Sure, a low, shallow basket is the perfect place to park the car keys and the mail. But consider these small wonders for other storage ideas, temporary and long-term.
Try One as a…
Silverware caddy (shown). Juggling fistfuls of flatware while trying to set the table? Tote them gracefully instead.
Snack arranger. For kids, place afternoon treats in a basket (with healthy ones oh-so-subtly positioned toward the front). Put it on a low, kid-level shelf.
Piece of found art. Liven up a wall by hanging three or more baskets of the same color or material.
Memory saver. Stowing photographs in drawers leads to misplaced memories. Designate a basket to hold pictures until they find a permanent home.
Remote-control center. Even hungry sofa cushions can’t swallow a basketful of neatly stored clickers.
Stationery kit. You’ll avoid the eternal hunt for a pen and paper if you keep all your writing supplies in the same place.
New Uses for Medium Baskets
A midsize, steep-sided basket can get the job done, holding all sorts of household tools in an industrial-chic container. A wire or perforated-metal version shows its contents at a glance.
Try One as a…
Totable tool kit (shown). Lugging around a giant toolbox to hang artwork can be a drag — literally. Lighten your load with a basket filled with just the bare essentials.
Towel dispenser. In a guest bathroom, keep rolled-up hand towels next to the sink.
Umbrella stand. Placed inside a tightly woven, rust-resistant basket, wet umbrellas dry in no time.
File holder. Give your home office a less buttoned-up look by organizing folders in a basket.
Green upgrade. A plant in a plastic pot looks much better when the pot is in a decorative basket. Place a saucer underneath the pot for drips.
New Uses for Large Baskets
For homes that are short on storage space, big baskets can act as surrogate cabinets. Handles are essential when you’ve got a lot to haul around.
Try One as a…
Summer carryall (shown). When you’re ready to hit the beach, just throw everything in and take off.
Manual dumbwaiter. Drag a basket to the bottom of the stairs and deposit anything that needs to be taken up. Upstairs, after you unload, refill it with whatever needs to be taken down.
Log holder. A basket stuffed with firewood, kindling, and matches will warm up the hearth.
Linen “closet.” Keep extra blankets and pillows for guests at the foot of the bed.
Cool cooler. For backyard barbecues, line a basket with a plastic garbage bag, then fill it with ice and beverages.
Paper catcher. Toss spent magazines and newspapers into a container that’s easy to carry to the recycling bin.
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