When you arrive home with your hands full, having a dedicated place to drop your keys, mail and phone can be a big help. But if they’re just dumped on top of a console or a bench, they can look messy. That’s where a catchall — a small tray, bowl or basket — comes in handy.
“It not only adds an extra layer to a room as a decorative accessory, but also helps keep the space organized,” said Paloma Contreras, an interior designer in Houston.
And not only in the entry hall, Ms. Contreras noted. A catchall is also useful in the bedroom, where “they’re great on night stands,” she said, for holding jewelry or reading glasses. Or in a home office, where they can hold paper clips, pens and other small supplies.
When you’re shopping for a catchall, Ms. Contreras said, look for appealing shapes, materials and patterns. And don’t forget to expand your search beyond items marketed as catchalls. Distinctive bowls, for example, work just as well.
“It really is about getting creative,” she said.
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How big should it be? That depends on your requirements, but “typically under 12 inches long,” Ms. Contreras said. “Between five and eight inches is usually good.”
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What’s the best material? “I like natural fibers and leather,” she said, as they aren’t easily damaged by dropped keys. “There are also really great printed-paper catchalls.”
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Should catchalls on night stands match? “I like mixing it up,” Ms. Contreras said. “It’s a lot more interesting to have things that are unique to each individual.”
Kawabon Tray
Leather tray with washed denim lining
$68 at Graf Lantz: 310-560-2412 or graf-lantz.com
Alyson Fox Cast Iron Bowl
Footed bowl from Hawkins New York
$40 at the Primary Essentials: 718-522-1804 or theprimaryessentials.com
Haas Lazy Susan Catchall
Porcelain and gold catchall by the Haas Brothers
$425 at L’Objet: 855-562-5388 or l-objet.com
