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Sometimes I am asked how to choose the right container for something. And while I love a beautifully crafted box or basket as much as any container-loving person does, I often choose functional containers that blend in to their surroundings.
Let Containers Blend In
Containers that blend in do not cause a lot of distraction to they eye. If everything in our spaces stands out, it is a lot for the eye to take in and our brain computes it as clutter. Containers that blend in are more seamless and pleasing to look at.
Here are some examples around my house of containers that blend in and a little bit about why I chose that container.
You’ll see that another name for this blog post could’ve been “Lots of Places I use T-Weave baskets.” I can’t help myself. I really do love T-Weave baskets. They are just so dang versatile! (You can get the T-Weave baskets on Amazon.)
Examples
I use the black T-Weave baskets to blend in to the entertainment center in my living room. (The TV is floating up above this thing out of the picture and cords are hidden in the wall.) If I would’ve used colorful or cute containers instead of black, this thing would look like a mess of clutter. Instead, most of the time you would forget it is full of storage. It has video game stuff, remotes, and tons of movies.
The pantry already has so much going on – all the different colors on the different labels for the different size food containers. I wanted the organizing to blend in so that you could find what you’re looking for. T-Weave baskets to the rescue again.
Organizing my son’s drawers, these T-Weave baskets fit the drawer perfectly and blend right in. I love it when the organizing doesn’t distract from function use.
Look at how much that one blue container sticks out while everything else blends in. Here I was just making use of containers I already had, which I know you’ll need to do sometimes too, but I think this pictures shows that it really does make a difference to have containers that blend in. (Find the cute little gray baskets on Amazon.)
I wanted the gray containers on my laundry room shelves to blend in so much that I put a 4th bucket on the middle shelf just to fill it up and make it look better. A wall of one colored container is a very neutral look. See what I mean about the T-Weave? I love that stuff.
And for a non-T-Weave, even though there is a T-Weave in the picture still, these clear containers are a great way to store things to blend in to closets or cabinets. It puts all the focus on the contents, and the containers just become a way to corral all the stuff, instead of the center of attention. (I get these clear containers at Container Store.)
I could’ve chosen loud colors or something funky, like vintage containers, but in the end, I wanted my containers to blend in and appear more minimal.
Do you like your containers to blend in or stand out?
From my home to yours,
Mary
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Your visual pictures speak truth! The baskets don’t need to look like “neon signs” on my shelves. We have a small, dark-stained bookcase for our young house visitors with puzzles and Legos. I used clear baskets with labels, but putting them inside a darker basket helps bring eyes up off the floor to the pictures above the bookcase!
Have you already made the change or are you thinking about it? Is the bookcase in a pretty public place. If so, the container change sounds like a good idea. Visual Clutter is a real thing!
Yes, I have made the change from clear plastic containers to woven, rattan wire-framed boxes. The bookcase is in a cove area off of our living room, but adjacent to our bedroom door. Calms the area and I like it! Thanks!!