Decorating
9 Ways to Add Style to Your Storage Containers
Combine organisation and beauty with these clever tips for pepping up your boxes, baskets and files
Most of us have some storage containers in our home to keep clutter under control, from box files to baskets and tubs. They tend to be fairly functional, but it’s easy to give them a little style boost. Take a look at this mix of ideas to get you thinking of new ways to make basic storage containers look good, too.
Label smartly
If you have a large family or a busy home, putting everyone’s paperwork in different files is the key to saving time and stress. You could label them by scribbling on the outside of each with a pen, of course, but to make your boxes more aesthetically pleasing, use letter stickers or perhaps a stencil.
Alternatively, print out labels from a computer and stick them to the boxes. Each household member or area could have a different colour code for even easier identification.
If you have a large family or a busy home, putting everyone’s paperwork in different files is the key to saving time and stress. You could label them by scribbling on the outside of each with a pen, of course, but to make your boxes more aesthetically pleasing, use letter stickers or perhaps a stencil.
Alternatively, print out labels from a computer and stick them to the boxes. Each household member or area could have a different colour code for even easier identification.
Style up kids’ storage
So many children’s toys come in brightly coloured plastic crates or ugly cardboard boxes that break easily. If your small person plays with their toys in the living room, there are ways to avoid a collection of less-than-beautiful things amassing in the corner of the room. By decanting everything into separate, attractive tubs, you’ll keep everyone happy.
The tubs here are in complementary neutral shades. They hide the toys from view, but are still easy-access for small hands. Storing them in a shelving unit like this further smartens up the look, making sure the room remains a grown-up space.
So many children’s toys come in brightly coloured plastic crates or ugly cardboard boxes that break easily. If your small person plays with their toys in the living room, there are ways to avoid a collection of less-than-beautiful things amassing in the corner of the room. By decanting everything into separate, attractive tubs, you’ll keep everyone happy.
The tubs here are in complementary neutral shades. They hide the toys from view, but are still easy-access for small hands. Storing them in a shelving unit like this further smartens up the look, making sure the room remains a grown-up space.
Colour-block your files and boxes
If you have a small area like this, make the most of it by fitting shelving right up to the ceiling, measuring the height of each shelf so your files and boxes fit exactly, with no wasted space.
Buy containers in the same colour for a super-neat look – or try two contrasting shades for block colour, as here. By choosing pieces from the same range throughout, you can incorporate an array of shapes and sizes of containers without making the space look cluttered.
Discover 10 principles of organising that work in every room
If you have a small area like this, make the most of it by fitting shelving right up to the ceiling, measuring the height of each shelf so your files and boxes fit exactly, with no wasted space.
Buy containers in the same colour for a super-neat look – or try two contrasting shades for block colour, as here. By choosing pieces from the same range throughout, you can incorporate an array of shapes and sizes of containers without making the space look cluttered.
Discover 10 principles of organising that work in every room
Upholster for a softer look
This comfy seat/storage box on wheels has a cut-out section in the top, so when it’s not in use, it slides neatly under the basin without bumping up against the pipework. It has plenty of space to hide bathroom essentials, from toiletries and hair products to loo rolls, and the upholstery gives it a soft look, adding a luxurious touch.
You could make your own upholstered storage seat by adding a piece of board with a foam top to a wooden box crate, then stapling fabric to the whole thing.
Check out more clever ways to organise your bathroom
This comfy seat/storage box on wheels has a cut-out section in the top, so when it’s not in use, it slides neatly under the basin without bumping up against the pipework. It has plenty of space to hide bathroom essentials, from toiletries and hair products to loo rolls, and the upholstery gives it a soft look, adding a luxurious touch.
You could make your own upholstered storage seat by adding a piece of board with a foam top to a wooden box crate, then stapling fabric to the whole thing.
Check out more clever ways to organise your bathroom
Big up baskets
I love the idea of using large woven bags rather than boxes, especially where, as here, each bag sits in an individual compartment. The look is softer and less structured than boxes and would be ideal for storing shoes, scarves, bags, or pretty much anything that fits in a shopping tote.
If you were going to do this, I’d advise buying the bags first to ensure they are the right size for your needs. Then create the shelving to fit the bags, as it would be easier than the other way round. You could add some boxes higher up if necessary for things that require a sturdier surround.
I love the idea of using large woven bags rather than boxes, especially where, as here, each bag sits in an individual compartment. The look is softer and less structured than boxes and would be ideal for storing shoes, scarves, bags, or pretty much anything that fits in a shopping tote.
If you were going to do this, I’d advise buying the bags first to ensure they are the right size for your needs. Then create the shelving to fit the bags, as it would be easier than the other way round. You could add some boxes higher up if necessary for things that require a sturdier surround.
Curate your accessories
Small items, such as belts and jewellery, can get completely lost inside a wardrobe or end up in a muddle. Arm yourself with a host of small storage boxes – choose smart ones that tone together, as here – and fit these inside a drawer or even another storage box.
If each little box has just one or two items in it, then you can see where everything is, and get to it easily. And your accessories will look pleasingly curated, rather than a tangled mess!
Small items, such as belts and jewellery, can get completely lost inside a wardrobe or end up in a muddle. Arm yourself with a host of small storage boxes – choose smart ones that tone together, as here – and fit these inside a drawer or even another storage box.
If each little box has just one or two items in it, then you can see where everything is, and get to it easily. And your accessories will look pleasingly curated, rather than a tangled mess!
Suspended characterful crates
Cloakrooms are always tight for storage, so this solution makes use of a space that isn’t being used and provides not one but three separate storage tubs that are stylish enough to be a feature in themselves.
This would be easy to do yourself. Start by buying three wooden crates with handles – quite often you’ll get a set of three that fit inside each other, but you could use equal-sized ones, too. Cut lengths of rope and tie them to the handles of the largest box, then position the next box the right distance away and tie the other end of the rope to the handles of the middle box.
Repeat with the smallest box, then knot loops of rope to the handles of the top one, from which you can hang the trio from the wall. You could also hang this on the back of the door (assuming there’s enough space for the boxes to avoid getting squashed when the door is opened).
Cloakrooms are always tight for storage, so this solution makes use of a space that isn’t being used and provides not one but three separate storage tubs that are stylish enough to be a feature in themselves.
This would be easy to do yourself. Start by buying three wooden crates with handles – quite often you’ll get a set of three that fit inside each other, but you could use equal-sized ones, too. Cut lengths of rope and tie them to the handles of the largest box, then position the next box the right distance away and tie the other end of the rope to the handles of the middle box.
Repeat with the smallest box, then knot loops of rope to the handles of the top one, from which you can hang the trio from the wall. You could also hang this on the back of the door (assuming there’s enough space for the boxes to avoid getting squashed when the door is opened).
Think vintage
A storage box with a lid is there to keep its contents together and contained, right? Here’s another idea – use old suitcases instead of boxes for a lovely vintage look that will do exactly the same thing. It’s a lovely way to keep paperwork or toys in order, and no-one will guess what’s inside.
Hunt around charity shops, car-boot sales or online for interesting cases and a suitable, vintage-style unit in which to store them.
How do you make your storage boxes look more attractive? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments below.
A storage box with a lid is there to keep its contents together and contained, right? Here’s another idea – use old suitcases instead of boxes for a lovely vintage look that will do exactly the same thing. It’s a lovely way to keep paperwork or toys in order, and no-one will guess what’s inside.
Hunt around charity shops, car-boot sales or online for interesting cases and a suitable, vintage-style unit in which to store them.
How do you make your storage boxes look more attractive? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments below.
If you need some boxes but want to soften the look, intersperse them with a few ornaments, framed photos and books. For files you need to get at often, keep the space around them clear, as it will be annoying to constantly lift things out of the way to access the paperwork.
In a small area, sticking to neutral tones will keep the look crisp and neat, but any two or three shades could be used, depending on your décor style.