Come on People, Use Baskets!

Are you searching for a new look and storage space… nothing can be better than baskets! There are very few things you can add to your home décor which will have the both the particular versatility of containers and style. Baskets not only add attractive touches to your home décor, but, they also mix well with any existing style and in most cases is well-suited to double purposes- decoration and storage.


1) Mail sorter. Add a beautiful basket near your entryway for mail or important bills that need to go out and be delivered. I still get a fair amount of snail mail… use the basket to sort the mail, you can even have one particular basket for each member of the family. All you need a row of bins/baskets on your wall or entry side table. These baskets are not available as beautiful décor and come in many different styles like wicker, wood, plastic, cloth, and so much more. By doing this everyone has easy access to his or her mail and also junk mail is managed as well and you added a bit of style and functionality to your entryway. You're welcome!


2) Kitchen/Tabletop organizer. Do you remember the old napkin holder or spice rack? Designers have stepped up their game and added a new cool set of storage applications for your kitchen and tabletop setting. Some are big and small, have jars associated. Whatever your need, there is a basket available to help organize your kitchen space, and who doesn't want an organized kitchen. Keep your eyes open the next time you enter the kitchen and contemplate all the great ways storage units could help out.


3) Hobby supplies. Raise your hand if you have a hobby? Do you knit, crochet, sew, garden, cook, scrapbook, draw, or just about anything else… you need supplies and you want them easy to reach and organized. There is an endless supply of beautiful baskets that you can use to tame your hobby obsession, without breaking the bank or littering up your space. I suggest limiting your assortment to one large holder and smaller ones as needed. Keep things you don't need stored away out of view and bring them out as necessary and keep only one hobby per large basket. That keeps you sane and for having to search all over for your items. Remember, baskets are not just for decorative purposes, you also want storage and organization.


4) Umbrella case. This is a bit old school, but I want to bring it back because I believe it is so valuable! It will save money from (if you're anything like me) you have to re-buy multiple umbrellas because they are lost in a cluttered closet or wherever umbrellas go. I can never find mine. Place it on the floor close to your coat closet or entryway and you will probably always have ready use of your umbrellas when undesirable weather comes your way.


5) Magazine holder. This is probably one very commonly used uses for baskets in the home yet one that should somewhat be mentioned. I will mention recycle your old magazines either at a used book store or a retirement community or at a local middle/high school art teacher who may be teaching about collages… even the old-fashion paper recycling. Don't let them pile up and be buried under mounds of magazines even if they are in stylish baskets… make room for the new batch.


6) Gadget box. This is perhaps a popular among parents of young kids, but is not limited to them alone. Anytime unexpected/expected guests show up this is an outstanding tool for rapidly gathering all toys and other items and getting these things out of sight quickly. Depending on your particular circumstance, the baskets can be big or small, wide or tall, lid or no lid… it is totally up to your need but will match well with anything and make your home look neat to guests who never knew just 15 minutes prior, toys and clothes had been thrown all about.


7) Office supplies. There are many containers that make excellent organizers and holders for the many various office supplies we use daily. The array and variety gets better and so does the styles. This is also a quick fix for an office pick-me up. Whether you have a home office or work in a regular setting, we spend a lot of time at the office, so why not make it not only highly functional but attractive as well. Add color, decorative touches and personal.


8) Clothes hamper. This is another great use to get a basket. I use a laundry basket at home and they can be quite decorative now to match either your bedroom or bathroom or even your laundry room. I suggest you get one with a lid and don't be afraid to invest in nicer ones especially if they are visible to guests. Be aware of the textiles. If you have a cat, a wicker or cloth one may not be the best bet. I say from experience.

This is in no way an exhaustive list of the actual availability and uses for bins and baskets, but this is a good starting point for the next time you are thinking of a good way to invest money in a cheap way to add style and functionality to your home decorating needs.