This week, the mission to organize beauty and bathroom products in a more functional way continued. Following the organization of the bathroom counter and tub surround last week, the focus shifted to the biggest mess: the makeup vanity located within the closet. Reflecting on the past, this area of the closet was once quite chaotic, with frequently used products always ending up at the bottom of the clutter. Even the addition of a small cosmetic organizer proved insufficient, as its drawers were difficult to open and offered minimal storage capacity.
The search for better organization led to exploring larger makeup organizers. While some of these products were provided for review, the goal was to find solutions that would create a more functional and aesthetically pleasing space. The first crucial step in any organizing project is to remove everything, creating a blank slate.
Makeup Organization Solutions
With the vanity cleared, measurements were taken, revealing that two large makeup organizers could fit comfortably in the center, leaving space on either side. One organizer was designated for lip and eye products, while the other was allocated for the rest of the face makeup. These organizers proved to be remarkably spacious, with one even having an entire empty drawer remaining after all the makeup was stored.
On the far right end of the vanity, there was just enough room to place a countertop trash can. Despite its size, it holds a significant amount of waste, proving incredibly handy for makeup packaging, tissues, and clothing tags. Previously, such items were often left scattered on the vanity, highlighting the improvement in tidiness.
The effectiveness of these organizational changes is already apparent in the morning routine. Getting ready has become a more enjoyable and productive experience. While the broken drawer pulls are a minor issue yet to be addressed, the vanity has transformed into an organized dream space. The previous disarray had inadvertently encouraged a minimalist approach to makeup and hairstyles, whereas the current setup inspires a more deliberate and creative approach to personal grooming.
Jewelry Storage Innovations
The makeup vanity was not the only area requiring attention; a solution was also needed for the jewelry inherited from Gram. A previous DIY gold leaf organizer, while artistic, made it difficult to see the gold jewelry and consumed excessive space without providing adequate protection. This led to the discovery of a three-drawer jewelry organizer, which quickly became a favorite product. It offers a luxurious feel combined with immense functionality, featuring dividers of various sizes on each level. The thoughtful design even includes a lip on the top, allowing it to double as a tray.
On the right side of the makeup area, a drawer flip organizer was implemented. This innovative organizer's drawers can be rotated, allowing for vertical or horizontal use, a feature described as brilliant.
Beyond the Vanity: Broader Organizational Strategies
The journey into organizing makeup and jewelry extends beyond a single vanity. Many individuals find themselves avoiding the question of how they organize these items due to a lack of effective systems. Investing in proper storage solutions, however, can make a significant difference in the morning routine. For some, old plastic organizers, even those bearing the marks of children's creativity, were a long-standing solution. Jewelry, in some cases, was kept in laundry baskets, leading to a limited rotation of frequently worn pieces due to the difficulty of accessing others.
Addressing Clutter and Stress
The disorganization of makeup and jewelry can add unnecessary stress to the morning routine. Partnerships with retailers have helped refresh home areas, often revealing significant messes before organization begins. A common first step involves purging infrequently used items.
Diverse Jewelry Organizer Types
The world of jewelry organization offers a wide array of options, catering to different collections and preferences. These can be broadly categorized into open storage (stands, catchalls, trays) and closed storage (boxes, drawers, cases).
- For precious metals and stones: Soft, lined boxes, such as those with velvet interiors, are recommended to prevent scuffing and damage.
- For costume jewelry: This type of jewelry is more forgiving and can be stored in the open, though dust and sunlight exposure should be minimized.
- Catchall trays: These are ideal for frequently worn rings and items removed during the day, offering a convenient resting place.
The aesthetic appeal and practicality of an organizer are crucial. An organizer that is visually unappealing or difficult to use, regardless of its abstract functionality, will likely go unused. While clear organizers offer a view of all possessions, a see-through lid might suffice for tracking frequently worn pieces.
Some collectors opt for creative solutions, such as keeping fine or demi-fine jewelry in their original boxes with labeled pictures, or storing individual pieces in tiny plastic bags. For practicality, an organizer should maximize storage without consuming excessive space. Larger collections might benefit from armoires, while wall-mounted cabinets offer a space-saving alternative.
Specific Jewelry Organizer Recommendations
Several types of jewelry organizers have gained popularity for their design and functionality:
- Stackers' Modular Boxes: These customizable building blocks come in various forms (box, drawer, tray) and can be stacked to create a personalized storage system. They offer a mix of compartments suitable for rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings.
- Pottery Barn's Stella Jewelry Box: This traditional jewelry box is available in multiple sizes and finishes, offering substantial storage capacity, including drawers that can accommodate necklaces. Its sturdy construction and numerous compartments make it a notable option.
- Ariel Gordon's Jewelry Box: Positioned as a high-end, high-design option, this box features a pull-out tray with numerous rolls for rings and earrings, and individual necklace inserts. It is lined with anti-tarnishing Lusterloc, which helps preserve the condition of jewelry.
- Songmics Cabinet: This comprehensive cabinet includes a full-length mirror, LED lights, shelves for additional storage, and a lock. It offers extensive capacity for rings, necklaces, and earrings and can be hung on a door or mounted on a wall, appearing as a discreet mirror when closed.
- Dedicated Necklace Stands: For necklaces, which are prone to tangling, a dedicated stand is recommended. These stands often accommodate bracelets, watches, and earrings as well. Key tips for using stands include spacing necklaces to prevent tangles, placing frequently worn pieces on the ends, and distributing heavier items to maintain balance.
- Hanging Jewelry Organizers: These are particularly suitable for long necklaces and can be mounted inside closets, pulling out for easy access.
- Yamazaki Jewelry Display Stand: This modern stand, made from steel and wood, features hooks for organizing jewelry in a clean and accessible manner.
- Mosser Glass Bathing Beauty: Though intended as a soap holder, this shell-shaped glass dish is effective for storing chokers, bangles, and earrings, with scalloped edges allowing for hanging hook earrings.
- Jewelry Trays: Various trays are useful for organizing collections. Options range from antique ashtrays repurposed for jewelry to specialized trays designed with compartments for different types of pieces. Some trays are designed to be stackable or have adjustable widths to fit within drawers.
- Travel Jewelry Cases: Compact cases with built-in compartments, ring rolls, and necklace tabs are ideal for travel. Some feature mirrors to separate different sections, preventing items from jostling.
- Jewelry Rolls: These velvet-lined rolls are excellent for travel, keeping jewelry organized and protected within snaps or loops. When unrolled, they provide a flat lay of all contents.
- Jewelry Cabinets with Dividers: For larger collections, cabinets with customizable dividers can be highly effective. These dividers, often made of softer plastic, are designed to protect jewelry with delicate stones or pearls. Label holders on drawers further enhance organization.
Makeup Organizer Categories
Effective makeup organization can transform a cluttered space into a functional and stylish area. Various types of organizers cater to different needs and budgets:
- Basket Organizers: Baskets are a versatile solution for corralling similar items and preventing countertop clutter. Bathroom-friendly, moisture-resistant, and easy-to-clean options are recommended. Stackable designs allow for expansion as collections grow.
- Drawer Organizers: Removable drawer dividers are excellent for decluttering counter space and ensuring drawers close properly. They can be used to separate brushes, face products, and eyeshadows, and can also accommodate jewelry and hair accessories. Options in plastic, metal, or wood are available.
- Cart Organizers: For larger makeup collections, multi-tiered carts offer a portable storage solution. High-quality carts, including vintage pieces, provide beautiful storage for makeup brushes and lip glosses, with frequently used items placed on top for easy access.
- Nightstands and Drawer Units: Smaller nightstands or slim chests of drawers offer discreet storage for beauty products. Options can be found in children's sections or from design-focused retailers, with some units, like the Kartell Componibili storage unit, being versatile enough for bathrooms or bedrooms.
- Vanity Tables: For those who view their beauty regimen as self-care, dedicating a space with a vanity table can be ideal. Options include lift-top tables that double as desks or units that convert from a nightstand to a mirrored vanity.
- Vanity Cases: These cases provide more structure than typical toiletry bags, often featuring built-in dividers. They are excellent for organizing specific products and can also serve as brush organizers. Monogrammed or aluminum designs offer personalized and durable options.
Ultimately, the most effective organization system is one that is visually appealing, practical, and suits the individual's specific needs and collection size.