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A guide to select the right style and materials for the right purpose

When it comes to home organization, bins and baskets offer an excellent solution for decluttering and tidying up your space. With a variety of materials, shapes, and colors available, choosing the right ones can be overwhelming. Options include plastic/acrylic, fabric, woven, and wicker, among others. Additionally, consider whether you want the contents to be hidden or visible.

With so many choices, how do you determine which are best for your home? Start by considering the aesthetics—select materials and colors that complement your décor. Some storage solutions are more functional, while others are designed for display. Regardless of your style—whether contemporary, traditional, coastal, farmhouse, or any other design—choosing the right bins and baskets should enhance your home’s overall look.

You may wonder about the difference between bins and baskets. Storage Bins are designed for durability and practicality, often used in more utilitarian spaces where function takes precedence over form. Storage Baskets are generally more about style and are used in areas where both organization and aesthetics are important. They are great for items you need to access frequently and prefer to display. Both serve essential roles in organizing your home, but the choice between a bin and a basket depends on your specific needs for storage and how you want the items to be presented or concealed.

1. Clear Plastic Bins

Clear plastic bins are ideal for storing liquid items or for situations where you need to see the contents easily. They are sturdy and durable, making them suitable for heavier items like books. These bins can be stacked to maximize vertical space and can help compartmentalize your items. Some clear bins also have covers so that your items are protected. They work well for organizing cabinets and utility closets, offering a minimalistic look that fits any style of home.

These bins are great for organizing:

• Cleaning supplies
• Kitchen pantry items
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Lotion
• Liquid soap
• Art supplies
• Pens, pencils, markers
• Pet supplies
• Laundry supplies
• Utility closets

2. Small Patterned Plastic Bins

Small plastic bins are practical for organizing smaller items. They come in various colors and are perfect for storing in drawers or cabinets. Ideal for kitchens or bathrooms, these bins are a simple addition that fits any home style.

These bins are best for:

• Tea packets
• Spice and herb bottles
• Snacks (granola bars, small bags of chips, candy, chocolate)
• Pet food in small packages and treats
• Hair accessories
• Combs and brushes
• Toiletries
• Cosmetics

3. Canvas Patterned and Solid Color Bins

What’s your favorite color? Canvas-like bins come in a range of pastel and bright colors and patterns, which can liven up any room. Match these bins with your room’s color palette for a cohesive look. They are a contemporary option that works well in bookcases, shelves, closets, or offices.

These bins are versatile and can hold:

• Arts and crafts supplies
• Yarn, knitting needles
• Ribbon
• Clothing
• Accessories (hats, gloves, scarves, belts)
• Office supplies

4. Woven Fabric Baskets

Woven fabric baskets are the most common option perfect for lighter, softer items or delicate materials. Their soft yet durable weave makes them an excellent option for closet organization, linen cabinets, shelf displays, or bookcases. Available in square or rectangular shapes and neutral colors like beige, brown, and black, these baskets complement different décor styles such as craftsman or transitional.

Due to their soft material, these baskets are ideal for:

• Children’s rooms/toy storage
• Pet supplies & toys
• Clothing (sweaters, t-shirts, under garments accessories)
• Household linens                              
• Kitchen towels
• Bath towels
• Blankets

5. Wicker/rattan Baskets

Wicker baskets are suitable for holding heavier items, especially when lined to prevent snagging. They come in a range of sizes and weaves, with thicker, tighter threads that offer sturdiness. Wicker baskets are a decorative addition that complements farmhouse or coastal décor.

Wicker baskets are versatile for holding:

• Books
• Magazines
• Electronics (cords, chargers, and remotes)
• Pillows
• Blankets
• Toys
• Hats
• Shoes & slippers

Choosing the right bins and baskets can make a significant difference in organizing your home efficiently while enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Consider your needs and style preferences to select the best options for your space.  Finding the right balance of style and function not only helps keep items organized and your home tidy, but also add style to your room while feeling stress free.

How to display bins and baskets when organizing

Shelves

Shelving units offer a versatile and accessible way to showcase and organize baskets and bins.

Here are some examples of how to display bins and baskets on any type of shelf to store commonly used items:

• Open Shelving: Place baskets and bins on open shelves in kitchens, living rooms, or offices. Open shelving allows easy access to items while adding a stylish, organized look to the space. Opt for baskets with decorative designs that complement your interior decor.
• Adjustable Shelves: Use adjustable shelves in closets, laundry rooms, or storage areas to accommodate various sizes of bins and baskets. Adjustable shelving provides flexibility, allowing you to reconfigure the space as your storage needs change.
• Wall-Mounted Shelves: For smaller spaces, wall-mounted shelves are ideal. These shelves can hold smaller baskets or bins and help maximize vertical space. Mount them in entryways or bathrooms for a practical and space-saving solution.
• Floating Shelves: Floating shelves create a modern look and can be used in living rooms or bedrooms to display decorative baskets or bins. These shelves are perfect for storing items like books, plants, or decorative accessories in addition to practical storage solutions.

Kitchen Organization

Bins and baskets are essential for kitchen organization, helping keep everything in its place and making cooking and cleaning more efficient.

Here are examples of how to display bins and baskets for pantry Items or in drawers to organize utensils and junk drawers:

• Pantry storage: Use clear or labeled bins to store pantry items such as cereals, grains, or snacks. Group similar items together and stack bins to utilize vertical space effectively. Transparent bins allow you to see the contents at a glance, which helps in meal planning and prevents overbuying.
• Drawer organizers: Install small bins or dividers in kitchen drawers to organize utensils, cutlery, and other kitchen tools. This prevents clutter and makes it easy to find what you need while cooking. Choose bins that fit the drawer dimensions and are easy to remove for cleaning.
• Junk drawer solutions: Use small baskets or bins in the infamous “junk drawer” to group items like batteries, pens, and miscellaneous tools. Categorize items into labeled bins to keep the drawer organized and ensure you can quickly locate essentials.

Bathroom Organization

The bathroom is another area where baskets and bins can significantly improve organization. Either baskets or bins can be used for toiletries, paper products, and and even linen or vanity cabinets.

Here’s how:

• Toiletry storage: Place baskets or bins in bathroom cabinets to store toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, and soap. Group items into categories (e.g., skincare, haircare) and use clear bins to easily identify contents. You can also use stackable bins to maximize space in cabinets or on shelves.
• Toilet paper storage: Store extra rolls of toilet paper in decorative baskets or bins. These can be placed in linen closets or under the sink. Choose bins that match your bathroom decor and are easy to access.
• Vanity organization: Use small bins or baskets on your bathroom vanity to keep everyday items like makeup, hairbrushes, and cotton balls organized. Opt for bins with dividers to separate items and keep the countertop clear of clutter.

Closet Organization

As mentioned cloth bins are a stylish and practical choice for closet storage, helping to keep clothing and accessories neatly organized. Here are some common uses:

Here are some common uses:

• Sweater and shirt storage: Use cloth bins on closet shelves to store sweaters, shirts, or seasonal clothing. Cloth bins are gentle on fabrics and help prevent clothing from getting crushed or wrinkled. Choose bins in various sizes to accommodate different types of clothing.
• Accessory organization: Place smaller cloth bins or baskets in closet drawers or on shelves to organize accessories like scarves, belts, or jewelry. Labeling bins or using clear bins can help you quickly locate specific items.
• Under-Bed storage: For closets with limited space, consider cloth bins designed for under-bed storage. These bins are perfect for off-season clothing, extra bedding, or shoes, and keep items dust-free while making the most of otherwise unused space.

Incorporating baskets and bins into your home organization can transform cluttered areas into well-ordered spaces, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.