Cozy Camp: Pretty Storage
Cozy Camp continues today with our focus on order! On Wednesday, we chatted about finding hot spots, places that collect clutter and impede coziness. But all of that clutter has to find a home somewhere, so we’re chatting today about hunting for pretty storage pieces.
Vintage Lockers
I have three sets of vintage lockers in the cottage, and they are absolutely perfect for storing all kinds of items. In my studio, it holds all of my vintage decor pieces that I pull out to fluff up different areas around the cottage.
We also have a set of lockers in the boys’ bedroom and playroom. They are the perfect size to fill with a small basket of toys.
I loved painting each to match the color scheme of the room. I snagged each set for around $100 off Facebook Marketplace; it’s a little harder to find them for that price now, but I do spot them every now and then.
Vintage Armoires
Vintage armoires and other large cabinets are neat in that they come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, and they can usually hold a ton of items.
Our vintage armoire sits out in our formal living room, and it’s our linen central. We keep extra sheets, pillow cases, blankets, and beach towels in here. I love this particular cabinet because the one side is actually a small closet.
Vintage armoires are usually pretty easy to find because most modern houses have the kind of closet space that negates the use of a piece of furniture this big. However, if you are storage-challenged like us, be sure that you are seeking out true vintage pieces that are solid wood. There are plenty of pieces marketed as “armoires” that are made of prefab wood and probably won’t last as long as something vintage- and wood-made.
Under Bed Storage
My ultimate secret storage weapon: rolling under bed storage. Typically, this will require the extra step of raising up your bed to make something similar work.
I snagged this vintage wood filing cabinet drawers from one of my favorite junk stores about a million years ago. I threw a set of casters on each drawer and designated them as under-bed storage for such things as seasonal clothing, extra shoes, and a smattering of Rob’s various knick knacks.
Look for solid wood, cheap vintage dressers on places like Facebook Marketplace that are beyond repair or have damaged veneer; you can repurpose the drawers to create a similar storage system. And prop up those beds with simple bed risers you can pick up online (Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases).
Glass Front Cabinets
Have some pretty things you need to store but also want to show off? Find a glass front cabinet and have some fun!
In my studio, my fabric collection has grown to near-out-of-control proportions. But fabric is so pretty, so I thought they needed their own shining moment of storage in this glass-front cabinet that used to belong to my mom. Bonus if your cabinet has pretty painted shelves.
In our kitchen, I have a 1930s German shrunk that doubles as our pantry. However, the glass front cabinets in the front make a great storage area for fun vintage glassware that’s just too pretty to hide away.
Vintage Trunks/Toolboxes
Once upon a time, vintage trunks were the go-to storage method for hiding away items that didn’t really have much day-to-day use.
Let’s bring back trunks!
In our family room, I put this incredible vintage painted tool box (which looks very similar to a trunk) in front of our couch, and called it a coffee table. It houses our “soft” blankets that the kids prefer to my vintage wool blankets. Everyone can easily remove what’s on top and reach in for a blanket.
Now if I could just get them to put the blankets away afterward.
Regardless, this is one of my absolute favorite furniture pieces; look at that incredible paint! And because it sits pretty low to the ground, it also makes a great foot rest while we binge mindless television.
Have an area of your home that could use a little storage help? Drop a comment below and let us help you come up with an idea for a pretty piece of vintage furniture that could help!
