Dining room issues.
The first issue
So, we put down a rug. But we have two small children. So instead of a scratched floor, we then had a disgustingly stained rug.
I finally found a solution to the floor problem, and I wrote about it today at Sawdust and Embryos (another Iowa farmhouse blog!) Head on over to learn how to save your floors and add some style, even if you have small kids and a small budget.
Problem #2:
A couple of months ago, I showed you our dining room table, nice and shiny-clean.

But in reality, it usually looks like this:

The only reason it was so clean in the first picture (and the only reason we have room to eat on it!) is that I regularly move all the junk to the bookshelves in the background.
This is a problem.
The solution to this problem? Less stuff. (a never ending battle) More storage. (another never ending battle.)
The bookshelves are vintage Drexel. Well made, super heavy, and deep. One has a drop-down desk.

Theoretically, they should make organization easy! But I’ve looked online repeatedly, but haven’t been able to find baskets I liked that would make the most of the space. Finally, in Target the other day, I found several options, but I need help narrowing down the options.

#1: $20.98 each, (Clearance), Threshhold Lidded Box

I found two of these and I’m assuming these were an online order return, because I’ve never seen them in the store. But I found them online, in more sizes, too! I ADORE the pattern. These are keepers for sure.
But the rest are negotiable.

#2: $20.29 each, Threshold Global Large Milk Crate – Dark Brown
#3: $18.29 each, Threshold Paper Rope Large Crate – Dark Brown
#4: $24.99 each, Threshold Rattan Large Milk Crate Pecan
#5: $12.99 each, ITSO Large Fabric Storage Bin, Khaki
This says it’s on clearance for $5.98, but it’s not available online. So what are the chances I’ll find more in the store? Here’s a close up of the color/texture. It is a pretty khaki that blends well with the rest of the room.

I’m thinking I’ll go with the 2 big blue/gray boxes, and then 6 more that match each other. (Two on each of the remaining 3 shelves.) But which design?
AND, I’ve been planning to paint those bookshelves, so keep that in mind when recommending a storage basket. But what color should I paint them? White to match the kitchen cabinets and trim? Gray? Yellow? Dark teal? Gray blue? Red?
What do you think?
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These are all great options! The Targets in Canada (at least the one in my general area) doesn't seem to have anywhere near the selection that the US has.
ReplyDeleteI especially like 2 & 4 (especially if you paint the bookshelves), but 5 is a close runner up...
And #5's considerably cheaper, so...it gets a point for that, I guess!
DeleteI like #2 for the baskets. :) I would stick with painting them white. Might be boring easier to change things up later if you wanted.
ReplyDeleteI sorta like boring. :) Actually, I sort of like simple, and clean, and uncluttered. And white does that for me. :)
Delete#2 is my favorite basket. I would do something bright, so either white or if you are a yellow person that would work too.
ReplyDeleteI am a yellow person, but I have so much "khaki" with the rug and living room rug and couch. And I'm not sure how I feel about yellow and khaki together.
DeleteI also like #2. This is my first time on your blog and am excited to look around!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tabitha! Have fun! :)
Delete#2 is nice but #3 is nice also. :) I like the option of having the patting inside the baskets. It's nice for small loose items to not fall through the "cracks." :)
ReplyDeleteLove #5 with the blue/gray boxes.
ReplyDelete