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How to make a circus wooden toy box

By Bunnings magazine /

Red-and-white geometric storage box in a child’s room holding toys on a burgundy-and-cream chequered rug beside a white bed.
Pinterest predicts 2026 trend throwback kid writing on a blue background.

Overview

There has been a resurgence of classic toys and games recently, and Pinterest’s 2026 trend list has called out this ‘Throwback Kid’ movement that’s bringing vintage toys and old-school outdoor games back into play for young families. You can tap into the trend with this D.I.Y. wooden toybox. Made from budget-friendly plywood and painted in bright colour, it’s a great way to boost storage and add character to your kids’ room. This toybox has a circus theme but you can use colours and a design to suit any style.

Steps

1How to make the circus wooden toybox

Give a plain toybox a colourful retro glow up!

2Cutting list

From 12mm plywood:

  • Base: 400mm x 400mm
  • Side panels: 400mm x 388mm (2)
  • End panels: 388mm x 376mm (2)

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

3Drill the holes

To make hand holes in the end panels, mark the centre, 60mm down from the top edge. Position on a plywood offcut and clamp to the workbench. Centre a 54mm Forstner bit on the marks to drill right through. On the side panels, use a countersinking bit to predrill four evenly spaced holes down the sides, 6mm in from the edge.

Hands using a cordless drill with a hole‑saw bit to cut a hole in a sheet of plywood clamped to a workbench.

4Assemble the wooden toy box

Butt the side panels against the end panels, applying adhesive along the edges and clamping to secure through predrilled holes with screws. Position the base, predrill evenly spaced holes around the edges, apply adhesive and secure. Use a scraper to smooth over screw holes and joints with filler; let dry. Sand all over, including hand holes; wipe away dust with a cloth.

Hands using a cordless drill to screw two plywood panels together at a right angle.

5Position the tape

Prime all over with a mini roller; let dry. Use a clean roller to apply two coats of white paint, leaving to dry after each coat. On four sides of the box, position painter’s tape diagonally from corner to corner, folding around the sides at the base and over the top.

Tip: On the lower triangles, brush white paint over the inside edges of the tape to achieve a precise finish.

6Paint the wooden toy box

Use a clean roller to apply two coats of red paint on the lower triangles, leaving to dry after each coat. Apply a third coat and peel off the tape at an angle while still tacky; let dry. For the top triangles, position tape from corner to corner, folding over the base and around the sides at the top. Repeat the painting process, also painting the top edge and inside the box. 

Gloved hand using a paintbrush to apply white paint along blue painter’s tape on a grey panel.

7Keep in mind...

  • When using power tools, always protect ears and eyes with ear muffs and safety glasses (gloves and mask are also recommended).
  • For sanding or painting, be sure to wear the recommended safety gear (such as gloves, mask and eye protection). Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and work in a well-ventilated area.
  • Paint colours may vary on application.

8After more fun family projects?

Discover how to build a mud kitchen for kids.

 

Photo credit: Martina Gemmola, Tamara Maynes.

●Timbers vary by state and territory; contact your local store for further information.

Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.