When it comes to furniture in smaller rooms or spaces, built-in storage is an absolute must. There literally isn’t room for useless pieces, so each item should have a purpose, or even better, multiple purposes. Ottomans are a great example of versatility in that some open up to reveal a tray and storage space to be used for kids’ toys, remotes, video game controllers and more. These are usually pretty lightweight and can be moved around the room easily and used as footrests, side tables, or even extra seating when needed. A pretty and cozy storage bench goes along the same lines by housing blankets, pillows, or shoes, also providing additional seating. Coffee tables can be designed to contain large drawers or hidden compartments to use as storage. Some can even open up to reveal a cooler! A bookshelf is probably one of the most modifiable pieces of furniture. Of course, it can always be used as intended—to hold books—but there are so many other great ways to organize and display different objects using bookcases. As a media console, store all your movies, music, gaming devices, TV boxes and more. Organize your shoe collection shelf by shelf and allow for easy access by using them in a mudroom, entryway area, or closet A smaller bookshelf could be used as a nightstand and serve as a stylish way to store your bedside needs. For a spalike touch, place a small-scale bookshelf in a bathroom to hold towels and other essentials. A large bookcase could be used as a makeshift wall to divide a room—just pull the bookshelf away from the wall, library-style. Make sure to stabilize and secure bookshelves to the floor or wall to prevent them from tipping and becoming safety hazards. Make the most out of the furniture you already have and give your favorite heirloom and traditional pieces new flavor by using a little ingenuity and inventiveness. Take the armoire, for example, which usually houses linens, coats, or other clothing in the bedroom. Since most houses are equipped with fairly spacious closets these days, try thinking outside the box and come up with another, more useful, design for your freestanding cabinet. Perhaps it could be used as an office workspace— storing papers, books, file folders, pens and markers and a laptop—that can all be closed at a moment’s notice. A chic, vintage wardrobe could be used for extra storage in the dining room. An old bachelor’s chest doesn’t have to be just for garment storage; a beautiful, substantial chest could be used as an island in the kitchen. Add rear cabinets and a marble or granite top and you’ve got yourself a new piece of furniture. For a less intimidating project with a smaller chest, install front hinges on
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