Pick the Perfect Dining Room Storage

You: Are a minimalist
Your storage: Floating credenza

Clutter doesn't belong in a dining room this clean, which means not only is displaying fine china out of the question, but so is displaying the credenza's legs. This modern credenza provides ample space to store dishes and napkins out of sight, and installing it on the wall and off the ground opens up the floor space.

If you don't have the freedom to install a floating shelf, there are many beautiful and minimalist stand-alone sideboards that mimic the same look.

You: Never know how many people are coming to dinner
Your storage: A bookcase

As your guests gather around the extended table — fitting onto the bench you have provided — you share stories and laugh over anecdotes. A bookshelf full of framed photos and albums, reference books, cookbooks and mementos will come in handy as you illustrate your points and make new memories at each meal.

You: Are a fan of clean, modern lines
Your storage: A combination of credenza and wall shelving

A simple no-frills credenza and open shelves, such as the String line above, combines the practicality of the hutch and the space-saving minimalism of the floating credenza. There's just enough room to display some items, but not too much that it becomes cluttered. This is a good solution if you rent (or like to change your furniture layout often), because you can take the pieces with you.

You: Are traditional
Your storage: Custom built-ins

If you can afford this option, you know you are doing your traditional dining room a favor by installing custom built-in cabinetry where every spare inch has been configured to maximize efficiency. The resulting unit is handsome and timeless.

You: Love classic midcentury modern design
Your storage: A vintage piece

The 1960s and '70s were fabulous times for major furniture manufacturers to invest in modernist designers and produce collections that are still highly regarded today. For example, there's the Brasilia by Broyhill, the Declaration by Drexel and Haywood Wakefields to keep an eye out for. They are relatively easy to find on eBay or through dealers and will only grow in value over time.

You: Are edgy and not afraid to take risks
Your storage solution: A brightly hued sideboard

Go for it and boldly paint that sideboard you've been dying to dress up. Whether the door fronts are painted with a bright saturated color or laminates are used to energize the dining area, the piece is bound to gets lots of attention at your next dinner party.

You: Love the nightlife
Your storage: A unit with a minibar and mood lighting

On those nights you can't get out of the house, have an intimate party at home instead. A stocked minibar and wine cooler tucked within your dining room furniture will make any dinner feel like a party. Add an accent element to the wall, like stone cladding or punchy wallpaper, and some accent lighting to create the feel of your favorite lounge.