When you’re in a small space (or any space!), there’s always a need for more storage. But how do you create more storage when you don’t have anywhere to add in more furniture, built-ins, or additional square footage?

Work within the space you have by swapping out furniture that’s fulfilling only one duty for multipurpose pieces that can serve as both seating and storage. From sofas to ottomans to benches, extra storage can hide in the most unexpected places.

Storage Furniture Is a Space-Saver

Looking at a piece of storage furniture, you’d have no idea it’s hiding secret storage under a chaise or upholstered lid. From your living room to the bedroom, home office, and more, you can sneak in extra storage without adding in a bookcase, cabinet, or trunk.

Use the shape and location of these uber-functional items to your advantage to store everything from pillows and blankets to board games and exercise equipment. Before too long, you’ll expect all your furniture to work this hard for you.

Storage Sofa

Storage sofas typically come in two variations: those that have a seat that lifts up to reveal storage and those that have a chaise that lifts up. These storage-savvy sofas are must-have for small spaces, particularly if you have a room that doesn’t have the square footage for many pieces of furniture beyond a sofa. If you don’t have room for a coffee table, no problem. You can easily store items that might have taken up residence on top of a table in the sofa itself. Candles (when not in use), coasters, board games, and books can be easily organized within the open storage of a sofa. You can use storage inserts to keep everything neat, tidy, and quickly accessible.

And given that storage sofas often pull out to a sleeper sofa (a triple threat!)You can also store extra pillows and bedding right there in the sofa, ready to pull out for guests at a moment’s notice.

Tip: Storage sofas are great in a guest bedroom! You’ll have a bed when you need it and extra storage for items you don’t need on a daily basis (think: seasonal decor).

Storage Ottoman

A storage ottoman can be a place to kick up your feet, a perfect side table, or even an extra seat when you need it. But most importantly, they give you extra storage within arm’s reach. Since storage items often take up residence in the living room, and their cylindrical shape can make them an unusual vessel to fill, this storage spot is perfect for those items such as extension cords that often get tangled and in the way when stowed in a larger storage space.
You can fill a storage ottoman with rolled up blankets as a neater alternative to a basket full of blankets. Or you can use it to store free weights and home workout items. You can also use it for tech equipment that doesn’t have a home in a media cabinet.

Bonus: Storage ottomans are one of the most cost-effective ways to add more storage and function into a room. Many run under $150.

Storage Bench

Storage benches are one of the most versatile pieces you can have in your home. If it’s in your bedroom, you can use it to store extra bed linens or accent pillows. (When you take off all those accent pillows at night, wouldn’t it be nice not to throw them on the floor?)

If you have a storage bench in your living room, use it to store games, books, or off-season decor. In a home office, it can be used to corral paper work. Or if it’s in the kitchen, use it for those random baking dishes and serving plates that haven’t quite earned a place in the cabinet yet.

Are you getting the idea? Storage benches are your storage pinch hitter, ready to hide and store items in any room, while keeping them close-by for easy access.

When you bring a storage furniture piece into your home, you may be tempted to think of it as long-term storage – somewhere you hide items that you want out of sight and out of mind. But think about how easy it is to flip up the chaise on your sofa or take off the top of an ottoman. These pieces can become a home to items you use on a daily basis.

And if you happen to be one of the many people working from home right now, there’s a wonderful hack waiting for you: Use a piece of storage furniture to put away your work every night. Unplug your laptop, close your notebook, and store them carefully in a storage bench – and then shut it. Ta-da! Your home office is closed for the evening. Storage furniture... It’s truly working overtime for you.

Heather Bien is a Washington, DC-based blogger, interior stylist, and design writer. She creates spaces that feel both intentional and approachable, and she's never one to shy away from a bold pattern. These days, you'll often find her perfecting the art of outdoor living and embracing her green thumb.