Showing posts with label arts storage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label arts storage. Show all posts

6/01/2025

KMART 3 Drawer Chest (Grey)

This chest of drawers is not only cheap, but also sturdy, spacious and good looking. It's also very easy to assemble. 

I have two of these in my home office and they perfectly fit with my office's Skandi style. The frame is made of metal, the top is bamboo and the collapsible drawers are fabric-like. 
 
I had hesitations to buy this item due to the fact that the drawers are soft and I thought they would not be spacious or strong enough. However, they are! I have tons of stuff in them. The maker advises a maximum of 3 Kilos per drawer but I have two of them holding more than that. However, I put the heavier on the bottom shelf as this acts as grounding for the the whole unit and prevents the chest toppling over. 
 
The top shelf can hold up to 20 Kilos, so I have a heavy-ish letter tray organiser on one of my units. Kmart doesn't recommend putting a TV on this chest, firstly because this unit was not made to place a TV, and secondly because the unit can be easily moved if not fully loaded.  

The maker recommends having this chest wall secured, but I cannot do that in the rental I live in. Yet, the chest is very stable and, despite using it all the time, having it full of stuff, opening and closing the drawers all the time, has never toppled. Yet, I can move it easily. If you have children, secure it to the wall  with the including fittings as, when empty, the whole unit weighs less than 5 kilos and can be easily moved or fall. 

Although I use this chest for office purposes, due to its good looks and large capacity, can be used in different rooms as I could easily fill it with linen, towels, shoes, toys, table linen, travelling light gear, and so on. 

My main disappointment with this unit is that the drawer handle inner side tends to deform and bend outward, making it look cheap (well, it shows it's cheap when this happens). There are no replacements for these collapsible drawers, so, if one breaks, you will have to buy a new unit, which is a bit ridiculous. 
 
I've had this chest for several years and it's still a star seller at Kmart. Despite the heavy use I give it, it is in great condition and still looking good.    

MEASUREMENTS: 72cm (H) x 45cm (W) x 30cm (D)
Storage drawer: 21cm (H) x 40cm (W) x 28cm (D


5/31/2025

RISATORP Basket With Compartments (33x24x11 cm)

This is another Risatorp beauty. I super love this range due to its quality, classy Skandi timeless but modern design, and versatility. This compartment basket is not only beautiful, but has myriad uses. It makes a great office caddy, kitchen or crafts  caddy. Currently, I use it as a bathroom caddy to have at hand my most used items of cosmetics, makeup, perfume and toiletries. Its low height makes it perfect for storage in drawers and small cabinets.    
 
Super easy to assemble.  

Not fit for outdoor use.

DESIGNER  Wiebke Braasch,
 
 

5/30/2025

VATTENKAR Desk Organiser (White, 33x21x43 cm)

I really love this organiser. Organisers of this sort are a wonderful replacement for renters who might not be able to use a wall pegboard but want something similar but portable. So easy to carry around the different rooms of the house, or to put in the car and take it away. 

The Vattenkar is a multifunctional organiser that perfectly works as work caddy, and as craft or sewing station. The central pegboard is great as I can use different Skadis accessories and hooks to create different storage layouts. I like the caddy's two sides as I can put the prettier side facing the viewer and the back side with the uglier storage items facing the wall. I haven't used the elastic band yet as I devoted this to crafts not to books or my laptop. 
 
This organiser is easy to assemble as it has just a few pieces that click in together; the instructions leaflet is also easy to follow. I had this in my wish list for a long time because, despite the measurements being clear n the product page, I wasn't sure how much space or how much space would occupy. Having had this for a while now, that the item is a bit bulky and heavy even when empty. Not a beautiful looking storage solution, but a very practical one; and you wouldn't believe how much stuff I can fit in.

DESIGNER Anna-Maria Nilsson 

5/19/2025

TJOG Storage box with lid (dark grey, 25x36x15 cm)

I have all my home office storage sorted out with KIKI K storage boxes, which are made of sturdy hard carboard covered in linen. Unfortunately, they don't make them any more. It's impossible for me not to compare the quality and craftsmanship of these with this TJOG box. This Ikea storage box looks beautiful, classic and elegant. It comes flat but it's really easy to assemble. However, the cardboard is not sturdy or stiff enough to me. I couldn't find the maximum storage weight allowed on the product web page. I have put a bit of weight on the two I have, but the heaver is on the bottom. The other one I filled mostly with paper that doesn't weight much. 

DESIGNER Ikea of Sweden

3/15/2025

SMARRA Box with Lid (Natural, 30x30x23 cm)

I was delaying the purchase of this basket due to the price but, after having this in my wish list for over two years, I thought it was time to take the plunge.  
 
The basket is made of woven bamboo (a product I  love) coated in translucent lacquer. It looks organic, beautiful and elegant. I was able to put all my sewing materials inside, with plenty of space still left. It's also perfect to store phone charges, cables and small electric items inside, and any sort of crafty materials.

After having this at home, there are several things that I'd like to mention before you purchase this basket:
  1. The colour in the photos and the one you get is different, as the former is a bit more caramel-ish. It's lighter than other bamboo products I've purchased from Ikea. 
  2. This box is really large, so its volume might overwhelm the decor of a small room. It looks great inside cube furniture or on large shelves, though. 
  3. Despite its size and good looks, this isn't a solid basket. It woven loosely and has no internal reinforcements. I reinforced the bottom and the lid with some drawer mat leftovers,which are rigid by light. I wouldn't be storing anything heavy inside for this very reason. Volume doesn't always equal strength. 
  4. The lid doesn't lock securely, so it easily goes off if you stumble upon the basket. 
Overall, this is a lovely good-looking large decorative basket that you can use to store light stuff and hide clutter from view. However, it isn't sturdy. I find this product overpriced due to everything I've said.

DESIGNER IKEA of Sweden
 

3/08/2025

FLÅDIS Basket (Seagrass, 25 cm)

I've had two of these since they were first released. During these years, I've given them multiple uses and placed them in different rooms: magazines holder, umbrella holder, stand-alone decor item, laundry and crafts materials storage, to leave a winter throw in winter, and anything else you can imagine. I've used them both folded or unfolded depending on the room I placed them and the use I give them. They have an African flair to me, something that I love. They're made of sturdy flexible seagrass. Unlike other seagrass basketry, it doesn't shade at all. These baskets are super-easy to store away because of their flexibility and foldable design. The natural seagrass colour is beautiful and blends well with any home decor. The craftsmanship is fantastic.
 
DESIGNER Ikea of Sweden

3/02/2025

RISATORP Desk Organiser (White, 50x16x17 cm)

I was after this Risatorp desk organiser for months. First, it was a bit too pricey, then it wasn't delivered to my postcode. I was really excite when I was able to get it. 
 
I felt an immediate attraction towards this piece and design. The killer minimalist white epoxy and caramel bamboo colour combo, the mesh, the simplicity, the originality, the roundness, the floating legs. My eyes still spark when I look at it. 
 
It's longer and heavier than I expected or the product photos make you think. You'd need a long large desk for this organiser to look right on your desk. Otherwise, you might want to place it on the top of a shelf. The inside is compartmented, so this allows you to devote different spaces to different stuff.  I've put some of my crayons in recycled glass containers, a small pen holder with my most used markers and pencils, a small  square tissue box, a tiny tin box with my meds, hand cream, and a few other things, and there is still room for little items. 

Assembly was easy overall, but I had difficulty screwing one of the legs strait. 

DESIGNERS A-M Nilsson & A Wallgren.

3/01/2025

RISATORP Basket with Compartments (White, 33x24x23 cm)

Another stunner in the Risatorp basket world. This is a large basket with an inner bamboo divider and handle. It's made of the same materials as the other baskets in the line in the wonderful  Skandy style that I love. 
 
This basket is quite heavy, but it can be easy transported by the handle. The divider is great to keep different things separate. Like other Risatorp baskets I own, it's versatile. I've used it as bathroom toiletries container; one side for hair products, the other for cosmetics. I've used it as art desk organiser; I kept it on the floor with some basic painting tools and a water bottle. I've also used it to store socks and stockings, one on each compartment. Ditto for my workdays bras & panties, to have them at hand when I dress for work in the morning. I think this is perfect for a picnic or to carry small items of food and drinks to a foodie get-together. 

The inner wooden pieces have to be assembled. I found the positioning and screwing of them easy if you 'plug' the two wooden pieces to the handle bar before you position it inside. 
 
DESIGNER Wiebke Braasch.
 

RISATORP Square Basket (White, 25x26x18 cm)

This is the first Risatorp basket that came to the market and the first one I bought. I have several already and they are a must at home. This basket looks small but accommodates tons of stuff, and it's easy to store anywhere. If you want to keep it outside,  looks great and stylish. I've given this basket different uses, from my office to my laundry, from my kitchen to my bedroom and currently sit in my bathroom.  The mesh body makes it light, and the bamboo handle makes carrying stuff inside a breeze. This is an Ikea classic  design, easily recognizable, and has has been imitated by big stores (Target and Kmart for example).
 
DESIGNER Wiebke Braasch

 

RISATORP Rectangular Basket (White, 27x42x23 cm)

I love the Risatorp baskets line, and this model is the most useful of the many models I have. This has proven to be the most versatile, the one with most capacity and the easiest one to store. I've moved this around my place many times and and I've given it different uses. As  storage for my laundry cleaning products on top of my washing machine. I've used it as shower "caddy" to put all my most used daily toiletries. I've used it as sockets and stockings 'drawer'. I've used it as stationary storage.  

This basket is great. It looks good in my studio/office, laundry, bathroom and kitchen. It hasn't broken or deteriorated despite the weight I've put inside. It's easy to move around thanks to the sturdy handles. It's easy to clean. The rectangular narrow shape makes it easy to use in small spaces, and it's easy to stack too. I've had it for several years and still looks as new. In one word, this is a must at home and I have a couple o them.  

DESIGNER Wiebke Braasch
 

2/28/2025

HARVMATTA Box with Lid (Anthracite, 24x35x6 cm)

This box is the largest in the Harvamatta box set. I can easily store up to A4-size documents, stationery, unused painting brushes, colouring pencils and pastels, among other things. They're a bit pricey, but also good quality.

The box is very elegant and minimalist, with a hint of formality. I love the contrast between the metal anthracite colour and the cork lid woody colour. As they are so stylish, I can leave them in full view even though they might contain a lot of crap that, otherwise, would be cluttering my office. These boxes pile on each other perfectly, and they look great on top of the Harvamatta letter tray.

The main downside of the Harvamatta box line is that they don't have any closing or securing system. On the one hand, this favours easy piling on each other. On the other hand, if the box falls down, you'll have its contents all over the place. I would have loved these boxes having some sort of vintage-like wired closure or fasteners; even a tight closure like those that pickle traditional jars have. 

DESIGNER Ebba Strandmark.

RÅSKOG Small Trolley (white) with NORRÅVA Lid (28x38x61 cm)

I have two taller larger Raskog trolleys, which I love, but I needed something smaller (this is 61 cms tall instead of 77 cms) to tuck it under my desk when not in use, and to place it beside during my painting sessions without obtruding the area.  

The  antique-white epoxy coating is beautiful and goes perfectly with the Norrava bamboo lid. Besides, the epoxy coating  is easy to clean from paint splashes and stains.
 
Despite its small size and lightness, this trolley holds a lot of stuff. I place my brushes holders on the top shelf when painting, which I remove when not in use and place the bamboo lid. It's true that the lid protrudes a cm or so over the edge, something that didn't happen with older models. Yet, I don't see this as a big issue. On the shelves underneath I keep different painting media I often use (gesso, basic paints, palette ceramic plates, wipes, painting tools, gels, etc.). Although I use this unit for my painting needs, this trolley is perfect for kitchen and bathroom storage when the space available is limited.  

The trolley is easy to assemble thanks to the very clear instructions leaflet. The castors are great quality and roll beautifully in all directions; they can be locked in case you want to use it as non-movable storage unit.
 
DESIGNERS Nike Karlsson & Ellen Hallström. 

12/28/2024

SuckUK Tin Food Truck Lunch Box

I love tin boxes for everything: for tea, pulses, sewing,  crafts, office supplies, stationery, makeup or for any storage purpose. I find them more sustainable and durable than plastic, and way prettier. I didn't buy this box for my lunches at all, but to store some small items. SuckUp has the coolest looking boxes out there.
 
I've had this fancy tin lunch box in my Amazon wish-list for over 3 years because, although I love the design, the price has been ridiculously high (max of $60 and minimum of $40). Yet, patience paid off, and the box was finally sold during a flash sale at a fair $23, which is the lowest price I've ever seen it. "Seasons came and changed the time". The huntress was ready. "Bang Bang, I shot you down." After the flash sale the box went up to $48. "Bang Bang, you hit the ground." I thought I deserved a tiara or something.
 
The box is good-quality tin and the design is gorgeous, with all the details of the food truck printed; even the bottom is printed. The box is really spacious, more than the product page photos make you think. Would your lunch fit in? I think if you don't put the drink inside, yes. Perhaps a sandwich or two with some small chocolate bars an one or two small pieces of fruit. Yet, you can use the box for myriad other storage purposes.
 
The door opens like a food truck's does, upwards. But, right there, there is an issue. The latch and locking system are badly designed or just defective because, when the tin is unlocked, the cover protrudes up and does not rest down properly at all (see my photos). Even when it's locked, the door does not rest down completely. To close the door, you have to push the latch down and, at the same time, push the door cover inwards. This is not that practical, quite annoying and it does not always work. At this stage, ain't sure whether this is a design fault or just part of a faulty batch. "Bang Bang, that awful sound."

The handle is less sturdy than other tin's handles I own and it does not stand erect or can be tucked away inside the upper latches.  

Furthermore, I was expecting the product to come in a fancy package to match the fancy price and branding. However, it arrived inside a generic brown box. A repurposed return? "Bang Bang, I hit the ground." 
Now the big questions. 
> Did the box disappoint me upon arrival? Yes, for the reasons mentioned above. "And 'till this day sometimes I cry."
> Did I think it was worth the waiting time? Perhaps not. Bang, Bang.
> Do I think that the usual high price is justified? Totally NOT. Bang, Bang. The price I paid for it is fair and what I think the product should be sold for.
>  Do I recommend the purchase? Yes, if the locking system worked and the price was less than $25. If you fancy it, check it out in a offline shop so that you can verify that the latch is working properly 
 
"Now he's gone. I don't know why." He has been returned, that's why.
 
(NB/ My Amazon review is obviously less Bang-Bangy for obvious reasons).

7/21/2024

Aquarius Peanuts Snoopy Carry All Tin Lunch Box

This is a very lovely box made of good tin with Snoopy illustrations all over; those on the top lid are engraved. Really cute for children or adults alike, especially for those of us who love Snoopy. The best thing is that I can use this box for many storage purposes not just as a lunch box.
 
I bought this box to store some art supplies and small pieces of collage paper, so it's great for that. I love the fact that the handle can be tucked in flat and that the lid lock allows me to store the box vertically without fear of the contains getting out or the box self opening.
 
I have similar tin storage/lunch boxes and this one is a bit narrower and taller than the others I own.  
 
A bit pricey for a tin box, but I'm sure the illustrations are copyrighted and that's part of the issue. Yet, it's value is very similar to other similar tin boxes out there.

I was a bit worried about the reviews re the lock being faulty and he box damaged. However, my tin box arrived in perfect conditions.

8/29/2023

The Tin Box Company Star Wars Vintage Classic Tin Lunchbox, Black

I'm a SW fan and I was looking for a roomy tin box to store some of my collage papers and small art supplies. This is perfect for both purposes. It looks as good in person as in the photo, and looks cool wherever I place it. The handle can be comes handy to carry my lunch or if I was carrying this anywhere, which I initially don't intend to; the handle can be put in, so it doesn't protrude, making the box more compact. The locking system is great to prevent the lid from self-opening.So far, so good.