This $2 Find is My Secret for Organizing My Living Room’s Messiest Spot

published Jun 20, 2020
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I’m a big fan of following up not-so-pleasant tasks (like doctor appointments) with happier ones (like thrift shopping). When I was visiting the dentist a couple of months ago and remembered there was a Goodwill store nearby, I couldn’t resist popping in. After making my way up and down the store’s aisles, gazing at all sorts of stuff, I was just about ready to checkout. En route to the cash register, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted the thrift find of my dreams: Sitting on a shelf with some electronics was the classic, stylish burl wood box pictured above, which may have been a cigar box in a past life. While I knew the box was coming home with me no matter what, I was even more pleased when I saw the $1.99 price tag. This is one of my cheapest, chicest finds yet!

I’ve amassed a fairly large collection of burl wood boxes over the years, having scored a couple from the Studio McGee for Target collection, one from a local flea market, and yet another at an antique store. So I couldn’t resist adding to my stash. I love the subtle, ’70s glam vibe they introduce into a space, and, of course, wood is neutral enough to go with any kind of decor.

I opted to place this one on my brass and glass coffee table to add some warmth to this sleek surface. Only then did I realize that it would be the perfect storage solution for my TV remotes. I keep two inside, along with a box of matches, since I almost always have a candle burning nearby while I watch my favorite shows. Between this box, a decorative tray, and a seashell dish that holds photos, what was once the messiest spot in my apartment—my coffee table—now always looks streamlined and stylish. Better yet, I haven’t lost track of my remotes since I brought this baby home.

Unfortunately, the odds that you’ll stumble upon a similar box for just $2 are probably slim. That said, I’ve come across my fair share of relatively affordable boxes that look somewhat like this one and can be used for the same purpose in your own home. Note that while none of these boxes boast the same practically free price tag as the one I found, they can still be considered fairly reasonable, given how much burl pieces—and decorative boxes, for that matter—generally cost. Just run a quick search for burl wood furniture, and you’ll see what I mean! To get you started on your own shopping adventure, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite similar finds, all of which will make any burl wood fanatic swoon.

Credit: Amazon

Bazaardi Hand Carved Wooden Multipurpose Keepsake Jewelry Decorative Art Box

This box is an excellent choice for those who prefer darker burl wood. Though it looks highly unique, it’s actually available via Amazon Prime, making it perfect for those looking for a quick decor fix.

Buy: Bazaardi Hand Carved Wooden Multipurpose Keepsake Jewelry Decorative Art Box, $35.97 from Amazon

Credit: Etsy

Thuya Burl Medium Rectangle Hinged Box

This petite box is still sizable enough to hold a few smaller trinkets. The Etsy seller also offers a corresponding bowl that would be the perfect receptacle for keys or loose change.

Buy: Thuya Burl Medium Rectangle Hinged Box, $26 from Etsy

Credit: CB2

Marq Square Burl Wood Tray Large

If you’re more inclined to use a tray than a box as a coffee table storage solution, this CB2 tray will do the trick. It still has a gorgeous burl wood finish and will keep items corralled nicely. Better yet, it doubles as a chic bar tray or serving tray when entertaining at home is a thing again.

Buy: Marq Square Burl Wood Tray Large, $49.95 from CB2

Credit: Target

Decorative Burled Wooden Box Natural – Threshold™ designed with Studio McGee

The burl boxes from Target’s recent collaboration with Studio McGee appear to be sold out online and in most stores, but you can keep checking back for a restock. I’ve come across a few on resale sites, and who knows, you may just find one in your store eventually, particularly as people begin to make returns in the coming months. They’re an excellent budget-friendly piece and come in two different sizes.

Buy: Decorative Burled Wooden Box Natural – Threshold™ designed with Studio McGee, Starting at $12 from Target

Credit: Oka

Small Wellesley Box – Walnut

I own both the small and large version of these Oka boxes, which look lovely stacked atop each other on my living room’s built-in shelving. Though they’re marketed as desk accessories, they’d shine in any room of the house and would make for excellent jewelry and accessory holders on a bedroom dresser.

Buy: Small Wellesley Box – Walnut, $50 from Oka