It’s week 2 of the One Room Challenge!
Our dining area serves as a playroom, so it’s essential for me that it remains both attractive and practical. I trust this article provides inspiration if you aim to organize the toys in your residence.
By the way, if you’ve just joined us, a heartfelt welcome to you! For last fall’s One Room Challenge, I completed a snug boho bedroom transformation, and this spring I am focusing on our dining area.
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Cube Toy Storage Prior
Here is an image of our toy storage up until about a month ago. I had recently acquired the wall baskets, which explains the tags on them! They were a seasonal find at Hobby Lobby, but these wall baskets are comparable.
This arrangement worked effectively for some time. My one-year-old daughter could easily grab toys! However, the vibrant plastic toys overwhelmed me, and the dining area felt disordered. Furthermore, the beige bins blended too closely with the shelves. I sought a more streamlined, tidy appearance.
Charming Cube Toy Storage Revamp
I made a few straightforward, budget-conscious updates, and now I adore this section of our dining room!
1. White Cube Bins for Toys
Initially, I included these white storage bins from Walmart instead of the older beige ones. The differing color greatly improves the cube shelf, and I appreciate the contemporary style.
2. Rustic Wood Cube Storage
Here is our economical cube organizer, also sourced from Walmart. This color has been discontinued, but “natural” or “rustic gray” are similar alternatives. I’m linking additional shelf options below!
3. Cube Toy Storage Decorative Touches
Lastly, I searched my home for a tall white vase, faux olive branches, black metal candle holders, a small plant, and seagrass boxes. I’m linking similar options here:
I’m still refining this area, but it represents a significant enhancement! I believe this illustrates how rearranging elements in your home can provide a fresh and new feel.
Advice for Attractive Toy Storage
Here are several tips for maintaining your cube toy storage attractive and organized:
- Regularly assess toys. Either donate toys no longer in use or rotate some into storage. I like to involve my four-year-old son in this activity. He assists me in deciding which toys to retain and which to give away! This may not always be effective, but it has offered a good approach for us to discuss sharing what we possess.
- Utilize spacious, opaque bins to group toys by category. Each bin has a specific theme, and we strive to adhere to that for easier access. For instance: balls, vehicles, Little People, puzzles, stuffed animals, etc. Everything has its own designated spot.
- Keep storage straightforward and effective. I adore cube organizer shelves as they are economical and user-friendly for children. They can even carry the bin with them to another space for play.
- Adorn the shelf with decor that you cherish. Candlesticks work splendidly in a dining area, and a vase is always elegant. You may also consider stacked books, decorative items, a bowl for smaller pieces, or a lamp. I suggest anchoring the design with a few larger items to prevent a cluttered appearance.
- Create a routine to tidy up at designated times of the day. When feasible, we attempt to tidy before lunch, outdoor time, dinner, and bedtime. Essentially, whenever we transition, we pick up. It assists greatly at the close of the day!
Preferred Toy Shelves and Bins
In case you are also revamping toy storage, here are some appealing options I discovered while researching our own:
IMPORTANT: Ensure you check the dimensions of your cube shelves and bins when ordering to confirm compatibility. Some cube organizers have 11-inch cubes, while others have 13-inch cubes.
Cube Storage Organizers
Cube Bins
Organizing and enhancing this space was a significant first step for our One Room Challenge renovation. In the comments, please share: what is your top toy organizing suggestion?
Related: Best Playroom Storage + Organizing Ideas
