Inspiration: Double Duty Items from West Elm

published Sep 17, 2008

Page URL

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

Just because something’s designed for one purpose, no reason you can’t use it for another. SarahC over at ATChicago recently installed some shower curtains as her living room curtains. We’ve done the same (West Elm’s new Ikat shower curtains would be great for this purpose). Certainly accessories can easily move from one room to another. Consider some of these from West Elm…

The Teak Shower Caddy would great, of course, holding items in the bathroom. But we also see it as an in and out tray on a desk or landing strip; to hold silverware, cookies, napkins or bread at a buffet; on a coffee table to corral magazines, remotes and the other detritus of daily life; in our closet for scarves or belts; on a dresser to display jewelry and perfume.

Bath Shelf with Four Hooks: is shown in the catalogue holding towels in the shower. But, with its sturdy wood design, why not use for your landing strip. Coats, umbrellas and bags held on its four hooks with mail, keys and a bowl for change nestled on the shelf. Hang it on the inside of your closet to hold tomorrow’s clothing picks or over your bed if you don’t have sufficient room for night tables (alarm clock & reading material on top, lamps clipped to hooks, glasses or small baskets or pails hung on the hooks to catch odds and ends).

Branch Mirror is great on a wall of course. Another use: a serving tray for drinks or breakfast in bed or on top of an ottoman.

The Ladder Rack also part of the teak collection, holds towels in the bathroom, magazines in the living room and clothes in the bedroom. Consider it also in your closet to hang shoes (as long as they have a tiny heel), scarves, belts or create a shifting display for art.