DIY Gingham Toy Storage Bins (Fun + Functional Playroom Organization)

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After the holidays are over, there’s always one big question: where are we putting all the new toys?
Instead of buying more plain storage bins, I decided to turn organization into a fun DIY and paint gingham storage bins for our playroom. They’re playful, customizable, and make cleanup feel a little more joyful — which is always a win.

This project looks detailed, but I promise it’s very doable. If you can tape straight lines and paint simple stripes, you can make these.

This post is sponsored by Plaid Crafts and Walmart, thank you for supporting the brands we love!

Why I Love These DIY Gingham Storage Bins

• They make toy storage feel fun instead of boring
• You can customize colors to match your playroom
• Leaving part of the wood natural keeps them from feeling too busy
• They’re practical and creative — no perfection required

Supplies Needed

All supplies are easy to find at Walmart:

• Natural wood storage bins
• Painter’s tape
• White spray paint (for base coat)
• Apple Barrel acrylic paints
  • 3 shades of one color per bin (light, medium, dark)
• Paint brushes or foam brushes
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Optional: Mod Podge (for extra durability)

I used teal shades for one bin and purple shades for another.

Step-by-Step: How to Paint Gingham Storage Bins

Step 1: Prep the Bin

Start with a natural wood bin. Tape off the top third of the bin so it stays natural wood — this helps balance the pattern and keeps the final look clean and polished.

Step 2: Apply a Base Coat

Lightly spray the bottom portion of the bin with white spray paint.
This step is important because it helps the gingham colors pop and look crisp instead of dull.

Let the base coat dry completely before moving on.

Step 3: Choose Your Colors

Pick three shades of the same color:

• Light
• Medium
• Dark

This creates the classic gingham look, with the darkest shade appearing where stripes overlap.

Step 4: Tape & Paint Horizontal Stripes (First)

Measure and tape evenly spaced horizontal stripes across the painted section.
Paint these stripes using your lightest shade.

Let dry, then carefully remove the tape.

Step 5: Tape & Paint Vertical Stripes

Once the horizontal stripes are dry, tape evenly spaced vertical stripes in the opposite direction.
Paint these using the medium shade.

Let dry completely.

Step 6: Paint the Overlapping Squares

Tape off just the overlapping squares where the horizontal and vertical stripes intersect.
Paint those squares with the darkest shade.

This final step is what gives gingham its signature pattern.

Step 7: Reveal & Finish

Carefully peel away all tape and let everything dry.
If these bins will get heavy use, you can add a light coat of Mod Podge to seal and protect the paint.

Styling + Using Your Bins

These bins are perfect for:

• Toys
• Books
• Games
• Craft supplies

They work great in playrooms, bedrooms, or even closets — anywhere you want storage that feels intentional and fun.

Final Thoughts

This is one of my favorite January projects because it solves a real problem and lets you get creative. Don’t stress about perfect lines — the charm is in the handmade look.

If you try this project, I’d love to see it. Change up the colors, leave more wood exposed, or simplify the pattern — make it yours.