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12 Ways to Use a Good Old Armoire
Add a Hutch for Instant Storage and Style in All Kinds of Places
My husband and I live in a 1950 ranch-style home a few miles west of Madison, Wisconsin. When I'm not working, I like to do projects around my house, get out in my solo canoe or go camping, read design and psychology blogs and work on mixed media art.
My husband and I live in a 1950 ranch-style home a few miles west of Madison,... More »
The birds are chirping and the sun is shining. Various flowers are emerging throughout much of the U.S., and the calendar says it's officially spring! The season for cleaning is upon us. It's time to tackle every square inch that stretches beneath the sofas, across the floor and into the closets. Although my best advice is to "purge like mad," there are still things that will be left without a place to go.
So what should you do when you find your storage space running thin or trip over the towers of blankets stacked against the walls of your living room? It may be time to introduce an armoire or hutch. Here are 12 great things they can do:
So what should you do when you find your storage space running thin or trip over the towers of blankets stacked against the walls of your living room? It may be time to introduce an armoire or hutch. Here are 12 great things they can do:
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Hide linens and blankets. Perhaps one of the best uses for an armoire, bedding and throws are easily sheltered behind closed doors. Most linen closets today seem to be tall and narrow, forcing you to stack blankets into unmanageable heaps. Amoires offer the ability to store things side by side because of their wide shelves.
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| Store your favorite serving pieces. It is certainly nice to have a separate area for your most loved pitchers, trays and bowls. By setting them aside, you lower the risk of breaking your favorite piece since the items aren't in the cabinets you shuffle through daily.
p.s. Am I the only one who can't find a good place to store tall pitchers? I think I've found my answer. |
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| Add visual interest. Leave the doors open to show off a favorite collection, or choose an armoire with see-through doors. The best part is that you can close the doors to protect your treasured items when little ones are around. |
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| Replace a closet. This large wardrobe is a beautiful alternative to the common closet, and what's more, it already has shelves inside. Store your socks and sweaters in baskets rather than traditional drawers and hangers to keep things organized. |
by Dreamy Whites
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Make for an easy update. Armoires and hutches can be found on Craigslist, eBay and rummage sales for a song, but many times they are in rough shape. Score a great deal and a fun project by finding one that needs some work. A little bit of sanding, priming and painting goes a long way, and some new knobs will finish it off nicely.
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| Stash items for entertaining. It's nice to have additional storage if you enjoy hosting get-togethers. A hutch provides enough space to collect your napkins, tablecloths and serving pieces in one place, alleviating the stress of pre-party searches through cabinets and drawers. |
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| Fill a void corner. If you are having a difficult time working with the corner of a room, consider a tall and narrow armoire like this one.
Tip: Because things are typically squared off in living spaces, it may be helpful to offset another piece of furniture as well. Move things around until you find a layout that works best! |
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Use in a recessed area. Although it may be a challenge to find the perfect fit, this armoire looks great tucked into an alcove.
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Enhance a room's charm. This gorgeous room really comes to life with the help of a large hutch. It appears that the piece has been stained, which is a great complement to the beautiful surrounding woodwork.
Tip: Check your local hardware store to see the vibrant colors that stain is offered in nowadays. Just about every color of the rainbow can be found!
Tip: Check your local hardware store to see the vibrant colors that stain is offered in nowadays. Just about every color of the rainbow can be found!
by Niche Interiors
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Store your Sunday best. Having a specific area for all your nicest clothes and accessories may be in order if you have enough items to fill a wardrobe. Plus, you can stash your ironing board behind it!
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| Add to existing symmetry. This large piece of furniture feels right at home nestled between the mimicking windows. The use of symmetry is softened by the collection of various baskets and the frame to the side. |
| Add warmth to your space. This armoire is stained in a beautiful harvest tone, which instantly lends warmth to the room. Consider adding wooden furniture if you are looking to do the same.
Have you considered an armoire or hutch lately? What would you use it for if you had one? Next: More photos of home storage ideas |
Ideabook updated on April 15, 2011.
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