Using cabinets and chests in unexpected places.

The Nightstand Stand-In

For some people (we’re looking at you, students), a room can be an entire world—study area, snack room, media center, clubhouse, gym and, oh yeah, a place to sleep. This is where you need a fun accent piece that works hard.

Without taking up much more space than a stack of milk crates, a three-drawer chest is both cute and sturdy. With room for a lamp, laptop and all the things you need to keep close, a chest also supplies plenty of drawer space to hide books, backpacks, clothes or unfinished term papers (as a for instance). All anyone sees is a beautiful, unique piece of real furniture.

The Wardrobe Consultant

Seasonal sweaters and accessories don’t have to take up room in your closet or dresser. Store them in a neat little chest beside the closet, down the hall or in the guestroom. Or if you have space, add an accent chest to your closet to keep things extra organized. Combined with a slipper chair? You’ve just created a nice spot to slip into shoes or just sit back and relax for a minute. OK. Maybe five minutes. Hour, tops.

Which reminds us: An accent chest in a small, quiet reader’s corner gives you lots of style without taking up lots of room. Bonus: Lots of storage for books and tablets.

Making an Entry

The entryway sets the whole tone to your space. One problem: It’s also where everything gets dumped. Purses, mail, keys, phones, fliers, dog leashes, take-out menus—they usually and literally end up hanging around the door.

Our solution? A small accent cabinet pretty enough to make a great first impression, small enough to allow for easy passage and practical enough to give you drawers and shelves for hiding everything. Top it with a bowl or basket for an easy mail-drop and a small tray for keys. Pair it all with a mirror. Suddenly, your entryway is one neat, practical, impressive space.

Entertainment Center

What we’re really talking about is furniture that multi-tasks. In a small space, that’s especially important. But that doesn’t have to mean utilitarian or even boring. A coffee table that’s really a hand-carved trunk that’s really wine storage? That’s a fun solution that frees up precious counter space in your kitchen. Especially when the trunk gives you details like pull-out drawers for coasters or linens. Even your practical furniture can be a durable, one-of-a-kind accent piece that complements a room.

The Home Office Assistant

A practical furniture accent or motivation to get organized? Or both? A chest with finished drawers can be a nice alternative to, say, a printer stand. And without occupying too much space, it still hides paper, ink cartridges and more.

In fact, small accent chests and cabinets make clever, space-saving hideaways for computer accessories, cords, craft supplies and stationery. And because they’re covered with hand-touched details—painted designs, carved patterns or vintage-inspired hardware—chests and cabinets are good options for a home office that doubles as a guest bedroom.

Ready to see how many options our cabinets and chests can hold? The answers are right here.