What this construction is
A gatefold box opens as two doors from the centre rather than as a single lid, so the interior is revealed outward from the middle. It is the most theatrical opening we make and the one clients remember.
Leather on this construction, specifically
Two hide doors skived at the centre edge is slow, expensive work and it produces the best gatefold there is. The hide also holds the doors flat where a lighter material bows.
Getting the fit right
The two doors have to meet exactly at the centre line, and they have to stay met. A gatefold that stands slightly open at the join reads as broken, so the closure — magnets, a ribbon or a lip — is not optional here.
The mistake to avoid
Two doors means two hinges and twice the chance of one sitting proud. Check the closed box at the centre line on the sample; that join is the only thing anyone looks at.
Where it is used
Sets, presentation pieces and anything where the opening is meant to be an event — bridal, corporate gifting and launch packaging in particular.
Why leather
Real leather has variation in it — a slight difference in grain and in depth of colour from hide to hide. That is the point of it, and it is also the thing to decide before you commit to a house box.
Putting your logo on leather
Leather holds a deep blind deboss beautifully and takes foil well, though foil on a heavily grained hide will break slightly along the grain — usually read as character rather than fault.
Cutting the interior in leather
Leather is wrapped over a rigid shell. The shell defines the geometry; the leather gives the surface.
Keep out of direct sun. A leather conditioner once a year on a display piece; nothing at all on a box that ships.
What we need from you
| What we need | Why |
|---|---|
| Piece dimensions | Sets the interior |
| Leather colour | Matched to a Pantone reference or a swatch |
| Logo artwork | Vector gives the cleanest die or screen |
| Leather on this construction | Two hide doors skived at the centre edge is slow, expensive work and it produces the best gatefold there is. |
Frequently asked questions
Is leather a good choice for a gatefold box?
Two hide doors skived at the centre edge is slow, expensive work and it produces the best gatefold there is. The hide also holds the doors flat where a lighter material bows.
How does leather wear on this construction?
Keep out of direct sun. A leather conditioner once a year on a display piece; nothing at all on a box that ships.
Can it be made in our colour?
Yes — the leather is matched to a Pantone reference or a physical swatch, and confirmed on a sample.
What logo methods suit leather?
Leather holds a deep blind deboss beautifully and takes foil well, though foil on a heavily grained hide will break slightly along the grain — usually read as character rather than fault.
Can I see it before ordering?
Yes. A physical pre-production sample is made to your specification and the bulk run is held to the sample you approve.
Make your gatefold boxes
Tell us the piece, your brand and the quantity you have in mind. We’ll send photos of our work and one clear, all-in quote.