5 Multifunctional Storage Furnishings You Need

Whether you have too little space, too much stuff or both, storage furnishings are a fantastic and affordable solution. Here are five essentials that work for just about any home.
Linen and Towel Armoire

Linen and Towel Armoire

By: Lisa Frederick

Storage ottoman or bench. These multitaskers, which have hinged or removable lids, represent a near-perfect blend of form and function. They can provide flexible seating or stand in for a coffee table while also housing spare blankets, magazines, toys and more. Best of all, they work for almost any space in the house — along one side of a dining table, in a playroom, under a bay window, even in a bathroom dressing area.

Kid's Bedroom With Gingko-Leaf Wallpaper and White Daybed

Kid's Green and White Contemporary Bedroom with Floral Wallpaper

This contemporary kid's bedroom is bright and playful featuring a vibrant green and white color palette. Graphic, floral wallpaper adds to the sunny feel.

Daybed. Many daybed models feature pull-out drawers in the base — an updated take on under-the-bed storage. They’re perfect for a child’s bedroom or guest room, but you also can use them as sofa stand-ins. Try adding one to an office or rec room to increase its functionality many times over.

Armoire. Although armoires were developed as de facto clothes closets, their storage potential is nearly boundless. Place one in the den or living room to hold the TV, videogame console and more. (Bonus: Close the doors and no one will guess there are electronics inside). In a study or library, an armoire makes a beautiful bookshelf; in a bathroom, it can hold towels and sundries. For bedrooms, turn a small armoire into a spot for linen storage.

Gray Contemporary Bedroom With Trunk Storage

Gray Bedroom With Trunk for Seating

A trunk at the foot of the bed provides much needed storage and a spot to remove your shoes in this charcoal gray bedroom.

Photo by: Eric McNatt

Eric McNatt

Trunk. They may not be used much for travel anymore, but classic trunks do an admirable job as storage units. Top a vintage version with glass or a large tray to convert it into a coffee table or side table with plenty of storage inside. Or use a trunk at the foot of a bed instead of a cedar chest for quilts and bed linens.

Apothecary chest. The question is not what these multi-drawer marvels can store, but what they can’t. Toiletries? Check. DVDs and games? Covered. Linens and flatware? No problem. Browse antiques markets for vintage chests, or splurge and have one made with just the right amount and sizes of drawers. Old library card catalogs work in a pinch too.

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