Well + Good: 9 Organizational Furniture Ideas That Nail Both Form and Function
Maeve shares her tip for how often to wash pillows to keep them dust-mite free.
As someone with way too much stuff shoved into a tiny New York City apartment, I know all too well how difficult it is to stay organized in a small space. Life is so much easier when everything you own has a home, but so many pieces of organizational furniture are too big—or too ugly—to work. Maeve Richmond, organizing coach and founder of Maeve’s Method, explains that while organizing small spaces is tricky, it’s definitely possible to do in a way that's both effective and pretty.
“Getting organized means taking apart a busy or cluttered space and putting it back together again—with new systems in place. This can be overwhelming to take on in a small space because we need room to work and to generate fresh ideas,” says Richmond. “A great way to invigorate this process is by using pretty storage options as you work, rather than plastic bins, tubs, and drawers. This way, any element you introduce into the room will also serve as home decor, adding style and personality.”
“Whatever you choose, make sure it makes you smile before you decide to keep it in your home. Everything in a small space should be functional and decorative. So, if you look at it and don’t love it, move on to something else,” says Richmond. “Don’t be afraid to bring in color, texture, and even contrast—like shelving at different heights—as you work. Variety gives the eye more places to look and magically expands your visual footprint.”
Shop Richmond’s favorite organizational furniture pieces below.
Organizational furniture that are equally functional and stylish
1. Room and Board Slim Desk, $449
“The 36-inch-wide size packs a punch in a small home,” says Richmond. “Use it as a desk, a table, or even a console.” The shelf is discreet, with enough clearance to hold a tray for small stuff, like “pens, paper and binder clips, or even your diary.” It’s available in 15 colors.
Shop now: Room and Board Slim Desk, $449
You can use this “as a side table, a coffee table, or extra seating for your guests," says Richmond. “Tuck the small stuff of life inside, so it’s hidden nicely away until you need it.” Bonus: It’s easy to move around your home. The stool is available in seven colors.
For a fabric storage bench, Richmond loves this piece’s vibrant color and easy-to-clean material. It’s perfect to use in an entryway, at the foot of your bed, or anyplace you need more storage.
Shop now: Christopher Knight Home Mission Fabric Storage Ottoman, $160
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