The Good Design Journal
Make Space with 11 Storage Solutions That Feel More Like Styling Than Decluttering
Feeling a little surrounded lately? Not by people. By piles. Piles of laundry, papers, plastic tubs, “stuff.” And sure, there’s a certain satisfaction in a deep declutter, but what if your storage solutions didn’t just make space… they made style?
That’s the idea here. We’ve pulled together 11 storage solutions that hide the mess without hiding the moment. These are pieces that don’t scream “I’m organising,” but quietly suggest “I have excellent taste.” From sculptural crates and flip-it stools to containers worthy of open shelves, they’re functional fixes with visual follow-through.
The vibe: less spring clean, more soft reset.
Need space, but still want it to look good? These storage solutions do both.
1. Two’s Company. Clutter’s Problem.
ENKEL STUDIO Storage and Laundry Basket, Large (Set of 2)
These aren’t laundry baskets. They’re curved, matte-finished enablers of calm. Sold as a pair (because who only has one pile of mess?), they bring balance to chaos and look good doing it, like they’re actively pretending you’re effortlessly minimal.
2. Contains Multitudes. Also Snacks.
HAY Colour Storage Crate V2, Medium
HAY’s cult crates are stackable, foldable, and made from 100% recycled plastic. But that’s not why we love them. We love them because they turn “where do I put this?” into “look how fun my shelf is,” and this one in electric blue brings all the drama we didn’t know a crate could have.
3. Circus-core Storage
OYOY Circus Baskets (Set of 2)
Yes, they have lids. No, they’re not subtle. These handwoven show-offs look like something you’d spot in a Wes Anderson nursery: all curves, character, and warm neutral charm. They make whatever’s inside feel like part of the act, not the mess.
4. Laundry’s Favourite Loophole
METTE DITMER Store-It Laundry Basket w./ Canvas Bag, Large, H50cm
Metal frame, removable canvas bag, clean lines. This one’s got its life together. It holds your washing, sure, but it also holds the illusion that you do laundry in Scandinavian silence, like it’s less of a chore and more of a lifestyle choice.
5. The One That Gets You
HAY Washing Laundry Basket
This is the basket that sees your floor-drobe, your odd socks, your “I swear I’ll wear that again” pile and says, “I got you.” With its lightweight form, perforated sides, and handles that are surprisingly comfy, it’s minimalism with built-in forgiveness.
6. Not Just for Cotton Pads (But Excellent for Those)
ZONE DENMARK Ume Container/Jar with Lid, H10cm
Technically a bathroom jar. Functionally a tiny design flex. The matte soft-touch finish and rounded form bring calm to your surfaces, while the lid keeps chaos politely out of sight: cotton pads, hair ties, jewellery, and secrets you don’t want rolling around.
7. Resting Tray Face
DESIGNSTUFF Bubble Silicone Tray, 35cm
It’s round, soft, and a little unexpected, in a way that makes it look styled, not stashed. This silicone tray doesn’t sit flat. It rests gently elevated, like a low-slung sculpture doing quiet organisational work. Pop it in the bathroom with skincare, near the sink with soap, or anywhere you want functional design with a healthy side of flair.
8. Not Just a Stool (Depending on How You Spin It)
SPECIAL STUDIO Lulu Stool, Medium H45cm
Sculptural and clean-lined, the Lulu Stool is more than it looks. Use it upright as a perch or plinth, or flip it over and suddenly you’ve got an umbrella stand, a bin, or the most aesthetically acceptable hidey hole your hallway’s ever seen. It’s the kind of piece that makes guests ask questions, which is exactly the point.
9. Hooks. Shelf. Chaos Contained.
HELLER Swell Wall Catchall Coat Rack, White
This wall-mounted multitasker does it all: keys, jackets, headphones, the things you lose daily. With five curved hooks and a slimline shelf, it brings a visual quiet to your entry zone, because “just putting it down for a sec” is not a storage strategy. It’s a spiral.
10. For People Who Refuse to Look at a Sponge
DESIGNSTUFF Sink Sponge Holder, Camel
Designed for minimalists with standards, this matte silicone holder lives quietly by the sink and makes the humble sponge feel borderline intentional. It keeps things upright, dry, and discreet enough that your dish cloths finally get the context they deserve.
11. Keeps Sheets in Line. And You, Maybe.
THREAD DESIGN Bed Sheet Bands, Queen (Set of 2)
These elastic bands are here to do what your fitted sheet can’t: stay where they’re told. No more midnight corner pop-offs or early-morning rage. They solve a very specific kind of chaos, the domestic kind that slowly eats away at your soul but now, thankfully, doesn’t have to.
What are the best storage solutions for small spaces?
When space is tight, the smartest storage solutions are the ones that multitask. Think stools that flip into bins, wall racks with both hooks and shelves, or containers that tuck perfectly under furniture. Look for clean silhouettes and neutral finishes so they feel like part of the room, not an afterthought. Every piece should earn its footprint.
Can stylish storage really make a space feel bigger?
Definitely. The right storage solutions don’t just remove clutter. They reduce visual noise. When items are stored in pieces that match your palette and materials, the room feels more open, balanced, and designed. It’s not about hiding everything. It’s about letting your space breathe.
How do I choose storage that doesn’t ruin the look of a room?
The best storage solutions work like styling props. Go for materials you already love: silicone, timber, metal, or matte finishes. Choose forms that echo the furniture and decor you’ve already got. If it wouldn’t look out of place in a styled shot, it’s probably the right choice.
Do I need to hide storage, or can it be part of the styling?
Let it show. Not all storage solutions need to be hidden. Some are designed to elevate the look of a space while keeping it functional. A sculptural tray, a tonal laundry basket, or a colourful crate can create rhythm, form, or softness in a room. It’s not clutter if it’s curated.
You’re Not Done Organising. You’re Just Getting Better At It.
Maybe the problem was never the stuff. Maybe it was what you were putting it in: bulky tubs, wobbly wire racks, storage you hoped no one would notice. But now you’ve seen what happens when storage solutions are chosen with the same care as the rest of your styling. Pieces that complement the room instead of apologising for it.
We’ve pulled the best of them into a curated capsule that proves storage can be both practical and beautiful. Designed to hold the mess, but also hold its own.
Ready for the good kind of transformation?
Start here.
