Singles’ Day and Black Friday are just around the corner again, and with them comes a barrage of sales that will lead us into a shopping-induced tizzy lasting well into the holidays. By Christmas, it’s likely our living rooms will once again be filled with presents and knick-knacks, ready to be spring-cleaned away once the new year rolls around.

But we don’t have to wait so long to get our homes looking neat and tidy again. Making the effort to declutter regularly makes for a less tiring and daunting experience, not to mention a better chance at actually getting to see what your floors look like. 

Of course, this would be difficult if your storage solutions are not up to snuff, or if your idea of tidying involves shoving an avalanche behind a storeroom door. Make your life easier by giving yourself as many options as possible to keep away the mess, so there’s plenty of room to help you get organised.

Doubling up

When it comes to storage solutions, the first thing that comes to mind are often boxes, chests of drawers and cupboards. But a house full of these would look drab, especially if you need more than a few to keep everything in. Furniture that comes with integrated space for storage is one efficient alternative, allowing you to stow more stuff away without having to add too much single-purpose bulk throughout the house. 

In this category, the most common is probably the storage bed. Look out for those that allow for easy access to the internal compartments, such as drawers and lifts. Mattresses are heavy, and having to raise any parts manually is not only tiring and dangerous, but can also make using the actual storage an unappealing hassle. 

We like the Serenade storage bed by King Living, which has a substantial compartment in its base, perfect for storing luggage and other occasionally used, large-sized items. A gas lift feature allows the mattress to be moved up and down with ease; this makes putting things away a breeze, while also helping to simplify bed-making — no more struggling to refit the sheets!

All sorts of other furniture can have integrated storage, too. The Freida storage bench from Castlery opens up to reveal a cavity inside. This functional ottoman is also soft, warm and comfortable, thanks to its dainty performance bouclé fabrication.

Another of our favourites is the Note coffee table by Lema, which comes with a sleek leather sleeve on the side, perfect for slipping in magazines, small books and loose papers. This may seem like a relatively small amount of storage, but the whole here is definitely greater than the sum of its parts; the table tucks neatly up against your sofa, making its actual profile incredibly small. Plus, who’d complain about finally having somewhere safe to keep the remote?

Organisation as art

Returning to the world of “traditional” storage furniture, it can be all too easy to fall for the standard square and blocky shapes that offer the most space inside. While those may be the most efficient, they’re not usually the most aesthetically appealing. It’s important to keep a balance between the two, especially when dealing with smaller spaces, where each piece of furniture tends to make a bigger statement.

Unique form factors can help break the monotony of straight lines and right angles in a room. When shopping for storage furniture, try something a little different: curved lines and negative space are two design features that can help keep your home full of visual interest without compromising too much on actual functionality.

Fendi Casa’s Maglia cabinet, for instance, has its drawers stacked in a zigzag pattern, with each slightly offset from the ones above and below it. The rounded edges add a sense of playfulness and fun in the piece, which can be customised to fit the needs of any space; it also comes in a smaller bedside table format, with two drawers instead of six.

The Delphi chest of drawers by Giorgetti is another sleek, funky option. Comprising seven drawers, this piece offers plenty of space for trinkets or clothing. Asymmetrically staggered vertical lines on the drawer doors make the eye dance without creating too much of a distraction. The open area at the top, meanwhile, is capped with smoked glass; it also comes with LED lighting and a sensor switch, making it great for a small display of accessories.

For those with a more eclectic style, we have Edra’s iconic Cabana cabinet, designed by Fernando and Humberto Campana. Reminiscent of a particularly hairy Addams Family character, this piece — which contains five shelves — is entirely covered with raffia-viscose fibre in the designers’ signature style. More than just a plain storage solution, this is bound to also be a conversation piece and icebreaker.

Self-storage

Having enough cupboards and cabinets at home is all well and good, but sometimes it doesn’t make much sense to move things in and out of a cupboard. This is especially the case for larger items and those that are frequently used; in such situations, it’s simply too much work to constantly move things back and forth.

For bulkier things, such as home gym equipment and ironing boards, one solution is to find those that can store themselves, so to speak. Look out for collapsible parts or stands with wheels that allow the item to be kept away easily, or enclosed compartments that can conceal it when not in use. 

One example is Pent’s Sophia fitness equipment mobile set, available from Cycling Bears. With dumbbells, a fitness mat and even an exercise ball, the set contains everything needed for a full-body workout. The best part? It comes on a wheeled trolley, so it can be moved wherever you want, including the storeroom when it isn’t needed.

For smaller items, meanwhile, trinket holders and trays work best to keep things well-organised. There’s lots to play around with when it comes to the look of these smaller pieces; after all, it’s easier to switch out a small box than it is to replace an entire chest of drawers. We like the Chocolate Box by Louis Vuitton, which adds just enough sass — by emulating an actual bar of chocolate on its lid — while remaining subtle and understated.

For a more classic look, we turn to Hermès and its Volt’H change tray. A wireless charging pad on one end of the piece makes it extra functional; leave your phone to juice up and your accessories in the adjacent recessed tray, so you’re ready to go once it’s time to leave the house.

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