Mixed-size storage bins: shelf layout and pack costs

How much space do the gaps take?

Sort the contents into groups before drawing the row. A tall spray bottle, a folded towel and loose batteries need different interiors even if their containers have matching fronts. Write the minimum number of wide and narrow bins that will serve those groups.

Shelf width: 35 in. Bin A: 10 in wide. Bin B: 7 in wide. Gap: 0.5 in at each end and between neighbors. A row of n bins has n + 1 gaps.

Scroll across to read every column.

The fullest row can still be the wrong layout

Suppose two separate groups need the interior of A and one needs B. One A plus three B fails that requirement, even though it fills more width. Two A plus one B use 20 + 7 + 4 × 0.5 = 29 in and leave 6 in. That is the useful row for this example.

Measure the largest item against the inside bottom of the bin, where taper can reduce usable space. A wide rim does not tell you whether a folded towel or a boxed refill will lie flat. The calculator searches for the fullest row using options 1 and 2. Compare its suggestion with your required count of each size.

A mixed row needs two shopping calculations

For this example, A is sold in two-packs for $24 and B in four-packs for $20. A row of 1 A + 3 B requires one pack of each: $44 for six bins, leaving one spare of each size.

For 2 A + 1 B, those same two packs also cost $44, with three spare B bins. Equal checkout totals can serve very different arrangements. Individual candidate totals in the tool are not the price of its mixed row.

Would turning one size solve the problem?

Try the rotated dimensions before shopping for a third size. IKEA lists the small SAMLA box at 11 in wide and 7½ in deep. Rotating that footprint uses 7½ in across the shelf but requires 11 in of depth. The extra front-to-back space must still leave room for the closed door and your grip.

Sketch both orientations at the scale of your shelf. Add end gaps, gaps between bins, handles and lids. A rotation that creates room for another bin is useful only if the opening still faces a direction you can reach.

A shelf map you can use while shopping

For the 35 in shelf above, a row of 2 A + 1 B uses 29 in including four half-inch gaps. The remaining 6 in can stay open for a hand or a tall item. There is no need to buy a narrow fourth bin just to fill it.

• Write the planned contents inside each drawn bin.
• Mark which bins are used daily and which hold refills. Put the daily bins in the easiest positions.
• Record depth and height beside the row so a width comparison cannot hide a failure in another direction.
• Try removing the middle bin with its neighbors in place. Increase the gap if your grip needs it.
• Price the required packs for each size, including any lids.

Test the row before ordering

• Both sizes pass the shelf depth, body height and entrance checks.
• The row supplies the minimum number of each compartment needed.
• The loaded middle bin can be removed without moving its neighbors.
• Each lid opens as intended; shelf load limits are checked separately.