Remote Control Chaos Is A Tissue Box Holder Really Better Than Just An Open Tray

In homes across the world, one small but persistent battle rages daily: the war against remote control clutter. From TV remotes to soundbars, streaming devices, and air conditioners, modern living rooms often host a growing army of handheld controllers. Without a system, they end up scattered across coffee tables, buried under couch cushions, or lost in plain sight. The simplest solutions—like using an open tray or repurposing a tissue box holder—have sparked debate among organizers and homeowners alike. But which method actually works better?

The answer isn’t as obvious as it seems. While both options offer accessibility and low cost, their long-term effectiveness varies significantly based on household habits, design preferences, and functional needs.

Understanding the Problem: Why Remote Chaos Happens

Remote controls are essential, yet oddly transient. Unlike books or decor, they’re constantly in motion—picked up, used, set down, and forgotten. This creates what interior designers call “high-touch item drift,” where frequently used objects migrate unpredictably throughout a space.

Several factors contribute to remote control disarray:

• Multiplicity: Most households now own at least four different remotes.
• Lack of designated spots: No consistent place leads to ad-hoc storage (i.e., wherever there’s temporary space).
• Size inconsistency: Remotes vary widely in length and thickness, making uniform storage difficult.
• Shared usage: Multiple users mean inconsistent return habits.

Without intervention, this results in frustration, duplicated purchases, and even unnecessary device resets when remotes go missing for too long.

Tip: Assign a \"remote home\" near the primary seating area—ideally within arm’s reach but out of high-traffic paths.

Open Tray vs. Tissue Box Holder: A Functional Breakdown

Two minimalist solutions dominate DIY organizing: the open tray and the repurposed tissue box holder. Each has strengths and weaknesses depending on your priorities—accessibility, aesthetics, durability, or capacity.

Feature	Open Tray	Tissue Box Holder
Accessibility	Excellent – all remotes visible and easy to grab	Good – requires slight lift or tilt to access bottom remotes
Aesthetic Integration	Highly customizable; matches décor easily	Limited; often looks makeshift unless styled intentionally
Capacity	Flexible – holds any number laid flat	Fixed – limited by depth of box (typically 3–5 remotes)
Stability	Potential for sliding if surface is bumped	Better grip due to vertical orientation and back support
Dust & Debris Exposure	Full exposure; screens collect grime faster	Partial protection; top layer shields lower remotes

The data suggests that while trays win in visibility and flexibility, tissue box holders provide slightly better protection and structure. However, user behavior plays a bigger role than design alone.

Real-World Test: One Family’s Three-Month Trial

The Thompson family of four tested both systems over three months in their shared living room. They owned six remotes: TV, cable box, soundbar, Roku, AC, and DVD player. Initially, they used a decorative ceramic tray. Within two weeks, remotes began piling up unevenly, with smaller ones disappearing underneath larger ones. Dust accumulation was noticeable after ten days.

In month two, they switched to a wooden tissue box holder placed sideways so remotes slid in vertically. At first, family members complained about having to “dig” for specific remotes. However, by week three, they developed a habit of placing remotes back in order of use frequency—most-used on top.

By the end of the trial, the tissue box holder reduced misplaced remotes by 70%. It also minimized dust buildup and prevented accidental knocks during cleaning. The only drawback was difficulty fitting the bulky AC remote, which required slight angling.

“Vertical storage forces intentionality. You can’t just toss things in and forget them.” — Lena Patel, Organizational Psychologist

Optimizing Your Choice: A Step-by-Step Setup Guide

No single solution fits every home. Follow these steps to determine and implement the best system for your environment.

1. Inventory your remotes: List all devices and measure each remote’s length and thickness.
2. Assess usage patterns: Identify which remotes are used daily versus occasionally.
3. Choose location: Pick a spot within 18 inches of the primary viewer’s seated position.
4. Select container type:
   • For frequent swapping and mixed sizes → Open tray with raised edges
   • For minimalism and dust reduction → Modified tissue box holder (or magazine file)
5. Label if needed: Use small tags or colored tape to identify less-used remotes.
6. Establish return rules: Train household members to return remotes immediately after use.
7. Evaluate monthly: Adjust placement or container if misplacement exceeds two incidents per week.

Tip: Place a microfiber cloth inside the tray or beside the holder to encourage screen wiping before storage.

When Neither Option Works: Advanced Alternatives

If both trays and tissue box holders fail to solve your remote problem, consider upgrading to more robust solutions:

• Universal remotes: Reduce quantity by consolidating functions into one device.
• Wall-mounted docks: Ideal for tech-heavy setups; keeps remotes charged and visible.
• Console compartments: Built-in media cabinet drawers with felt lining prevent scratches and hide clutter.
• Smart home integration: Use voice assistants to minimize physical remote use altogether.

These options require higher investment but deliver long-term relief from clutter, especially in households with multiple entertainment zones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a tissue box holder for thick or oversized remotes?

Yes, but check the internal width first. Standard tissue boxes accommodate most slim remotes, but thicker models (like universal or gaming remotes) may not fit. Consider using a wider magazine file or modifying the opening with careful cutting.

Won’t an open tray make my space look messy?

It can, if not curated. Choose a tray that complements your room’s color scheme and materials (e.g., wood, marble, or woven fiber). Limit contents strictly to remotes and a small charging cable—avoid letting it become a catch-all.

How do I keep pet or child hands out of the remote holder?

Position the holder on a shelf just above seated height or use a lidded alternative like a decorative box with a slit opening. For families with young children, consider storing secondary remotes (like DVD players) out of reach and only bringing them out when needed.

Final Verdict: Is a Tissue Box Holder Better Than an Open Tray?

The tissue box holder isn’t inherently superior—but it does enforce better habits. Its vertical design naturally limits overfilling, offers mild protection from dust, and subtly encourages users to return items neatly. In contrast, open trays, while more accessible, often devolve into dumping grounds without strict maintenance.

For households seeking a zero-cost, immediate fix, either option beats leaving remotes loose. But if you're aiming for lasting order, the tissue box holder provides a psychological nudge toward tidiness that the open tray lacks.

Ultimately, the best organizer is the one consistently used. Pair whichever container you choose with clear household rules, proper placement, and a bit of routine maintenance—and you’ll finally reclaim your coffee table from remote anarchy.

💬 Have a clever remote control hack? Share your solution in the comments and help others end the chaos—one well-placed remote at a time.