Magazines offer a world of ideas, but they come with a small domestic problem: When too many pile up or are strewn about, they can be an eyesore.
A magazine rack can help manage the chaos by providing a place for those yet to be read. But they aren’t the only solution — other large containers will do the job just as well.
“I use dough bowls, oversized baskets, brass containers and primitive troughs,” said Lauren Liess, an interior designer in Great Falls, Va., who is at work on the new HGTV television series called Best House on the Block.
The ideal choice depends partially on how you want to live, she said. Some magazine racks put the covers on display, so the magazines need to be neatly arranged, while others allow them to be casually dumped inside.
“I have a house full of kids, so I need pieces where I can toss things in really easily,” said Ms. Liess, a mother of five. “But some clients are more particular, and have more patience.”
• Which materials are best? “For a relaxed room, you might go with worn leather or something woven,” Ms. Liess said. “If it’s a formal room, you might look for metal.”
• How long will you keep the magazines? Some racks are designed to hold only a few issues, while others can store a whole archive.
• Does it look good empty? On recycling day, many racks and containers are attractive enough to serve “as a piece of sculpture or art,” Ms. Liess said.
Herman Magazine Stand
Canvas-and-metal magazine stand from Ferm Living | $99 at Horne: 877-404-6763 or shophorne.com
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Eastport Wire Organizers
Metal magazine tote and newspaper holder with rose-gold finish | $38 to $48 each at Anthropologie: 800-309-2500 or anthropologie.com
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Twain Storage Basket
Waxed cotton-canvas basket with leather trim | $69 to $99 at Room & Board: 800-301-9720 or roomandboard.com
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Folded Vessel
Powder-coated steel magazine stand by Chen Chen & Kai Williams | $150 at Good Thing: 855-705-4321or supergoodthing.com
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Guidelines Magazine Rack
Wall-mounted powder-coated steel rack by Frederik Roijé | $245 at A+R Store: 800-913-0071 or aplusrstore.com
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