Housing prices are continuously rising, and most people now prefer small spaces because they’re the only affordable option available. When optimizing and decorating these limited floor plans, every square foot is critical. Hence, space-saving solutions are gaining popularity. One of these solutions is hidden storage furniture. What is it? And how can you incorporate these items into your home?
At SOSS, we’ve shared a primer on furniture with secret storage. We’ll also discuss methods and components you can use to build such items. You can apply this knowledge and start using these innovative solutions to make beautiful, functional homes — no matter their size. Keep reading to learn more.
Modern Problems of Small Spaces
Rising property values aren’t the only reason people are buying smaller homes. A lot of people are migrating to urban environments — a shift that puts so many people in a small area. Residents don’t have an alternative option to compact living arrangements. The limitation adds new issues and one prominent problem is storage space. Residents don’t have enough space to store their belongings. They have to sacrifice comfort or organization for the storage space they need.
In more traditional single-home families, extra storage comes in the form of cabinets and closets. Some even have dedicated areas like a garage or spare room. However, these options aren’t available in small homes, apartments, or condo units. There’s no place for bulky furniture unless the owner wants a cramped space.
Instead of traditional storage, some people are turning to innovative solutions like hidden storage in furniture. The elegant, out-of-the-way designs offer an array of benefits that ultimately make homes feel more spacious and functional.
Benefits of Hidden Storage in Furniture
The most obvious advantage of hidden storage is the extra space. Even in small rooms, residents can own more items since they have places where they can hide them away. Along with this convenience comes other benefits.
Better Organization
It’s easy to accumulate clutter in homes that lack extra storage. This issue is even more apparent in small spaces. Even for individuals who don’t own a lot, small areas can automatically look messy since things are cramped. When you incorporate hidden storage into these areas, you enable residents to reduce clutter and keep everything organized. They can hide away what they don’t need on hand and make their home appear tidier. A clutter-free home is also safer and better for residents’ mental health.
Added Security
Living in apartments means being near a lot of people at any given moment. This reality means higher chances of theft, especially in urban areas. It’s important to have storage that could prevent robbers from taking important items. Hidden storage is one way that homeowners can protect their possessions from thieves since intruders will have a more difficult time finding concealed compartments. This advantage adds value to homes and gives your clients peace of mind.
Aesthetic Appeal
Another benefit of hidden storage is that it makes rooms more aesthetically pleasing. These additions remove clutter from spaces, reducing visual noise and creating a view that’s pleasing to the eye. More than that, when done well, secret storage blends seamlessly with the home’s interior design. You can maintain the elegance and style of the room since the additions are virtually invisible.
Maximized Living Space
The hidden storage integrates itself directly into furniture. Maximizing spaces in homes this way means there will be no dead spaces. For example, the underside of a sofa can become a place to hide covers and blankets. A coffee table can have a concealed drawer that stores magazines, remotes, and more. Using hidden storage in your designs is a great way to remove unused, unhelpful areas and create a more sustainable living space.
Design Considerations for Secret Storage in Furniture
There are four main things you’ll want to keep in mind when building hidden storage: functionality, aesthetics, ease of use, and durability.
Functionality
The primary reason you’re adding hidden storage is to increase available space. This functionality should be your priority over everything else. Make sure that the compartments can store the intended items. For example, hidden storage for under a sofa should be able to fit blankets or items like board games. On the other hand, a compartment that will hold jewelry must be small and compact. Whatever you build, it must meet the occupant’s needs.
Aesthetics
Another important priority is aesthetics. This consideration is more than just matching the interior design. While visual appeal is still important, the more essential element is concealment. The extra storage should blend seamlessly with everything so no one notices it except the homeowner.
Ease of Use
We don’t recommend designing anything too complicated. The hidden storage furniture must be intuitive to use. A simple design, like a pop-up compartment or swinging door, makes the system more user-friendly than something that feels like a puzzle to solve.
Durability
In general, durability is something all storage compartments should have. However, this quality becomes more important for furniture that occupants use frequently. You’ll want to use high-quality materials and time-tested techniques to create a lasting hidden storage system.
Various Secret Storage Options
You have plenty of options when it comes to incorporating storage into furniture. Here are a few examples.
Concealed Cabinets With Swinging Doors
One of the most straightforward hidden storage solutions is hidden cabinets. You can build these into many types of furniture, like desks and beds. Swinging doors are also the easiest mechanism to install. Even a homeowner can DIY this option. The only disadvantage of swinging doors may be the need for extra space to fully open the panel.
Sliding Panels
Sliding panels are another ideal mechanism for hidden compartments. Unlike swinging doors, these options do not require added space. Plus, you can easily include the sliding panel into walls or floors. One setback for using this variation is the more complex installation process. Homeowners will need to install guides and tracks. To ensure correct installation the first time around, they need to work with professionals.
Pop-up Mechanisms
A pop-up mechanism is the most advanced type of hidden compartment. This option can be a variation of a swinging door or sliding panel, but there is no hidden lever to manually open the compartment. Instead, you’ll have a mechanism to pull or press to release the door. In some cases, you can even include a motor to control the opening speed of the door.
Using Invisible Hinges for Maximum Concealment and Functionality
A hidden compartment can’t be truly concealed if its hinges are visible. You won’t achieve the minimal look if you use traditional butt hinges. Instead, we recommend using concealed hinges. With these components, you can hide the hinge pins and ensure a clean line in your furniture.
Invisible hinges offer other advantages aside from total concealment. These hinges maintain the seamless appearance of your furniture even after installing the hidden compartment. Unlike other types, invisible hinges are also adjustable for the perfect fit.
Invisible hinges are the most secure option. Since the pins are completely invisible, unauthorized individuals will have a harder time finding your hidden compartment. You can even hide the gaps entirely with wraparound invisible hinges.
At SOSS, we have a wide selection of invisible hinges for hidden storage furniture construction. Browse our products today and find the items you need for your next product!
Hidden Storage in Furniture: Final Thoughts
Concealed storage in furniture is a game changer in modern living. Today, more and more people are living in smaller spaces, and these concealed solutions offer added space without making homes too cluttered or cramped. You have a few options available depending on the purpose or functionality you need. Swinging doors, sliding panels, and pop-up mechanisms are just some of the types available.
When looking for invisible hinges to use during installation, check out the catalog at SOSS. We have a variety of options available depending on your needs or project requirements.
FAQs
What are the best types of furniture for hidden storage?
The best type of furniture for incorporating hidden storage depends on various factors, such as the purpose of the storage and the location. In general, furniture pieces with space underneath are ideal for concealed compartments. We find that designers often lean toward sofas, beds, and even coffee tables for this type of storage.
Can I DIY hidden storage on my furniture?
The complexity of the project determines whether or not you can DIY hidden furniture compartments. Adding simple swinging doors may be doable if you have basic carpentry skills and the right tools. However, more complicated mechanisms will require professional guidance.