9 Stylish, Designer-Recommended Storage Upgrades, Starting at $9.99

The only thing better than a good storage item is one that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. However, with all the stylish storage products on the market, separating the stellar from the so-so can be tricky. Fret not, small-space dwellers; I’m here to help. I reached out to a few interior designers to find out what affordable storage pieces they swear by, and they all had a go-to product that’s as good looking as it is useful. From gorgeous baskets to picture ledges and beyond, here are nine designer-recommended storage upgrades for under $100. 

To stay organized in a small space, designer Carneil Griffin of Griffin Direction Interiors suggests shopping for attractive storage items that you won’t mind showing off. “Small spaces require delicate decor details to support any statement pieces in the room,” he explains. “The Garissa basket is made from handwoven sisal and features amazing leather handles—all kissed by the sun of Kenya.”

One of these would be great in a mudroom or entry to corral tote bags, scarves, and other seasonal accessories. You could also use one in a living room or a bedroom to store throws or even towels in a bathroom. Though it’s not a storage solution, per se, this basket would also be a nice way to fancy up a small tree or large house plant’s plastic liner, if you don’t want to spring for an even pricier (and heavy!) oversized ceramic or iron pot.

Buy: Garissa Khaki Basket – 15″, $95 from 54 Kibo

Thanks to their slim profile and simple design, designer Eliza McNabb of Hyphen & Co. says picture ledges are a great way to create storage without eating up floor space. “Picture ledges won’t protrude into the room as much as a standard shelf, which means you can hang them lower than you might otherwise,” she explains. “They also offer flexibility with decorative displays and can be used for more functional storage such as spices in the kitchen or beauty products in the bathroom. Match the picture ledge to your wall color for a sleek visual display.”

Buy: MALMBÄCK Display Shelf, $12.99 from IKEA

If you’re anything like designer Justin Q. Williams of Trademark Design Co., then maximizing your closet space is top priority. “One of my favorite items that offers the ideal solution for closet storage is the Relaxed Living Adjustable Closet System,” he says. “For apartment dwellers, it allows you to have the feel of a customized closet that suits your needs—no pun intended!—and with such an affordable price tag, why not?”

Anything you can do to add an extra rack or a shelf to your closet setup will help you eke out some precious extra space for clothing, shoes, and accessories. You can also look for pieces that utilize floor space or even the areas on the reverse sides of your closet doors.

Buy: Relaxed Living Adjustable Closet System in Satin Nickel, $49.99 from Bed Bath & Beyond

A few large glass canisters can go a long when you’re looking for a stylish storage solution. “Small spaces such as laundry rooms, pantries, and bathrooms can be easily organized with a few clever purchases,” designer Marie Flanigan says. “I recommend investing in oversized glass canisters, as they hold ample items and look chic on shelving and countertops.”

You might find it best to find containers with lids, so there’s a physical limit on how much you can store inside them. But if you want to store things like utensils or even brushes, you can always remove the tops for easy access to your items.

Buy: Anchor Hocking Glass Canisters with Glass Lids, Starting at $9.99 from The Container Store

Designer Danielle Fennoy of Revamp Interior Design says a chic lidded storage basket can hide clutter in style—and in plain sight. “Shoving random items, such as business cards, chargers, and paperwork, into a drawer isn’t always the best option,” she explains. “Sometimes you need a beautiful accessory on top of a dresser or table that also serves a purpose. I’m always on the hunt for beautiful lidded baskets, and the Amaranto Yellow Storage Basket is one of my favorites.”

Buy: Amaranto Yellow Storage Basket, $58 from Collyer’s Mansion

Designer Jesse Carrier of Carrier and Company says an inexpensive wicker storage basket can be a game changer in a cluttered space. “I love using the large IKEA wicker trunks for storage,” he says. “At the end of the day, you can throw in any object that doesn’t have a permanent home to maintain some semblance of a clean space.”

Buy: BYHOLMA Basket, $12.99 from IKEA

McNabb says you can always count on wall-mounted shelves to score extra storage room in a cramped space. “We love how white floating shelves blend seamlessly with white walls to provide a sleek storage display,” she explains. “When mounted up high, they’re a great way to take advantage of the height of a room, space which often goes unused. A word of warning, installation matters here. Make sure you find the studs to ensure your shelves are secure and don’t sag.”

Buy: Calvin Hi-Gloss White Floating Shelf 24”, $39.95 from CB2

Searching for an affordable storage solution that makes a statement in a room? Designer Melissa Warner Rothblum of Massucco Warner recommends employing a gold or silver-finished woven storage basket or two. “These metallic storage baskets saved the day in both of my daughters’ rooms by giving us some extra space for toy storage,” she says. “Even though they may not all be organized on the inside, this chic basket hides any mess and makes it look like there’s a spot for everything. Plus, the baskets come in different sizes, including a low-profile style that you can squeeze under a crib or a dresser for bonus storage.”

Buy: Metallic Woven Storage Basket, Starting at $45 $36 from West Elm

When it comes to inexpensive storage upgrades, designer Abbe Fenimore of Studio Ten 25 says small storage bins are her go-to. “They’re perfect for hiding smaller items to tidy up a room or declutter shelves,” she explains. “Cute storage bins with a pop of personality are great for organizing nurseries and kid’s rooms, or you can used them in your closet to keep clutches, flip-flops, or hats organized.”

Buy: LUFOFOX Decorative Collapsible Rectangular Fabric Storage Bin, $13.99 from Amazon