Storage Cabinets

Every room could use a good storage cabinet. Of course the same type of storage cabinet would not be suitable for every room. For example, an appropriate storage cabinet for a bedroom would not be appropriate for the laundry room while a perfect laundry room cabinet would not be suitable for a play room.

Many older homes have very limited closet space and are in great need of storage solutions. Most closets in turn of the century homes are limited to a small hinged door off of a bedroom. Front hall closets did not seem to exist and walk in closets are quite definitely a modern day phenomenon. For those of us that live in older homes proper storage cabinets are an absolute necessity. I like to keep the Victorian touches in my home and therefore I find myself browsing through rummage sales and salvage yards and antique shows for antique storage cabinets that match the decor of my home.

The disadvantage of buying antique storage cabinets is that they are often in a state of disrepair. Buying a cabinet that is in rough shape may not be worth the money. Only buy an older storage cabinet if you are prepared to do all of the repair and refinishing work yourself (and within 2 months maximum) or if you are prepared to immediately drop it off at the carpenter's and pay to have the work done professionally.

In my experience antique cabinets come in three broad varieties. There are antique storage cabinets with doors, cabinets with doors and drawers and those cabinets with only drawers. Don't confuse the latter with dressers. When I refer to antique storage cabinets with drawers, I am referring to antique filing cabinets. The two former types of cabinets are the most common found. Those cabinets with drawers and doors are often best used in the kitchen or dining room while those cabinets with just doors (often referred to as armoires) are best suited in other rooms of the house.

There are a number of effective ways to use an armoire. In the living room or den, an antique armoire can be used to hid your electronic equipment such as your TV, DVD player, game player or stereo equipment. There are those people you like to show off there electronic equipment but I am not one of them. I think a stack of black boxes and a jumble of wires detracts from the appearance of any room. An armoire can be cleverly modified to hide of of your equipment and allow the unsightly but necessary wires to run out the back, hidden from sight.

Of course, an armoire can be a great way to increase the available closet space in your bedroom. If space permits a particularly attractive armoire can be left in the hallway or even in another room and used for storing off-season clothing.

Storage cabinets for rooms such as a play room or laundry can be made of resin or even plastic. It is easy to find a set of plastic drawers to store items in the laundry room. A set of inexpensive plastic storage bins might do the trick in a playroom as well as any formal cabinet.

The addition of a storage cabinet to your home will be a welcome addition. You will be suprised at how quickly it becomes essential. You will wonder where you stored your belongings before such an addition. Storage cabinets come in a number of shapes, sizes, models, and ages. Do some thinking and a little bit of research and pick the storage cabinet that is right for you and your family.