The 20 best storage furniture pieces to maximize space, according to interior designers

Jodi Peterman, CEO and owner of Elizabeth Erin Designs, says the entryway of a home is a “high-traffic area” that “needs a furniture piece that is not only beautiful but also practical for dropping keys, storing shoes and housing loose items often left at the door.” To do just that, Peterman recommends this sideboard from Wayfair. “It is a perfect size for an entryway and comes in four different color options. It features three-dimensional texture and adjustable shelving, making it both stylish and functional,” she says. It can also be used as a buffet or media cabinet.

“This cabinet offers versatile storage options with adjustable shelves, making it ideal for organizing various items from books to kitchen supplies,” says Alice Moszczynski, interior designer at Planner 5D. Not only can this cabinet serve as storage in just about any room (think extra towels in the bathroom, books and board games in the den, etc.) but it’s beautiful too. “The woven front detail and light-colored wood are perfectly on-trend,” Moszczynski adds. If the light wood isn’t your style, it also comes in four other colors.

If you lack closet space for all your clothes, a wardrobe cabinet can help. This pick from Ikea is “a great storage solution for bedrooms offering a generous amount of storage with a combination of shelves, a clothing rail and multiple compartments behind its three doors,” says interior designer Pamela Williams. The cabinet even includes a built-in full-length mirror on one of the doors. “The inclusion of a mirror also helps save space, as it eliminates the need for a separate dressing mirror, making it a practical choice for bedrooms with limited space.”

“This faux-leather square tufted ottoman is a stunning storage solution,” Peterman says. “Not only is it aesthetically pleasing but it is also fully functional. Consider storing games and puzzles or even blankets under the high-quality lift top.” This pick comes in a variety of color options, and the top has a convenient pull loop to open up the storage area easily. It also has a weight capacity of 250 pounds and can double as additional seating when needed. 

Moszczynski is a fan of this ottoman from West Elm because it “not only offers extra seating but also has a removable tray for serving snacks or drinks.” Simply pop the reversible top off to reveal its hidden storage compartment, which Moszczynski says is “perfect for storing remote controls or magazines and books.” This ottoman can be configured in multiple ways, as it’s available in a single, double and quad storage ottoman, so it can work in a wide range of room sizes.

This ottoman opens to provide storage space with a hinged lid on one side, and it also has a pop-up lift top to offer more versatility and functionality. “It includes a lift top that can be used as a stable surface for drinks, snacks or even working on a laptop,” Williams says, pointing out that it also works as extra seating or a comfortable footrest thanks to its “plush upholstery.”

Shirin Sarikhani, CEO and founder of Seattle Staged to Sell & Design, recommends this affordable pick from Amazon since it’s “deep and stylish,” suggesting using it in a bedroom. “At the foot of the bed, it provides extra storage for various things,” she adds, making it the perfect place to stash extra pillows and blankets when they’re not in use. The 44.5-inch long ottoman and bench features a hinged top and a cozy teddy upholstery that comes in white or black, in addition to a brown faux-leather option.

“If you live in a smaller space and need more storage, a storage bed is a great option,” Peterman says. “This lift-up storage bed allows you to store items up to 10.8 inches high under the entire bed. Not only does this bed solve storage issues but it also features a beautiful, sleek and modern design.” Per the brand, the storage space under the mattress can hold several suitcases, quilts or storage boxes, and it also works great as storage for offseason shoes.

Mackenzie Schieck, designer and owner of Schieck Spaces also suggests using a storage bed if you “just need a few more drawers for clothing and extra blankets,” sharing this pick from Castlery. Drawers offer easier access to your items than having to lift the entire mattress, and the Dalton bed comes with three for storage: one drawer on each side, plus one long drawer at the foot of the bed. And it doesn’t hurt that the bed has a chic wingback style either.

Your coffee table is another place where you can sneak in some hidden organization. Amina Lake Abdelrahman, Underscored's home and gifts editor, recently bought this lift-top coffee table and is so happy with the purchase. "The hidden storage inside is spacious, which helps keep the surface tidy and clutter-free," she says. "I also love that it rises to the perfect height for eating dinner on the couch."

“This coffee table combines elegance with practicality, featuring a lift-top design that reveals a spacious storage area,” Moszczynski says. “It's great for storing board games, remotes or any blankets or books you might have.” Plus, this table’s lift-top functionality allows you to pop the top up and use it as a desk or even a dining table, so it’s perfect for small spaces where you need items that can multitask.

"When it comes to thinking outside the box for storage furniture, nothing beats a chic coffee table with interior storage!” says Kathy Kuo, interior designer and CEO and founder of Kathy Kuo Home. This piece, she says, is “perfect for getting that coastal grandmother or Hamptons coastal vibe — and the fact that the teak tabletop is easily removable to reveal ample storage within is just so genius.” The coffee table is made from reclaimed teak, rattan and iron, and the rattan base is woven in layers to prevent everyone from being able to see clearly inside to the storage area.

Theresa Lowe, interior designer and showroom manager at Eisen & Associates, recommends this coffee table because it “offers many design surprises,” including the “very functional lift top that can double as a work surface or dining surface as needed.” Underneath the clever top, there is a “storage compartment inside that allows you to keep remotes, magazines and other supplies hidden away while being easily accessible,” Lowe says. “When closed, the table's side compartments offer easy storage access to smaller items used daily.”

Don’t underestimate the power of a nightstand with ample storage. “Having adequate storage in a bedroom is essential for creating a stress-free, clutter-free environment for sleeping,” Peterman says. “I love this nightstand because it has two generously sized drawers, an open shelf for a touch of decor and beautiful dual knobs." Flank your bed with a pair of these side tables and you’ll have more than just a place to put your book and a glass of water at bedtime — you’ll gain four whole drawers for stashing whatever you need in an easy-to-reach spot.

Side tables and end tables are another smart place to pack in some extra storage. Schieck shares this stylish Anthropologie table, which she found “while on the hunt for side tables that had a little extra personality. “The shape, design of the wood on the top, and extra-deep second drawer make it such a unique piece. My plan is to pair [it with] a simple, neutral living room chair for a client. It has just the right amount of flair but still keeps things classic.” With two large drawers built in, it’s much more than just your average cocktail table.

"If you're looking to add storage to your entryway, a bench with interior storage is one of my favorite design tricks,” Kuo says. “An entryway bench like this rustic reclaimed wood one is a lovely scene-setter for any home, and you'll always have space for stashing offseason shoes." The spacious storage trunk comes in three colors: a natural brown made from reclaimed wood, and two solid mango wood versions in black and aged brown. While perfect for the entryway, this pick can serve as storage in just about any room.

Two of the designers we spoke to actually recommended this stylish entryway bench from Pottery Barn. Moszczynski notes that the bench “provides seating along with some space beneath the cushioned top for shoes,” and Sarikhani calls it a “classic” and loves that the cushion has “tons of fabric choices.” Moszczynski suggests using it in a bedroom for storing extra blankets too. The rustic wooden bench has a weathered pine finish and has four storage drawers underneath the seat. Just note that the coordinating cushion is sold separately.

“When it comes to storage and furniture, I always emphasize the vertical spaces,” Sarikhani says, noting that many people stuff their closets to the brim but don’t think to take advantage of these areas. “Even a narrow space could use a ladder shelf that could hold stuff.” She recommends this budget-friendly pick from Amazon, which serves not only as a shelf for books, storage baskets and more but also as a desk (with a built-in drawer!). It’s the perfect way to sneak in extra storage and a workspace into a small unused nook in your home.

This bookshelf has the perfect mix of open and closed storage, per Williams. “The open shelves are perfect for showcasing books, decor and collectibles, while the cabinet provides hidden storage for items you may not want on display, such as paperwork, electronics or household items,” she says. “It's particularly useful in living rooms, home offices or dining rooms where both display and hidden storage are needed.” This pick from Burke Decor features an iron frame and solid oak construction with four open shelves and a closed two-door cabinet at the bottom.

This bookcase also offers versatility, thanks to its mix of open shelves and shelves with backing. Schieck says she chose it for a client’s living room in a recent project “because while it’s open and ready to show off books and decorative items, the backing on some of the shelves provides a grounding backdrop for decor — great for a small space where you don’t want things to appear too busy.” The solid mango wood bookshelf has a sleek black finish and a modern yet timeless design that can fit in with just about any decor.