How to Remove Clutter With Iconic Furniture Pieces

In tight apartments and (delightfully) tiny homes, clever storage solutions are worth their weight in gold. When spare square footage is a rare commodity, turn to classic storage pieces to counteract that undersized footprint. With a plethora of chic casegoods on the market, you can remove clutter without sacrificing style. Below, we unpack some tips on organizing your space with some tried-and-true furniture pieces and accessories.

Antique Late 19th Century Eastern …

A trunk and wicker basket provides some storage in this living room complete with a blue sofa, white lounge chair, and decorative screen — *Design by Chauncey Boothby Interiors* / *Photo by Read McKendree*

Embrace the Clutter

You’ve got stuff! And that’s OK. Rather than trying to pack all your things into the back of your closet, embrace it and invest in some quality casegoods and storage pieces. Credenzas, sideboards, and buffets, cupboards, nightstands — the list goes on and on! Vintage and antique versions lend design intrigue and are also super helpful for removing clutter. Tuck away pretty much anything in a living room, bedroom, or entryway casegood.

The classic wicker storage basket also provides storage, but functions as a breezy, put-together accent in a space, as well. Stuff cords, laundry supplies, kids’ toys, and appliances in your storage basket to keep your essentials at arm’s length.

An antique trunk with a teddy bear on top provides storage for this kids bedroom with twin bed, and built-in green cabinetry — *Photo courtesy of HSH Interiors*

Go Incognito

On the other hand, there are plenty of fittings that keep thing out of sight and out of mind. Opt for flip-top tables, benches with hidden storage, and ottomans with secret compartments that conceal items. Vintage trucks and antique chests also add a veritable respect to a room, while providing an out of sight spot for mail, important documents, or sentimental cards. Stack vintage and antique chests or boxes to double up on storage. Or, slide a storage box under your sofa or bed to truly go incognito.

Wicker baskets provide storage in this blue mud room — *Design by Creative Tonic – Courtnay Tartt Elias* / *Photo by Julie Soefer*

Double Duty

With a little creativity, you can repurpose flexible furnishings as storage.Although historically used for storing weaponry, armoires can be used to hold just about anything and everything. Stick shoes, jackets, umbrellas, and more in an entryway armoire, or place an antique armoire in your mudroom to hold all your laundry essentials.