Key takeaways
- For a narrow shelf: Choose a compact can with a footprint smaller than the available shelf depth. A tall, narrow can saves floor area, but it needs a broad, weighted base or a wall-side position to resist tipping.
- For a large or mixed-size collection: Look for a wide opening and a stated interior height at least 2–3 cm (about 1 in) above your tallest magazine. A can that is only just tall enough may bend corners or make removal awkward.
- For dusty or infrequently used magazines: A fitted lid offers more protection than an open top. Check whether the lid is easy to lift one-handed and whether its rim sits securely rather than resting loosely on top.
- For frequent browsing: An open-top design is usually more convenient. If the can has a cutout handle or low side opening, confirm it doesn’t make the sides too flexible when the container is full.
- For homes with children or pets: Prefer a low, heavy-based container that cannot be pulled over easily, with smooth edges and a lid that cannot pinch fingers. Place it where it won’t obstruct a walkway or become an easy climbing aid.
The best magazine storage cans depend on your shelf space and how you use your magazines
For most households, the best magazine storage cans are stable, open-top metal or sturdy plastic cans sized to the tallest magazine you plan to store; choose a lidded can only when keeping out dust matters more than quick access. Before buying, measure the shelf or floor spot and check a magazine’s height, width, and thickness—“magazine holder” dimensions can describe the outside of the can, not the useful interior.
Compare common can styles
Product dimensions and capacities vary by maker, and many listings don’t state usable interior measurements. The figures below are practical planning ranges, not specifications for a particular product. Check the manufacturer’s dimensions before ordering, especially for oversized magazines or a snug shelf fit.
| Can style | Typical outside dimensions (H × diameter) | Useful capacity estimate | Common material | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compact open-top can | 25–30 × 15–20 cm (10–12 × 6–8 in) | About 8–15 standard issues | Steel, wire, or plastic | A desk, narrow shelf, or small rotating selection |
| Medium lidded can | 30–36 × 20–25 cm (12–14 × 8–10 in) | About 15–30 standard issues | Steel or rigid plastic | Occasional access and protection from household dust |
| Large floor can | 36–45 × 25–30 cm (14–18 × 10–12 in) | About 25–50 standard issues | Steel, plastic, or woven material over a frame | A larger collection stored beside a chair or in a reading area |
Capacity estimates assume a typical magazine stack thickness of roughly 3–5 mm per issue and allow some room to remove items. Thick catalogs, annuals, and oversized titles take up more space. A can’s stated volume in liters is not the same as its magazine capacity: a wide, shallow container may have the same volume as a tall, narrow one but be much less useful for upright storage.
Choose by situation
- For a narrow shelf: Choose a compact can with a footprint smaller than the available shelf depth. A tall, narrow can saves floor area, but it needs a broad, weighted base or a wall-side position to resist tipping.
- For a large or mixed-size collection: Look for a wide opening and a stated interior height at least 2–3 cm (about 1 in) above your tallest magazine. A can that is only just tall enough may bend corners or make removal awkward.
- For dusty or infrequently used magazines: A fitted lid offers more protection than an open top. Check whether the lid is easy to lift one-handed and whether its rim sits securely rather than resting loosely on top.
- For frequent browsing: An open-top design is usually more convenient. If the can has a cutout handle or low side opening, confirm it doesn’t make the sides too flexible when the container is full.
- For homes with children or pets: Prefer a low, heavy-based container that cannot be pulled over easily, with smooth edges and a lid that cannot pinch fingers. Place it where it won’t obstruct a walkway or become an easy climbing aid.
Materials, lids, and stability: what to check
Metal
Steel cans tend to keep their shape under a full load and can suit a visible living area. Inspect the rim and handle openings for rolled or finished edges; a raw edge can snag paper or scratch hands. Painted finishes can chip at corners or where a lid rubs. Wipe metal dry after cleaning, since moisture left in seams or scratches can encourage rust, particularly on lower-cost finishes.
Plastic
Rigid plastic is often light and easy to wipe clean, making it practical for a closet or a space where the can may be moved. The trade-off is that thin walls can flex, crack, or distort under a heavy stack. Press gently on the sides before filling, and avoid storing a full can in strong direct sunlight unless the maker says the material is suitable for it.
Woven and fabric-covered designs
Wicker, rattan, and fabric-covered cans add texture, but their frames and linings determine how well they hold up. A loose weave can catch magazine corners, while an unlined surface may collect dust. Check that the base is flat and reinforced, and use a removable liner only if it does not reduce the opening enough to snag magazines.
Lid styles and tipping risk
Open tops offer the fastest access; lift-off lids are simple but need somewhere to go while you browse. Hinged lids stay attached, though hinges and fabric seams are parts that may loosen first. Lids can also add weight at the top, so a tall, narrow can may be less stable when the lid is open. A wider base, grippy feet, and a low center of gravity matter more than a decorative handle. If the can rocks when empty or shifts with a light push, don’t place it where a child or pet could pull it over.
Check the fit before you buy
- Measure the space. Record the maximum height, width, and depth available, including clearance needed to lift off a lid.
- Measure the largest magazine. Measure its height and width while closed, then add about 2–3 cm (1 in) to the required interior height for easy removal.
- Estimate capacity by thickness. Measure a representative stack of 10 issues, then divide that thickness by 10 to estimate the average thickness per issue. For example, a 4 cm stack averages 4 mm per magazine. A 20 cm-wide interior could hold roughly 50 issues at that thickness in theory; leave space for fingers and uneven edges, so plan for fewer.
- Check the usable opening. Handles, rolled rims, a lid lip, or an interior liner can make the opening narrower than the outside dimensions suggest.
- Plan the full load. Magazines are heavier than an empty can. Place the filled container on a level surface and keep it within the maker’s load guidance, if provided.
Keep the can and magazines in good shape
Don’t overfill: tightly wedged magazines are harder to remove and more likely to get bent corners or torn covers. Store the heaviest issues toward the bottom, but avoid packing them so tightly that the can bows or the base sags. Keep paper away from damp floors, radiators, and other sources of heat or moisture. For routine cleaning, empty the can first, then use a dry or lightly damp cloth appropriate to the material; let it dry fully before replacing the magazines. Avoid abrasive cleaners on painted metal and follow the care instructions for woven finishes.
Bottom line
Choose a compact open-top can for a small, frequently used selection; a medium lidded can for occasional access and less dust exposure; or a wide, stable floor can for a larger collection. The most useful checks are interior height, opening width, base stability, and the weight of the can when full—not capacity claims alone. If the exact dimensions or construction details aren’t listed, ask the maker before buying rather than assuming the can will fit.
