower packing time and keep supplies predictable. We can model your monthly volumes and recommend the best break points so your customer gets consistent protection while you protect margins.

Who Uses The Boxery’s Flat Boxes? Shipping Art, E-commerce Fulfillment, and Home Storage

Art shipping and galleries

Galleries and artists pick slim depths to cradle canvases, prints, and framed work. Use 14 × 14 × 4 for small-to-mid frames and 20 × 20 × 4 for larger pieces. These corrugated profiles let you add corner protectors without overbuilding the box—keeping billed weight low and delicate edges safe. For bulk shows, standardize your carton boxes so load-in is muscle memory.

E-commerce and retail

Fulfillment teams value predictable pick-pack flows. Fast movers include 18 × 14 × 4 (on sale at $1.15), 20 × 16 × 4, and 24 × 16 × 4 for consistent label placement and reliable shipping. Corrugated profiles mean faster sealing, standard tape widths, and fewer surprises at the carrier—so orders leave on time and customers stay happy. When you need a broad catch-all, stock reliable cardboard boxes that cover 80% of your SKUs without over-fitting.

Home and office storage

For storage at home or in the studio, square formats from 12? to 18? stack neatly and protect prints from curl. Choose 12 × 12 × 4–18 × 18 × 6 to keep catalogs and products organized. When you ship bulk to a show, pair larger flats, like 24 × 24 × 6, with inner wraps for a cleaner presentation and fewer damages on arrival. Keep a trio of depths—3?, 4?, and 6?—to handle varied product thickness… without paying for air.

Conclusion

Smart selection of shipping supplies saves money and improves the unboxing experience. Choose profiles that reduce dimensional weight while maintaining presentation. Proven on-sale options—14 × 12 × 4 at $0.85, 16 × 12 × 4 at $0.90, and 14 × 14 × 4 at $1.05—let you test fit and protection affordably. Start with a core trio: a compact, a mid, and a large box to simplify inventory and packing. Scale with 25/100/250/500/1000 price breaks and use freight-indicated SKUs like 28 × 28 × 6 when you need pallet-ready capacity.

FAQ

What sizes of shipping boxes do you offer for art and prints?

We carry a wide range of dimensions suited for art and prints, from small 6 × 6 × 2 up to large 32 × 32 × 8. Popular choices for framed pieces and flat works include 20 × 20 × 6, 24 × 24 × 4, and 28 × 28 × 6. Depths range from 2 to 6 inches so you can choose a low-profile option that reduces dimensional weight while protecting your work.

How do I pick the right corrugated strength for shipping fragile items?

Match the corrugated profile to the item’s weight and fragility. Single-wall corrugated works for lightweight prints and flat art; double-wall is better for heavier or premium framed pieces. Add foam corners or kraft paper for extra cushioning when shipping valuable art. If you’re unsure, tell us the item weight and dimensions and we’ll suggest the correct grade.

Can using shallower boxes really lower my shipping costs?

Yes. Choosing a low-height box reduces dimensional weight for many carriers, which often lowers the rate. For art and thin products, flatter profiles like 2–4 inch depths cut billed volume while still giving good protection—especially when paired with sturdy corrugation and secure padding.

What bulk pricing and quantity discounts are available?

We offer tiered discounts to help scale savings: common breaks include 25, 100, 250, 500, and 1000 units. Prices vary by size and grade; sample promos often feature small and medium sizes under $1 to $1.50 each. Larger-format SKUs receive higher volume discounts and pallet-friendly freight options.

Do you provide samples before I place a large order?

Yes. Sample deals let you test fit and strength before committing to bulk. Samples are a smart way to confirm dimensions like 14 × 14 × 4 or 16 × 12 × 4 for your product line, ensuring you avoid costly returns or wasted packaging.

Which sizes work best for e-commerce fulfillment and pick-pack operations?

For efficient fulfillment, choose standard small-to-medium sizes that fit most SKU profiles—examples include 18 × 14 × 4, 20 × 16 × 4, and 24 × 16 × 4. These sizes streamline packing, reduce void fill, and keep shipping costs predictable across common product mixes.

Are there pallet and freight options for oversized orders like 28 × 28 × 6?

Absolutely. Oversized SKUs are grouped into pallet-friendly lots and flagged with freight-ship indicators at checkout. You’ll see clear carrier options and freight pricing so you can plan logistics for large-format shipments efficiently.

How do I protect frames and canvases during transit?

Use size-appropriate padding—foam edge protectors, bubble wrap, or corrugated corner protectors—plus a rigid backing board. Choose a box that fits snugly to limit movement; combining the right depth with sturdy corrugated grades gives the best protection for canvases and framed prints.

Can I order custom sizes or branded packaging?

Yes. We offer custom sizing and printing for branded packaging on qualifying runs. Custom options help you align packaging with product dimensions and brand presentation—perfect for galleries, retailers, and boutique e-commerce sellers.

What materials and sustainability options do you offer?

Our corrugated solutions use recyclable kraft papers and many are made from post-consumer recycled content. We can advise on the most sustainable grade that still delivers protection for shipping and storage while helping you meet your environmental goals.

How quickly can I receive an order for standard sizes?

Lead times vary by quantity and SKU. Small orders and in-stock standard sizes often ship within a few business days. Larger bulk or custom orders require more time; we’ll provide estimated ship dates at checkout so you can plan fulfillment.

Do you support returns or replacements for damaged packaging?

Yes. We stand behind our products. If boxes arrive damaged or defective, contact customer service with photos and order details. We’ll evaluate and arrange a replacement or credit based on the issue and order history.