This doesn't mean that we have to go out and spend a lot of money on furniture nor go into a major renovation if we are homeowners. There are many creative and low cost ways to add storage to a room. This can be done with portable pieces if you rent or inexpensive built-ins if you are a renter. Let's consider a few examples.
SHELVING: One of the first things most people think of when needing storage is shelves. They could be attached to brackets or custom built-ins. Either can be quick and easy. Usually, these are book shelves. But by using paint, wallpaper, or interesting brackets, our shelves can become a nice display area for favorite knicknacks or a mini-library! To make it look like furniture, you can add matching molding, glass shelves, stain, or paint. Whatever will complement your decor for the room.
BOXES & CANS: Noone wants to look at a room full of cardboard boxes. But sometimes, being a renter, you have to keep some of your decorative pieces boxed up. You don't want to throw them out because you may have to move again and what doesn't fit in one place, may fit in the next. Thus you have to find ways to store things without your apartment looking like a storage bin. Paper mache' boxes are a great solution. They can be painted or covered with fabric to match your decor. They come in a variety of sizes also.
Another cost effective way to accomplish this is with metal cans. Coffee cans are a great size as well as, the larger cans used for gourmet popcorn. How about the cans from the butter cookies and candy, they come in a variety of sizes. These too are easily decorated and can fit right in a room when stacked on or under a table.
FURNITURE: I like to use furniture in different ways for storage. An ottoman or blanket chest adds great storage, as well as, extra seating. How about bedside tables for side tables in the livingroom. They usualy have drawers to keep things out of sight until needed. One of my favorites is converting an antique dining buffet into a entertainment center. By building a platform to raise it up higher, you add storage for a vcr, dvd, and media materials. The middle of the cabinet is used to hold the tv and by taking off the side doors you have even more display shelves out of a quality piece of furniture. Don't forget to check the thrift stores for these pieces. The cost is low for quality wood so you don't feel bad about making custom changes.
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