Sure, a low, shallow basket is the perfect place to park the car keys and the mail. But consider these small wonders for other storage ideas, temporary and long-term.

Try One as a…

Silverware caddy (shown). Juggling fistfuls of flatware while trying to set the table? Tote them gracefully instead.

Snack arranger. For kids, place afternoon treats in a basket (with healthy ones oh-so-subtly positioned toward the front). Put it on a low, kid-level shelf.

Piece of found art. Liven up a wall by hanging three or more baskets of the same color or material.

Memory saver. Stowing photographs in drawers leads to misplaced memories. Designate a basket to hold pictures until they find a permanent home.

Remote-control center. Even hungry sofa cushions can’t swallow a basketful of neatly stored clickers.

Stationery kit. You’ll avoid the eternal hunt for a pen and paper if you keep all your writing supplies in the same place.