This year my focus is on creating a place for everything I love. Recently I added two baskets to the dining room, and in this post I’ll explain why they work for our space and how I chose them.
Over the years we’ve intentionally pared down and become more deliberate about what we keep. We own less, and that effort has been freeing. My goal now is to find joy in the things we do keep while also ensuring everything has a functional home.
I don’t enjoy hunting for items that are rarely used. Holding onto things “just in case” usually creates clutter and frustration: you either don’t have the room to store it, or when the time comes you can’t find it or won’t bother searching. Learning what to keep and where to keep it takes time and honesty about your habits.
It’s amazing how quickly stuff multiplies if you don’t set boundaries. We’re still working on it, but making intentional decisions has helped reduce the mess and keep our home more peaceful.
Understanding your habits and how you use a particular home is crucial to making good storage choices. Baskets can be helpful but also risky: they’re attractive and cozy, yet they can become catchalls that hide things you’ll never find. I’m not a minimalist; I like the texture and warmth baskets bring, but they have to be used intentionally.
To make baskets functional, I give each one a specific purpose and place it where those items will be used. If items are needed near the dining table, it makes sense to store them nearby so they’re easy to reach and return.
I noticed two lower shelves by our dining banquette that were often concealed by pillows. They seemed like the perfect spot for attractive baskets to hold small table-setting items: napkins, candle holders, taper candles, and similar pieces. We do have larger drawers under the banquette, but a basket is quicker for frequently used, small items.
Because our bookshelves are used for books and decor, I didn’t want them to turn into mere storage. Placing baskets on the lower shelves, where they’re mostly hidden, felt like the right compromise—useful without interrupting the visual flow of the room.
I was picky about finding the right look. The baskets needed a wood tone and level of quality that complemented the space. I also wanted them to be substantial enough to feel intentional, with removable lids for a neat, finished appearance. I tested other baskets here without lids and they looked cluttered, so lids were important to me.
After searching for options that fit my budget and aesthetic, I found baskets that met most of my criteria. They’re sturdy, the lids are removable, and the size and tone suit the shelves. They’ve worked perfectly so far—practical and pretty.
I considered other styles with removable dividers because they were tempting for organizing, but ultimately these lidded rattan baskets were the right fit for this location. I might use the other styles elsewhere in the house later.
I haven’t finalized what will go inside each basket yet, but having a dedicated spot close to the dining table feels satisfying. It makes setting the table easier and keeps small items from accumulating on surfaces.
This is part of my ongoing effort to create a place for everything and to put everything in its place. Thoughtful storage decisions—like choosing the right baskets for the right spot—help keep our home organized without sacrificing warmth or personality. I’ll share more updates as I refine what goes in them and how they function in daily life.
More baskets I love on Amazon
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Decorating & Organizing with Baskets (A Place for Everything!) — Lidded Trunk Basket in my Bedroom
Our Tiny Mudroom (Pantry + Dog Feeding Station) Makeover
Little Updates Around My House Lately
Basket Storage Trunk Round Up
Shoe Storage Solutions
Browse all organization inspiration posts on The Inspired Room