I adore tiered stands.  They are brilliant for entertaining.  And they offer a great vertical storage option for:

homework and gift wrapping stations…

images via http://www.maryjanesandgaloshes.com & http://farmhouse-vintage.blogspot.com/

jewelry…

images via http://www.bhg.com & http://www.curioussofa.com

office and crafting supplies…

images via http://maggieholmes.typepad.com/ & http://www.bhg.com

toiletries and cosmetics…

images via http://www.potterybarn.com & http://www.bhg.com

Next time you are ready to containerize vertically, think of tiers.  They sort…naturally.  They come in a slew of sizes and styles.  They are humble, but so chic.

The humble glass vase is a great organizing tool.  It is clear, so the contents are visible.  It comes in all sizes and shapes.  It is relatively inexpensive.  Last, but not least, we all usually have some extra ones on hand from flower deliveries or arrangements brought into our homes.

I like using vases in all sorts of ways.  Just the other day, in setting up my daughter’s new desk and homework area, I re-purposed a small cylindrical vase for pencils and markers.  All those colours really pop in a simple glass container and dress up the work area.

Here are some other creative ways to utilize vases:

Images via: toilet paper storage, yarn storage, make-up brush storage

Magazine holders are, of course, for magazines… and for so much more.  Some creative folks have repurposed them for mail, canned goods, scrapbooking supplies, and even purses.

images via: mail station, pantry helper, scrapbooking, purse holder

Seeing things used in unexpected ways delights me.  Have you noticed anything else repurposed in a way you would have never imagined?  Tell me.

Ottoman + built-in storage = multipurpose fabulousness!

I have come across some wonderful ideas for utilizing ottomans as storage, especially in small spaces.

How about a filing ottoman?  Wouldn’t it be great to watch a TV show and file at the same time?  You can find one similar to what’s in the image below at Office Max.

via

Love this beauty in orange tweed from Urban Outfitters.  Inside, you can store bedding, toys, magazines, extra diapers, books, and so much more.

via

This brilliant piece by Lily Pulitzer comes with excellent shoe storage and extra room for purses or other accessories.  Wouldn’t it be perfect in a dressing room?  It is accompanied by a hefty price tag, but a girl can dream, right?

via

Conceal your DVD’s/videos, CD collection, or Wii accessories in a large ottoman like this from Crate & Barrel (it comes in an assortment of colours):

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When it comes to ottomans with built-in storage, the possibilities are endless.  Next time you seek a storage solution, consider the functionality of an ottoman.

Hanging storage, anyone?  There are ideas galore!

via Desire to Inspire

I wish I had a cabinet like this for hanging my table linens:

via Better Homes & Gardens

Hang your glasses:

via That Kind of Woman

Scrapbooking supplies can “hang out” too:

via Better Homes & Gardens

Use multi-tiered pant hangers to hang ribbon:

via Creating Keepsakes

Hanging bathroom storage:

via Better Homes & Gardens

Check out a super clever DIY for hanging shoes:

via Epbot