Eleanor is starting to accumulate a lot of toys, and with Christmas coming she’ll be getting more. Since our home doesn’t have a family room or den, we spend most of our time together in the living room and we keep some toys there. I’ve been looking for a couple of baskets to fit under the side tables for storage, but I haven’t had much luck. I keep stupidly bringing baskets home that don’t actually fit… See, I hadn’t actually measured the openings until today. That might have helped, eh?
So far I’ve tried the LIDAN basket from IKEA, and the Underbed Storage basket from west elm. The IKEA basket was too tall so we’re using it as a toy bin next to a chair in the living room. I like that it collapses and sort of looks like it was knitted, but Brandon thinks it look old ladyish. He hates it! The west elm basket is really nice (and I think Brandon likes it), but it’s too wide. I stuck one under the coffee table for now, but I can’t decide if it looks OK under there or if I should just return it.
I need something no bigger than 13.5″W x 10″H x 24″D, and not too country/casual. Any suggestions?
59 comments
kdear
I found some more cuteness: http://www.coxandcox.co.uk/products/toy-printed-canvas-shopping-bag
Lori
We use plastic beverage bins from Target. They are easy to clean, have no sharp edges and can stack when not in use or even if they are not all the way full. I am not sure if they are the right size for that paticular space, but they are also wonderful for dragging toys from inside out to the yard or porch.
kdear
http://www.nettlegreen.co.uk/p-361-medium-house-toy-basket.aspx
In Honor Of Design
Hobby Lobby has some fantastic ones….and the last time I was there they were 50% off!
Paige
Container Store is always my go-to place for baskets…
Emily
I had a similar problem and found that baskets never really fit toys and that, quite honestly, I had to do some arranging to get them shoved in there appropriately. I found these to be great
http://www.skiphop.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=SH&Product_Code=29200&Category_Code=
I used crate and barrel baskets for smaller items (such as the little people collection we’ve amassed) but the skip hop collapsible toy catch alls have been great for larger items.
They also fit in the expedit shelves and slide easily in and out of the bottom shelves. We lined our bottom four shelves with them and used woven baskets on the upper shelves.
SAWII
Cost Plus has a huge variety of baskets for good prices.
Ashley
These have all been really good ideas. One other place to check might be Big Lots or Odd Lots and places like TJMaxx or Marshalls. They often have a lot of variety with reasonable prices.
Annicka J
Have you considered an african basket? You seem to love simple bold pattern:
http://www.africanbaskets.biz/products/
http://www.basketafrica.com/index.html
Not only do they looks great but if you buy fair trade its also philanthropic!
Otherwise Target and Cost Plus World Market both have really excellent basket selections usually.
Paula
Hi!
Have you seen this:
http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_type=vintage&search_query=baskets
:)
Jenny
Maybe a small white or pink Tubtrug:
http://www.plasticashop.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=P&Product_Code=TTB&Category_Code=CE
Or you could make a burlap or decorator-weight cotton bucket with this pattern:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34443686
Lacy
My mom is a representative for a direct sales company called Signature Homestyles and they have a lot of baskets and other storage pieces. Her website is here: http://www.signaturehomestyles.biz/lisasmith and there is a link to look at and shop from the online catalog if any of their stuff fits your needs. ^_^
Lisa sp
I recently replaced our toy baskets in the family room with one from Steele Canvas http://www.steelecanvas.com/. They look really great and have a fun modern edge.
Rebecca
I didn’t read all of the responses, but i happened to stop into a Pier 1 yesterday and saw some fun ones. Have you looked there yet?
Melissa
I always find random boxes at homegoods or tjmaxx. Hobby Lobby also has their decorative boxes on sale right now (50% off).
jaime
IF you have the time to sew try this: http://lauragunn.typepad.com/paintinmyhair/2008/09/post-1.html
not sure if they’d fit under the tables.
my other suggestion: check TJMaxx if you have one near you.
Mary
We have also had a problem with our toddler destroying baskets (from Target.) I’ve started using a vintage suitcase, that was my grandmother’s. It is pretty to looks at, and super sturdy. We also have a vintage doll crib and doll house (mid-century modern) in the living room. They are fun to play with, and are a great place to store toys at the end of the day.
Can’t wait to see what you get! Your finds are always rad.
danielle
HomeGoods is where I find awesome baskets for great prices, but of course it’s hit or miss as the selection always varies. But the hits are usually spectacular!
Heather
When my daughter was a toddler I bought a bunch of beautiful wicker baskets to put her toys in. Within a week, she had destroyed them. How? She dumped them out, turned them over, and stood on them, busting out the bottoms.
I replaced them with those folding cloth bins, but that was a mistake, too. The metal rods which made the framing started to protrude through the fabric, and soon there were these dangerous, sharp projectiles at all the corners.
Ugly as they were, I finally got clear plastic tubs to see us through the toddler and preschool years.
Another alternative is braided cloth baskets (think braided rugs). You could even make them yourself, talented as you are!
Michele
I have had baskets from IKEA, Container Store, Target and Pottery Barn. But now I have fallen in love with the Land of Nod roper baskets. Lovely muted colors, good size and environmentally friendly. I will have them all over the house soon. And the service from them is fabulous – fast shipping and efficient.
http://www.landofnod.com/family.aspx?c=106&f=5048
Katie
I don’t know if someone has already said this, but World Market sometimes has some organic looking baskets in all sizes for really decent pricing! : )
Desiree
How about finding some of those collapsable fabric cubes (square shaped) which come in a variety of patterns these days? I find a lot of good baskets at Ross, TJ Maxx and Marshalls for not a lot of money. They have such a variety to chose from. I use baskets for most of my toy storage and it works like a charm! Good luck…
-Desiree
Kari
http://www.target.com/Storage-Microfiber-Ottoman-Brown/dp/B001U2HCA8/ref=sr_1_26?ie=UTF8&searchView=grid5&frombrowse=0&node=1038576&keywords=storage%20ottoman&field_browse=1038576&searchSize=30&id=Storage%20Microfiber%20Ottoman%20Brown&field_availability=-2&refinementHistory=subjectbin%2Ctarget_com_age%2Ctarget_com_gender-bin%2Ctarget_com_character-bin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&searchNodeID=1038576&field_launch-date=-1y&searchRank=price&searchPage=1&field_keywords=storage%20ottoman
Carla
How about Pier 1? I’m surprised no one mentioned that yet.
vedjen
I’ve also been on the constant search for baskets to keep my 11 month old’s toys in and so far have yet to find the perfect solution. Right now we are using a variety of ( and these which are great but now that our baby is walking she often stumbles and hits the corners or, even better, she has learned to flip them over and stand on top of them.
I think these felt woven baskets would be ideal, but only at a much more affordable price.
Jen P.
Places like TJMaxx and Marshalls always seem to be where I find baskets and things like this. Even when I need something that’s not a standard size, they always seem to have the perfect thing, even though don’t keep a consistent stock. You should have them up there – we had both in Peoria.
tammy
I like the banana leaf baskets at Target, they run around $15. I’ve had 3 I’ve been using with kids for almost 5 years now, they hold up great!
Anne (in Reno)
I have had good luck with baskets at both Crate and Barrel and World Market (or Cost Plus, whatever they are calling themselves nowadays).
Helena
What about those acrylic IKEA boxes made to use as drawers with the shelving systems?
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30150192
Christina
I use these
http://www.skiphop.com/product/29200.html
They have large and small sizes. And come in pink & brown! Perfect for you!
Brenda
You could always make your own! Fabric of your own choice and the exact size you wanted. Here’s a link to some that don’t look too complicated: http://www.jcarolinecreative.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=JC&Screen=STORAGE_BASKETS
Amanda
Target had some banana leaf baskets in various sizes recently. Dark and light too. I just picked up 4 of the light ones in two different sizes- each under $20.
Nicole
I love the Itso fabric baskets from Target. They come in all colors and sizes. I have them in chocolate brown and lime green and use them for dvd storage. Go to the Targe’ websit and search under “itso bin”. Good luck!
Also, if you have a HomeGoods store in your area, they have a huge selection of storage containers.
Best,
Nicole
down pillow
Hmmm, I don’t really have anything specific in mind. If you have a Container Store nearby, they may have something. Good luck :)
Kelley
I always find what I need at The Container Store. Hopefully you have one in your area. Great containers of all kinds!! I bought one of the lace shopping baskets there and use it as a file basket on my desk. Love it!
Loren
I am a long time reader, infrequent commenter.
But is there a 10 Thousand Villages anywhere near you guys?
http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/seagrass-nesting-baskets
http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/oval-kaisa-storage-basket
I get all my storage baskets at one of their retail stores (Just Creations) a few block from my house. They have a great selection (more than is available on their web page), are reasonably priced, and are fair trade. A physical store is nice because they sell those nesting baskets in the Just Creations too, but they split the three of them up. So instead of 44$ for 3 it they are priced $16, $14.5, and $13.5.
The store also has some GORGEOUS jewelry.
Allison
Winners sometimes has these sort of leather covered boxes in the housewares section… I think they’re meant for a home office actually, but they could totally work as a toy bin.
lori
Can you paint or dye the old-lady white basket to better match your room/make it seem less like an afghan my great grandma knitted? ;) (I actually think it’s cute, but I could see how the stark white might evoke doilies.)
Kate
sorry – meant this one – http://www.skiphop.com/product/29100.html
Kate
I love these — also because if I want to de-baby/toddler the room, the pick up and go easily (to her room, to grammas, etc.)
http://www.skiphop.com/product/29200.html
Michelle N
Do you have a Home Goods in your area? They always have great items! Love that store!
Making it Lovely
DUDE. I forgot about these!
Lace Shopping Basket
Krysta
I have a few of these baskets from CB2. Although I have them in a darker color (not sure if they still make the darker one). I like them a lot and use them for storing blankets.
http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=598&f=5495&q=basket&fromLocation=Search&DIMID=400001&SearchPage=1
Domestic Princess
I recently got these at target for our office:
http://www.target.com/Castela-Milk-Crate-Set-Small/dp/B000UZTVBE/ref=sr_1_26?ie=UTF8&searchView=grid5&frombrowse=0&node=1038576&keywords=wicker%20baskets&field_browse=1038576&searchSize=30&id=Castela%20Milk%20Crate%20Set%20Small&field_availability=-2&refinementHistory=subjectbin%2Ctarget_com_age%2Ctarget_com_gender-bin%2Ctarget_com_character-bin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&searchNodeID=1038576&field_launch-date=-1y&searchRank=price&searchPage=2&field_keywords=wicker%20baskets
Jane
well, the price is not right, but these seem like they would work for you.
http://www.hableconstruction.com/product.php?productid=16823
or
maybe these from target, much better price….
http://www.target.com/Simply-Shabby-Chic-Canvas-Storage/dp/B000OGRR1A/ref=br_1_4?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=1&searchView=grid5&searchNodeID=14183021&node=14183021&searchRank=salesrank&searchPage=1&searchSize=30&id=Simply%20Shabby%20Chic%20Canvas%20Storage
or
http://www.target.com/Storage-Tote-Pink-M/dp/B0026WO5HO/ref=pd_ecc_rvi_1
We got ours at Target, the Orla Kiely sets, they are perfect and sturdy for shelves.
good luck!
Alison
I am also looking for some baskets with lids on them for toy control. Love the ones you show from Ikea. We also use the big metal buckets/tubs for toys – the ones that we used to use for adult beverages at parties!!! I will keep tabs on this thread. Thanks.
Rosie
i use these from the container store. the small ones tuck really nicely into our book case.
http://www.containerstore.com/shop/storage/openBinsBaskets/plastic?productId=10024259
Making it Lovely
Oh, those might work! The size is great.
Aliya
I bought these to use as toy bins for our nursery and unfortunately, I think they’re too tall for your purposes. However, they’re AMAZING (totally indestructible — seriously, unless you cut them with a knife and/or try to set fire to them): http://www.landofnod.com/family.aspx?c=106&f=4111. Plus, the price point is pretty good — I got both brown and green so they work in the kiddo’s room as well as in other areas of our house.
Land of Nod does, however, have a lot of options. This one came to mind, too: http://www.landofnod.com/family.aspx?c=106&f=5048. Maybe take a look at their website?
Making it Lovely
Yes, we have those tall bins in Eleanor’s nursery and we love them!
Danielle
I would go with the Ikea ones because they are inexpensive. Kids are hard on things, so it is easy to replace.
This is one thing I learned from working at daycares. With kids, they get bored with their toys very quickly. I use to put some toys away in storage bins. After six months, I would put the toys that were out in bins and bring back out the other ones. Helps with the clutter and keeps them interested.
joanna
we are ALSO hunting for a basket to fit in the irregular-sized nook in our living room, for the exact same purpose. i will be watching this thread!
liz
Pottery Barn has gone basket crazy lately, there’s a ton of nice ones online and in stores there:
http://www.potterybarn.com/shop/accessories-decor/home-office-storage-organization/baskets/?cm_type=lnav
Sara
Try Crate and Barrel. They have some nice options.
Erica
Michael’s (at least the one I go to) has a huge selection of baskets. They have a lot of gingham-lined ones, but you could probably take out the country-kitsch fabric and put in your own or just leave it without.
Corie
Target always has lots of different baskets. I think I hard leather box-type one would look nice in your living room.
Making it Lovely
Ooh, creamy white leather (or faux) would be nice. I didn’t see any at Target right now though.
Aryn
I recently bought some great baskets from CB2, but they were on clearance and no longer there. These are similar and nice (but mine are black).
http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=598&f=5495&q=basket&fromLocation=Search&DIMID=400001&SearchPage=1
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