This Decorative Box is the Best Way to Organize the Living Room’s Messiest Spot

I’m a big fan of following up not-so-pleasant tasks (like doctor appointments) with happier ones (like thrift shopping). When I was visiting the dentist a couple of months ago and remembered there was a Goodwill store nearby, I couldn’t resist popping in. After making my way up and down the store’s aisles, gazing at all sorts of stuff, I was just about ready to checkout. En route to the cash register, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted the thrift find of my dreams: Sitting on a shelf with some electronics was the classic, stylish burl wood box pictured above, which may have been a cigar box in a past life. While I knew the box was coming home with me no matter what, I was even more pleased when I saw the $1.99 price tag. This is one of my cheapest, chicest finds yet!

I’ve amassed a fairly large collection of burl wood boxes over the years, having scored a couple from the Studio McGee for Target collection, one from a local flea market, and yet another at an antique store. So I couldn’t resist adding to my stash. I love the subtle, ’70s glam vibe they introduce into a space, and, of course, wood is neutral enough to go with any kind of decor.

I opted to place this one on my brass and glass coffee table to add some warmth to this sleek surface. Only then did I realize that it would be the perfect storage solution for my TV remotes. I keep two inside, along with a box of matches, since I almost always have a candle burning nearby while I watch my favorite shows. Between this box, a decorative tray, and a seashell dish that holds photos, what was once the messiest spot in my apartment—my coffee table—now always looks streamlined and stylish. Better yet, I haven’t lost track of my remotes since I brought this baby home.

Unfortunately, the odds that you’ll stumble upon a similar box for just $2 are probably slim. That said, I’ve come across my fair share of relatively affordable boxes that look somewhat like this one and can be used for the same purpose in your own home. Note that while none of these boxes boast the same practically free price tag as the one I found, they can still be considered fairly reasonable, given how much burl pieces—and decorative boxes, for that matter—generally cost. Just run a quick search for burl wood furniture, and you’ll see what I mean! To get you started on your own shopping adventure, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite similar finds, all of which will make any burl wood fanatic swoon.