Elevate Your Storage Game with Baskets, Bins, and Boxes!
THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS
Do you ever think about how expensive baskets are?
While working on my kitchen pantry and my cousin's garage makeover, I spent hours in the aisles of The Container Store looking for the perfect containers to use in my space. I, of course, found what I needed because that's just what happens when you go to organization heaven, but once I reached that register... I gagged at them prices... $35 for one basket is crazy...
Then, I pulled out my card and finished the transaction because, in all seriousness, baskets, bins, and boxes are the superheroes of the storage and organization world and make a massive difference in the look and feel of your space.
And I want to sing their praises for just a little bit. Let's go!
What's The Difference Between a Basket, Bin, or Box?
These phrases are often used interchangeably, but there are distinct differences in my mind. Boxes typically have a lid and fixed corners.
Bins are usually smaller, portable, and have an open top.
And much like a chameleon, a basket is a more extensive category and can be made from a variety of materials like wicker, rope, plastic, or even wire. What you call them doesn't really matter, but I find it helpful to have this vocabulary ready when I'm online shopping.
Three Ways To Use A Basket, Bin, or Box
Dress Up Your Bookcases
A well-styled bookcase is a good look and an even better place to utilize a pretty little box. Try stacking 2 to 3 books horizontally and placing a small burlwood box on top for your matchbooks, TV remotes, or a deck of cards. Or use a box as a bookend - you'll want something relatively heavy to prevent the books from falling over.
For my IKEA-obsessed girlies, consider dressing up your KALLAX or BILLY bookcases with a row of uniform baskets. They can be fabric or rattan; just make sure it fills the entire space and has an opening so you can easily pull it out and need to hide cable boxes, cords, or workout equipment.
A Basket Is A Couches Best Friend
Photo by: Amanda Archibald for Apartment Therapy
I always struggled to decorate the space between the windows and dresser in my studio apartment. I knew it needed something, but a swivel chair was too big, so I opted for a wicker basket from Homegoods and used it to hold weights, resistance bands, and throw blankets to hide it all.
In this instance, I think, the fancier the basket, the better. You can get a set of something blue & scalloped, made from orange leather or an earthy brown with handle. Make that corner useful.
It's Bin On The Shelves
Using baskets with open shelving is always a good idea in my book. To add extra storage in my kitchen, I installed the ELFA 2" CLASSIC shelving system to hold all my pantry items, but later on I added tfour of the Albany rattan baskets to store my laundry supplies and items for Salazar. Sometimes the things you need to keep at arms reach are ill shaped and not easily stacked, so baskets allow you to corral those items together and keep things looking neat.
Before
After
When using storage add-ons in a kitchen, you can go with a warmer, more decorative style of bin like the rattan ones, I used, but there are other styles available. Namely acrylic and wire, which work great if your style is more modern or minimalistic.
Decorating is fun and often doesn't require any DIY knowledge. All you need is to find a vessel you like and then put a blanket in it, lol. Happy Organizing, Homies!
