Organization Tips

How To Hide Plastic Storage Bins: 9 Tips

Published
August 14, 2024

Reviewed by
Suze Dowling

How To Hide Plastic Storage Bins: 9 Tips

Plastic storage bins are ubiquitous for their convenience and functionality, but let’s face it — they’re not always the most visually appealing additions to our living spaces. At Open Spaces, we understand the importance of maintaining the practicality of storage and the aesthetics of your home. 

Why settle for an eyesore when you can integrate storage seamlessly into your decor? In this article, we'll reveal nine tips to camouflage your plastic storage bins, fusing functionality with style. 

So, if banishing the bland is on your agenda, keep reading.

Why Hide Plastic Storage Bins?

First, why go through the trouble of hiding these utilitarian staples anyway? 

Here are a few compelling reasons:

  • Visual Harmony: Concealed storage options help maintain the aesthetic integrity of your space.
  • Reduced Clutter: Out of sight, out of mind. Hiding bins reduces the visual clutter that can lead to a stressful environment.
  • Enhanced Decor: Creative concealment solutions can actually become part of your decor, adding style rather than detracting from it.

In short, hiding your plastic storage bins cleans up your space and transforms how you and your guests feel about each room. It’s not just about storage but reclaiming your living area's look and feel.

What Are the Most Effective Ways To Conceal Storage Bins?

Ready to turn functional into fashionable? Concealing storage bins doesn’t have to be a chore — it can be a creative opportunity to enhance your space. 

Here’s how you can keep the practical without sacrificing the pretty.

1. Use Furniture With Built-in Storage

Why choose between furniture and storage when you can have both? Opt for pieces like ottomans, benches, or coffee tables with hidden compartments. 

These dual-purpose items keep your necessities close without cluttering your living area. It’s all about maximizing space without compromising on style — perfect for keeping those less-than-lovely items out of sight but still within easy reach.

2. Opt for Under-Bed Storage

The space under your bed is a treasure trove of storage potential. Sliding bins under the bed can magically clear your clutter and maintain accessibility without marring your room's aesthetics. 

Our redesigned Underbed Storage blends seamlessly with any bedroom decor, offering a discreet yet spacious place to store linens, seasonal clothing, or even those bulky items that just don’t seem to fit anywhere else. Consider it your out-of-sight peace of mind, tucked neatly away under the slumber zone.

3. Customize Bin Appearance To Blend With Decor

If your storage bins must be visible, make them visually pleasing! A little DIY magic can transform ordinary plastic bins into stylish decor pieces. 

Consider painting them to match your room’s color palette or adding decorative elements like fabric covers or fun decals. This way, your bins don’t just store items but enhance the aesthetic of your space, acting as an integrated part of your home's overall design.

4. Implement Creative Covers

Who says storage bins have to stick out? Wrap them up with creative covers that disguise and delight. Using decorative curtains, chic fabric throws, or bespoke slipcovers can seamlessly integrate bins into your decor. 

This approach hides the bins and adds a touch of elegance or a pop of color to the room. Think of it as giving your bins a mini-makeover that aligns with the vibe of your space, turning functional into fantastic.

5. Utilize Closet Space Strategically

Don't just stack; strategize. Closets often offer a vertical goldmine for organization. By using our Shelf Risers, you can double your storage space effectively. 

These risers allow you to organize bins vertically, maximizing every inch of your closet. They’re perfect for keeping everything from seasonal decorations to extra bedding organized and out of sight yet easily accessible. This method ensures that even the smallest closets can be a powerhouse of organization.

6. Choose Stylish Bins That Complement Home Decor

Why settle for plain when you can have pizzazz? Select storage bins that aren’t just practical but also pretty. Opt for options that harmonize with your home's decor, whether that’s sleek and modern or rustic and cozy. 

This way, the bins don’t just store items but enhance your space. By choosing bins with a design-conscious edge, you transform them from mere containers to integral parts of your home's aesthetic.

7. Integrate Bins in Laundry and Utility Areas

Functionality often takes precedence in spaces like laundry rooms and garages, but that doesn't mean style has to be left behind. Utilize our Large Storage Bins, which are perfect for holding everything from laundry supplies to tools. 

You maintain a crisp, organized look by choosing bins that complement the utility area's color scheme and clearly labeling them. These durable, stackable bins keep your essentials neatly stored and bring a streamlined aesthetic to even the most functional spaces.

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8. Use Plants and Decor To Distract From Bins

Turn distraction into an art form. Strategically placing plants or decorative items around your storage bins can shift focus and elevate the room's ambiance. 

A tall, leafy plant or a striking sculpture next to a storage bin can draw the eye away, making the bins blend into the background. This helps conceal the bins and adds layers and interest to your decor, proving that practical pieces can coexist with creative flair.

9. Elevate on Shelving Units

Last but not least, think vertically. If floor space feels like a high commodity, why not lift those bins? 

Hoisting storage bins onto shelving units can sneakily stow them above eye level, cutting down on clutter without sacrificing accessibility. Choose shelves with matching backs or bins in complementary colors to blur the lines between storage and style. 

What Should You Avoid When Hiding Plastic Storage Bins?

Curious about the don'ts of concealing storage bins? Sometimes, the temptation to hide can lead us down a counterproductive path. 

Let's talk about some common pitfalls to ensure your storage solutions enhance, not hinder, your living space:

  • Don't Overstuff Bins: Packing bins too full can make them bulky and difficult to manage. Keep contents reasonable to ensure they fit neatly in their intended hideaways.
  • Avoid Blocking Access: While tucking bins away is the goal, placing them in hard-to-reach spots can create frustration. Ensure bins are accessible without needing to move other furniture or items.
  • Don't Sacrifice Function for Form: It's tempting to prioritize aesthetics over usability. However, storage solutions are meant to simplify your life, not complicate it. Choose concealment methods that allow easy use of the items inside.

When done right, hidden storage bins can seamlessly blend into your decor, maintaining both functionality and style.

The Bottom Line

There you have it — a playbook for seamlessly integrating those plastic storage bins into the fabric of your home without skipping a beat on style. At Open Spaces, we thrive on merging functionality with elegance, ensuring that practicality never overpowers the personality of your space.

Whether you're rethinking the utility of a cluttered garage or refining the corners of your cozy living room, remember our solutions are crafted to enhance, not just conceal. Dive into our collection of smart, stylish storage options and find the perfect match that respects your space and reflects your taste.

Explore, enhance, and enjoy — transform your space into a haven of order and style with Open Spaces. Let's make every square foot count, not just in utility but in undeniable appeal.

Sources:

The Many Mental Benefits of Decluttering | Psychology Today

Why We Clutter, and What to Do About It | The New York Times

Unique ways Americans celebrate the holidays, from skiing Santas to Festivus feats | NPR

Health benefits of indoor plants | Piedmont

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