Decorating
Built-in or Freestanding? Stylish Storage Solutions to Suit Your Home
Weigh up the pros and cons of these different arrangements before investing big bucks on stashing your stuff
We all have those congested corners that aren’t furnished effectively, whether it’s a bedside table permanently strewn with products (because your grooming routine really demands a drawer) or a living room that lacks a big enough book shelf. Getting your home’s storage in order will work wonders to free up tabletops and create a serene and enjoyable environment.
Built-in cupboards can offer a solid solution for many tricky spaces, but hiring a joiner represents a considerable investment. Likewise, freestanding furniture is the most flexible option, but it may take you longer to find the right fit. Ensure you’re making the best choice for your home by casting your eye over these arrangements.
Built-in cupboards can offer a solid solution for many tricky spaces, but hiring a joiner represents a considerable investment. Likewise, freestanding furniture is the most flexible option, but it may take you longer to find the right fit. Ensure you’re making the best choice for your home by casting your eye over these arrangements.
…or install a beautiful built-in
Bespoke storage offers optimum efficiency of space – cupboards can be shallower and will be designed to fit in and around any awkward alcoves.
The mirrored doors on this piece bring boudoir appeal while bouncing light around the room, making the cupboard feel less prominent.
Bespoke storage offers optimum efficiency of space – cupboards can be shallower and will be designed to fit in and around any awkward alcoves.
The mirrored doors on this piece bring boudoir appeal while bouncing light around the room, making the cupboard feel less prominent.
Make use of a medicine cabinet…
Storage and surface space are often at a premium in bathrooms. This wall-mounted medicine cabinet tackles both issues, thanks to interior and exterior shelves. The roll-top basin offers bonus storage in the form of a handy towel shelf.
Storage and surface space are often at a premium in bathrooms. This wall-mounted medicine cabinet tackles both issues, thanks to interior and exterior shelves. The roll-top basin offers bonus storage in the form of a handy towel shelf.
…or create seamless storage
If you prefer all your bathroom bits to be stashed out of sight, a large, recessed cabinet like this could do the trick. By framing out the wall to form the recess, a cavity has been created to hide the toilet cistern and basin plumbing. There’s also space for a nifty tiled shelf beneath the mirrored cupboard.
If you prefer all your bathroom bits to be stashed out of sight, a large, recessed cabinet like this could do the trick. By framing out the wall to form the recess, a cavity has been created to hide the toilet cistern and basin plumbing. There’s also space for a nifty tiled shelf beneath the mirrored cupboard.
Find furniture to fit alcoves…
Hunting down specific-sized pieces to fit fireside alcoves can be a time-consuming and frustrating business. However, the effect of this symmetrical styling shows it’s well worth the effort!
Slimline tables with big baskets underneath will not be sufficient to solve storage woes for some, but this unobtrusive arrangement balances the busy space.
See 10 times built-in storage has transformed a living room
Hunting down specific-sized pieces to fit fireside alcoves can be a time-consuming and frustrating business. However, the effect of this symmetrical styling shows it’s well worth the effort!
Slimline tables with big baskets underneath will not be sufficient to solve storage woes for some, but this unobtrusive arrangement balances the busy space.
See 10 times built-in storage has transformed a living room
…or custom-build cupboards
When closed storage is essential, bespoke cupboards like these pack the biggest punch. The glass-doored top sections show off attractive accessories, while the cupboards below hide unsightly odds and ends.
Giving each cupboard the same design and colour creates pleasing symmetry, even though many alcoves in old houses will be slightly different sizes. Along with the period styling and details on these cupboards, the potent, dark grey paint job also lends an industrial vibe to this period home.
When closed storage is essential, bespoke cupboards like these pack the biggest punch. The glass-doored top sections show off attractive accessories, while the cupboards below hide unsightly odds and ends.
Giving each cupboard the same design and colour creates pleasing symmetry, even though many alcoves in old houses will be slightly different sizes. Along with the period styling and details on these cupboards, the potent, dark grey paint job also lends an industrial vibe to this period home.
Add unobtrusive accessories…
Avoid your hallway becoming ‘dead space’ by seeking out slimline or wall-hung pieces that will add character without getting in the way.
Although a bench like this might be out of the question if your hall is truly tiny, the vertical shelving unit is pleasingly petite. A full-length mirror is essential for last-minute outfit checks, as well as increasing the sense of space.
Avoid your hallway becoming ‘dead space’ by seeking out slimline or wall-hung pieces that will add character without getting in the way.
Although a bench like this might be out of the question if your hall is truly tiny, the vertical shelving unit is pleasingly petite. A full-length mirror is essential for last-minute outfit checks, as well as increasing the sense of space.
…or revel in recessed shelving
If you’re taking your home back to bare bones (and enjoy a wide hallway), slick, built-in shelves create an interesting architectural feature.
These alcoves have been framed out in wood, then boarded and plastered for seamless style. A collection of large accessories stops the shelves from feeling chaotic or cluttered.
See other ways your home’s architecture can help to add storage
If you’re taking your home back to bare bones (and enjoy a wide hallway), slick, built-in shelves create an interesting architectural feature.
These alcoves have been framed out in wood, then boarded and plastered for seamless style. A collection of large accessories stops the shelves from feeling chaotic or cluttered.
See other ways your home’s architecture can help to add storage
Finesse a freestanding cookspace…
Far from an off-the-shelf item, this terrazzo-topped unit has been custom-made to fit while maintaining the look of freestanding furniture.
Kitchen designers are increasingly keen on incorporating non-utilitarian concepts that share more in common with living room or bedroom furniture. This sink unit is a good example of forward-thinking design, as it’s framed in brass for a fine finish.
Far from an off-the-shelf item, this terrazzo-topped unit has been custom-made to fit while maintaining the look of freestanding furniture.
Kitchen designers are increasingly keen on incorporating non-utilitarian concepts that share more in common with living room or bedroom furniture. This sink unit is a good example of forward-thinking design, as it’s framed in brass for a fine finish.
…or fashion a fitted kitchen
In a small space where every inch counts, a fitted kitchen offers optimum storage and a clean look. When planning, consider every possible layout to suit your situation: for example, some people love corner cupboards, like these, while others prefer a galley arrangement that avoids them.
Do you have a favourite storage idea among these? Share it – plus any of your own tips – in the Comments below.
In a small space where every inch counts, a fitted kitchen offers optimum storage and a clean look. When planning, consider every possible layout to suit your situation: for example, some people love corner cupboards, like these, while others prefer a galley arrangement that avoids them.
Do you have a favourite storage idea among these? Share it – plus any of your own tips – in the Comments below.
For a classic look with vintage appeal, consider a French-style armoire, which can be painted to suit your scheme. This triple-door closet offers plenty of hanging space, useful drawers and an elegant aesthetic.
Many wardrobes are fairly deep, so be sure to size your storage to the scale of the room to avoid overwhelming the space.