Storage Baskets: Is There Such a Thing as Too Many?

This article focuses on whether a one-bedroom apartment can have too many storage baskets.

Renting your very first one-bedroom is such a vibe—until you realize how much stuff you actually have to stash away to achieve that Pinterest-perfect, dreamy aesthetic. Suddenly, it’s less exciting and more, “Wait… where did all this come from?”

Boxes, bags, even trash bags of things you thought would just fit effortlessly into little corners or stack neatly. Yeah, that was before you had to think about keeping it chic and giving off that effortlessly elegant, ladylike look.

Sure, there are a million ways to get organized in a fresh space, but let’s keep it simple and just talk about how you can make your first apartment uber sophisticated and stylish with the help of some gorgeous storage baskets.

Storage baskets organize space by intuitively knowing where things belong. They create an effortless flow, not by containing, but by coordinating the natural movement of your environment.

Each basket anticipates needs, aligning items so that daily living is supported without distraction or interruption.

The baskets bring harmony by simplifying access and contributing to the overall order without asserting themselves.

They guide the arrangement of items in a way that feels deliberate, yet effortless, letting the room breathe freely while maintaining a sense of structure and poise.

They ensure everything is present, accounted for, and seamlessly integrated into the space’s rhythm.

Items to Arrange Before Deciding You Need Storage Baskets

Shelves are ideal when you want books easily reachable. Think of the role each one plays—study, leisure, or decor—and place them accordingly; bookshelves, nightstand, or even stack them artistically on a desk or table.

Kitchenware—plates, glasses, wine glasses, cocktail shakers—all go in kitchen cabinets or display shelves.. The decision here rests on function and how smoothly each item transitions from storage to use.

Clothing: Just your wardrobe. Closets and drawers will handle everything—no shared space needed for anyone else’s clothes.

Shoes/Heels/Boots: Keep these on a shoe rack or in your closet, or just line them up neatly on shelves. No need to complicate it.

Personal Care/Beauty Products: Your skincare, makeup, hair tools—straight into bathroom drawers or a vanity. Cabinets, drawer organizers, or even shelves above the sink will do.

Jewelry/Accessories: Set up a jewelry tray in a drawer or on a vanity table. Hanging organizers or a cute box can go in a closet or drawer—keeps it all together, no basket required.

Pantry Snacks and Cooking Essentials: Stack pantry staples and snacks in kitchen cupboards. If you love a late-night snack, a dedicated snack shelf can be a thing.

Home Office Stuff: Your laptop, notebooks, and pens should fit nicely into a desk or drawer setup. Perfect for a low-maintenance home office vibe.

Towels and Bedding: Store these in a linen closet or under your bed in containers.

Fitness Gear (if you have it): Yoga mats, dumbbells, or resistance bands can tuck away in a closet or under furniture—out of sight, but still easy to grab.

Maybe now’s a good time to consider buying a few storage baskets.

Picture a lovely, patterned storage basket in the sitting room, perfect for stashing away cozy blankets for chilly evenings. You could even use a smaller basket to corral your favorite books and magazines, creating a little reading nook.

Stuff that should go into Storage Baskets

Snuggle-Worthy Blankets: Perfect for your cozy movie nights—pop them in a cute basket near the couch.

Throw Pillows: The extra ones you toss off the bed every night deserve a stylish basket to live in.

Winter Warmers: Scarves, hats, and gloves can easily chill in a chic basket by the door.

Tech Bits and Bobs: Cables, chargers, and random gadgets—keep them all in one pretty basket instead of scattered everywhere.

Fitness Stuff: Yoga mats, resistance bands, ankle weights—stashed in a cute basket so they’re not always out in the open.

Laundry: Because let’s be real, a laundry basket that’s both practical and adorable is a must.

Magazines & Coffee Table Reads: Toss your latest Vogue or New Yorker into a basket instead of letting them take over your surfaces.

Pet Toys: For your fur baby’s toys, a cute little basket keeps it all looking effortlessly tidy (if you have one).

Crafting Goodies: Yarn, embroidery, or art supplies—keep them in an aesthetic basket for easy reach when inspiration strikes.

Decor Swaps: Candles, vases, or seasonal decor that aren’t in rotation can go in a basket until it’s their time to shine again.

How to determine the right number of storage baskets for a given area

When determining the right number of baskets for a given area, I focus on function and proportion. First, I assess the space’s storage needs—what needs to be stored and how accessible it should be.

If storage baskets are essential, they should serve a clear purpose, like holding frequently used items or organizing small objects that might otherwise clutter surfaces.

I also consider the room’s layout and flow. For example, in a living room corner, one or two baskets might suffice for blanket storage, but in a bedroom closet, several may be needed for different items.

The idea is balance—too many, and the space looks cluttered; too few, and it lacks the organization you’re aiming for.

I typically follow these guidelines:

• Size of the room: Small rooms can handle fewer storage baskets, and they should be tucked into underused spaces like under coffee tables or beside armchairs.
• Basket size: Larger baskets are more efficient but should be proportional to the space. A tiny corner with a huge basket will feel off.
• Style cohesion: The baskets should complement the room’s aesthetic and not stand out as purely functional.
• One basket per function rule: Don’t double up on baskets for the same purpose unless absolutely necessary—one for throws, one for small knick-knacks, etc.

If storage baskets start to dominate the space visually or physically, it’s time to scale back.

Storage baskets you may need in your one-bedroom.

Laundry Storage Basket: A must-have, as dirty laundry can pile up quickly. It keeps clothes in one spot and can be tucked away in a closet or corner.

Entryway Catch-all Storage Basket: Since the entryway is a high-traffic zone, this is perfect for organizing keys, sunglasses, lip balm or lip gloss, hair ties or scrunchies, perfume roller or travel-size spray.

Bathroom Towel Storage Basket: A medium basket for extra towels or washcloths keeps them neat and within reach, especially if cupboard space is limited in the bathroom.

Book or Magazine Storage Basket: If you read a lot but don’t have space for a bookshelf, a basket for books, magazines, or notebooks can help reduce visual clutter. Place it near your bed or sofa for easy access.

Workout Gear Storage Basket: If you exercise at home, use a basket to store things like yoga mats, resistance bands, or hand weights so your gear isn’t lying around.

Hobby Storage Basket: If you have any hobbies—like knitting, painting, or books—keep related materials in a dedicated basket to avoid scattering them around.

Basket organization setups I’ve come across in small spaces

Some of the most genius basket organization setups I’ve come across in small spaces combine functionality with a touch of unexpected creativity.

• Storage Baskets as Floating Shelves

Instead of placing baskets on the floor or countertops, I’ve seen them mounted sideways on walls as makeshift shelves. This not only clears up floor space but also creates a visually striking display.

For instance, in a compact hallway, a series of woven baskets were mounted in staggered formation to hold mail, keys, and small decorative items.

The key to success was the baskets’ flat-bottom design and matching finishes that blended seamlessly with the wall color.

• Under-Furniture Storage Genius

A small living room where ottomans were hollowed out and storage baskets slid underneath them was pure gold. The baskets were used to hold blankets, books, and remote controls.

What made it brilliant was the use of furniture that typically goes unused for storage and the seamless integration—the storage baskets were completely out of sight unless needed.

They didn’t disrupt the room’s aesthetic, maximizing hidden storage.

• Basket Drawer System in Open Closets

In a space-starved bedroom, an open wardrobe was outfitted with deep baskets instead of traditional drawers. Each basket was labeled and fit snugly into custom shelves.

The trick was using baskets with lids to keep everything out of sight, giving the open storage a polished, sleek look.

The texture of the baskets added warmth, while their functionality made daily living easier.

• Hanging Basket Towers

I once saw hanging wire baskets suspended vertically in a kitchen corner to hold fruits, veggies, and kitchen gadgets.

The vertical design saved counter space and created a floating, airy feel rather than clutter.

What made it brilliant was the addition of plants spilling over the top basket, softening the industrial look and adding vibrancy to the kitchen.

Each of these setups worked because they didn’t just pile baskets into the space—they thought beyond traditional placement, using vertical space, multifunctionality, and subtle integration to keep the room both functional and stylish.

For next-level, under-the-radar basket organization tricks that aren’t played out, here are some you can incorporate into your one-bedroom apartment:

• Ceiling-High Basket Columns

Instead of using traditional bookshelves or cabinets, try stacking baskets vertically all the way to the ceiling. Think of a basket tower, but the genius here is to stack them tightly, creating a column of storage without the bulk of furniture. Secure the baskets with discreet wall hooks or tension rods for stability. It’s a lowkey way to make use of height without overwhelming floor space.

• Basket Window Ledges

Got a deep window sill? Baskets fitted into window ledges can serve as hidden storage while still keeping the area functional.

You can place small baskets with lids that tuck in below the window height, blending into the ledge without obstructing light or view. This trick is genius because it uses a space most people overlook, keeping things within reach but out of sight.

• Sliding Basket Drawers in Kitchen Cabinets

Instead of just tossing baskets into your cabinets, create sliding drawers using baskets and small drawer sliders (the hardware used for normal drawers).

You can install these inside lower cabinets to easily pull out and access items without bending down to dig through. This trick keeps the space organized and makes sure no items get lost at the back of the cabinet.

• Basket-Filled Furniture Gaps

If your furniture isn’t flush against walls, tuck slim storage baskets between your furniture and the wall or between chair legs. For example, a basket slid behind the couch or under a side table can hold things like books, remote controls, or even spare towels.

It’s a sneaky, genius way to make use of those awkward, often ignored spaces without any visual disruption.

• Rotating Basket Caddy

This is a modern spin on the old lazy Susan. Instead of a stationary basket, create a rotating caddy that sits in a corner of your room or even in an underused closet.

You can layer small baskets or use one wide circular basket with sections.

This setup allows easy access to multiple categories of items with just a simple spin, and it’s brilliant because it transforms dead corners into productive storage areas.

• Basket Headboard with Hidden Storage

Consider using a basket system as a headboard with hidden pockets for nighttime essentials.

You can attach small, flat storage baskets to a minimalist headboard, where they act as a catch-all for books, phone chargers, or even sleep masks.

The key here is that the storage baskets stay low-profile, blending into the design while maximizing otherwise wasted wall space.

Each of these ideas keeps your space sharp, organized, and unique without feeling like the same old basket tricks everyone else is using. They quietly enhance the room without shouting “storage hack!”

Storage basket materials & styles to maximize space and functionality in a one-bedroom apartment

Choosing storage baskets that match your apartment’s style while maintaining functionality ensures they’re more than just storage—they become part of the design.

Focus on materials that blend into your space but are durable enough for everyday use, ensuring they look good and work hard.

Wire Storage Baskets

These are sleek and minimal, letting you see what’s inside without adding visual bulk. Go with matte black or brushed gold for an understated, elegant touch.

Use them in your kitchen for organizing fruits or in the bathroom for holding towels. The open design keeps everything accessible without taking away from the clean look you prefer.

Felt Storage Baskets

Soft, foldable, and often with handles, felt storage baskets are great because they’re lightweight yet sturdy. They don’t scratch surfaces, so you can slide them under furniture or on shelves without damage.

Their muted, cozy look blends well in living rooms or bedrooms, especially when you want a soft texture contrast.

These are perfect for your sitting room or bedroom. A neutral gray or cream felt basket can store throw blankets by the sofa or books by your reading chair. They’re soft, functional, and keep the space looking put-together.

Seagrass or Woven Storage Baskets

These fit well in your bedroom or living room, where you want a natural yet elegant vibe. Use them for extra bedding or pillows near the bed, or to organize shoes or scarves in your closet. They add texture without looking bulky.

Natural materials add warmth and texture without being too bold. Find woven storage baskets with lids if you want a cleaner, more polished look while hiding clutter.

Collapsible Fabric Storage Baskets

Keep these in your closet or laundry area for organizing things like laundry or workout gear. Their foldable feature makes them easy to store when not in use, so they stay out of the way.

These are perfect for tight spaces because they fold away when not in use.

Leather or Faux Leather Storage Baskets

For a more polished, upscale look, leather or faux leather baskets work perfectly. They’re durable, easy to wipe clean, and bring a luxe feel to your space without feeling overdone. These are great in entryways for shoes or in living rooms for magazines or blankets.

Stackable Acrylic Storage Baskets

In your bathroom or makeup area, these are great for organizing cosmetics or perfumes. They keep everything visible and easy to reach, and the stackable design helps you maximize space without adding clutter.

How can I balance aesthetics and functionality when choosing storage baskets for my living space?

The trick isn’t just in choosing the right baskets; it’s knowing when to stop. People often overload small spaces with too many “clever” storage solutions, baskets included.

The genius move is restraint. Pick only the most essential, high-function baskets that actually solve a problem or elevate the space, then stop.

The minute baskets start becoming a design element to fill gaps, you lose that balance of aesthetics and functionality.

Less is always smarter, and leaving empty space is the most underrated, powerful design choice you can make.

Balancing aesthetics and functionality when choosing baskets comes down to being intentional with every piece.

First, think of baskets as part of your décor, not just storage. The key is selecting ones that look like they belong in the room even if they weren’t holding anything.

Don’t just grab what’s trendy—ask if the material, color, and texture align with the overall style you want.

Next, avoid going overboard with decorative baskets that don’t do much. There’s no point in having a basket that looks chic but barely holds anything useful.

Instead, choose baskets that work hard for the space—whether that’s hiding clutter, holding essentials, or adding texture. Make sure every basket you add has a real purpose and isn’t just a surface-level addition to fill gaps.

Lastly, placement matters. Baskets aren’t just floor storage; use vertical space, tuck them under tables, or integrate them into furniture.

This way, they remain functional without drawing too much attention, keeping your space organized and visually appealing without feeling overwhelmed by storage solutions.