Decorative containers have many uses and can be displayed as part of decor

As an alternative to bins stored in an attic or basement, decorative containers serving the same purpose can be kept readily at hand and add to the décor of a home.

According to the HomeAndFamilyResourceCenter.com, home goods stores offer boxes in leather, bamboo, wood or brightly designed cardboard. Documents and supplies for a home office can be stored in boxes that come in functional sizes and shapes, but are attractive enough to display openly.

"The great thing about them is the fact that you do not have to store them out of sight," the website states. "Do not forget to label each box so you can quickly identify what files are stored in a particular box."

A container made of bamboo can be offset by other bamboo features – a live plant in a glass container, flooring made of eco-friendly bamboo lumber or woven bamboo rugs. Installing eco-friendly, bamboo woven wood blinds as a window treatment is another way to play up this natural look.

Wastebaskets have become so attractive they can be used in all rooms of the house – for a stack of rolled-up bath towels in the bathroom, placed placed next to a reading chair to hold magazines and books or to store smaller toys in a child's room.