Choosing the Right Furniture Can Expand Your Storage Space

• Skirted Tables
  A skirted table can hide a myriad of things in almost any room of your house. You'll need a tablecloth that goes to the floor. (It can be something as simple as a large sheet that coordinates with your decor.) For a really fashionable look, layer 2 or 3 different length cloths and trim one or all with decorative tassles, fringe, or beads.

  Use any table you have, or put a plywood top over a base. You can buy a pre-cut round or rectangular plywood top at most home improvement centers.

  Place your table top over a pre-cut base, small bookcase, low filing cabinet, or even trash can turned upside down. Camoflage your base of choice with a floor-length tablecloth.

  The space hidden below the top can be used to store almost anything. Stack books or boxes, bedside clutter, or craft supplies underneath. Hide a television underneath and just lift the skirt to watch your favorite shows. (Hint: Use a layer of felt or flannel to create a softer base under the tablecloth.

• Furniture
  When you're shopping for furniture, think ahead to how you'll use the piece. An armoire offers lots of shelves, yet looks wonderful in almost any room of the house.

  A chest of drawers doesn't have to be large, but can provide more storage than a side table. A coffee table with drawers can hide things that a beautiful glass-topped table could.

  Choose a bench with a hinged lid for the end of a bed or under a window. Use the space inside to store blankets, sheets, extra towels, out-of-season clothes, or toys.

Next: More Ideas for Storage in Your Living Space

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