Curbing clutter is every homeowner’s challenge, but sometimes open bookshelves and bedroom closets just look messy.
Here are some funky storage solutions for every room in the house.
Basket case
Handmade in Uganda, these woven baskets are best described as functional art.
Pretty on the outside, they can be used as a laundry hamper, to hold a potted plant or to stash hats and mitts by the front door.
Hamper, $39.99, vase, $34.99 and open basket, $24.99 at HomeSense.
It’s up to you, New York
Curver Deco New York City Storage Box, from $7.99 at Bed, Bath and Beyond
Wrapped in the iconic city skyline with a yellow taxi cab designed on the lid, the Curver StockholmLine Deco New York City Storage Box is perfect for stashing CDs, socks and underwear or cherished keepsakes. Comes in two sizes from $7.99 at Bed, Bath and Beyond.
Gobble them up
P’Kolino Mess Eaters Toy Trunk, $45 from Enroute Kids
No more excuses for building blocks, plush teddies and puzzle pieces scattered on the floor with this big, green monster in the room. The P’Kolino Mess Eaters Toy Trunk is made of durable fabric with sturdy rope handles. It’s $45 at baby enRoute, 415 Richmond Rd.
His and hers
Umbra Boho Dress Scarf Holder
Tame the closet chaos and simplify getting ready for work in the morning with the Umbra Black Tie Holder, $10, and Boho Dress Scarf Holder, $15, from Zone, 471 Sussex Dr.
Umbra Black Tie Organizer
Put a lid on it
KNODD metal cans with lids, $15.99 from IKEA
Perfect for stowing away dog food or stashing recyclables in the pantry cupboard, KNODD metal cans with matching lids come in assorted colours for $15.99 each at IKEA.
Hanging out
Hide ‘n Clear organizer from Solutions
Organize your hair products, makeup and bottles of lotions and potions with the clear plastic Hide ‘n Clear, $19.99 at Solutions in the Ottawa Train Yards.
Shoe fetish
HYFS shoeboxes, $5.99 each, from IKEA
Keep your Jimmy Choos separate from your Sketchers, but still in clear view with the HYFS shoeboxes from IKEA. Made of recycled cardboard with a see-through plastic window, they sell for $5.99 each.
Funk it up
Janta cabinet from Pier 1
Parked in a front entry, sunny dining room or country kitchen, the colourful Janta cabinet is sure to create a quirky focal point. It’s $449.95 at Pier 1 Imports.
Sunny delight
Wire basket from HomeSense
This bright yellow wire basket lined with a canvas bag is the ultimate multi-tasker. Use it as a toy bin, laundry basket or to hold firewood or extra towels by the pool. It’s $16.99 at HomeSense.
Spring into action
Clever Crates
Clever Crates are an ingenious storage invention from Ziel Innovations. Made of lightweight, sturdy plastic, the collapsible bins can be stacked to save space then folded flat when not in use. Priced from $11.99 to $19.99, depending on size.
