
There was a time when I would see acrylic items and wonder why anyone would want plastic as part of their home decor. I didn’t get it. But then, while on the hunt for a storage solution for my earrings that would keep them visible, I discovered the perfect solution was an acrylic jewelry storage system. I bought the components, put them on my dresser, added my earrings, and instantly saw acrylic for the genius that it is.
Think about it this way. In our home, we have a lot of decorative pieces (trays, boxes, tables, etc.). Sometimes we want to notice the decorative pieces (what a lovely tray! what a lovely box! what a lovely table!). And sometimes we want to notice the items rather than the decorative pieces (what a lovely collection of books on this tray! what a lovely collection of trinkets in this box! what a lovely piece of art on this table!). These situations are where acrylic shines.
I realize this design technique is not for everyone and certainly not for every room or situation, but if you are creating a space where you want to notice certain items without adding competing visual components, acrylic offers an elegant solution.
Here are the acrylic items that I love to use in my home…
JEWELRY BOX.
As I mentioned above, I enjoy seeing my earrings, rings, and bracelets, and this acrylic, linen-lined, modular jewelry box collection allows you to see and store your favorite pieces. I like how the drawers come with different interior configurations allowing you to customize a storage solution that works for your pieces. Each component stacks, making it possible for you to customize the finished size of your piece as well.
MAKEUP ORGANIZER.
I have shared how much I love having a vanity table in my bedroom. It is a special corner of my room, and I use it everyday. Storing my makeup in stackable acrylic organizers allows me to keep my brushes and products organized and easy to reach while also creating my own little cosmetic counter.
PLATE STANDS.
Acrylic plate stands allow me to display seasonal platters, framed photos, or, as I do in my bedroom, my favorite art prints from Elizabeth. I particularly like how the plate stand disappears visually, allowing the art to be the focal point. These come in a variety of sizes, and I keep several on hand.
TRAYS.
The best way to keep a space looking tidy? Contain things on a tray! I use trays all over my home, and sometime I like a tray that has beautiful visual details or creates a contrast with texture. But in places where I want less visual chaos, acrylic trays are an elegant solution. They create boundaries for a space without competing or adding clutter to a peaceful design scheme. I keep one next to my bed for my wireless charger, my glasses, and a framed photo from my wedding day.
TURNTABLES.
Show me a cabinet, and I will show you an opportunity for an acrylic turntable! I love these and have them everywhere. In my pantry, I have one for oils and another for vinegars. In our craft closet, we have one for markers and pencils. In my bathroom, I have one under the sink for cleaning supplies and one in the cabinet next to my shower for my face wash, dry brush, moisturizing lotion, and other bathroom toiletries. They are the best tool for marrying form and function because you can easily see everything, they rotate for easy access, and they make great use of tight spaces. Love, love, love an acrylic turntable!
ACCENT TABLE.
Acrylic furniture can be hit or miss at times, and a little goes a long way. In my recent master bedroom refresh, I stumbled across a beautiful acrylic side table at At Home (similar one here), and on a whim I gave it a try. I know I sound like a broken record, but I love it because it disappears, highlights the items on top of the table, and does not visually add clutter to my space. Again, an acrylic piece of furniture is not always the right choice, but in certain situations, it adds beauty without bulk.
Thank you for these suggestions – I love them all! My favorite acrylic items are the Crate and Barrel Acrylic Block Picture Frames, https://www.crateandbarrel.com/acrylic-block-picture-frames/f23183
They are sleek and simple, go with any decor and it is so easy to switch out the photo. They make a great gift – I like to put a ($50) dollar bill in it and gift it for graduation. Or just put a photo that the recipient will love (grandkids!) and the recipient can always change it if they like.
Lori, thank you! This is an excellent rec and a lovely gift idea!