The Basket Organization Hack That Doubles As Wall Decor

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Those who live in mouse-sized pads know all about decor that doubles as hidden storage solutions – the ottoman that holds blankets and the recessed Murphy bed in the wall come to mind. And if you haven't already, maybe you should add baskets to your list of items that are both stunning decor pieces and practical storage units – albeit sometimes mini ones. The most functional of all of these types of storage baskets is the one that also doubles as wall decor. 

You'll want to ask yourself a series of questions before you go out hunting for wall baskets as decor. First, decide what you'll store in them. Will you hang them next to your knitting chair and fill them with balls of yarn? Do you need baskets that could also provide you with some shelf space? Or do you want to hang them at kid level to teach your kids to put their toys away? And do you want to have the option of removing them from the wall so that you can carry items, like craft supplies or magazines, from one room to another?

Once you know how you'll use them, you'll also understand how sturdy they should be to be up for the tasks you have set for them. You don't want them falling apart because your kid put one too many monster trucks in his personal basket. On a related note, you'll need something to hang them on – preferably screws, if the items will be heavy, but nails are okay if they'll just hold yarn. And, of course, a drill or a hammer to help hang everything up. You may need a tape measure and a pencil, too.

You'll treat working with this decorative accessory the same way you would any other. Any number of baskets would fit this task. However, just as you would choose the pillows for your couch with the rest of the decor in mind, so, too, should you select baskets to suit your room's personality. For example, square KOLWOVEN wicker hanging storage baskets look great in a home decorated in a cottagecore decor style. Or why not try the Gourmet Basics by Mikasa Madam metal stacking and nesting basket, with its wire frame and handy shelf, for an industrial-style apartment. 

Next, decide on the baskets' hanging configuration. Here are some suggestions. If you have a thin vertical wall between two doors, hang them vertically to make the most of the small space. On the other hand, if you're carving out some space for a play area for your kids in the living room, paint a 3-foot-high strip along the wall. Use a kid-friendly bright color, like red or yellow. Then, hang the baskets on the colored portion of the wall. Or hang two of the baskets with the added shelves on the wall on each side of your bed to create a night table with hidden storage.

Finally, measure the wall and mark the spots where the baskets will hang, making sure to find the stud in the wall if the baskets are going to be filled with heavy things. Hang up the baskets, checking to ensure that they're solid enough to hold what you're putting in them. If they're not, add more screws to the wall and try again until you have success.