Guest Picks: Fabulously Decorative Storage
These boxes, files and furniture pieces store all kinds of necessities and make your home look good too
Clutter seems to be the bane of my existence, but whenever my husband asks if I want him to order some of those big plastic storage bins, I shudder and shake my head. Luckily, there are fantastic products to help organize those bits that just can't seem to find a permanent home. And they come in designs that will actually enhance your decor and make your space more functional, calm and enjoyable.
This ideabook offers 20 great-looking products that can instantly make your life easier as you enter a new year. — Denise from The Swelle Life
This ideabook offers 20 great-looking products that can instantly make your life easier as you enter a new year. — Denise from The Swelle Life
Modern Coffee Tables
The coffee table is notorious for being a clutter magnet, but you'd have no excuses with this midcentury-inspired version that works storage into the design. The wide drawer and cubby hole will easily hide all of your remotes, as well as those pesky things that seem to appear out of nowhere on a daily basis.
Nomess Moma Box
This is the jewelry box for lovers of Lucite and color. A series of tiny containers inside one large clear box keeps all of your treasures contained yet still visible. And there's room to add a second layer of boxes, or just a few as needed.
I admit, I would be tempted to keep those neat little boxes empty and untainted by clutter.
I admit, I would be tempted to keep those neat little boxes empty and untainted by clutter.
Bisley 6-Drawer Classic Front Filing Cabinet
The typical metal filing cabinet usually elicits a shudder from me, but things can change with a bright paint job. Six labelled drawers will keep your files organized, and your office will instantly feel less drab.
Casamania Robox Bookcase
If your collection of books isn't sufficiently intimidating, keeping them in a man-size robot bookcase might do the trick. This animated unit has a "heart," rendered by the bright red box in its "chest." Make your visitors do a double take by putting a framed close-up of your face in the head!
Shoe Tree Z, Black
I have a shoe space issue, and I'm not even a crazy shoe collector. But I do have a few designer pairs, and I like to keep the boxes, which adds to the problem. This is the first shoe storage system I've seen that is designed to incorporate the box, not just the shoes. And it looks like a sculpture that has nothing to do with feet, so it could really go anywhere. The block tower has slots up each side that the shoe box slides into.
Circus Sack
As simple yet thoroughly appealing alternatives to the storage basket, these printed graphic sacks look good enough to display as empty vessels — and even better when mixed with other prints from the collection in varying sizes. How striking would a trio look on a white gloss or plank floor?
Established & Sons Stack Chest of Drawers
Who really needs a chest; it's just the drawers that matter, right? Sometimes. If you like a more sculptural approach to keeping your things organized, you can have a lot of fun creating new forms with these floating drawers. They're designed to be pushed and pulled in both directions while the tower remains balanced.
Box Box
I love the idea of a tall stack of pastel boxes in a room, like a candy-colored sculpture of organization. This system is a great way to fill an awkwardly empty, narrow space while hiding clutter. It also makes the office a bit more fun. If pastels aren't your thing, you can be safe with the all-charcoal option.
Tree Coat Stand
I just might have a problem with my family actually hanging their coats all over this colorful tree and covering up its cheerfulness. With two or three garments hanging from its lower branches, you'll still get the benefit of its purpose and be able to enjoy the view.
M3 Seat/Storage, Lime
This storage cube has a bit of a furniture feel thanks to the birch wood construction, and it's sturdy enough to double as a seat in a pinch. It comes in a choice of laminated patterns or solids, which could create a strong color-block effect when stacked or grouped in like styles or mixed for a more eclectic look.
Collect Cabinet, Multicolor
Now this is a cabinet that doesn't allow for bad moods. Its vivid color-blocking is pure joy. It opens with two front doors to reveal three white shelves. If you've got a Danish bowl and some design books to store, how about keeping one of the doors open to show off your collection and have fun playing with color and texture combinations?
Artecnica Bright Times Silver
If you've been thinking it would be nice to keep a little of the holiday shimmer around after the festivities are over, these twinkling steel bowls will do the trick. They are ideal for holding tea lights and little bits and bobs that can't find a home, or displaying just as they are.
Malle Mademoiselle
It's not often that space efficiency and luxury go together, but this mobile trunk not only incorporates an entire vanity, it's also gorgeously crafted inside and out in leather, suede and coated fabric.
Although I don't have the space for a full vanity, I know I can find a few places where this would easily fit and give the space a refined elegance.
Although I don't have the space for a full vanity, I know I can find a few places where this would easily fit and give the space a refined elegance.
Amelia Storage Bench, Delray Azure
With this bench you get a place to sit, storage for quite a few unsightlies and a touch of the Mediterranean with the azure tile-like look of the upholstery. Add some broad fan plants and lots of natural light, and you have the beginnings of an at-home island retreat.
Copperfield Storage Mirror
I think it's safe to say that none of us has ever demanded more from the mirror than an accurate reflection, but this box version with a shelf isn't a bad idea. Hang it near your entryway and you don't have to go far to drop off those daily essentials that so easily get lost, like your keys. And unlike the poor console table that gets so much dumped upon it, the contents in the mirror will barely be noticed.
I am guilty of forgetting which kind of flour I'm keeping in my canisters, and the same goes for the contents of any storage container in my house. An easy-to-read label would be the wise way forward. These painted and distressed MDF tags offer a pop of pastel color with some rustic charm, and they're customizable, so you can identify everything from socks to nails to those old CDs.
Striped Decorative Luggage
Suitcases are a great space-saving alternative to the trunk, and they can have the same enduring appeal if you go for a classic look. This sunny beach stripe duo will lift any space, and the top case can be used to display photographs or other sentimental items by propping up the lid — throw an old wooden ruler in there to match the vintage feel.
Multi Stem Bread Bin
Despite loving the idea of the bread box, I'd held off buying one because I couldn't justify the counter space needed for the usual horizontally shaped ones. This upright container not only uses about a third of the space, but features printmaster Orla Kiely's signature Multi Stem design, a fresh take on '70s print and coloring that can be incorporated into almost any kitchen decor.
Swedese Log Storage Table
The laminated oak veneer and elliptical shape of this storage table bring a nice calm to a space while also concealing clutter. Its smallish size makes it a good couch side table for resting something temporarily, such as a drink, but leaving mostly free for when you want to remove the lid to put away remotes or magazines.
Fine Vintage Desk Globe Bar
Here's a win-win: You get to have your bar close by and appear worldly at the same time. Small enough to sit on your tabletop, desk or sideboard yet large enough to stock a few bottles and glasses, it's like a grown-up version of the bar fridge. And you can brush up on your geography too.
Next: 6 Clever Kitchen Storage Ideas Anyone Can Use
Next: 6 Clever Kitchen Storage Ideas Anyone Can Use