Share
A cluttered space doesn’t always indicate a character flaw. Sometimes the mess happens because there’s no place to put things. Whether your goal is to display your treasures to their best advantage, reorganize your work space, or simply tuck some junk out of sight, there’s a storage solution for you. (Fringe benefit: Stowing things in a dedicated space means you may actually be able to find them when you need them.)
Better Bathing Through Chemistry {1}
Cabinets that equipped the laboratories of America in the 1930s inspired this streamlined linen cabinet. True to the originals, it’s built of hand-welded stainless steel with zinc hardware and finished with bullet hinges and curved feet. The glass doors and adjustable shelves are tempered for strength, and the steel is sealed to protect it from moisture. Transcending mere storage, this is a gorgeous statement piece in a
bathroom or hallway.
1930s Stainless Steel Laboratory Storage Cabinet, Medium; $2,305
72” high x 30” wide x 16” deep
Restoration Hardware, King of Prussia, Pa.
Chest for Treasures {2}
Oh, the adorableness! Eye-catching animal appliques on these versatile polyester storage containers make them stand out from the doggie and teddy bear crowd. The sides are reinforced with cardboard to keep the toy chest standing at attention; a lid hides the contents from view. Simply fold down to store flat when not in use.
Crocodile Toy Chest; $24.99 Also available in Buffalo, Whale, Poodle, Leopard, Hippo, and Elephant
15” high x 24” wide x 14.5” deep
3 Sprouts
Say “Goodnight” to Bedroom Clutter {3}
Small spaces demand smart storage solutions, and Ikea’s “Brimnes” packs a big storage punch in a single piece of furniture. Four large pull-out drawers in the bed frame hold blankets and out-of-season clothing, while the headboard keeps smaller items close at hand. The top shelf has holes to accommodate electrical cords for your lamp and charger.
Brimnes Bed Frame with Storage and Headboard;
$329 for queen size
Frame: 76¾ long x 55½” high x 18½” high
Ikea, Conshohocken and Philadelphia, Pa.
Put the Brakes on Garage Clutter {4}
Garages can be dirty and depressing. Every piece of junk that doesn’t have a home elsewhere seems to end up there. Sometimes there’s so much stuff that you can’t pull your car in. If you’re ready to make your garage more functional and inviting, the customizable Silver II Garage Collection from Closets by Design can help you get things off the floor and into stylish cabinetry. The bar-pull handles, sliding drawers, concealed European hinges, color-matched ¾-inch-thick drawer boxes, and wood or laminate counters are built to last. All cabinets have full backs so dust and dirt can’t get in. Anti-skid, anti-fatigue flooring coordinates with the cabinets or your car. Hang garden tools, snow shovels, and sports equipment on the slat wall. You’ll be looking for an excuse to linger in the garage rather than to flee.
Silver II Garage Collection; price varies depending on size and style.
Design consultations and written estimates are free.
Size varies from a single cabinet to a large three-car garage
Closets by Design
Various locations in Pennsylvania and Delaware
Wrap It Up! {5}
If you don’t think that getting your gift wrap organized will change your life, you’re wrong. Having all of your wrapping paper, gift bags, tags, ribbons, scissors, tape, and other supplies corralled in one portable container streamlines the wrapping process and keeps you from getting into the “Why can’t I find the ribbon that goes with this paper?!” bad mood. This Wrap & Tote Organizer holds up to 24 rolls of 30-inch gift wrap rolls (40 inch without the interior partition). An accordion divider lets you customize the compartments. In the lid, a pocket is just the place for tissue paper and ribbon spools. The zippered case opens on three sides for easy access. You’ll be able to tell at a glance exactly what you have and what you need. And that’s a gift.
Grey Wrap & Tote Organizer; $19.99
411⁄4” long x 141⁄4” wide x 51⁄8” deep
The Container Store, King of Prussia, Pa; Cherry Hill, NJ; Newark, Del.
Versatile Trunk-Bench Does Double Duty {6}
Lift the lid on Teca’s reclaimed teak and iron trunk and you’ll find a spacious interior with a perforated metal floor to provide air flow (essential if you use it for sports gear). Close the top, and voilà! Now you have a bench where you can sit to remove shoes and boots. Store the footwear on the handy slatted shelf below. This Crate & Barrel exclusive is the perfect combination of style and storage for your foyer, mudroom, guest bedroom, or hallway.
Teca Storage Trunk-Bench; water-based sealer, acrylic lacquer and wax topcoat; iron base and pull with black powder-coat finish; safety hinges; $599
44” wide x 18” tall x 17.5” deep
Crate & Barrel, King of Prussia, Pa.
A Crafty Idea {7}
What would a feature about storage solutions be without a nod to the goddess of home organization and decor? This table from Martha Stewart Living tucks cleverly into in a corner while offering ample storage for your crafting tools. It features a scratch-resistant top, two pullout drawers, and cubbies to keep supplies organized. Group it with other pieces from Martha’s line to optimize your work area, and let the creativity flow.
Martha Stewart Living
Craft Space Corner Table; starts at $239
31” high x 58” wide x 41” deep
Home Decorators Collection
