Even a tidy, decluttered home still needs somewhere to stash your belongings. Instead of crowding an already tidy interior with traditional cupboards, shelving and baskets, you can choose furniture that doubles as storage. From benches with lift-up compartments to coffee tables with drawers, here are some dual-purpose furniture ideas that give you more than one way to use a piece.
Benches
A modern bench can be more than somewhere to sit. When fitted with a hidden or built-in compartment, it gives you two functions in one piece of furniture. Depending on the design, the seat may lift up to reveal a roomy compartment underneath. Other benches may come with drawers, baskets or open shelving built into the base. This makes them handy for storing everything from shoes and blankets to toys, books and everyday clutter.
Storage benches come in various styles, so you don’t have to sacrifice your interior aesthetic to gain extra storage. For instance, modern benches with storage usually have a clean, simple silhouette that blends easily into contemporary, minimalist, Scandinavian and eclectic interiors. Neutral upholstery in beige, grey, cream and soft white also adds to their understated look.
Modern benches often feature a cushioned seat for extra comfort and slim legs that give the piece a light and streamlined appearance. The storage compartment is usually neatly tucked beneath the seat to keep belongings out of sight.
If your interior leans towards a traditional style, you can opt for a solid-wood bench that features turned or carved legs and hinged lids that open to reveal internal compartments.
When adding a storage bench to your existing interior, there are a few things to consider. First, you don’t need to redesign your living space around it. Look at the furniture and colours you already have and choose a piece that complements them.
Second, think about where you need extra storage most. A bench can make use of otherwise unused space at the end of a bed, beneath a window, in an entryway or along an empty wall.
Ottomans
Speaking of seating solutions that can double as storage, ottomans are another option worth considering. A storage ottoman can complement a storage bench when you need extra seating or storage but don’t want to add another large piece of furniture.
For instance, you could place an ottoman in front of the bench to create a comfortable spot to put your feet up, or use one nearby as extra seating when you have guests. It can also give you a smaller compartment for items you use more often, while the larger bench holds bulkier belongings.
Storage ottomans usually have a padded, upholstered top and a hidden compartment underneath, giving them a soft, furniture-like appearance while keeping clutter tucked away. They can be square, rectangular or round, with everything from clean, modern lines to tufted details and exposed wooden legs.
Media Units
It’s safe to say that wall-mounted TVs have changed the way we set up our living rooms. With screens taking up less floor space, you might wonder whether you need a media unit at all. However, even with a wall-mounted TV, you still may consider a media unit with built-in storage. One with drawers, cupboards, open shelving or a combination of the three can double as a handy storage solution.
Drawers are useful for keeping smaller items such as remote controls, gaming controllers, cables and batteries neatly tucked away. Cupboards can hide larger or less attractive essentials, including consoles, DVDs, routers, headphones and other accessories. Open shelves, meanwhile, can be used for books, games, speakers or decorative pieces you want to keep on display.
Some media units also feature cable-management openings, helping you keep wires organised rather than letting them become a tangled mess behind the TV. A combination of open and closed storage can be particularly practical, allowing you to display the things you like while keeping everyday clutter out of sight.
Media units come in a wide range of sizes, finishes and styles. You can choose one that complements your existing furniture style.
Coffee Tables
A coffee table gives you somewhere to put your coffee, drinks, books and anything else you want within easy reach while sitting on the sofa. But when chosen wisely, your coffee table can pull double duty as a handy storage spot.
That said, look for coffee tables with drawers, shelves, lift-up tops and hidden compartments. A table with a lower shelf can be an easy place to stack books, magazines, board games or baskets for smaller items.
Drawers are handy for keeping remote controls, chargers, coasters and other everyday bits and pieces out of sight. Lift-top coffee tables feature hidden storage underneath, where you can tuck away blankets, toys, controllers or other living-room clutter.
Style-wise, modern coffee tables can feature clean lines, slim legs and simple finishes, while wooden designs can bring a warmer feel to the room. Some have a combination of open shelving and concealed compartments, so you can display a few favourite books or decorative pieces while hiding the less attractive essentials.