If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you can never have too much storage (or maybe I just have too many throw blankets – jury’s out). Whether it’s a bench that keeps the holiday decor out of sight or a trunk that makes your living room feel a bit more put together, finding those pieces that sneakily double as storage is kind of the secret to making your space feel effortless. So, in case you’re ever staring at that pile of stuff and wondering where it should all go, we’ve rounded up a handful of clever solutions that might just help – no reno or big budget required.
You know that scene in Stepbrothers, where Will Ferrell asks for permission to build bunk beds? “It’ll give us so much extra space in our room for activities,” he says. That’s the same case I’d like to make for the storage benches we installed in the art barn. (We obviously bought the unfinished pine, but they come in a few other tones and shades, too.) Craft supplies? Toss them in the banquette. Holiday decorations? There’s room for those, too. If it needs to be stored, it can fit in the banquette. Highly recommended for anyone making the most of a small space. (PS. Add cushions for a true built-in look – no one will know you didn’t splurge on a carpenter.)
Is your kids’ room a bit short on space? Look no further than this sub-$400 bed frame, which combines the functionality of a dresser, a bookshelf, AND a bed. You’ll love having a dedicated place for your child’s clothes; your child will love having a dedicated place to display whatever treasure they’re newly-obsessed with this week. Everybody wins! What’s not to love?
Oh, you thought those were just nestled coffee tables? THINK AGAIN. This wicker end table opens to reveal storage space for blankets, pillow covers, games, or anything else you’re trying to conceal from your holiday visitors. Added bonus: if you’re suffering from too-small coffee table syndrome (a classic design ailment that affects millions of homes every year), a nestled table like this is the cure – it’s a functional, beautiful, and smart addition to any living room.
While we’re on the note of coffee tables – this MCM-inspired lift-top table is a classic for good reason. Sure, it can serve as a makeshift dinner table for your DoorDash order…but it can be so much more than that, too! It’s a safe place to store and display breakables (swinging dog tails won’t stand a chance against the open shelf). It’s a makeshift WFH space (sometimes you just need to work from the sofa, you know?). It’s a correspondence station (set up your stationary inside; pop it open to write the thank you notes you’ve always wanted to send). But more than anything, it’s just a great coffee table. 10/10!
Could I write a post on design-forward storage without highlighting a storage trunk? It’s a jack of all trades – style it as a coffee table, an end table, an end-of-bed bench, a nightstand…the options are endless. If you can’t find a great local vintage option (or if secondhand isn’t your thing), this trunk offers a beautiful mix of textures.
This solid wood nightstand offers the best of both worlds: open storage up top for your pretty things, and a drawer below to mask anything you’d rather keep private. This mid-toned wood is gorgeous, too – it’s easy to mix-and-match with any existing wood pieces in your home. (And, I mean…look how great it looks in a color-drenched space! It’s an easy way to add some life and tension to your room.)
Don’t let the beige finish fool you: this under-$300 hall tree is the perfect candidate for an upgrade. We totally transformed the piece above with a coat of paint, some new hardware, and a bit of added moulding. A ready-made piece like this one is the easiest way to get a built-in look without spending big bucks on custom cabinetry!
Free up some crucial cabinet space with an affordable kitchen island that displays your pretty bowls, dishes, or decanted pantry essentials. I love that this petite version offers a warm wooden top, too – it’s a perfect solution for those looking for a prep surface in a small kitchen!
The semi-skirted console is like a mullet: business in the front, party in the back (or, uh, behind the curtain? Sorry, this metaphor is getting away from me). Get the look at home with this console table from Wayfair, an affordable tension rod, and a fabric of your choice. Stash the unsightly stuff behind the curtain, and keep your favorite pieces easily accessible on the countertop. It’s obviously functional in a kitchen, but I also love it in an entry. (No more staring at dog leashes and poop bags the moment you open the door – what a concept!)
The only thing I love more than a cabinet with a fluted glass door is a cabinet with a fluted glass door that’s almost 75% off. (Your eyes don’t deceive you – it’s THAT good of a deal.) This one obscures juuuuuust the right amount, too – use it as a pantry, like Arlyn did, or throw it in a living room for a pretty storage solution that doesn’t need to be straightened up constantly.
I’ve previously recommended these collapsing metal under-bed storage bins, but I’ve found a new great option to share! This pair of solid wood drawers are made from solid pine, FSC certified, and harvested from sustainably managed forests. I know what you’re thinking: they must be expensive. THEY’RE NOT! Grab them for $115 total – that’s just $57 for a bin you’ll be able to use forever. They’re ideal for linens, out-of-season clothes, shoes, or whatever else you’re currently struggling to reach under your bed.
I’m on a mission to bring the filing cabinet back into fashion. I don’t know when these fell out of style – or when “offices with only a desk and nothing else” became popular – but I’m here to tell you: filing cabinets can be beautiful AND functional! Look for a wood tone that echoes the shade of your desk for a more seamless, designed look (this rich mahogany shade is nice!). I promise: it feels SO GOOD to have a dedicated spot for medical records, tax returns, or any other important piece of paper you need to hold on to. Why not give them a pretty home?
If you’re in the market for a new bedroom or entry bench, don’t forget to consider an option with storage! In the former, toss your socks in the drawers for a one-stop perch. In the latter, store your myriad of free tote bags or reusable grocery bags – you’ll never forget to grab them again! I love that this bench comes with a sweet upholstered top, too.
Opening Image Credits: Design by Pricilla Frost | Styled by Emily Henderson | Photo by Kailtin Green | From: My Best Friend’s Basement Budget Mudroom