What Might Be Placed In A Secondary Furniture

What Might Be Placed in a Secondary Furniture Piece? Maximizing Space and Style

Secondary furniture pieces, those often overlooked additions to a room, hold the key to unlocking a home's full potential. They're the unsung heroes of interior design, offering both practical storage and opportunities for stylistic flair. But what exactly should you place inside these often-underutilized spaces? The answer, surprisingly, is remarkably versatile and depends heavily on the piece itself and the overall design aesthetic of your home. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the possibilities, offering insights and inspiration to help you maximize the utility and aesthetic appeal of your secondary furniture.

Understanding the Potential of Secondary Furniture

Before we explore specific items, let's define what constitutes "secondary furniture." We're not talking about your sofa or bed – those are the primary pieces. Instead, we're focusing on items like:

• Ottomans with storage: These versatile pieces often hide compartments for blankets, pillows, or games.
• Coffee tables with drawers or shelves: These offer space for remotes, books, or magazines.
• Sideboards and credenzas: These larger pieces can house everything from linens and tableware to electronics and board games.
• Armoires and chests: These offer ample storage, perfect for clothing, linens, or seasonal items.
• Media consoles: These are specifically designed to house entertainment equipment, but often offer extra storage space.
• Entryway benches with storage: Ideal for shoes, hats, gloves, and other frequently used items.

The key is to think beyond the obvious. These pieces aren't just for hiding clutter; they're opportunities to enhance your space's functionality and style.

Categorizing Your Storage Needs: A Strategic Approach

To effectively utilize secondary furniture, a strategic approach is essential. Consider categorizing your storage needs based on frequency of use and item type:

1. High-Frequency Items: Easy Access is Key

These are the things you reach for daily or several times a day. Store these in easily accessible locations within your secondary furniture:

• Living Room: Remotes, magazines, coasters, frequently used board games, charging cables. Ideal placement: coffee table drawers, open shelves on a media console.
• Bedroom: Books, eye glasses, phone chargers, alarm clock. Ideal placement: bedside table drawers, open shelves in an armoire.
• Entryway: Keys, wallets, sunglasses, hats, gloves. Ideal placement: top drawer of an entryway bench, shallow baskets on a console table.

Pro Tip: Utilize shallow trays and dividers within drawers to keep high-frequency items organized and prevent them from becoming jumbled.

2. Medium-Frequency Items: Strategic Placement for Efficiency

These are items you use regularly, but not daily. Organize these strategically within your secondary furniture to optimize space and access:

• Living Room: Extra blankets, throw pillows, board games, DVDs/Blu-rays. Ideal placement: ottoman storage, deeper drawers in a coffee table, shelves in a sideboard.
• Bedroom: Extra bedding, sweaters, off-season clothing. Ideal placement: Drawers or shelves in a chest of drawers, upper shelves in an armoire.
• Dining Room: Tablecloths, placemats, napkins, serving dishes. Ideal placement: drawers or shelves in a sideboard or buffet.

Pro Tip: Use vertical space efficiently with stackable containers and drawer organizers.

3. Low-Frequency Items: Out of Sight, Out of Mind

These are items you use infrequently, perhaps seasonally or only on special occasions. Store these in less accessible locations within your secondary furniture:

• Living Room: Holiday decorations, extra guest bedding, seldom-used games. Ideal placement: upper shelves in a sideboard, the bottom of an ottoman.
• Bedroom: Seasonal clothing, extra linens, bulky items. Ideal placement: upper shelves or hidden compartments in an armoire or chest.
• Throughout the Home: Holiday decorations, craft supplies, extra cleaning products. Ideal placement: high shelves in closets, unused spaces in armoires or chests.

Pro Tip: Clearly label storage containers to easily identify the contents. Vacuum-sealed bags can help protect items from dust and moisture.

Maximizing Style and Functionality: A Harmonious Blend

The contents of your secondary furniture should complement both the piece itself and the overall style of your room.

Aesthetic Considerations:

• Color Coordination: Choose storage containers and items that complement the color scheme of your room. Neutral colors are generally versatile, but don't be afraid to incorporate pops of color for visual interest.
• Material Consistency: Match the materials of your storage containers to the style of your furniture. For example, woven baskets work well with rustic or bohemian styles, while sleek plastic containers suit contemporary aesthetics.
• Hidden Organization: Use baskets, boxes, and fabric containers to hide clutter and maintain a clean, uncluttered look.

Functional Considerations:

• Weight Distribution: Avoid overloading drawers or shelves, especially in older pieces of furniture. Distribute weight evenly to prevent damage.
• Accessibility: Frequently used items should be easily accessible, while less frequently used items can be stored in less convenient locations.
• Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation to prevent mold or mildew, particularly for stored textiles.

Specific Examples of Secondary Furniture and Their Ideal Contents:

Let's explore some specific examples to illustrate the possibilities:

Ottomans with Storage:

• Blankets and throws: Perfect for keeping cozy on chilly evenings.
• Throw pillows: Add comfort and style to your living room.
• Board games and puzzles: Provide entertainment for family and guests.
• Remote controls and chargers: Keep your tech organized and within easy reach.

Coffee Tables with Drawers or Shelves:

• Books and magazines: Add a touch of personality and provide easy reading material.
• Remote controls: Keep them within reach without cluttering your coffee table.
• Coasters and napkins: Protect your furniture and keep things tidy.
• Small decorative items: Add a touch of personality and style.

Sideboards and Credenzas:

• Linens and tablecloths: Store your dining essentials neatly.
• Serving dishes and platters: Keep your entertaining supplies organized.
• Barware and liquor: Create a stylish home bar.
• Electronics and games: Hide away your tech and entertainment.

Armoires and Chests:

• Clothing and accessories: Store your wardrobe efficiently and stylishly.
• Linens and bedding: Keep extra sheets and towels organized.
• Seasonal items: Store out-of-season clothing or holiday decorations.
• Craft supplies: Keep your crafting materials organized and readily available.

Media Consoles:

• Entertainment equipment: House your TV, game consoles, and other electronics.
• Games and movies: Keep your entertainment collection organized.
• Remote controls and chargers: Keep your tech organized and within reach.

Entryway Benches with Storage:

• Shoes: Keep your footwear organized and out of sight.
• Hats, gloves, and scarves: Keep your winter accessories readily available.
• Keys and wallets: Ensure you always have your essentials on hand.
• Bags and umbrellas: Store your everyday items neatly.

Conclusion: Unlock the Full Potential of Your Home

By strategically utilizing your secondary furniture pieces, you can transform your home from cluttered to organized, from bland to stylish. Remember to consider both the functional and aesthetic aspects of your storage solutions, and always strive for a balance between practicality and visual appeal. With a little planning and creativity, you can unlock the full potential of your secondary furniture and create a home that is both beautiful and functional. So, go ahead, open those drawers, lift those lids, and discover the hidden potential within your existing furniture. You might be surprised at what you find!