Turn A Vintage Wash Bin Into A Rustic Blanket Storage Solution

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Throw blankets can soften a space and look elegant draped over a sofa, but what do you do with extra blankets? These are big, soft, and sometimes even fluffy covers that are brought out for family movie nights and laid across the floor for sleepovers. They're too bulky to leave out all the time, but storing them can be difficult if closet space is limited in your house.

An antique wash bin may be an old-school laundry room item that nobody uses anymore, but it can still serve a useful purpose by storing blankets. Look for one that's large enough to fit all your quilts as well as your space. Wash it thoroughly when you bring it home and let it dry. Once it's looking clean and shiny, load it up with your favorite blankets and tuck it into a corner in your living room. Some people place theirs next to their sofas, but you can even mount it on a wall above a favorite chair or next to your bookshelf. This makes blankets not only easy to grab, but maybe more importantly, easy to put away.

You can dress up your antique wash bin if the gray tin feels too boring. Large ribbons can add some much-needed color or texture. This burlap ribbon from Ribbli can be wrapped around the bin several times to create a striped look. You can either tie them in bows or use a hot glue gun to keep them lying flat against the bin. For more color, Keypan's cotton ribbon set of fringe fabric rolls can be mixed and matched to create a unique banded design on your wash bin.

An antique wash bin offers a great budget-friendly method to keep your home organized, but if you're not finding one at your local vintage shop, there are other options. Quilt racks are also a vintage thrift store find that'll keep your throws organized. They can display your favorite blankets, and because they're thin, they slide easily into tight spaces. 

You can also make your own quilt rack that fits your exact dimensions and blanket needs. Measure your space and then head to your local hardware store for pine boards, dowels, and wood glue. Cut your boards to your preferred lengths and drill holes in the sides for the dowels. Glue in the dowels (it's okay if the dowels stick out of the sides) and then let everything dry. Once it's set, cut off any dowel overhang and sand them down so the dowel and plank are even. Then add your favorite stain or paint, and once it's dry, you're ready to store your blankets.

Throw blankets can be chic in their own right, so if you have several that you'd like to display, you can build your own wall rack to show them off. This is a great option for smaller living rooms where every foot of floor space counts. All you need is a block of wood from your hardware store or reclaimed wood from a flea market or vintage shop and some decorative hooks or knobs. Sand and stain the wood to your liking and attach your hooks. Amylove's crystal doorknobs have a satin brass finish and can be easily attached to your board. For heavier blankets, these sturdy cast iron hooks from My Fancy Farmhouse have a simple antique black finish that goes well with many styles.