Our new playroom needed some toy storage. My first instinct was to buy some kind of cubby system like the one below from Target.
But then I thought that was a little too easy, too basic and I’m kind of done buying pressed wood junkity junk. There are times in all of our lives when it’s the best or only option, but I like to think we’re on our way out of that stage.
So I went hunting for some reasonably-priced, un-defined piece of storage furniture. A low bookshelf, an open buffet… I even considered shoving a few nightstands together and painting them different colors to form an eclectic makeshift cubby system. (I still think that could be a charming idea if done correctly.) But after a few trips to local antique malls, thrift stores and rummage sales, I hadn’t found anything and was getting frustrated.
So then my mind went to what should have been my first option: the unused TV stand in our basement. It’s from IKEA and it’s not real wood; it’s that weird IKEA honeycomb stuff. But the piece is in good shape and I took out the shelves so I could put bins in. It’s low to the ground for easy toddler access. Best of all, it was free (and also frees up space in the basement).
I thought about painting it a fun color. Then I thought about painting it white. And then I thought of not painting it at all. Yep, that’s what I’m going with.
So then the hunt for bins was on. The openings of the unit are 18″ square and 10″ tall. It seems like square bins this size would be an easy enough thing to find, but nope! I was open to baskets, fabric bins, plastic tubs — most anything, as long as they fit the space well. After a wide search, short squatty square containers are just not that popular.
I ended up going with these Circo brand clear pink plastic bins from Target. They are about the size of a shoebox, but taller and super sturdy. And the lids will be great for keeping small pieces together. I bought four of them, so one of the spaces will just be open for larger toys.
In our house, bins are toys themselves, so I think durable plastic is the right choice for now.
