Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Design solution: Wall baskets for bath linen storage

First and most important:  Happy 36th birthday to my dear hubby, AKA "The Mr."  I'm pretty sure he wouldn't want any additional pomp and circumstance, so we'll leave it at that.

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And now we're back to our scheduled programming.

Our master bath and master closet are right next to each other, but walking four steps into the closet to access bath linens before a shower was just too much for me.  I wanted my washcloths within arm's reach.  Off-and-on for the past three years, I've been trying to come up with a solution.  We only had wall space to work with, so a cabinet that sits on the floor was out.  I thought about a towel rack like you see in hotel rooms, but couldn't find any reasonably priced units that I liked.

Here's my solution:




I found the baskets at HomeGoods for less than $10 each and repurposed them to solve my design dilemma.  They were nesting baskets, which I liked because they came in graduated sizes, just like my bath linens.
Aside:  Why would one need baskets to nest when baskets are intended to hold things?  The only time the nesting would be useful is during transportation to and from the store.  Am I right?  Hmmm.
Editor's Note 12/29/11:  I could have sworn I stated in this post how I hung the baskets, but after being asked by several people in one week, I realized I didn't.  Shame on me!  I simply used nails, and hammered them in through the weave of the baskets.  It's a little tricky to hammer inside a closed space, so in some cases I used the butt of the hammer to push the nail in, where the hammer head could not reach because of the angle.  I would have used hooks but the weave was too tight.

In case you couldn't tell, that's my shower just to the left of the basket/toilet wall.  The toilet and shower are in a nook separate from the sink area, with a pocket door for privacy.  I need to take some photos of the rest of our master bath and post those to my house tour page.  I'll add that to the to-do list.

Have you come up with any creative solutions to design dilemmas?  Please share.

Hollie

Linking up to:

81 comments:

  1. What a great idea! It is so hard to find cabinets that are a decent price and the right size.

    We're in a 1950's bungalow (currently being morphed into something else) so sapece is always an issue.

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    1. MAYBE you need to shop at Thrift Stores, Senior Center Thrift stores, ...there are always TONS of baskets in these stores and most are less than $1.00 !!

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  2. What a clever idea! Good question about how the nesting qualities are only useful for transportation.

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  3. I have always wondered about the baskets too:) But I LOVE this idea, simple, gorgeous solution!

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  4. Cute idea;)
    And I`m your latest follower!
    Lovely greetings...

    http://pudel-design.blogspot.com/

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  5. GREAT idea! i'm totally stealing this for my kids bathrooms! one question though: how did you secure them to the wall?

    awesome blog BTW. just found you via pinterest.

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  6. Hi there
    I found you via pinterest too! this is a fabulous idea. So much so I'm going out this week to buy baskets.

    I also am trying to fathom how you attached to the wall...i can't think how to do it at the moment!

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  7. @Deb Glad you liked my idea! I usually reply to people via email, but since two of you asked about how to hang the baskets, I thought I'd share on here. I simply used nails, 2-3 per basket. The weave of my baskets is pretty tight, so picture hangers didn't really work. Caution: It's tricky to use a hammer inside a basket, so I had to use the end of a screwdriver or something else to push the nails into the wall sometimes. Good luck!

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    1. Wouldn't screws with a washer work a little bit easier on the inside of the basket? The washer would keep the screw from going through the basket, & a screw would be easier to use in a small space. Just an optional idea.

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    2. Yes, that makes total sense! My nails have been holding up just fine, but screws and washers would probably be a more sturdy option. And no worrying about fitting the head of a hammer into a small basket!

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    3. I bought a set of 3 graduated baskets and Bed Bath & Beyond for 30.00 and I LOVE your idea as I have the same dilemma in my master bath. I also think the screw with a washer would work wonderfully. I have not hung mine yet so this post is very helpful.

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  8. This is a great storage idea! Perfect for a bath. Smart to use nesting baskets so that they coordinate. (thanks for the sweet comment on my blog today)

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  9. This is a great idea,esp for small bathrooms with no space for cabinets or that are without a storage closet.
    Yup, the nesters are a wonder to me as well.

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  10. Super clever idea. Functional and pleasing to the eye!

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  11. This is a great idea, looks wonderful! So true about nesting baskets, the selling point isn't actually why you would buy them!

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  12. I AM IN LOVE! Seriously this a fabby idea! I am your newest follower! I would love it if you would follow me back! Oh...I love the name of your blog...that's so me!

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  13. This is a great idea and so much nicer looking than the majority of the towel racks out there!

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  14. that is SUCH a great idea. SO cute for real!!!!

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  15. That is a fantastic and adorable idea! You're a genius. Also I might be in love with your blog name. So much so I'm going to have to follow. ^-^

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  16. Love this! I'm a basket freak. Definitely gonna have to do this! Thanks for sharing. : D

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  17. That is a wonderful idea! You are so smart! This one is going in the inspiration file to be sure!

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  18. I love this idea! I wish I had seen it when I first moved into this apartment... unfortunately I'm leaving my current apartment. Maybe it will be the right solution for my next one! My bathroom is literally laid out the same way!

    I also COMPLETELY agree about the idea of nesting baskets. It's so silly! Most of the time when you want baskets, you want them to be the same size.

    Liz from http://www.WomanlyWoman.com

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  19. I just love this. The space above the toilet has always bugged me. Hanging towels always remind of when I was a kid and was always told don't use those they are for looks.
    Lisa

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  20. I love this idea!! I have been needing some bathroom organizing tips lately! i will definitely have to try this out! Thanks for the inspiration!!

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  21. This is such a great idea! I have a TINY linen closet in my TINY bathroom so this would be a great solution to freeing up some of the closet space for storing other 'bath essentials'! Thanks for sharing!

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  22. What a great idea! Love it!!
    Thank you so much for sharing this @ {nifty thrifty sunday} last week!
    I can't wait to see more from you on Sunday!
    xoxo,
    Vanessa

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  23. I like this! We don't have a linen closet and I'm always looking for ways to store things. This is great! Thanks!

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  24. What a great idea. I need to do something like this in my bathroom.

    cheryl

    www.paintedstudio.blogspot.com

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  25. Found this on pinterest and linked to you today!

    I really love this idea because I tend to get these nesting baskets as gifts, but then can't quite figure out how to display them and make them useful. They're kind of awkward just on a shelf, you know? This solves it! I think it'd also be great for kid's stuffed animals or collectibles or things.

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  26. Love the baskets and the paint color (found the photo on pinterest while searching for paint colors). What color is this?

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  27. @cristi rittgers The paint color looks lighter and smokier in the photos, but it's a bit bluer in person. It's called Silvery Blue by Benjamin Moore.

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  28. I did this same project, but I placed mine on the wall ike they were siting up. But I think after seeing yours, that I will change them.

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  29. Hollie-
    Very creative idea....I have a similar type set up in my guest bathroom....looks like I'll have to head out to Marshalls for some nesting baskets (but I agree with you....nesting baskets.....seems like an oxymoron). :)

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  30. I came here from the HOH link on garage organization but this idea is the one that truly applies to my need. This is a great solution! I know just where I am going to use it. Thanks for sharing. www.ashbeedesign.com

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  31. Saw this on pinterest and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!! We have the baskets, though they will look a little different because we got a different style but I can't wait to get them hung up!! How deep are your baskets by the way??

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  32. How did you hang them

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  33. I LOVE this idea! It makes me think of a luxe spa, cozy & inviting.

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  34. I love this sooo much!!

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  35. Belated happy birthday to your husband.!I like the basket, its very nice. I am going to put also a basket in my bathroom like what I've shown in the photos.
    bathroom storage ideas

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  36. @lisa E Good question, Lisa. I just used several nails for each basket. I positioned each nail between the weaving of the baskets. It was extremely tricky to use a hammer inside a basket, so I had to use the end of my hammer sometimes when there was not room for the claw part of the hammer to fit inside the basket at the correct angle!

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  37. This is an excellent idea! These are the kinds of things you look at and wonder, "why didn't I think of that?"

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  38. Great idea! It might actually be easier, both for installation and later removal, to use skinny screws instead of nails.

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  39. I absolutely LOVE it!! We have no storage in our bathrooms and I want to make this my new project. (Project because I'll need to paint them first. I love spray paint. LOL)
    However, my husband doesn't believe that nails will hold this up for an extended period of time. How are the baskets holding up after 7 months?

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  40. Jen - They're holding up just fine. You have to be careful not to pull down on them, but I've been pleased with their sturdiness over time. Of course, I'm sure someone could come up with a better way to hang them besides just nails, but it's working for me!

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  41. Thanks so much for replying! I'll let him know. :)

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  42. I love your ideas.


    Nina von Ordnungsliebe Germany

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  43. I want to do this in my bathroom! How did you hang them?

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    Replies
    1. Hello there. Glad you think my basket idea might work for you! The hanging information is in my editor's note below the last photo above. Good luck!

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  44. Well, it looks like I am officially stalking your page. So glad I found you over at the Homemaker on a Dime linky! Obviously HAVE to become a follower :)

    Love this basket idea!

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  45. I pinned this, but just wanted to let you know by leaving a comment here. Just regarding the ongoing copyright issue. thanks!

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  46. What a great solution and this is something I will use as soon as I find the baskets.
    We travel in a motor home and I have one wall area that this will work perfect. In fact, just the other day I was wishing I had a good storage for my towels. Thank you for a great idea. I love it when I think of something and then I am fortunate enough to find that through someone else's creativity and willingness to share.

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  47. I keep coming back to this one as my inspiration. I have a large wall in my daughter's bathroom that needs something like this. I got the idea of using a 4ft. square area and using a combination of baskets for towels and washcloths and also adding in a couple photos or a clock to my square arrangement....all in white on the lavender walls. You got my idea wheels turning and I'm glad to know how you hung these up too. Thanks.

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  48. PERFECT. I have a stand up cabinet that my husband just said to me the other day "Jess, toss that out, the toilet keeps running over and the darn thing is in my way, it's going to fall on me." For the past week I've been thinking of how to nail the top part and remove the legs.. however, I am a HUGE fan of baskets and when I was looking up the shelve/towel holders lots of reviews reported quick rusting. For $30 (I'll go to a thrift store and have no qualms switching up different kinds of baskets).... I'll have the bathroom issue resolved. Thank You.

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    1. First off I wanted to say happy birthday to your husband. 36 he's still young! Just wanted to tell everyone a story. My mom wasn't home one time when she was redoing her bathroom. My father was home and the worker asked him where to put the towel holder. My dad pointed and it was put very low because of this the towels would sometimes get wet when you took a bath. My mom never forgave my father for this. Make sure when your redoing your bathroom and your wife is involved that you let her decide everything or else she meant hold a grudge against you for making the wrong decision.

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  49. Thank you for solving my issue in my bathroom! Great idea!

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  50. I've done this. I find hanging with screws better. I also suggest using washers, so that the baskets can't fall off. They get hidden by the towels.

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  51. Love this! My apartment has very little storage, and no linnen closet so this was just perfect! Plus it spruces up the wall! I did want to mention that I had found nesting baskets at gordmans on clearence for 4 bucks a pop!

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    1. So glad to hear this worked for you. I'd love to see a photo if you don't mind sharing. I'd even be happy to feature it here on the blog!

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  52. Thinking about doing this. Do your linens ever fall in the toilet?

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    1. Ha, no, we haven't had a problem with that! The linens are tucked into the baskets nicely, so there's no chance of falling unless you're grabbing a washcloth, for instance, and it either falls from your hand or you accidentally pull two out when you meant to only pull one. But the toilet lid should be closed at all times when not in use, so no problems there.

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  53. I just love this idea! I had the same one but, could not make it happen. Then yours appears and has renewed my desire to make it happen this time. Thanks!!

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  54. You are brilliant! I have the smallest bathroom ever! 7 family members, one small bathroom, and you have just made us more room!

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    1. So glad I can help! Seven people in one small bathroom ... oh my!

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  55. Wanted to follow back up and see if the shelves are staying put? I am surprised the weave hasn't pulled off the basket or stretched off the wall?

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    1. Yep, all is still well! I'm glad you asked, actually. I don't like DIYs that look good for a photo and a blog post, but don't look good close up or don't hold up. My baskets are still working great.

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  56. In an effortto ensure the studs (or anchored screws) were used, I think I would run a nylon string (fishing line) thru the weave to hook onto the nails.

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    1. That seems like a good idea. I don't know if the basket could fit flush with the wall if the nails were installed first, then the baskets hung by a string. (I'm envisioning this like you would hang a frame on a wall using picture wire.) Maybe if there were two strings attached to nails that were then pulled through the basket weave to meet at the inside middle and tied off? Or am I not seeing your vision correctly?

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  57. Have you had any problems with the weight of the towns stretching the weave of the basket?

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    1. Our baskets are pretty tough, so no problems here. Depending on the type of material used for the basket, I can see how that could become an issue over time. It also depends on how carefully you put in and take out from the baskets. If it were a busy family with small children, they might come off the wall. At my house it's just myself and my husband because it's in our master bathroom.

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  58. Replies
    1. My rounded-off measurements, from the perspective that they hang on the wall:

      Small - 10L x 6H x 7D
      Medium - 12L x 8.5H x 8.5D
      Large - 14 L x 10H x 9D

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  59. I love this idea. We don't use washcloths at my house (loofahs) so now I'm trying to think of other things I could store as well. Or perhaps I'll put up one basket this way, and the others sideways to store bottles and such. I'll have to map it out a bit more. I'm researching to do a 30 days of Pinterest, where I force myself to do at least one thing I've pinned every day for a month. Eventually I'll be putting it on my blog jedimomtrix.blogspot.com thanks for the idea!!!

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  60. Could possibly use a screw and washers. Maybe 6 for the big towels, 4 for hand towels, 2 for washcloths. Just a thought. :)

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  61. Thank you for the idea! I've just published my first blog post with the result here (http://caphosphoreparici.weebly.com/deco/petits-paniers-recup-pour-petit-coin-bien-organise).

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  62. Apartment is rental...how can i put this without damaging wall

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