A Project From the Early Workshop Days
Inspired by an old woodworking book, a traditional colonial design becomes a practical kitchen accessory.
This is one of my Legacy Projects, projects I post years later because they took place before House 173 hit the blogosphere. This project was built somewhere around '99 or 2000, and was one of my first little woodworking projects down in the workshop.
Inspiration From an Old Bookstore
It started because I had bought a book at a second hand bookstore...Yes, back then not only did they have bookstores, but I went to them! In this case, it was at a little place called The Book Barn and, sadly, I don't know if they even still exist. Shame on me really.
Not Sure 173 Has a Theme
Anyway, this book has LOTS of great project ideas, with clear directions for each. Unfortunately, 173 really doesn't have a country theme going, so many of the projects just aren't practical...then again, who knows - times change! LOL. One day when I was looking through the book and itching to make something, I settled on this little beauty...
They called it a wick holder, but many other sources refer to these as pipe boxes...
 |
| From: Old Red Barn's Etsy Shop |
What Is a Pipe Box?
They were made to safely store the fragile clay pipes of colonial times, and had a small drawer to store the tobacco. So for me, it's a pipe box. Semantics aside, the plans for this box were simple and clear...
Always Adding My Own Twist
Although I complicated it a little and ad-libbed on the measurements and a few details, although the main structure stayed the same. From the start, the plan was to use it as a kitchen utensil box, you know - to hold spatulas, those pancake-flipper things, etc., therefore the alteration in dimensions. I also wanted to be a little creative with the top-most part of the box, so I added my own flair. I don't have project pictures, but here it is when it was first built...
When Crackle Paint Was In
Back when I made the box, crackling paint was all the rage, so I followed suit. Unfortunately, the only natural habitat picture of the box before the kitchen remodel is this highly filtered, somewhat blurry shot cropped from an old printed picture...
Repair and Redo
As you can see, at the time of the picture the bottom had come loose, and was beginning to show its age. But then again, so was the whole kitchen! So after the kitchen redux in 2017, I re-glued and affixed the bottom, and repainted the box - red!
That's because the small kitchen appliances like the electric tea kettle, toaster, etc are red, so - why not? Here's a slightly different angle, which gives a sense of the dimensions...
That's because the small kitchen appliances like the electric tea kettle, toaster, etc are red, so - why not? Here's a slightly different angle, which gives a sense of the dimensions...
And finally, a shot of the rare pipe box in its natural habitat...
There you have it - colonial pipe box turned kitchen utensil box! I'd like to make another of these sometime...
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a colonial pipe box?
A colonial pipe box was a wall-mounted storage box used to hold long clay tobacco pipes. Many examples also included a small drawer for tobacco, flints, or smoking accessories.
Why were pipe boxes popular in colonial America?
Clay pipes were fragile and easily broken. Pipe boxes provided a safe place to store them while keeping smoking supplies organized and accessible.
What wood was traditionally used for pipe boxes?
Many original pipe boxes were built from locally available woods such as pine, poplar, maple, or other regional species depending on where they were made.
Were pipe boxes usually painted?
Yes. Many surviving examples show evidence of milk paint, decorative paint finishes, or simple stains. Others were left unfinished and darkened naturally over time.
What is the difference between a pipe box and a wick holder?
Some antique dealers and collectors use the terms interchangeably because the forms can be very similar. The intended use often depends on the specific design and regional history.
Can a colonial pipe box be used for modern storage?
Absolutely. Many reproductions are used to hold kitchen utensils, mail, craft supplies, tools, or decorative items while retaining their traditional appearance.
What is crackle paint?
Crackle paint is a decorative finish designed to mimic aged paint by creating intentional cracks and texture between paint layers.
Why do woodworkers modify historical plans?
Historical designs often need small adjustments to fit modern spaces and uses. Altering dimensions while preserving the overall form allows traditional designs to remain practical.
Are pipe boxes difficult woodworking projects?
Most pipe boxes are considered beginner-to-intermediate projects because they use straightforward joinery and relatively simple construction techniques.
Why are colonial woodworking projects still popular?
Their simple proportions, practical function, and timeless appearance fit well in both traditional and modern homes.
What makes a project a "Legacy Project"?
Legacy Projects tell the story of work completed years before the blog existed, helping preserve the history of both the project and the house.
Why do old woodworking projects deserve a second look?
Revisiting older projects often reveals how well they have held up over time and how both craftsmanship and personal style have evolved.
Keywords
colonial pipe box, pipe box woodworking, primitive wall box, colonial reproduction, kitchen utensil holder, early American furniture, primitive decor, woodworking plans, wall mounted storage, Made at 173