An embarrassingly high screen time comes with pros that are few and far between. However, one such advantage to being chronically online is finding gems amidst the chaos of trends that just won't stick. And purse bowls are golden.
When it comes to handbag storage, all your purses might be tidy, but their contents are most likely not. Guilty of this myself, I'll often end up sticking to my everyday bag, rather than truly getting use out of the other gorgeous bags in my wardrobe.
But what if I told you there is a solution that will keep your purse's contents in reach and organized so you can swap from bag to bag on a whim, without forgetting any of your essentials? This is a style of entryway organization I'm willing to take on board.
What Is a Purse Bowl?
In short, a clever little bowl to catch the contents of your bag day in and day out.
"It’s exactly what it sounds like," says professional organizer Meaghan Kessman. "A decorative bowl or basket that you keep by the door to drop your purse's daily contents in on your way into your home."
She goes on to point out that it’s a simple but stylish way to create a consistent landing spot for something you use every day, and I'm in total agreement. I first took note of this idea from Danielle Carolan's TikTok video and was curious to know if organizers are on the purse bowl boat, too.
And it turns out that this concept has Meaghan's stamp of approval. "They eliminate the 'where did I leave my stuff?' moment and keep your most-used items in one place," she notes. "It’s also a great way to keep your home looking tidy since you’re not dropping your bag's contents on the floor or counter."
Catchalls are a common entryway organizer, but having one dedicated to your handbag essentials will make life so much easier.
Meaghan is a professional organizer and the founder of a full-service organizing firm based in Los Angeles. As a Southern California native, Meaghan has been passionate about organization since childhood. After a 20+ year career as a Digital Media Executive for companies such as Pandora Media and People Magazine, and three years living abroad with her family in London, she now has the opportunity to do what she's always wanted to do: create beautiful spaces through organization.
TikTok rules suggest an entryway, but I say there's room in a closet, too.
Color: Gold
Zara Home's Decorative Marble Bowl was one of the first picks to come to mind for the perfect purse bowl, and one look at its stunning design will tell you why.
Color: Natural
If biophilic decluttering is your vibe, you'll love this Seagrass Woven Scalloped Footed Serving Bowl from M&S.
Color: White
This stunning Lara Decorative Bowl from Anthropologie checks every box. Perfect size? Check. Stylish? Check. Elevated minimalism? Check.
Color: Blue
If you tend to carry jewelry in your bags like me, you'll want a softer catchall that will prevent tangling and damage. And this Lauren Rubinski Faux Suede Jewelry Tray from Net-A-Porter does just that.
Color: Light Beige
Looking for fun ways to decorate with bobbin while entrusting a purse bowl? This Extra Large Metal Bowl from H&M will do the trick.
Color: Chrome
Chrome decor is everywhere, so why shouldn't this metallic hue douse your purse bowl, too? This Normann Copenhagen Fem Bowl from Holloways of Ludlow is my prime pick.
FAQs
Where Should You Place Your Purse Bowl?
Ideally, Meaghan recommends locating your purse bowl right by your main entryway. "On a console table, in the mudroom, or even on a bench or shelf near the door is perfect," she adds. "It should be easy to reach and part of your natural coming-and-going flow, so it becomes a habit."
Even Marie Kondo's entryway organization tips involve keeping a catchall in place, and the purse bowl is just an elevated, focused take on this brilliant idea.
Although an entryway is the best spot for a purse bowl, it might not be the smartest move if you're trying to make the most of a small entryway. Which is why I'm all for shifting purse bowls to wardrobes, too.
This way, the moment you saunter into your closet, you can tip your bag's contents into the purse bowl and pepper your pick of the day in with the rest of your organized handbags.
What's the Best Catchall for a Purse Bowl?
The way I see it, most sturdy bowls would work perfectly. However, it's better to go for solid glass, marble, or steel rather than delicate crystal and dainty ceramics to avoid cracking them at first empty.
Plus, it's just as important to avoid picking a bowl that's too large or too small. The former will inadvertently cause you to accumulate clutter, and the latter will lead to a messy entryway.
Lastly, keep it cute. Don't settle on just any dingy bowl for it's the first thing you see when you enter your home and can easily set false impressions for what's ahead.
My final thoughts? I'm obsessed. The idea of a purse bowl might not seem revolutionary to some, but as someone who is constantly having to buy multiple mini lip glosses, hand sanitizers, and mints for each purse, I can now save some coin and switch from purse to purse with this easy home organization idea. And it's all thanks to my screen time (ha).
