Home-furnishing adds up fast, on both the budget and space fronts, so we’re always searching for ways to cut corners. Our top tip for saving big on apartment shopping? Storage furniture. These strategic, multi-purpose goods work as stylish decor and practical anchor pieces inside our living spaces for the price (and size) of one.
Not solely relegated to consoles, cabinets, or ottomans, the selection of unique storage furniture solutions are endless — branching from living room to kitchen, hallway, bedroom, and beyond. To prove it, we’ve rounded up the top functional and fashionable finds that you’d love even if they didn’t hold anything extra. Whether it’s minimalist seating with a compartmentalized interior, a sleek lift-top coffee table, MCM-style kitchen cart, shelf-inlaid headboard, or an artful hall tree, let the home buys ahead handle your furnishing conundrums with genius finesse.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Good: Extra Seating
Storage: Shoe Rack
Use this bamboo storage bench as a compact solution for nonexistent mudroom to walk-in closet space.
The Container Store Lotus Bamboo Storage Bench, $99.99, available at The Container Store
Good: Coffee Table
Storage: Office Space
When you don’t have an actual home office to work from, this stylish coffee table with multiple storage capabilities and a lift-top desk has your back.
International Lux Lift Top Coffee Table, $204.99, available at Houzz
Good: Entry Bench
Storage: Coat Closet
Show guests to your coat closet — a.k.a. this small-space optimized unit with extra hooks, racks, and seating.
Honey Can Do Entryway Storage Coat Rack, $81.99, available at Wayfair
Good: Bar Cart
Storage: Pantry
This MCM-style bar cart is ready to stand-in as elegant kitchen pantry storage.
Holly & Martin Zhori Midcentury Modern Bar Cart, $149.59, available at Overstock.com
Good: Reading Bench
Storage: Bookcase
Easily create a compact library inside your studio apartment with this genius bench-seat and storage-cabinet piece.
Langley Street Kinsley Sectional Wood Storage Bench, $212.99, available at AllModern
Good: Standing-Mirror
Storage: Clothing Rack
When walk-in closets are things of dreams, use this space-saving mirror and storage-ladder combo as a sleek dressing-station reality.
Umbra Hub Floor Mirror, $200, available at Houzz
Good: Nightstand
Storage: Sleep Essentials
Finally, a nightstand with drawer space AND a hammock for our slippers and eye-masks.
Nathan James Hugo Accent Table, $59.99, available at Hayneedle
Good: Bed
Storage: Dresser
Run the space-saving bedroom game with this platform storage frame and headboard that combines two major furniture pieces into one.
Mercury Row Massie Storage Platform Bed, $619.99, available at Wayfair
Good: Room Divider
Storage: Shelving-Unit
Section off your small space while also creating artful, open-air storage opportunities.
MyGift Open Bookcase Room Divider, $169.99, available at Amazon
Good: Ottoman
Storage: Entertainment Accessories
Kick your feet up onto this sleek and softly-cushioned ottoman while its interior slyly conceals your myriad of smart-tv remotes.
Project 62 Loring Storage Cube, $79.98, available at Target
Good: Side Table
Storage: Magazine (Or Record) Rack
Even without an artful display of your magazine or record collection, this powder pink-coated metal table is chic furniture at its finest.
Urban Outfitters Lola Vinyl Storage Console, $99, available at Urban Outfitters
Good: Living-Room Console
Storage: Kitchenware
Stylish enough to stand alone as a decorative console inside your living space — and compartmentalized enough to conceal space-consuming kitchenware (from plates to glasses and more).
Nathan James Ellipse Multipurpose Display Storage Unit, $146.99, available at Amazon
Good: Art Accent
Storage: Toiletries
Even if this gilded storage basket tower wasn’t filled with bathroom essentials, it would still serve as a chic accent piece inside your space.
Anthropologie Clancy Basket Tower, $258, available at Anthropologie
Good: Standing-Mirror
Storage: Vanity
All this adjustable standing-mirror with its connected storage bin needs is a compact stool in front for complete small-space vanity domination.
Powell Company Aurora Cheval Mirror, $95.99, available at Target
Good: Decor Piece
Storage: Coat Rack
Coat rack OR modern maple-wood sculpture?
Mercury Row Dehaven Coat Rack, $89.99, available at AllModern
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Source: Refinery29 – Elizabeth Buxton