Baskets

Baskets of all shapes and sizes are excellent storage tools around the house.  Large baskets can hold everything from throw blankets to a year's supply of knitting yarn in a neat and attractive way.  Small baskets are ideal for loose change, guest room supplies and out of the way mail storage. Look for baskets that are the right size for the available space.  If they will be stored on a shelf or bookcase, consider the depth and width of the shelf before purchasing the basket.  Many people also have a collection of baskets in their homes from holiday gift exchanges or flower deliveries.  Make use of these free baskets before purchasing new ones. 

Basket accessories can also make storage easier and access to the things inside quicker.  Small hanging labels can be hung on the side or front of the basket and labeled with the basket's contents.  Basket lids help keep everything inside and provide a clean visual appearance.  Choose the baskets that will be big enough to hold the things that need to be stored, but not so big that they do not fit in the available storage space.

Hassocks

Hassocks, or foot rests, are ideal for attractive storage and additional seating.  Choose a hassock that also serves as a lidded storage cube to hide throw blankets, guest room or sofa bed supplies, video game accessories or movies.  The benefit is that the hassock serves as a comfortable foot rest, as well as a place for guests to sit.  Hassocks can come in a variety of shapes and sizes.  From the ultra-bright florescent fabric cube to the sleek leather ottoman, each type of hassock projects its own style and feel.  Pick one that fits well in the room that it will occupy. 

If the home office doubles as the guest room, choose a hassock that is both inviting, but large enough to hold extra pillows, sheets and blankets.  For a living room, try colorful cubes that can be pushed together to form an impromptu table or seating area, but that can hold a throw blanket, video game controllers and games, and children's toys.  At the end of the day or visit, the items can be placed back inside the hassock and the room will return to its original tidy state. 

Other creative and attractive storage ideas for the house include: Wrapping a shoe box in colorful fabric and using it to store odds and ends, making use of an old medicine cabinet to organize keys and mail, or painting terra cotta pots to store pens, pencils or toothbrushes inside.  Whatever storage techniques are used, the key to them lasting is to make them easy to use in easily accessible areas.  Creative and attractive storage ideas do not have to be expensive, nor do they have to be brand new.  They must, however, be well suited for the space they occupy.

Alyssa Davis is a staff writer and decorating specialist with Metal-Wall-Art.com and she offers stylish suggestions for decorating with metal home decor and silver metal wall decor.